What happened at the Big Hole Battlefield?

On August 9–10, 1877, U.S. soldiers and local volunteers launched a dawn attack on a Nez Perce village of 89 tipis along the North Fork of the Big Hole River. The warriors fought back fiercely, holding off the attackers long enough for many women and children to flee. The battle left devastating casualties on both sides but did not break the Nez Perce spirit; they resumed their flight toward Canada. The site now interprets this tragic encounter.

Big Hole National Battlefield — RV Travel Guide

By PickRV·Cited primary sources·Updated June 26, 2026

Big Hole National Battlefield preserves the site of a devastating 1877 attack on a sleeping Nez Perce camp during their flight toward Canada. U.S. Army forces and volunteers struck at dawn, sparking a fierce battle that left many dead on both sides. Despite the ambush, Nez Perce warriors held off the soldiers long enough for hundreds to escape, continuing their tragic journey. Today, the serene valley, a visitor center with exhibits, and a tall memorial shaft offer a somber place of remembrance. RV travelers can visit easily for a day, basing at nearby Forest Service campgrounds or RV parks in Wisdom.

Best season — Summer through early fall (June–September) when the visitor center is open and weather is mild; check hours on the official site as they vary seasonally.

At a glance

The facts worth checking before you roll out

Conservative, source-minded facts for planning your visit — always worth confirming against current conditions before you travel.

Managing agency

National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior)

State

Montana

Defining event

Battle of the Big Hole, August 9, 1877, between U.S. troops and the Nez Perce (nimi'ipuu) during the Nez Perce Flight of 1877

On the ground

Big Hole National Battlefield commemorates the 1877 conflict between U.S. Army forces and the Nez Perce tribe during their flight toward Canada. This site marks a pivotal, painful episode in American history, preserving the location of an early morning attack on a sleeping camp. The battlefield serves as a somber place for remembrance and reflection on this tragic event.

RV travelers will find Big Hole easily accessible for a day visit. A visitor center film introduces the historical context, followed by a short trail allowing exploration of both the original Nez Perce encampment area and the subsequent siege location. A tall memorial shaft is visible throughout the grassy basin crossed by the North Fork of the Big Hole River.

The best time to visit falls between June and September when the visitor center maintains regular hours and Montana weather is generally mild. Checking current operating hours on the National Park Service website before arrival is recommended, as seasonal variations do occur. This period offers comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration of this southwestern Montana site.

Consider establishing a basecamp in Wisdom to explore Big Hole National Battlefield alongside other regional attractions. Forest Service campgrounds and RV parks nearby provide convenient access while allowing flexibility in your travel plans. The compact nature of the battlefield means it can be easily incorporated into an itinerary with broader explorations.

Official sources

National Park Service — Big Hole National Battlefield National Park Service

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