Lowland Campground And Picnic Area
4.3610 reviewsLowland Campground and Picnic Area, Forest Service Road #442, Butte, MT, 59701
Lowland Campground And Picnic Area
$15.00 - $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
There is a $15.00 per night fee for Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount for single campsites physically occupied by the pass holder.
About this campground
Escape to Lowland Campground and Picnic Area, a hidden mountain sanctuary tucked away 20 miles north of Butte. This intimate campground offers 11 thoughtfully spaced back-in sites beneath a canopy of towering pines, each equipped with tent pads and capable of accommodating trailers up to 22 feet. As your gateway to adventure, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned near the renowned Sheepshead Recreation Area, where Maney Lake beckons anglers with its pristine waters. The legendary Continental Divide National Scenic Trail winds nearby, inviting hikers to explore one of America's most spectacular long-distance routes. Here, where the forest meets meadow, you'll discover the perfect basecamp for your Montana mountain adventure.
Lowland Campground supports back-in trailer camping and tent camping, with seasonal limitations and a first-come, first-serve policy. Group camping, cabin lodging, and luxury glamping accommodations are not available.
Weather and SeasonsLowland Campground welcomes visitors during Montana's glorious summer season, operating from Memorial Day through Labor Day when mountain wildflowers paint the meadows and warm sunshine filters through the pine boughs. The high-elevation location means you'll enjoy refreshingly cool temperatures even during peak summer, perfect for escaping the valley heat. Spring and fall adventurers should note that access roads can transform into muddy challenges or be dusted with lingering snow patches. Winter brings a blanket of deep snow and arctic temperatures that make the area inaccessible, while spring's freezing mornings remind visitors that this is true mountain country where nature sets the schedule.
ElevationPerched at 6,240 feet above sea level, Lowland Campground offers the quintessential high-country experience. This elevation creates an alpine oasis where summer temperatures remain delightfully cool, morning mist dances across the meadow, and afternoon thunderstorms roll dramatically across the peaks. The crisp mountain air at this altitude provides relief from summer heat and creates ideal conditions for restful sleep under a canopy of stars.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape where towering pines create natural cathedral ceilings and a sprawling meadow opens like nature's amphitheater. Visitors consistently describe Lowland as 'very peaceful and picturesque,' and it's easy to see why. The campground's thoughtful placement at the forest's edge offers the best of both worlds: sheltered sites beneath protective pine boughs and open views across the wildflower-dotted meadow. Morning light filters golden through the trees while evening brings alpenglow to the surrounding peaks, creating a photographer's paradise and a soul-soothing retreat.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Lowland Campground occupies a special corner of Montana's Rocky Mountain ecosystem. This remarkable forest spans over 3.3 million acres of diverse terrain, and here at Lowland, you'll experience one of its most enchanting settings. The campground's unique position where dense pine forest gives way to open meadowland creates a rich habitat for wildlife and offers campers a front-row seat to the natural drama of the Northern Rockies. This transitional zone between forest and grassland showcases the geological diversity that makes the Beaverhead-Deerlodge such a treasured landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityADA-accessible toilets are available; no other specific accessibility features are reported.
Sites SizeThe campground has 11 back-in sites suitable for trailers up to 22 feet. Tent pads are available at most sites.
Sites PrivacySites are nestled among large pines, with some overlooking a large meadow. The area is described as peaceful and picturesque.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites overlooking the meadow are particularly recommended for their views. Reviews suggest selecting sites with larger flat areas if tent camping.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
16-day stay limit.
Groups
Group camping is not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsCash or check payments only, reservations may apply but availability is primarily first-come-first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates primarily on a first-come-first-served basis, with no explicit reservation system indicated.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lowland Campground provides a variety of outdoor activities, including picnic areas, wildlife viewing, biking, and hiking. While fishing is available at nearby Maney Lake within Sheepshead Recreation Area, there are no designated facilities for swimming, boating, or water sports.
Hiking
Day hiking opportunities are available near the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.Fishing
Fishing is available at nearby Maney Lake within Sheepshead Recreation Area.Biking
Mountain biking opportunities are available.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a noted activity, though specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
None mentioned.Water Sports
None mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsMuddy roads and patchy snow in spring and fall can limit access. User reviews cited concerns over other campers leaving trash.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
Butte Ranger District, 1820 Meadowlark, Butte, MT 59701. Phone: 406-494-2147. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingGarbage containers are available seasonally; during shoulder seasons, campers are expected to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresNear Sheepshead Recreation Area and Maney Lake, which offer fishing opportunities. No direct water features within the campground itself.
Common complaintsMultiple user reviews mention difficulty in finding flat tent sites due to compacted gravel from RV usage. Trash left behind by other campers was also noted.
Campground Map
Lowland Campground and Picnic Area, Forest Service Road #442, Butte, MT, 59701
Driving directionsFrom Butte, take I-15/I90 east for approximately 1 mile. Merge onto I-15 north and continue for approximately 12 miles. Take Elk Park exit (no. 138) and drive west on Forest Service road #442 (Lowland Creek Road) for approximately 6 miles and turn left onto Forest Service road #9485 for approximately 1 1/2 miles; turn left at the junction and drive approximately 1/8 mile; turn right into the campground.
The gravel road is suitable for passenger vehicle access, but the last two miles are single-lane with turnouts. During spring and fall, the access road may be muddy or have patchy snow.Nearby places
Butte: approximately 20 miles north, roughly 25-30 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
A waste station is available at the Sinclair gas station in Butte, MT, on Harrison Ave, northeast of Interstate 90/15 (Exit 127B). Additional supplies such as groceries and fuel can be found in Butte.
Camper Reviews
4.4
10 reviews
Lowland Campground And Picnic Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with positive highlights such as the campground's peaceful atmosphere, clean vault toilets, and scenic views. Complaints focus on the difficulty of finding flat areas for tents and issues with litter left by campers. Positive aspects of the campground include its low usage and ample picnic benches.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the clean vault toilets, the picturesque views, and the peaceful environment. One user described it as 'awesome campground. Very low use and plenty of picnic benches.'
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users reported issues with flat tent spaces due to gravel sites and RV compression, and others noted trash left by previous campers. A user reported that picnic tables need paint, and fire pits...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and pack out trash during the shoulder season when services are not available. Tent campers should plan for gravelled and compressed areas.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During the peak season, water and garbage facilities are available, which enhances convenience for campers. Shoulder seasons bring challenges such as muddy access roads and unavailable facilities.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Awesome campground. Very low use and plenty of picnic benches.' – Jessica Green
2. 'Hard to find a flat place for a tent. Other campers didn't respect the place and left trash. Very pretty area...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are ADA accessible; no additional accessibility concerns or praises are highlighted in the reviews.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025