Pintler Campground
01 review300 Forest Service Rd Wisdom, MT 59761
Pintler Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
No fees are required for this site.
About this campground
Discover the tranquility of Pintler Campground, where three intimate camping units await your arrival in Montana's pristine wilderness. This compact gem features a convenient day-use picnic area and restroom facilities, perfect for those seeking a genuine back-to-basics experience. While the 20-foot trailer length limit keeps things cozy, it also preserves the campground's peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. As a pack-it-in, pack-it-out destination, Pintler encourages mindful camping practices that help preserve this mountain sanctuary for future adventurers.
The campground is designed for tent camping and basic facilities with a fee-free setup.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific site remains quietly tucked away in the mountains, the surrounding landscape whispers stories of centuries past. This area has long served as a gateway to Montana's high country, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have sought solitude and adventure among the peaks.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-June through September, Pintler Campground opens its gates to those ready to embrace Montana's dynamic mountain weather. Early season visitors might wake to find June snowflakes dusting their tents, while September campers could experience nature's final flourish before winter's return. Throughout the season, temperatures dance between crisp 25°F mornings that demand a warm sleeping bag and pleasant 75°F afternoons perfect for exploration. This dramatic temperature range creates an ever-changing canvas of weather conditions that keeps every camping trip unique and memorable.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,300 feet above sea level, Pintler Campground delivers an authentic high-altitude adventure where the air is crisp, clean, and noticeably thinner. This elevation creates a natural air conditioning system that offers refreshing relief from summer heat, though newcomers to altitude should take time to acclimate. The thin mountain air makes stars appear closer and clearer, while daytime activities may leave you pleasantly breathless as your body adjusts to this lofty perch in the Montana wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryEmbraced by the majestic Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Pintler Campground showcases nature's high-elevation artistry at its finest. Here, the landscape opens dramatically, trading dense forest canopies for sweeping vistas of rugged terrain and endless Montana sky. The sparse vegetation at this altitude creates unobstructed views that stretch for miles, where weather systems roll across the horizon like nature's own theatrical performance. Rocky outcroppings and alpine meadows paint a scene of raw, untamed beauty that captures the essence of Montana's wild heart.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Pintler Campground sits atop ancient geological formations that tell the story of Montana's dramatic past. The high-elevation landscape reveals itself through weathered rock faces and alpine terrain sculpted by millennia of wind, ice, and time. This sparse tree cover isn't a limitation but rather nature's invitation to witness the raw bones of the earth, where geological processes continue their patient work of shaping these magnificent mountains.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned for this campground.
Sites SizeThe campground has 3 units and accommodates trailers up to 20 feet long.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is not detailed, but the campground is described as quiet and out of the way.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations for site selection are not detailed.
Best CampsitesBest sites are not individually identified.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day
Stay Limit
Stay limit information not explicitly provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guest limit per site is not explicitly stated.
Groups
Details about group sites are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutComprises 3 campsites and a day-use picnic area with restrooms. Sites are minimally developed.
Open and Closed SeasonMid-June through September, weather permitting.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required; no platform specified.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll three campsites are walk-up/first-come-first-served; specific fill patterns are not described.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules not specified as the site does not require reservations.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers fishing opportunities at Pintler Lake. Hunting and shooting activities are also mentioned, with fishing in the river or stream being highlighted.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Pintler Lake and in the surrounding river/stream. User reviews suggest that fishing can be good.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire regulations are not detailed in the source.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsKey hazards include the lack of potable water, no garbage services, and potential wildlife activity requiring safe food storage.
Active alertsNo active alerts or advisories listed.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 14%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.6 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
Wisdom Ranger District, Address: 300 Forest Service Rd Wisdom, MT 59761, Phone: 406-689-3243.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season information is not explicitly stated but likely coincides with open season mid-June through September.
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage service available, requiring campers to pack out what they pack in.
Proximity to water featuresFishing is available at Pintler Lake.
Common complaints"Fishing can be good in Pintler Lake." No water services or cell phone coverage might inconvenience some campers.
HostNo information available about campground hosts.
Campground Map
300 Forest Service Rd Wisdom, MT 59761
Driving directionsFrom Wise River take Highway 43 West for approximately 30 miles. Turn on Forest Road 185 and continue north for 12 miles.
Forest Road 185 access is unpaved and extends 12 miles north from Highway 43, potentially challenging for non-off-road vehicles.Nearby places
Philipsburg: null miles
nearest detailed distances not provided.
Nearby supplies
Closest locations for groceries, fuel, and supplies are likely in Philipsburg, distance unspecified.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Pintler Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is described as quiet and out of the way, ideal for fee-free camping. Reviewers mention the lack of water and cell phone service as potential drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the quiet setting, fee-free status, and the availability of fishing opportunities.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The lack of potable water and garbage services are noted as inconveniences.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring their own drinking water and be prepared to pack out all trash. Those looking for cell phone service should note that there is none.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest the campground is best suited for summer months when fishing opportunities are optimal.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Quiet, out of the way, fee-free FS campground. No water/services but there is a pit toilet. Fishing can be good in Pintler Lake."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
There are no specific reviews for particular campsites.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not explicitly addressed in reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no mentions of pet policies or experiences in reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025