Camping With Suzi » Charles Waters Campground

Charles Waters Campground

in the Bitterroot National Forest and convenient to Missoula, MT, Charles Waters Campground combines rustic luxuries with some wonderful trails.  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.

Views

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.”

Trails

Personal favorite hiking trails at the campground were the Dr. Waters Physical Fitness and Bass Creek trails. The 1/4-mile Fitness trail meanders through a thick stand of pines and includes a variety of stations to exercise more than one’s legs. At the other end of the campground is the 12-mile Bass Creek trail which follows Bass Creek to Bitterroot-Selway Wilderness. While the Fitness trail winds through the dense shadow of Ponderosa pine, Bass Creek trail is more open and, in the Spring, bordered with colorful blossoms. This is a great campground with even better trails.

PS _ I have heard the Physical Fitness trail has fallen into disrepair but haven’t had confirmation of this.

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