Quiet enough to notice the creek, Alta Campground sits within Bitterroot National Forest along water access routes that include both drive-in and boat-in entry. Sites run large, and the Forest Service keeps the grounds well-maintained and clean. Shade can be limited near Painted Rocks Reservoir, so summer campers should plan accordingly. Reservations are available and fill fast given the roughly dozen sites on offer. Anglers have direct access to surrounding creeks, and Painted Rocks State Park Campground sits a few miles north for overflow. RVs up to 70 feet are welcome, though the access road is noted as rough. Pet-friendly camping near Bitterroot National Forest is well represented in this corridor, and Alta fits that mold. At $15 per night, it draws repeat visitors.
Description
Overview
Alta Campground is located in a scenic forest in the heart of Montana's Bitterroot National Forest. The West Fork of the Bitterroot River flows nearby, giving visitors access to some of the best fishing the area has to offer, as well as other water-related recreation.
Recreation
Fly fishing and wading in the Bitterroot River, which runs alongside the campground, are popular activities. A variety of trails and unimproved roads are great for exploring by bike or off-road vehicle. Hiking trails to various mountain peaks, including to Lookout, Razorback and Thunder Mountains, as well as Beaver and Deer Creek Points, are nearby. The Alta Pine interpretive trail is located 1/2 mile to the north. Painted Rocks Lake is located about five miles north of the campground. Visitors enjoy swimming, kayaking, boating and fishing. Anglers will find mountain whitefish and a variety of trout.
Facilities
The campground offers 14 campsites, three of which are accessible, for tent and RV camping. Each site can accommodate up to 10 people and two vehicles. Utility hookups are not available. Parking spurs are gravel. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A campground host is available on-site and trash collection bins are placed throughout the facility. One bear-proof container is provided at the campground for those traveling on bicycle or ATV to properly store food and other attractants.
Natural Features
The campground is located along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, a popular fishing river in the area. Large, yellow-barked ponderosa pine trees tower above many of the campsites, which along with fir, aspen and lodgepole pine, provide pleasant shade. The campground is situated at an elevation of about 4,580 feet. A variety of wildlife can be seen in the area, including bald eagles, piliated woodpecker, mule and white-tailed deer, moose, elk, bighorn sheep and numerous songbirds.
Nearby Attractions
The Alta Ranger Station, located on Hughes Creek FS Road #5693, was the first Forest Service Ranger Station in the United States, built in 1899. It remains a popular tourist location and is just 5 minutes from the campground. Hughes Creek, once a vibrant placer gold mining site, is an historic area which accounted for 88 percent of all the placer gold recovered in Ravalli County from 1904-1948. Horse Creek natural hot springs can be found about 18 miles south from the campground, via gravel road with high-clearance vehicle recommended. The nearest town is Conner, which provides some services and is approximately 27 miles to the north. Darby is about 32 miles away and offers full services.
Charges & Cancellations
A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see NRRS Reservation Policy.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsAlta Campground is located in Montana near Shoup
Directions
From Darby, travel south on Highway 93 for about four miles. Turn right onto Road # 473 and continue southwest, past Painted Rocks Lake, for about 30 miles to the campground on the right.
Address
WEST FORK RANGER STATION
Darby, MT 59829
Coordinates
45.6238889 N
114.3019444 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 49 min from Missoula, MT
- 4 hrs 22 min from Helena, MT
- 4 hrs 35 min from Bozeman, MT
- 6 hrs 24 min from Lewiston, ID
