Is Pigeon Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pigeon Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Campground is first-come, first-serve with up to 6 tent-only sites available.

What is the best time to visit Pigeon Creek Campground?

Pigeon Creek Campground is open Memorial Day to mid-September. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pigeon Creek Campground?

Pigeon Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Pigeon Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Pigeon Creek Campground: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Pigeon Creek Campground have?

Pigeon Creek Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Pigeon Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Pigeon Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pigeon Creek Campground?

Pigeon Creek Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pigeon Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Pigeon Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pigeon Creek Campground

3.50

26 reviews

null

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Tent Camping Montana

Quick Facts

6,086 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground is ty...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,086 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground is ty...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Pigeon Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Fees are not applicable at this site.

No campsite fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

406-494-2147null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Pigeon Creek Campground

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Nearby places

Butte, MT (20 miles east, approximately 25-minute drive)

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be accessed in Butte, MT, 20 miles from the campground. This includes groceries, fuel, and other essentials.

Driving directionsFrom Butte, take MT Highway 2 for approximately 15 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road #668 (Fish Creek Road) and continue for approximately 5 miles. The campground will be on the left. The road is a gravel road suitable for passenger vehicle access and not suitable for trailer traffic, as the road is narrow and steep with sharp turns.

The gravel road leading to the campground is narrow, steep, and features sharp turns, making it unsuitable for trailer traffic. Seasonal conditions such as mud and patchy snow in spring and late fall may further hinder access.

Weather at Pigeon Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pigeon Creek Campground

Summer is your window. Expect daytime highs between 65–85°F and nights dropping to 35–50°F, even in July. The campground's small size and rough access keep crowds light, though weekends see moderate use. Spring means muddy roads and lingering snowmelt. By late September, nights dip below freezing and access becomes unpredictable. Winter buries the area under snow, limiting access to snowmobiles or skis.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Primary window: highs 65–85°F, wildflowers peak early summer, creek fishable through August.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day to mid-September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is typically open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day depending on weather.

About Pigeon Creek Campground

Pigeon Creek Campground sits at 6,086 feet in the Highland Mountain Range, 26 miles southwest of Butte. The six tent-only sites line Fish Creek in a remote pocket of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. There's no potable water, no cell service, and reviewers consistently warn about rough access roads requiring high-clearance vehicles. You come here for genuine isolation.

Pigeon Creek Campground is designed exclusively for tent camping, offering six units. The campground's infrastructure and restrictions make it unsuitable for RVs or trailers.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is your window. Expect daytime highs between 65–85°F and nights dropping to 35–50°F, even in July. The campground's small size and rough access keep crowds light, though weekends see moderate use. Spring means muddy roads and lingering snowmelt. By late September, nights dip below freezing and access becomes unpredictable. Winter buries the area under snow, limiting access to snowmobiles or skis.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryFish Creek runs the length of the campground, and several sites sit directly creekside. The Highland Mountain Range surrounds the area with forested ridges and alpine terrain. At this elevation, wildflowers peak in early summer, and the creek stays cold enough for trout through August. The setting feels genuinely remote. Thick timber, limited sight lines between sites, and wildlife (deer, occasional moose) moving through camp at dawn and dusk.

Geological RegionHighland Mountain Range, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Scenic ViewsSites along Fish Creek offer creek-side views, while the surrounding forest adds to the secluded ambiance.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges are mentioned for this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

16 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Group camping is not mentioned as an option at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSix primitive tent sites spread along the creek. No formal loop. Just designated clearings in the timber. Spacing provides natural privacy between sites, though the compact layout means you might hear neighboring campers on quiet evenings.

Reservation PlatformsReservations not applicable, campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityCampground is first-come, first-serve with up to 6 tent-only sites available.

Cancellation Policynull

Site SizeSites are designated for tents only, and there are six units available, as mentioned in the official description.

PrivacyReviews hint at a sense of isolation and privacy. Rick Snow stated, 'What I like most is the absolute isolation you feel here. Fish creek runs the length of the campground, and several sites line the creek side.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesCreek-side sites are recommended for enhanced views. Trucks or off-road vehicles are suggested for navigating the road.

Best CampsitesThe sites along Fish Creek offer the best scenery and the sound of running water. Rick Snow specifically noted these creekside spots as the draw. With only six sites total, you'll likely get one if you arrive midweek.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site. Picnic tables are not available at this site.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Pigeon Creek Campground

Pigeon Creek Campground offers limited recreational opportunities. Official sources mention fishing in nearby rivers or streams, and user reviews hint at a trailhead within the campground that connects to an ATV trail. No other specified activities are noted.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Hiking3.0/5

A trailhead in campground connects to an ATV trail and leads to old test digs; limited trail info.

Fishing3.0/5

Fish Creek runs campground length; trout stay cold through August; fishing noted but no species/quality detail.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote site with no cell service at 6,086 ft; dark-sky conditions likely good for stargazing.

Photography4.0/5Creekside views, forested ridges, alpine backdrop and early-summer wildflowers provide photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include challenging road conditions with steep, narrow, and sharp turns. Seasonal mud and snow may also pose risks. No potable water or food storage lockers exist, requiring campers to manage supplies carefully.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire Policynull

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located at the Butte Ranger District, 1820 Meadowlark Butte, MT 59701, approximately 20 miles away. Phone: 406-494-2147

Trash & RecyclingThe campground operates on a 'Pack in, pack out' system, meaning there are no trash or recycling facilities provided on-site.

Water FeaturesFish Creek runs the length of the campground, providing creek-side sites.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.5

26 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pigeon Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Pigeon Creek Campground reveal mixed experiences. Many highlight the challenging road conditions leading to the site, while others appreciate the isolation and quiet environment. Positive aspects include the creek-side location of campsites and the opportunity for solitude, while negative feedback focuses on road safety and lack of amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's isolation and natural setting are appreciated by some users. Rick Snow remarked, 'Fish creek runs the length of the campground and several sites line the creek side. Perfect place to...

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Road conditions are a frequent complaint among reviewers. Megan Daniluk described the roads as 'dangerous, ungroomed, and not safe for a passenger vehicle,' while Sydney Olson mentioned, 'Turns were...

Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Rick Snow mentioned that several sites line Fish Creek, offering a creek-side camping experience. No specific site numbers are stated.

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring all necessary supplies, including water, due to the absence of potable water on-site. A reliable vehicle capable of handling rough roads is recommended, as noted by Sophia...

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is less accessible during spring and late fall due to muddy or snowy road conditions, aligning with the official note that the access road may be patchy during...

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'There is no service and online maps are inaccurate. Genuinely one of the scariest experiences of my life.' - Megan Daniluk (2019) 2. 'The woods fill one's stomach with unspeakable dread.' -...

Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features for users with disabilities.

Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences with pets.

Based on 26 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Pigeon Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Fees are not applicable at this site.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

406-494-2147null

Go if

High-clearance truck owners who want genuine solitude without paying for it. Creekside sites fill first, and summer weekdays often leave a spot open. Bring all your water from Butte, 20 miles out.

Skip if

The access road stops passenger cars cold. Multiple reviewers called the turns dangerous and the surface rough enough to rattle teeth. No cell service, no water, no picnic tables mean every comfort has to come with you.

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Campgrounds

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Pigeon Creek Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Pigeon Creek Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Pigeon Creek Campground is located on the eastside of the Highland Mountain Range, approximately 20 miles east of Butte, MT. The campground has 6 units that will accommodate tents only. The road leading to the campground is narrow with sharp turns and is not suitable for trailer traffic.</p>

Activities

<p>Pigeon Creek campground has 6 units that will accommodate tents only. There is no water available.</p>

Open Season: Memorial Day to mid September

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