Pattee Canyon Picnic Area in MT -- Campground & RV Camping

Pattee Canyon Picnic Area is a shaded day-use facility set among large ponderosa pines in a canyon four miles southeast of Missoula at 4,100 feet elevation. Open from July 1 through Labor Day, the grounds feature individual family picnic sites alongside three reservable group picnic areas. The site includes paved access roads, trash receptacles, and accessible vault toilets. Drinking water is not provided. Multiple trailheads originate nearby, making the canyon a popular local hub for day hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and summer picnicking.

Getting there: From I-90 in Missoula, take the Orange Street exit #104 and travel south. Turn left onto West Front Street and go 0.2 miles to South Higgins Avenue, then turn right. Continue on South Higgins Avenue for about 2.7 miles to Pattee Canyon Road, then turn left. On Pattee Canyon Road, travel 4 miles heading (east) up the canyon. Look for the Pattee Canyon Picnic Area sign and entrance.

• Limited separation from through roads or other sites here, with the nearest through road 0.2 miles off.
• Mount Dean Stone stands 2,965 ft above the map pin, 3.5 miles southeast.
• Estimated night sky: Bortle 5, a rural sky with a glow on the horizon.
• Bitterroot River runs 0.8 mi off.

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