Reservations at Indian Trees Campground open through Recreation.gov, though a handful of sites stay first come, first served, and same-day booking isn't available. At $15 per night (half that with an America the Beautiful pass), it sits within the Sula Ranger District of Bitterroot National Forest, running from late May through early September. Roads and pads are paved, and the campground accommodates rigs up to 75 feet, making it one of the more accessible Forest Service stops in the area for larger vehicles and trailers. No pets are permitted.
A small creek runs through the middle of the campground, audible from most sites. Sites vary in grade, with some requiring a short walk uphill or downhill to reach tables and fire pits, though the large picnic tables and provided fire rings are consistent throughout. Shade is heavy, with ponderosa pines dominating the canopy. Several of those trees carry visible trunk scars, evidence of Indigenous bark-stripping practices used to access edible inner layers. It's a detail worth looking for while walking the grounds. Cell service is limited; AT&T has no signal, and Verizon users report only intermittent coverage.
Expect some afternoon biting flies in midsummer, though mosquitoes are reportedly light in early July. c S. notes the campground is "just far enough off the highway that you barely hear some of the traffic." Nearby dispersed options include Bitterroot NF Dispersed off FS 729 to the south, and Gibbons Pass Road Dispersed — Bitterroot NF lies a few miles southeast for those wanting more flexibility. Reservations fill quickly for midsummer weekends, so booking at least a few days in advance is advisable.
Description
Overview
Indian Trees Campground is a quiet place to stay 3/4 miles off of Highway 93 in the mountains of southwest Montana. It provides access to a number of enjoyable recreational activities, as well as the vast scenery of the rugged Bitterroot National Forest. The area boasts wild game, high quality water and wild and scenic rivers.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. A number of trails can be accessed near the campground, including the Nez Perce National Historic Trail and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The Nez Perce NHT is a 3.1-mile trail begins near the turnoff to the campground and follows a portion of the original Nez Perce route. Explorers in the early 1800s also used the route, and wagon ruts are still visible along parts of the trail. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is also nearby. Fishing is available in nearby Camp Creek. Anglers will find mostly cutthroat trout but other species are available. A variety of wildlife, including big game like mule and white-tailed deer, elk and moose, makes its home in the area.
Facilities
The campground offers 15 single-family campsites, available for tent and RV camping. Most sites can accommodate up to 10 people and two vehicles, however, one site can accommodate up to 15 people. Site #6 is accessible, while Site #2 is designated for use by bicyclists. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A campground host is on-site. Utility hookups are not available.
Natural Features
The campground is conveniently located near Highway 93, at an elevation of about 5,100 feet. It is named for the numerous scarred ponderosa pine trees in the area. Native American populations that once lived in or frequented the area stripped the trees of bark to expose and extract the tree's sweet cambium layer for food. The trees remain historically significant and provide shade to the campground.
Nearby Attractions
Popular Lost Trail Hot Springs is located less than a half-mile from the campground. Unlike the majority of natural hot springs, Lost Trail lacks sulfur, making it odorless and very comfortable for swimming. A general store and lodging is located in Sula Store, about 5 miles north.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsIndian Trees Campground is located in Montana near Sula
Directions
From Sula, travel 6 miles south on Highway 93, then 1 mile southwest on Forest Road 729. Road to campground is gravel, but the campground and parking spurs are paved.
Address
7338 Hwy. 93
Sula ranger district, MT 59871
Coordinates
45.75575833 N
113.9541972 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 6/30/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 6/30/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 33 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 33 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 46 min from Bozeman, MT
- 5 hrs 8 min from Lewiston, ID
