Boulder Creek Campground
02 reviews300 Forest Service Rd Wisdom, MT 59761
Boulder Creek Campground
$8.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees are $15 per night with an additional $5 fee for extra vehicles. User reviews indicate an $8 per night fee from past stays.
About this campground
Nestled deep in Montana's Pioneer Mountains, Boulder Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape at 6,400 feet. This intimate mountain retreat features 13 thoughtfully spaced sites carved into a pristine lodgepole pine forest, where the melodic sounds of the Wise River create nature's perfect soundtrack. Three convenient pull-through sites accommodate trailers up to 30 feet, while traditional sites invite tent campers to immerse themselves in the backcountry experience. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring for evening storytelling, a sturdy picnic table for mountain meals, and access to clean vault toilets and fresh mountain water from a classic hand pump.
Boulder Creek Campground offers a traditional camping experience with facilities for tents and trailers. The sites accommodate both pull-through RVs and standard setups.
Historical SignificanceYour Boulder Creek basecamp opens doors to the Pioneer Mountains' rich tapestry of Western heritage. A scenic drive leads to Crystal Park, where families can dig for quartz crystals just as prospectors did over a century ago. The haunting remnants of Coolidge Ghost Town whisper tales of Montana's mining boom, while the historic Elkhorn Hot Springs beckons weary adventurers to soak in the same therapeutic waters that have drawn visitors since the 1920s. The Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway itself serves as a living museum, winding through landscapes that have witnessed Native American travels, pioneer expeditions, and the dreams of countless fortune seekers.
Weather and SeasonsBoulder Creek's high-elevation perch creates a refreshingly cool mountain oasis that stands apart from Montana's typical summer heat. From mid-May through September, visitors discover a natural air-conditioned retreat where morning mist dances through the pines and afternoon thunderstorms bring dramatic skies. Full services run from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, though adventurous souls visiting in shoulder seasons should pack warm layers for potential snow encounters. This unique microclimate delivers crisp mountain mornings perfect for coffee by the campfire and pleasantly cool afternoons ideal for riverside relaxation.
ElevationPerched at 6,400 feet above sea level, Boulder Creek Campground places you firmly in Montana's mountain country. This significant elevation brings cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and that invigorating thin-air feeling that makes every breath feel like pure wilderness. Here, you're high enough to escape summer's heat but still below the harsh alpine zone, creating the perfect balance for comfortable camping with spectacular mountain ambiance.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering lodgepole pines create nature's own cathedral, their straight trunks reaching skyward like ancient pillars. Sunlight filters through the canopy in golden streams, illuminating a forest floor carpeted with pine needles and wildflowers. The campground's crown jewel, the Wise River, tumbles along the western boundary, its crystal-clear waters offering both a soothing wilderness symphony and prime habitat for native trout. Morning visitors often spot deer browsing in the meadows, while evening brings the haunting calls of owls echoing through the timber.
Geological RegionBoulder Creek Campground rests in the heart of the Pioneer Mountains, a dramatic landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and volcanic activity. This heavily forested sanctuary showcases the region's signature lodgepole pine ecosystem, thriving in the mineral-rich soils that tell the story of Montana's geological past. The Wise River, carving its path along the campground's edge, continues its patient work of shaping the valley, just as it has for millennia. The surrounding peaks and ridges of the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway reveal layers of geological history, from prehistoric seabeds to volcanic intrusions, creating a landscape that's both scientifically fascinating and visually stunning.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground features wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.
Sites SizeThe sites can accommodate trailers up to 30 feet in length. Three of the 13 sites are pull-through.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is heavily wooded, offering ample shade and a degree of privacy between sites.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPull-through sites are recommended for campers with larger trailers or RVs. Sites closer to the Wise River are ideal for fishing enthusiasts.
Best CampsitesThe 3 pull-through sites are noted for their ease of access for larger RVs and trailers.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.
Groups
Group camping facilities are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 13 sites, 3 of which are pull-through. Sites are spread out and surrounded by lodgepole pines.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May through September, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with user reviews suggesting better availability during weekdays compared to weekends and holidays.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Boulder Creek Campground caters to outdoor enthusiasts with a variety of activities including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Wise River along the campground's western border provides excellent opportunities for fishing.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available, including the nearby Boulder Creek Trail/Fourth of July Loop, which spans 4 miles and is accessible for foot, horse, and motorbike travelers.Fishing
The Wise River offers fishing opportunities for brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. The river is easily accessible from the campground.Wildlife viewing
The heavily wooded environment and proximity to the Wise River make this campground a good spot for observing wildlife.Winter Activities
No details about winter recreation options are provided.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings are provided at each site. Specific fire restrictions are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country, and visitors are encouraged to practice safe food storage techniques. Other potential hazards include elevation and variable weather conditions.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The closest emergency services are located at the Wisdom Ranger District. Address: 300 Forest Service Rd Wisdom, MT 59761. Phone: 406-689-3243. Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-May through September.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are not provided, and visitors are required to pack out their own waste.
Proximity to water featuresThe Wise River flows along the western border of the campground, offering easy fishing access.
Common complaintsSome users mention challenges finding open spots during weekends or holidays.
HostHost information is not provided.
Campground Map
300 Forest Service Rd Wisdom, MT 59761
Driving directionsFrom the intersection of Montana HWY 43 and the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway (FS Road 73) proceed south on 73 for approximately 13 miles to the campground.
The road leading to Boulder Creek Campground is paved. The maximum recommended length for trailers is 30 feet. According to a user review, the road and sites are paved, making it accessible for larger RVs and trailers.Nearby places
Wise River is the nearest city. Other nearby population centers are not specified.
Nearby supplies
Garbage services are not provided at the campground. Visitors are advised to pack out what they pack in. No specific information about grocery, camping supplies, or fuel locations is available.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Boulder Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the campground for its cleanliness, tranquility, and natural beauty. The site's shaded environment and accessibility to the Wise River are commonly highlighted.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
- Well-maintained amenities such as clean vault toilets and picnic tables
- Shaded sites providing relief during hot days
- Easy access to the Wise River for fishing
- Quiet and peaceful...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Lack of garbage services requiring visitors to pack out their waste
- Limited availability of spots during weekends and holidays
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.
- Call ahead to verify the functionality of the water pump.
- Practice bear-safe food storage techniques.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the campsite is busier during weekends and holidays, particularly in the open season from mid-May to September. The shaded environment is appreciated during the hotter months of...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This campground is one of the top 3 along the Scenic Byway between Wise River & Polaris, MT." - Spitzo406
"Nice, clean, quiet campground right along the river." - Andrew Sanders
"An abundance of...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Pull-through sites receive positive remarks for their suitability for larger RVs and trailers. The sites are described as well-maintained and convenient.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
The availability of wheelchair-friendly vault toilets is noted positively.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pets or pet-related amenities are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025