Forest, Regional and Other Regulations

Welcome to the Lolo National Forest 

As a visitor to the national forests, you must follow certain rules to protect the forest and natural environment, and to ensure your health and safety.

Forest and Regional Regulations

• All bear attractants, including any type of food and garbage, must be stored in a bear-resistant manner when not being attended. Storage options include inside a locked hard-sided vehicle, an IGBC-approved bear-resistant container, or suspended at least 10 ft up and 4 ft out from any upright support. Your attention to these regulations is critical to preventing negative bear encounters. R1-2023-02: 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(cc) [food or garbage]; 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(s) [animal parts]
• Camping or occupying any single site is limited to 16 days, and camping or occupying any number of sites in the Northern Region is limited to 32 cumulative days in a calendar year. R1-2025-01: 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a)
• Possession of any material that can be used as firewood and contains metal screws and nails is prohibited. R1-2025-01: 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(cc)
• Refuse may not be used for target shooting. R1-2025-01: 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(cc)
• All hay, straw, or other forage must be certified weed-free and have state-regulated markings. R1-2024-01: 36 C.F.R § 261.58(t)

Forest Supervisors and Regional Foresters may issue additional orders closing or restricting certain areas if the need arises. The full text of all orders is available from the offices listed below and posted online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/lolo/alerts. 

General Regulations

Fire

• Check for current fire restrictions at mtfireinfo.org.
• Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended. Have a bucket and a shovel before lighting.
• Fires must be contained away from flammable materials. In developed sites, use only existing fire rings and grills.
• Fireworks and other explosives are prohibited, yearlong, on all forest lands. All internal combustion engines must have spark arrestors.

Motor Vehicles

• Motor vehicles are permitted only on routes displayed on the current Motor Vehicle Use Map, available at all forest offices. This regulation applies regardless of the presence or absence of signs. Know where you are and where you can go.
• “Motor vehicles” includes e-bikes, ATVs, dirt bikes, and any self-propelled vehicle. A wheelchair that would be acceptable in an indoor pedestrian environment is permitted anywhere foot travel is allowed.
• Vehicles may be parked along open routes within 1 vehicle length where safe to do so and not obstructing traffic or damaging resources. Do not block gates – they may be used for emergency vehicle access.
• For direct access to established dispersed campsites only, vehicles may be taken up to 300 feet from designated routes.
• State traffic laws apply. OHVs require plates to operate on public roads, including Forest Service roads.

Sanitation

• Pack out all trash unless containers are provided for this purpose. Dumping of refuse is prohibited.
• Use toilet facilities if provided – keep doors and lids closed to reduce odors, and do not throw trash in toilets.
• If toilet facilities are not available, bury human waste 6-8 in deep and at least 200 feet from water. Pack out toilet paper, wipes, etc.

Camping

• Outside of developed sites, camping is generally permitted where not causing resource damage. See stay limit above.
• Do not leave property unattended for more than 72 hours, or construct any permanent improvements.
• Use of national forest lands for residential purposes without a permit is prohibited.

Developed Recreation Sites

• Additional regulations apply within sites developed for recreation by the Forest Service. Be sure to read all signs and posters.
• Some sites require payment of a fee for certain activities. If required, the fee must be paid and a receipt displayed as directed.
• In campgrounds, only camp in designated sites and the camp may not be left unattended for longer than 24 hours.
• In developed sites, pets must be on leash or otherwise confined at all times. Pack and saddle stock are only allowed in designated areas.

Property and Natural Resources

• Do not damage natural resources like trees and rocks. Live trees may not be cut without permit.
• View wildlife from a distance. Do not feed, attract, disturb, or harm them. Leave natural areas the way you find them.
• Cultural sites and associated artifacts are protected by federal law. Do not damage or remove these invaluable resources.
• Enclosed areas and buildings may only be entered if expressly opened to the public. Do not remove, damage, or destroy any property of the United States or of any person without permission.
• State laws, including those relating to alcoholic beverages, are enforceable on national forest lands.

Permits

• Obtain permission from the Forest Service before: collecting firewood, conducting any commercial activities, distributing literature, constructing or maintaining any improvement, or hosting an event with more than 75 people. 

Firearms

• Firing a gun is not allowed within 150 yards of any building, recreation site or occupied area; from or across a road or body of water; in any circumstance where any person may be injured or property damaged. Choose locations for target shooting carefully and be sure to remove all spent casings and target materials from the site. Exploding targets are prohibited.

This is a summary of the regulations at 36 C.F.R. § 261. Full text available at all Forest Service offices. You are responsible for knowing and following these regulations. Violations are a misdemeanor punishable by fine or imprisonment.