May Creek Campground
4.079 reviewsFrom Wisdom, MT, take State Rt. 43 west 17.1 miles to May Creek sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
May Creek Campground
$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
The campground charges a $15 per night fee with an additional $5 fee per extra vehicle.
About this campground
Nestled at 6,300 feet in the heart of Montana's lodgepole pine forest, May Creek Campground offers a serene escape where mountain air meets pristine wilderness. This thoughtfully maintained facility provides modern conveniences including ADA-accessible vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and fire grilles for evening gatherings under starlit skies. As a pack-it-in, pack-it-out destination without water or garbage services, visitors become active participants in preserving this untouched natural haven.
May Creek Campground provides combined tent and RV camping sites, with 21 units in total. No additional options like group sites, cabins, or glamping facilities are available.
Historical SignificanceJust 8 miles from camp lies the hallowed ground of Big Hole National Battlefield, where echoes of the 1877 Nez Perce War still resonate through the valley. This pivotal site witnessed the clash between the Nez Perce people fighting for their homeland and U.S. Army forces alongside civilian volunteers. A visit to this nearby memorial offers campers a profound connection to the complex history that shaped the American West.
Weather and SeasonsMay Creek transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Early spring and late fall bring crisp, dry days perfect for solitude seekers, though temperatures can dip to frigid levels with occasional snow dustings. Summer months welcome visitors with comfortable temperatures and gentle breezes through the pines, creating ideal conditions for camping and exploration. When winter blankets the landscape, the campground becomes a gateway to cross-country skiing adventures, with trails winding through snow-laden forests.
ElevationPerched at 6,300 feet above sea level, May Creek Campground sits in that sweet spot where mountain majesty meets accessibility. This elevation creates a natural playground for both summer adventurers seeking cooler temperatures and winter enthusiasts ready to explore snow-covered trails, making it a true four-season destination.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an authentic wilderness experience where towering lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral overhead. This is genuine bear country, where wildlife roams freely through dense forests that have stood for generations. The thick canopy filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor, while the aromatic scent of pine fills the air, creating an immersive backcountry atmosphere.
Geological RegionMay Creek Campground rests on gently rolling terrain blanketed by an impressive lodgepole pine forest that stretches as far as the eye can see. This relatively flat landscape, carved by ancient geological forces, provides comfortable camping spots while maintaining the rugged character of Montana's wilderness. The dense pine coverage creates natural windbreaks and intimate camping spaces within the greater forest ecosystem.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeSites accommodate trailers up to 30 feet and include dirt and gravel parking aprons.
Sites PrivacySites are located in heavily wooded lodgepole pines, providing moderate privacy.
Total Campsites21 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the meadow for scenery and privacy. Sites near the vault toilets may experience cleanliness issues based on user reviews.
Best CampsitesSite #17 is highly recommended for its meadow location and scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Operational hours are 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Operational hours are 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
There is a 16-day stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Maximum recommended trailer length is 30 feet
- guest limits are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout21 individual sites with picnic tables and fire grilles; no group or hookup sites available.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day weekend through end of September, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served; no reservation system exists.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules are not provided; reservations are not available.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
May Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Fishing opportunities include catching brook and rainbow trout, and hiking trails connect to regional attractions like May Creek Cabin and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
Hiking
Multiple trails are accessible, including May Creek Trail No. 103 (reaching May Creek Cabin at 2 miles and Anderson Mountain Road junction at 6 miles) and Stevenson Creek Trail No. 102. These trails also provide access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, catering to hikers seeking varying levels of challenge.Fishing
The campground supports brook and rainbow trout fishing, particularly in nearby rivers and streams. User reviews praise the quality of fishing on the Big Hole River.Wildlife viewing
The campground environment, surrounded by wooded lodgepole pines, offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. Specific species are not detailed in the available materials.Winter Activities
Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not supported in this campground environment.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must follow regulations due to bear activity.
Hazards
General hazards"This is bear country," and safe food storage techniques are required. Vault toilets, while ADA-accessible, have been noted in user reviews to sometimes lack cleanliness.
Weather forecast
78
°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
The Wisdom Ranger District Office is nearby at 300 Forest Service Rd Wisdom, MT 59761, Phone: 406-689-3243. Operational hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-June through September.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities at May Creek Campground, and guests are expected to pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresNo lakes, rivers, or other water bodies are directly on-site, but fishing is available in nearby streams.
Common complaintsUser reviews indicate occasional issues with vault toilet cleanliness and dust from campers moving quickly through the campground.
HostNo host services are mentioned.
Campground Map
From Wisdom, MT, take State Rt. 43 west 17.1 miles to May Creek sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
Driving directionsFrom Wisdom travel West on Highway 43 for approximately 17 miles.
"The roads are a little rough/bumpy," according to one user review. The campground is accessible via State Route 43, with a maximum recommended trailer length of 30 feet.Nearby places
Wisdom is approximately 17 miles away.
Nearby supplies
A waste station is available at Big Hole Petroleum (Sinclair gas) in Wisdom, MT, with a $3 fee for fill-up and $6 fee without fill-up.
Camper Reviews
4.1
9 reviews
May Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of May Creek Campground are generally positive, citing peacefulness, cleanliness, and proximity to attractions like Big Hole National Battlefield. Some complaints exist regarding vault toilet cleanliness and overgrown sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the campground's peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained grounds, and proximity to Big Hole National Battlefield. "Very peaceful and clean campground" and "Great little...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback includes cleanliness issues in vault toilets near site 2 and overgrown weeds in site 1. Dust from other campers' vehicles was also mentioned.
Based on 9 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend fishing on the Big Hole River and hiking trails directly accessible from the campground. Site 17 near the meadow is specifically praised.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal trends indicate positive experiences during peak summer months (June to September), although cleanliness and maintenance issues may arise during less busy times.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Very peaceful and clean campground. Located just a few minutes to Bighorn National Battlefield." "The vault toilet near site 2 was smeared with feces. No one came to clean it in the 3 days we were...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 17 near the meadow is highlighted as an excellent spot. Site 1 is criticized for being overgrown with weeds.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly toilets are specifically mentioned as available.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025