Dalles Campground, near Clinton, Montana, is a cozy spot that offers a laid-back camping experience right alongside Rock Creek. With just ten sites, it’s a great choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Each campsite comes equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings. Visitors have mentioned the clean pit toilets and a hand pump for water, making it a comfortable place to set up camp. As one camper noted, “You are surrounded by beautiful mountains, cliffs, forests, and the majestic river,” which really captures the essence of this location.

Fishing enthusiasts will love the access to a blue ribbon trout stream, known for its excellent bull trout. The area is also a great starting point for hiking, with the Welcome Creek Trailhead nearby, although be prepared for some bushwhacking if you venture out. 

Wildlife sightings are common, with deer and moose often spotted in the area. Just keep an eye on your little ones and pets near the creek, as the sites are right up against the bluffs. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with plenty of natural beauty, Dalles Campground is definitely worth a visit.

Located in the Rock Creek drainage, this campground is situated above Rock Creek in a mixed conifer forest. This area is known for its blue ribbon trout stream and rugged canyon environment.

Dalles

Clinton is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Montana camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Clinton and user-submitted reviews.

Clinton

The Best Camping Near Clinton, Montana

Extremely rustic and totally gorgeous small camp along the Rock Creek in Montana.  The drive in was beautiful, with a road that passed south from Missoula/Clinton through a small valley with private properties that would be the envy of any aspiring Montana property owner.  Deer, Moose, and other wildlife are all present as you cross into the forest land there.  The road does become a bit less maintained as you go further South.

  

The campsite is small, but picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets are on site.  We did have our bear spray handy, but no bear were spotted.  We only stayed only one night on our road trip West, but have I have recalled this location often as one of the best sites we have ever stayed at.  The magic of watching fly fishermen work their way up the creek has stayed with me for many years.  Total magic in beautiful Montana.

Gorgeous off-grid Camping on Magical Trout Stream

The Dalles Campground is a nice pleasant campground with 10 sites along Rock Creek.  Situated in a mature lodge pole pine forest all the site have plenty of shade.  All sites have picnic tables and metal fire rings.  Site has a water hand pump and ADA vault toilet.  Site 1 was interesting as you have to walk up an embankment to reach the site, which makes it not visible from the campground road.  A bear proof locker is available for food storage.  Being along Rock Creek gives those who wish to fish access to the blue ribbon stream with brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout.  Cost is $6 per night.  All the sites are nicely spread apart.  The road to Dalles campground is not recommended for RVs of trailers as it get pretty bumpy after the pavement ends,  this only get worse the further you travel down the road, but is doable if you drive very slow.

Camp and fish at the Dalles Campground

I am reluctant to give this campground a high rating because I don’t want it to get too crowded. There are only ten spots and they all fill up very fast or are already gone. 

Camp is right next to river and road. Road kicks up a little dust but it’s nothing. You are surrounded by beautiful mountains, cliffs, forests and the majestic river. 

Camps have fire pits, picnic tables, vaulted bathrooms and water pump. No cell service. Beautiful beautiful area and hardly any bugs or mosquitoes.

Best campground ever?

The rock creek area offers many places to camp both dispersed and paid. Some of the best bull trout in the country. No wonder is a blue ribbon trout stream!

Great Fishing!

Nothing too wild about this site, but nice views and relatively quiet. Sites are along a small side road that Patel’s off the main road, with a few pretty clean pit toilets. We saw one spigot as well. Each site had parking, picnic table, and fire pit. Campsites on the creek side butt right up to the bluffs above the creek, so make sure to keep little ones and dogs close at hand!
Very close to the welcome creek trailhead which is definitely worth an afternoon - although be warned, welcome creek trail is not super popular and this will require some bushwhacking. As well, there is a pretty sketchy single-log “bridge” you must traverse if you’re still in a high flow season. The suspension bridge over rock creek definitely has a great view though and is worth a look at!

Photos of Dalles

Real photos from real campers