Sheepshead Recreation Area
Sheepshead Recreation Area is located approximately 20 miles north of Butte, west of Interstate 15 and provides opportunities for day use picnicking and fishing at Maney Lake. It is also in close proximity to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. There are two pavilions overlooking Maney Lake and Sheepshead Mountain that can be rented for family and business events including weddings, reunions, etc. Paved trails and accessible tables with grills are available at each site. Maney Lake Picnic Area has three tables available for individual picnics.
Sheepshead Pavilion can accommodate up to a couple hundred people utilizing tables and picnic tables in and adjacent to the pavilion; the site also includes a volleyball court and horseshoe pits. Freedom Point Pavilion can comfortably accommodate up to 50 people and has two grills and a fireplace. A Watchable Wildlife interpretation trail begins at the Freedom Point Pavillion.
Access to Maney Lake is available from each site; the 15 acre lake is popular for fishing. Canoes are welcome; however, motorized boats are not allowed. There is a paved/gravel trail around the lake with dispersed areas to fish. Sites are reservable by calling the Butte Ranger District.
At a Glance
Reservations: | To make reservations for the Sheepshead or Freedom Point pavilions, call the Butte Ranger District at (406) 494-2147. Reservations are taken year round for events held June 15th through Labor Day. Fees for the pavilion are $75/day for 50 people, $125/day for groups of 51-100 people, and $200/day for groups of 101-200 people. Reservations outside of these dates will be based on weather and site conditions. |
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Area Amenities: |
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Open Season: | Mid June through Labor Day |
Closest Towns: | Butte, MT |
Water: | Yes |
Restroom: | Yes |
Information Center: | Butte-Jefferson Ranger Station Phone: (406) 494-2147 |
General Information
Directions:From Butte, take I-15/I-90 east for approximately 1 mile. Merge onto I-15 north and continue for approximately 12 miles. Take the Elk Park exit (no. 138) and drive west on Forest Service road #442 (Lowland Creek Road) for approximately 6 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service road #9485 and continue for approximately 2 miles. Turn left at the junction and drive approximately 1/8 mile; the campground is on the right. The road is a gravel road suitable for passenger vehicle access.
8 miles north of Butte off Interstate 15, take the Bernice exit, drive 8 miles on FS Road #442.
Parking:
This area cannot accommodate those with trailers or RVs.
General Notes:
Sheepshead Recreation Area is typically open mid-June through Labor Day. The area is open on the shoulder season, but the gates are locked and water and garbage are typically not available until mid-June. The public may park at the gates or at the Maney Lake Picnic Area to access the lake during the shoulder season.
Garbage Pick up: Yes
Accessibility:
Accessible Facilities:
Day Use Picnic Area
Toilets
Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
Fishing is available at Maney Lake from various locations around the 15 acre lake.
Permit: | Please check with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for licensing and permit information. |
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Day Hiking
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is located approximately three miles west of Sheepshead on Forest Service road #9485. The trail crosses the road and continues approximately four miles south to the Konda Trailhead or 13 miles to the Champion Pass Trailhead.
There is a paved/gravel walking trail around Maney Lake.
Picnicking
Maney Lake Picnic Area has three tables available for individual picnics.
Sheepshead Pavilion and Freedom Point Pavilion are available to rent for larger group events.
Group Picnicking
Sheepshead Pavilion can accommodate up to a couple hundred people utilizing tables and picnic tables in and adjacent to the pavilion; the site also includes a volleyball court and horseshoe pits.
Freedom Point Pavilion can comfortably accommodate up to 50 people and includes two grills and a fireplace. A Watchable Wildlife interpretation trail begins at the Freedom Point Pavilion.
Fees: | There is a fee to reserve this area. |
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Reservation info: | To reserve the pavilion please call the Butte Ranger Station at (406) 494-2147. |