Grizzly Bear Activity Forces Camping Restrictions At Montana Recreation Site

The Bureau of Land Management has implemented a temporary order restricting camping at the Carbella Recreation Site in Park County, Montana, due to ongoing grizzly bear activity in the area. From now until December 31st, 2026, hard-side camping units only will be allowed.

Camping in tents, soft-sided pop-up campers, and canvas-sided vehicles is prohibited in the area throughout the period. The Bureau of Land Management worked with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to develop the approach.

“The restriction has been implemented in an attempt to reduce the likelihood and severity of encounters between visitors and grizzly bears, which are frequently seen in the area.” – Roger Olsen, BLM Butte Acting Field Manager. 

All BLM-managed lands within Township 7 South, Range 7 East, Section 20 are included in the affected area. The BLM Butte Field Office and the Carbella Recreation Site will have posted signs warning campers of the restrictions. More information on the order are available through the Butte Field Office at 406‑533‑7600 or by email at BLM_MT_Butte_FO@blm.gov. 

Montana is home to the largest remaining grizzly bear population in the United States outside of Alaska. While many states saw the decimation of their grizzly populations by the early 20th century, Montana worked to conserve and protect, banning baiting and the use of hounds to hunt bears in 1921, listing bears as a managed game species in 1923, and prohibited the killing of cubs or females with cubs in 1947.

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