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Beaverhead/May Creek
Overview
May Creek Campground offers a quintessential Montana forest experience within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Located just a short drive from the historic town of Wisdom, this destination provides a quiet, primitive escape for travelers seeking to disconnect from the modern world. It is a National Forest Service site, characterized by its lush lodgepole pine canopy and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect base for exploring the high-mountain Big Hole Valley.
Location & Surroundings
Situated at an elevation of approximately 6,200 feet, the park sits within the scenic Big Hole Valley, often called the Land of 10,000 Haystacks. The campground is nestled along the banks of May Creek, surrounded by dense evergreen forests and seasonal wildflowers. The landscape is dominated by the majestic Pioneer and Bitterroot Mountains, offering visitors a sense of true wilderness while remaining accessible via Highway 43.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a rustic camping facility geared toward self-contained RVers who appreciate a back-to-basics approach. The sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, but there are no utility hookups or dump stations available on-site. Visitors have access to vault toilets and seasonal potable water via a hand pump. The park accommodates trailers and RVs up to approximately 30 feet, favoring those who enjoy a traditional dry-camping experience under the stars.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
History comes alive at the Big Hole National Battlefield, located just minutes away, where visitors can learn about the 1877 conflict between the Nez Perce and the U.S. Army. Anglers will appreciate the proximity to the Big Hole River, famous for its world-class fly fishing and blue-ribbon trout waters. For a relaxing detour, travelers can visit the nearby Jackson Hot Springs or explore the authentic Western town of Wisdom for local supplies.
Who This Park Is Best For
May Creek is ideal for boondockers and nature enthusiasts who prioritize solitude and natural scenery over modern resort amenities. It is a fantastic choice for history buffs visiting local landmarks or fishermen seeking easy access to high-country streams. If your travel style involves star-gazing, campfire cooking, and waking up to the sound of wind through the pines, this quiet forest hideaway is a perfect fit for your Montana itinerary.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jim Cossitt
Been visiting here for 30 years, since the battery ski club renovated it back in 1995. Short distance from the roadway, peaceful, secluded and a little slice of heaven at a very modest price. I always visit in the winter. You're not going to find a lot of steep and deep terrain, but the low angle skiing and touring is great.
Tripper Dudes
USFS cabins and lookouts are not comparable to commercial for profit rentals. You are relying on previous renters to clean the cabin before you arrive which sometimes does not happen. Our star review is based upon a rustic cabin experience and some cabins have electricity, propane or just a wood stove. A 5 star for a USFS cabin or lookout could equal a 2 or 3 star review to a regular for profit cabin. The good: 1 room cabin with 2 bunk beds and mattress pads. No ladders to climb into upper bunks though. Very peaceful and serene. Nice island dining table with cool branches supporting and bench seats. Good equipped kitchen. Wood stove. Both battery and propane canister lanterns. Clothes lines with hangers. 2 burner propane camp stove but you need to bring propane. Fairy light string and solar LUCI LED lights have been left. Curtains on 2 of the windows. The one without has nice view of May Creek and meadow. Nice porch and fire pit. Picnic bench. May Creek flows by and is surprising deep for wading or cooling off in summer. Some small trout. Old school pit toilet with modern seats and moon cut out on door. Fun supplied Styrofoam cut out to insulate the cold seat. As usual the Wisdom Ranger District has supplied emergency supplies and tools for the cabin. Something we have not seen with any other district we have been to. The bad: Upon arrival to trail some horseback riders were returning so had to look for horse poop for first mile. Not sure if this is standard practice. Easy walk but several downed trees over trail and grass has overgrown spots. At the beginning there is a bridge across part of May Creek but another part just past the bridge you have to scramble over cut up logs to stay dry. Another bridge would be nice. No sink in cabin but there is a dish pan. We have Verizon and we had no service. While some are happy to leave that behind those who have an emergency or are always kind of working this is an issue. There was 4bar LTE service about 12.9 miles east of the campground on Hwy 43 or a couple of bars at Chief Joseph Pass 11 miles west on 43. The combination did not work on the wood shed. Not sure if it is busted or they do not all access to wood until colder weather. Was one of the last affordable cabins at $25 for a cheap getaway but soon to be $45.
Dwayne Mogren
Beautiful but the trail is overgrown and there's lots of downed timber to climb through. If not experienced with backcountry travel it might be better to find one you can drive to. We thought it was great. That review is 3 years old. Update: Returned after the fire and the trail is actually better now than it was before the burn. Cabin in excellent shape and well equipped. Code does not work for the woodshed so be prepared for that. Bring some newspapers or cardboard to help light fires.
LvnLifeJoyfully
This is an peaceful beautiful place . The campgrounds are well maintained.. the roads are a little rough /bumpy
Hans Dierenfeldt
Grew up going here, and still return every year. Peaceful and very low key... stay away, don't ruin my favorite spot!