Managed by the US Forest Service within Lolo National Forest, Norton Campground operates on a walk-in basis that sets it apart from most established sites in the region. The 13-site loop is arranged with all campsites in the center, meaning campers park along the outer road and carry gear a short distance to their spot. Sites are marked by numbers painted on picnic tables, and each includes a fire ring. Some sites sit close together, though most have reasonable separation.
Rock Creek runs near the campground, and a trail connects the parking area to the water's edge. Dexter I. calls it "a blue ribbon stream," noting brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout as the primary species, which makes this a practical base for anglers working that stretch of water. Weekday visits tend to be quieter. Weekends draw more campers, so those wanting more space to themselves are better served arriving mid-week.
Amenities include a hand-pump water source and vault toilets, which reviewers note are older and not ADA-compliant. The fee is $15 per night on a first-come, first-served basis. RVs longer than 24 feet will not fit, and the walk-in layout makes the site a poor match for larger rigs regardless of length. A private residence sits adjacent to the campground, which is worth factoring into expectations. Campers wanting a more developed setup along the same corridor can look at Rock Creek Recreation Area, Lolo National Forest, MT, located a few miles to the southwest.
Description
Located in the Rock Creek drainage, this campground is adjacent to Rock Creek, situated amongst ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir trees. This area is known for its blue ribbon trout stream and rugged canyon environment.
Fee Info
$15 per night. Limit 2 vehicles per site.
Reservation Info
No reservations are taken. The campground is first come, first served.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNorton is located in Montana near Clinton
Directions
From Clinton, MT, take Interstate 90 east 4.7 miles to Rock Cr Rd. (Exit 126). At end of exit ramp, turn right onto Rock Creek Rd. and go 10.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground.
Coordinates
46.58800024 N
113.66900082 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 56 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 2 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 5 min from Bozeman, MT
- 3 hrs 14 min from Great Falls, MT
