Lodgepole Campground
4.928 reviews88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858
Lodgepole Campground
$8.00 - $17.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Single Site: $17/night, Additional Vehicle: $5/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single campsites occupied physically by the pass holder. Reservation fees apply if reservable.
About this campground
Nestled along the breathtaking Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, Lodgepole Campground invites you to experience the serene beauty of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. This intimate retreat features 10 thoughtfully designed campsites, each equipped with modern amenities that blend comfort with wilderness charm. Every site comes complete with a picnic table for memorable outdoor meals, a fire pit for evening gatherings under starlit skies, and convenient paved parking. The campground's commitment to accessibility shines through its ADA-compliant restrooms and facilities, while fresh mountain water flows from a traditional hand-pump spigot, adding an authentic touch to your outdoor adventure.
The campground primarily accommodates tent and RV camping, as well as combined sites suitable for both.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Lodgepole places you at the gateway to Montana's rich mining heritage and natural treasures. Just a scenic drive away, Crystal Park beckons rockhounds and families alike to dig for their own quartz crystals and gems in this unique geological wonderland. History comes alive at the haunting Coolidge Ghost Town, where weathered buildings whisper tales of Montana's boom-and-bust mining era. After a day of exploration, soothe your muscles at the historic Elkhorn Hot Springs, where natural thermal waters have provided respite to travelers for generations. The Pioneer Mountains National Scenic Byway itself serves as your ribbon of adventure, connecting these fascinating destinations while offering spectacular vistas at every turn.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Montana mountains, where sun-drenched summer days invite endless exploration and crisp, star-filled nights require cozy campfires. The warm season brings reliably pleasant weather perfect for hiking, fishing, and outdoor adventures. As autumn approaches and Labor Day passes, the campground prepares for its winter slumber, closing its gates as the first snows begin to dust the peaks. Winter transforms this landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with temperatures plunging well below freezing and heavy snowfall blanketing the forest in pristine white.
ElevationPerched at an invigorating 6,400 feet above sea level, Lodgepole Campground offers a true high-country experience. This elevation places you among the clouds, where the air is crisp and pure, and the night sky seems close enough to touch. The altitude creates a refreshing escape from summer heat, though visitors should allow time to acclimate and stay well-hydrated. The thin mountain air adds an extra dimension to campfires, making them burn brighter against the darkening sky, while daytime activities may require a slightly slower pace as your body adjusts to this lofty perch.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering mature pines create a natural cathedral around Lodgepole Campground, their evergreen boughs providing dappled shade and filling the air with the distinctive scent of mountain forest. The melodious Wise River flows nearby, its crystal-clear waters singing a constant mountain lullaby and offering excellent opportunities for fishing and quiet contemplation. Dramatic steep hills rise on all sides, creating an amphitheater of wilderness that frames spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The Pioneer Mountains paint an ever-changing backdrop, their rugged peaks and alpine meadows shifting from emerald green in summer to golden amber in fall, creating a photographer's paradise and a feast for the soul.
Geological RegionLodgepole Campground sits within the magnificent Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana's largest national forest and a testament to the raw beauty of the Northern Rockies. This remarkable landscape has been sculpted by millions of years of geological forces, creating the dramatic topography of steep hillsides clothed in dense stands of lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and other conifers. The nearby Wise River has carved its path through ancient rock, creating a riparian corridor that supports diverse wildlife and offers a refreshing contrast to the surrounding forested slopes. This convergence of mountain, forest, and river creates a uniquely dynamic ecosystem where visitors can witness the interplay of geological time and natural beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityADA-accessible vault toilets are available at the campground.
Sites SizeThe parking aprons are paved, and several user reviews mention that sites can accommodate trailers up to 30 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are described as quiet, private, and clean in user reviews such as "Quiet, clean, private," by Ann Tucker.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are suitable for trailers up to 30 feet. Choose sites based on proximity to the Wise River for fishing or privacy within mature pines.
Best CampsitesNone explicitly mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
16 day stay limit specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limits per site are not specified.
Groups
There are no group sites at Lodgepole Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground consists of 10 combined sites with picnic tables and fire pits. The layout is well-suited for privacy between sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from mid-May through late September, weather permitting. Services are provided Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available. Sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served. Walk-up availability depends on occupancy and season.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy information provided.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers fishing, swimming, hiking, and boating activities. Reviewers frequently mention the Wise River as a highlight for fishing and enjoying peaceful moments. "Great place to camp right on the river with lots of trees," according to Janeen Caffrey.
Hiking
Nearby Boulder Creek Trail offers a 4-mile loop suitable for foot, horse, and motorbike use. A drive along the Pioneer Mountains National Scenic Byway is highly recommended.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include catching brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout in the Wise River, as stated in official sources and user reviews such as Ann Tucker's: "We actually caught a few small fish."Swimming
Swimming is accessible in the Wise River adjacent to the campground.Boating
While non-motorized and motorized boating activities are not specifically detailed within the campground itself, boating is listed among recreation opportunities in the vicinity.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Boating and fishing are popular water-related activities at or near this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits are available at each site. Standard campfire safety rules apply.
Hazards
General hazardsBear sightings are common. Visitors are advised to practice safe food storage techniques.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.1 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
Pintler Ranger District, 88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858, Phone: 406-859-3211.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingGarbage services are only available during summer months; campers need to pack out what they pack in after Labor Day.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Wise River. Fishing is available for brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout.
Common complaintsNo major complaints are reported. User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness and quiet ambiance despite proximity to the highway.
HostCampground host information is not provided.
Campground Map
88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858
Driving directionsIn Wise River, MT, take Forest Rt. 73 (Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway) south 12.4 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.
The campground is easily accessible via the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. Roads are paved, but caution is advised during inclement weather conditions or heavy snowfall.Nearby places
Wise River - 12.4 miles, Philipsburg - 10.75 miles
Nearby supplies
Philipsburg, MT - 10.75 miles, facilities for groceries and camping supplies can be accessed here.
Camper Reviews
4.9
8 reviews
Lodgepole Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users regarding cleanliness, quietness, and its riverside location.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean facilities, proximity to the river for fishing and swimming, and quiet surroundings are frequently praised.
Based on 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
Users report the lack of amenities such as showers, cell phone service, and hookups as potential drawbacks.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bear-proof containers for food storage, as this is bear country. Also, pack out what you pack in, as garbage services are seasonal.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
User reviews highlight the quiet and clean nature of the campground during the summer months. After Labor Day, services like garbage disposal are unavailable, requiring campers to pack out trash.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Clean sites, clean restrooms, easy access to water spigots," - Charles Loftis. "Great place to camp right on the river with lots of trees," - Janeen Caffrey. "Quiet, clean, private," - Ann Tucker.
Based on 8 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews mention that trailers up to 30 feet fit well, and paved parking aprons are a convenience. Emily Bickell stated, "Fit our 31' Winnebago no problem."
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
ADA-accessible vault toilets are available, but further specific accessibility feedback from users is not provided.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed as long as they are on a leash, per official descriptions.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025