U.S. National Forest Campground Guide

Bitterroot National Forest

Montana



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Campground List

CAMPGROUND NAME: Alta

VISIT DATE: 08/22/1997

UPDATE DATE: 11/4/2024

STATE: Montana

REGION: Northern

RANGER DISTRICT: West Fork

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Darby

RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation

DIRECTIONS:
From Darby, MT, take US Rt. 93 south 3.7 miles to West Fork 
Rd. (State Rt. 473).  Turn right onto Rt. 473 and go 30 miles 
to campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 4,580 ft.

The campground is located among a variety of pine especially 
huge Ponderosa and is located on the West Fork of the 
Bitterroot River.  Look for the "Indian Trees" that are 
Ponderosa with large scars about shoulder height.  The bark was 
stripped back by the Nez Perce Indians to extract cambium - a 
chewy, sweet delicacy.  The Hughes Creek is also a location 
where placer gold mining occurred.

North of the campground is Forest Rt. 5703.  Go up this dirt 
road a mile or so and view groves (or plots) of huge, majestic
Ponderosa Pines, some of which are in the Kramer Memorial Pine
Grove.  There is also dispersed camping along Forest Rt. 5703.

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: Yes

Seasonal Comment:
Services provided May 23 through September 8.  

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $15 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 16

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 15
   
   Total Sites: 15

Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes

No. Tables on Sites: 14
No. Grilles on Sites: 15
Equestrian Camping:  No

RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 1
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 53'

Comments:
The parking aprons are grass and gravel.  There is a waste
station available for a fee at the West Fork Lodge, 4.7 miles 
from the Sam Billings campground (National Forest) on State 
Rt. 473 (West Fork Rd.). 

FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No

Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots: 3
  No. Threaded: 0

WATER SPORTS
Lake: No
Swimming (provided): No
Sailing: No
Boat Ramp: No
Boat Carry Down Access: Yes
Power Boating: No
Boating (no power): Yes
Water Skiing: No
Rafting (whitewater): Yes
Kayaking (whitewater): Yes

Comments:
Wading in West Fork of Bitterroot River.  Floating 
activities possible during high water periods.

HIKING - No

FISHING   
Rainbow and Brook Trout and Mountain Whitefish.  Bull and
Cutthroat Trout are catch and release.

CAMPGROUND NAME: Charles Waters Campground VISIT DATE: 08/26/1997 UPDATE DATE: 6/11/2024 STATE: Montana REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: Stevensville NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Florence RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: From Florence, MT, take US Rt. 93 south 3.1 miles to "Recreation Site Bass Creek" sign. Turn right after sign (comes up quickly) onto Bass Cr Rd. and go 2 miles to campground on left. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 3,520 ft. The campground, once the outdoor laboratory for Dr. Charles Waters research on the life history and control of forest tree diseases, consists of a spur next to a large grass meadow and a loop passing through a pleasant blend of deciduous and conifer trees. Some sites are adjacent to Bass Creek, while others especially along the spur, have views of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. One campsite is dedicated to bicycle campers. Because of the excellent hiking and day trip opportunities (Missoula for one), this is an excellent destination campground. For great views of of Bitterroot Valley and Bass Creek Canyon, take Forest Rt. 1136 (turn left when exiting campground) for about 7 miles to the "overlook." (Turn left at "T" intersection, about 1.6 miles from start.) The road is dirt, single-lane and winds its way up the mountainside to 6,100 ft. The drive up takes one through a variety of trees from aspen and Ponderosa pine to Lodgepole pine and Western larch. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the viewing surprises at the "overlook." This is bear country; practice safe storage techniques. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: Yes Seasonal Comment: Services provided Memorial Day through Labor Day - weather dependent RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $15 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 16 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 1 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 24 Total Sites: 25 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: No Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 25 No. Grilles on Sites: 25 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 8 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: See RV Comments below Comments: The parking aprons are paved and can accommodate any size RV. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots: 6 No. Threaded: 0 WATER SPORTS - None HIKING Bass Creek Trail (horse & foot - into the Bitterroot-Selway Wilderness) - 12 miles Fitness Trail (loop-foot) - 0.25 miles Nature Trail (loop-foot) - 0.5 miles Ecology Trail (loop-foot) - 2.5 miles Day Use Trail (loop - foot, mountain bike & horse) - 6 miles FISHING Rainbow, Cutthroat and Brook Trout

CAMPGROUND NAME: Indian Trees VISIT DATE: 08/22/1997 UPDATE DATE: 11/4/2024 STATE: Montana REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: Sula NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Sula RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation DIRECTIONS: From Sula, MT, take US Rt. 93 south 6 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.7 miles to "Y" intersection. Bear right at intersection into campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 4,840 ft. Campground is conveniently located next to US Rt. 93 under old Ponderosa pines. The campground gets its name from the "Indian Trees" that are Ponderosa with large scars about shoulder height. The bark was stripped back by the Nez Perce Indians to extract cambium - a chewy, sweet delicacy. The Ponderosa and Camp Creek make this campground pleasantly scenic. NOTE: One site is reserved for a bicyclist(s). SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: No Seasonal Comment: Open May 23 through September 30 RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $15 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 16 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 16 Total Sites: 16 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: No Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 16 No. Grilles on Sites: 16 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 4 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 53' Comments: The parking aprons are paved. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots: 2 No. Threaded: 0 WATER SPORTS - None HIKING - No FISHING Cutthroat Trout

CAMPGROUND NAME: Lake Como VISIT DATE: 08/21/1997 UPDATE DATE: 6/11/2024 STATE: Montana REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: Darby NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Darby RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: From Darby, MT, take US Rt. 93 north 3.6 miles to Lake Como sign. Turn left at sign and go 2.9 miles to Lake Como Recreation Area sign. At the intersection after the sign, turn right and go 0.6 miles to another intersection. Turn left and immediately left again into campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 4,300 ft. The campground, a.k.a. Lower Como, is a single loop through a stand of mixed pine and fir trees and one of three campgrounds in the Lake Como Recreation Area, is located below Lake Como. The understory is grass with good privacy between campsites. Excellent RV sites. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: No Seasonal Comment: Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $25 per day - single w/ electric and water hookups. Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 11 Total Sites: 11 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: No Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 11 No. Grilles on Sites: 11 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 0 No. Water and Electric Only: 11 No. Water Only: 0 No. Electric Only: 0 No. RV Pull Throughs: 10 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: See RV Comments Comments: Parking aprons are paved. All sites will take any size RV. A waste station, available for a fee, is located at Angler's Roost (private), south of Hamilton, MT on US Rt. 93. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: Yes Playground: No No. Water Spigots: 4 No. Threaded: 0 WATER SPORTS Lake: Yes Swimming (provided): Yes Sailing: No Boat Ramp: Yes Boat Carry Down Access: No Power Boating: Yes Boating (no power): Yes Water Skiing: Yes Rafting (whitewater): No Kayaking (whitewater): No Comments: Lake Como is 913 acres. It is popular for canoeing. The beach is large and sandy. The boat ramp is located at south side of dam. HIKING Kramis Pond Trail (loop) - 0.1 miles Lake Como Loop - 8 miles Rock Creek Trail No. 580 - 14 miles FISHING Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout and Kokanee Salmon

CAMPGROUND NAME: Rock Creek Horse Camp VISIT DATE: 08/19/1997 UPDATE DATE: 6/11/2024 STATE: Montana REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: Darby NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Darby RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: From Darby, MT, take US Rt. 93 north 3.6 miles to Lake Como sign. Turn left at sign onto Lake Como Rd. and go 3.3 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 4,200 ft. The campground is located on south end of Lake Como and is one of three campgrounds in the Lake Como Recreation Area. It is a single loop through Lodgepole and Ponderosa pines with some firs and shrubs scattered around the campground. There are hitching rails and feeders for horses and other stock. There is also a wheelchair friendly loading ramp. Rocky ground makes pitching a tent a challenge. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: Yes Comments: Services provided Memorial Day through Labor Day RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $12 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 16 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 1 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 10 Total Sites: 11 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: No Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 11 No. Grilles on Sites: 11 Equestrian Camping: Yes RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 7 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 14' X 40' Comments: The parking aprons are gravel. There is a waste station, available for a fee, at Angler's Roost (private), south of Hamilton, MT on US Rt. 93. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots: 0 Comments: Water available at Upper Como and Lake Como campgrounds. WATER SPORTS Lake: Yes Swimming (provided): Yes Sailing: No Boat Ramp: Yes Boat Carry Down Access: No Power Boating: Yes Boating (no power): Yes Water Skiing: Yes Rafting (whitewater): No Kayaking (whitewater): No Comments: Lake Como is 913 acres. It is popular for canoeing. The beach is large and sandy beach. Boat ramp is located at south side of dam. HIKING Rock Creek Trail No. 580 - 14 miles FISHING Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout and Kokanee Salmon

CAMPGROUND NAME: Rombo VISIT DATE: 08/22/1997 UPDATE DATE: 11/4/2024 STATE: Montana REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: West Fork NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Darby RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation DIRECTIONS: From Darby, MT, take US Rt. 93 south 3.7 miles to West Fork Rd. (State Rt. 473 south). Turn right onto Rt. 473 and go 18.1 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 4,600 ft. The campground, friendly for RVs, stretches along the West Fork of Bitterroot River and is about 4 miles north of the Painted Rocks Lake. There are various species of pines and some sites overlook the river. The understory is grass, knicknick, and other shrubs. Pine, fir, and various deciduous trees provide ample shade to campsites. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: Yes Seasonal Comment: Services provided May 23 through September 8 RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $15 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 16 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 15 Total Sites: 15 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 15 No. Grilles on Sites: 15 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 13' X 50' Comments: The parking aprons are gravel. An RV waste station with no potable water, is available for a fee at Buds and Shirley's Motel at intersection of Main St. and Missoula Ave., Darby, MT. Ask in cafe for location. Threaded water spigot for RVs is located next to site #16. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots: 6 No. Threaded: 1 Comments: Threaded water spigot for RVs is located next to site #16. WATER SPORTS Lake: No Swimming (provided): No Sailing: No Boat Ramp: No Boat Carry Down Access: Yes Power Boating: No Boating (no power): Yes Water Skiing: No Rafting (whitewater): Yes Kayaking (whitewater): Yes Comments: Wading in the river. Canoeing and rafting possible during high-water period. Not a rated rafting river. HIKING - No FISHING Rainbow, Brook Trout, Bull and Cutthroat Trout and Mountain Whitefish. Bull and Cutthroat Trout are catch and release.

CAMPGROUND NAME: Sam Billings Memorial VISIT DATE: 08/22/1997 UPDATE DATE: 6/11/2024 STATE: Montana REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: West Fork NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Darby RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: From Darby, MT, take US Rt. 93 south 3.7 miles to West Fork Rd. (State Rt. 473). Turn right onto Rt. 473 and go 13.4 miles Sam Billings Recreation Site sign (Forest Rt. 5631). Turn right at sign onto Rt. 5631 (dirt, single-lane) and go 0.8 miles to another campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground. NOTE: Forest Rt. 5631 is single lane with turnouts. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 4,500 ft. The campground, stretching out 0.4 miles, is adjacent to Boulder Creek and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and is pack it in, pack it out. It is set in various species of pines and is rustic and peaceful. Some sites are located on the creek. The understory is grass and pine needles. Privacy between campsites is good with very nice shade provided by the pines. Moose, Elk, and deer are occasional visitors. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. SEASONS Open Seasonal: No Open All Year: Yes RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $10 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 16 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 12 Total Sites: 12 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: No Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 12 No. Grilles on Sites: 12 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 48' Comments: The parking aprons are gravel and the interior road is also gravel and tight. An RV waste station, with no potable water, is available for a fee at Bud's and Shirley's Motel - intersection of Main St. and Missoula Ave., Darby, MT. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots: 0 WATER SPORTS - None HIKING Boulder Creek Trail #617 - foot and horse (through Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness) - 27 miles. Boulder Falls is 4 miles from trail head. FISHING Brook, Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout

CAMPGROUND NAME: Spring Gulch VISIT DATE: 08/22/1997 UPDATE DATE: 11/4/2024 STATE: Montana REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: Sula NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Sula RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation DIRECTIONS: From Sula, MT, take US Rt. 93 north 2.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 4,100 ft. The campground is located between the East Fork of the Bitterroot River and US Rt. 93. Grass in the campground is cut giving the campground an open, spacious feel. Some sites overlook the river. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: No Seasonal Comment: Open May 10 through September 30 - weather dependent NOTE: Campground may be closed due to Springtime flooding. Contact District Ranger office for status. RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $15 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 16 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 12 Total Sites: 12 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 12 No. Grilles on Sites: 12 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 1 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 14' X 63' Comments: The parking aprons are paved. There is waste station, available for a fee, at the Moosehead Gallery and Store located at the corner of US Rt. 93 and Forest Rt. 5728. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots: 4 No. Threaded: 1 WATER SPORTS - None HIKING - No Comments: There is a 0.1 mile paved path along East Fork of the Bitterroot River. FISHING Cutthroat Trout. There is wheelchair friendly fishing pier.

CAMPGROUND NAME: Three Frogs VISIT DATE: 08/21/1997 UPDATE DATE: 6/11/2024 STATE: Montana REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: Darby NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Darby RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: From Darby, MT, take US Rt. 93 north 3.6 miles to Lake Como sign. Turn left at sign onto Lake Como Rd. and go 2.8 miles to Lake Como Recreation Area sign. At the intersection after sign, turn right go 0.6 miles to another intersection. Turn left and then immediately right and go 0.5 miles to campground. NOTE: Last 0.3 miles is a single-lane, gravel road. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 4,400 ft. The campground has two loops and is one of three located in the Lake Como Recreation Area. It is the furthest from the dam with some sites overlooking the lake. Kramis Pond, at the entrance to campground, is frequently visited by moose. The campsites are nestled among aspen, pine and boulders. The campground was formerly named Upper Como. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: Yes Seasonal Comment: Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $15 per day - single $25 per day - double Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 16 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 4 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 16 Total Sites: 20 Tent Pads: Yes Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 20 No. Grilles on Sites: 20 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 30' Comments: The parking aprons are gravel. A waste station, available for a fee, is located at Angler's Roost (private), south of Hamilton, MT on US Rt. 93. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots: 3 No. Threaded: 2 Comments: One spigot is at the host site, one is before the Woods Cabin entrance and the other is at the trailhead parking area. WATER SPORTS Lake: Yes Swimming (provided): Yes Sailing: No Boat Ramp: Yes Boat Carry Down Access: Yes Power Boating: Yes Boating (no power): Yes Water Skiing: Yes Rafting (whitewater): No Kayaking (whitewater): No Comments: Lake Como is 913 acres. Lake is popular for canoeing. There is large sandy beach. Boat ramp is located at south side of dam. HIKING Kramis Pond Trail (loop) - 0.1 miles Lake Como Loop - 8 miles Rock Creek Trail No. 580 - 14 miles FISHING Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout and Kokanee Salmon

CAMPGROUND NAME: Warm Springs VISIT DATE: 08/22/1997 UPDATE DATE: 6/11/2024 STATE: Montana REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: Sula NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Sula RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: From Sula, MT, take US Rt. 93 north 2.9 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 1.3 miles to another campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 4,240 ft. Campground is located along the Warm Springs Creek with some sites on the creek. The campground has a peaceful setting, nestled among various species of pine. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: No Seasonal Comment: Open May 26 through September 4 RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $12 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 16 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 13 Total Sites: 13 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: No Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 13 No. Grilles on Sites: 13 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 48' Comments: Parking aprons are gravel and asphalt. There is waste station at the Moosehead Gallery and Store located at the corner of US Rt. 93 and Forest Rt. 5728 - $5 fee. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots: 2 No. Threaded: 1 WATER SPORTS - None HIKING - No FISHING Cutthroat Trout




Fred and Suzi Dow