Overview

Quigley Group Use Site sits in forested mountain terrain on the top of MacDonald Pass about 15 miles west of Helena, Montana. Quigley is on public land managed by the Helena Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest and is adjacent to the Continental Divide National Scenic (CDNST) trail. Located right on the Continental Divide at 6,300 feet elevation, there are spectacular views of surrounding country encompassing meadows, timbered slopes, and mountains. The site is available for rental from June 1 to October 15 each year and closed at all other times.

Facilities

Quigley Group Use Site is an undeveloped camping area able to accommodate approximately 40 people. There is limited trailer parking and trailers should not exceed 20 feet in length. Space is available for 10-12 four-person tents. There are no camper hook ups and water is not available. There is one vault toilet on-site. Large groups staying for a longer period often choose to have portable toilet(s) delivered at the start of thier stay and pickup up before the end of their stay, at their own expense.

Natural Features

At an elevation of 6,300 feet, beneath a canopy of lodgepole pine and Douglas fir trees, this Group Site is an ideal setting for larger families or groups seeking relaxation and recreation. Nearby rugged ridges, meadows, forests and grasslands provide wildlife diverse ecosystems. Grizzly bear, deer, elk, gray wolf, moose, black bear, mountain lion, all call the area home.

Recreation

Quigley Group Use offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hike, bike and enjoy a long list of outdoor recreational activities on and around the Continental Divide Trail system. Hunting, photography, and exploration are all great recreational activities in this area. There is an extensive road system 10 miles to the west (Little Blackfoot) and five miles to the east (Rimini and Priest Pass) where many people use trucks or ride off-highway vehicles in the summer and fall to see the general area and old mining relics. The area to the south and north is sparsely roaded and offers a non-motorized, more remote experience.

Nearby Attractions

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) mile 616 is just a few hundred feet from the group use site, and the CDNST runs due north and south from there. The City of Helena is about 15 miles away via US Highway 12. Note, the area is near a fee campground and a trailhead, and both are well used by the general public all summer long. The area is not remote, and users can expect to encounter other people recreating.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• Hookups are not available.

• Do not move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by attaining firewood near your destination and burning it on site. For more information visit. www.dontmovefirewood.org

• Check out time is 11:00 a.m. and check in is at 2:00 p.m.

• Learn more about the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest by visiting https://www.fs.usda.gov/hlcnf. This site also details all of the motorized travel and food storage regulations.

• Entry to the group use site is by combination locked gate; please see the welcome letter with your reservation for the combination.

• All garbage and food must be packed out.

Available Activities

• Photography - Photography
• Star Gazing - Star Gazing
• Off Highway Vehicle Trails - Off Highway Vehicle Trails
• Hunting - Hunting
• Hiking - Hiking
• Biking - Biking
• Backpacking - Backpacking
• Birding - Birding
• Camping - Camping
• Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding
• Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Scenic Drive - Scenic Drive
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing

Directions

<p>From Helena, Montana, take US-12 W west for 13 miles to the top of MacDonald Pass, turn left (south) at the Cromwell-Dixon Campground sign and cross the large cattleguard. Turm left (east) again, travel about 500 feet and cross a second cattleguard. Then, turn left (north) again and you'll be at the gated entrance into the Quigley Day Use area.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 406-449-5201

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip