Earl Tennant Campground

For us Montanans, escaping into the tranquility of our vast national forests is a quintessential part of life. If you're seeking a simple, back-to-basics camping experience surrounded by natural beauty, then Earl Tennant Campground in the Lolo National Forest near Lolo is a spot worth considering. This article is crafted specifically for you, our local adventurers, to provide a clear and engaging overview of what makes Earl Tennant Campground a unique and appealing choice for your next outdoor escape. Prepare to discover a quiet haven, perfect for enjoying the serenity of the Bitterroot region, rich in history and outdoor opportunity.

Earl Tennant Campground offers a wonderfully "super minimal campground for tents only," providing a true primitive camping experience within the Lolo National Forest. It's a place designed for those who appreciate the raw beauty of Montana's wilderness without the frills of more developed campgrounds. The campground is situated in a "forested area with a mix of trees and open spaces," ensuring a natural and immersive setting. While information on recent public reviews is limited, the general character of such Forest Service campgrounds suggests a focus on quiet enjoyment and self-sufficiency. It's known as a "great little historical place" that provides a "cute little historical site off of FS Road 37." This area is especially suitable for "group gatherings" and serves as an excellent base for enjoying "Lolo Creek, visit the local hot springs or Lolo Pass Visitor Center." For Montanans who prefer simplicity and a deep connection to nature, Earl Tennant Campground is an inviting retreat, perfect for unwinding and embracing the peace of the forest.

Earl Tennant Campground is located at 31232 US-12, Lolo, MT 59847, USA. This places it approximately "17 miles west on U.S. Highway 12" from the town of Lolo, Montana. Lolo itself is a small community situated just south of Missoula, serving as a gateway to the vast Lolo National Forest and the iconic Lolo Pass, which marks the Montana-Idaho border and is steeped in the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Nez Perce Trail. The campground is specifically located "off FS Road 37" and is noted for having "a little bridge across the river" as an identifying landmark, though some have noted it's "not super well marked."

The accessibility is generally by "drive-in," making it reachable for most vehicles. While it’s designed for tents, it does accommodate "RV accessible (30-foot parking spurs)" according to some older sources, though newer information suggests it's primarily "for tents only" or small RVs. It's advisable to verify current conditions if you plan to bring an RV larger than a camper van. Its location within the Lolo National Forest means it’s surrounded by a landscape of towering trees and the soothing sounds of nature, offering a true escape. Proximity to Highway 12 also makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the scenic route between Missoula and destinations further west, or for those heading up to the Lolo Hot Springs, which is only about "10 miles" away. The area experiences temperatures ranging from "lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer," so campers should pack accordingly for the season.

Earl Tennant Campground offers basic services typical of a Forest Service primitive campground, focusing on providing essential amenities for a rustic experience:

• Campsites: The campground offers a small number of sites, typically 6, primarily designed for tent camping, though some older sources indicate suitability for small RVs up to 40 feet. Sites are generally "well shaded."
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for outdoor dining and camp activities.
• Fire Rings/Pits: Fire rings are available at each site, allowing campers to enjoy campfires (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets (outhouses).
• No Potable Water: It is crucial to note that "no water is available" directly at Earl Tennant Campground. Visitors must "bring everything with you," including all drinking and cooking water. However, "drinking water is available at Lolo Creek Campground which is 2.5 miles east on Highway 12."
• No Garbage Service: As a primitive campground, there is typically "no trash collection" or dumpster services. Campers are expected to practice "trash-in, trash-out" principles and pack out all their garbage.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground is generally "seasonal," typically open from "Memorial Day to Labor Day."
• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites are generally "first-come, first-served," meaning reservations are not typically taken. However, some sources suggest online reservations may be possible for some sites within the Lolo National Forest, so it's always worth double-checking.
• Fees: Historically, fees have been very minimal, around "$8 per night."
• Pets Allowed: Pets are generally welcome at the campground (leash rules typically apply).

The features and highlights of Earl Tennant Campground make it a distinct choice for Montanans:

• Quiet, Primitive Experience: It offers a genuine "super minimal" and peaceful camping experience, ideal for those seeking solitude and a break from crowded campgrounds.
• Historical Significance: Located in an area rich with history, including its proximity to the Lewis and Clark/Nez Perce National Historic Trail, it appeals to those interested in Montana's past.
• Accessibility to Lolo Creek: The campground is close to Lolo Creek, offering opportunities for fishing (Lolo Creek is a blue-ribbon tributary to the Bitterroot River, known for its trout) and enjoying the sounds of the running water.
• Proximity to Lolo Hot Springs: Being just a short drive from Lolo Hot Springs, campers have the option to visit the commercial resort for a relaxing soak.
• Forest Immersion: Nestled within the Lolo National Forest, it provides an authentic forest camping environment with ample shade and opportunities for wildlife viewing (bears, deer, beavers, etc., are noted in the broader area).
• Budget-Friendly: As a low-cost or potentially free (depending on updated Forest Service fee schedules) campground, it offers an economical way to enjoy Montana's outdoors.
• Convenient for Day Trips: It serves as a good base for exploring the Lolo Pass Visitor Center, nearby hiking trails, and other attractions in the Bitterroot Valley.

For the most current and accurate information regarding Earl Tennant Campground, including seasonal opening and closing dates, any fee changes, fire restrictions, or specific rules, it is best to contact the U.S. Forest Service, specifically the Lolo National Forest - Missoula Ranger District.

Address: 31232 US-12, Lolo, MT 59847, USA

Phone: (406) 329-3814 (This is a general number for the Missoula Ranger District, which manages this area. While no specific phone number for Earl Tennant Campground is typically provided, this office can provide the necessary details.)

It's always recommended to "Know Before You Go" by checking the Forest Service website or calling the ranger district office. Given the primitive nature of the campground, always come prepared with your own water, and plan to pack out all your trash. Be aware of and practice bear-safe food storage, as this is bear country.

In conclusion, Earl Tennant Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals in Montana who appreciate a rustic, quiet, and budget-friendly camping experience. Its "super minimal" nature means fewer crowds and a deeper immersion in the natural beauty of the Lolo National Forest. The campground's strategic location along Highway 12, just a short drive from Lolo and with access to Lolo Creek and the Lolo Hot Springs, adds to its appeal. For Montanans who are prepared for primitive amenities (no potable water on-site, vault toilets only) and prioritize peace, historical significance, and direct access to forest recreation, Earl Tennant Campground offers an authentic and highly rewarding outdoor adventure. It's a perfect spot to reconnect with nature, enjoy simple pleasures, and serve as a base for exploring the rich landscapes and history of Western Montana.

Earl Tennant Campground

31232 US-12, Lolo, MT 59847, USA