Quartz Flat Campground

This campground is AT the rest stop. It's a bit different. If travelers knew about it they would stop and go into the campground for a picnic lunch and it is great to let the dogs walk in the woods, but no one ever does that because they do not realize the National Forest Campground is there... They stop at the rest stop (new redone) and move on. 

Hardly anyone goes there on loop G. The other Clark Fork side gets some weekenders.  The other loops are on the other side of the highway accessible by a tunnel under the highway and one loop was deactivated a few years ago because of a lack of traffic. One side is right above the Clark Fork River. The other Loop G is on the other side of the highway and has one set of "real toilets" a potable and non-potable/dump water station for filling water tanks and rinsing tanks AND its a nice free dump station. Sites are smaller being built back in the 60's I'm thinking in G, but a few drive throughs on the other side by the river. It's 35 minutes north of Missoula MT. It is Close to trails has a half mile nature trail onsite and river access is close by... If you are traveling, need a really nice campground with few people in the woods, and inexpensive, this is the place... Coming to fish, do some kayaking or rafting on Clark Fork Check. 

There is some road noise and on Loop G the occasional train next to the campground. The Clark Fork side doesn't have the train but seem louder closer to the road. That does not bother us so no big deal there. All sites are wooded...

This campground was a nice surprise, right off the highway. Lots of tall ponderosa pines, but also plenty of sun to put the solar panels out for charging.

No hook-ups, but lots of water fill stations and picnic tables at each site. Plenty of Verizon bars to work. I believe there was a dump station. 

Nice size, paved sites. Level. 

Nice camp hosts. A short hike right off the campground and the river was running pretty fast down below. You could see the river, but don't think you can access it from the campground. 

Definitely worth a stop for a weary traveler!

Right off I90 deeper into the woods behind the Quartz Rest-stop. Large pull throughs and medium to small back in sites. Water available, vault toilets, bear resistant trash containers and dump station. $10/night or $5/night with interagency Golden Pass. Highway noise can be bothersome but given the sign of times (COVID-19 and EVERYONE else out camping) we are thankful for a place to call home on a Friday afternoon! All sites are first come first serve.

This is a perfect low cost place for a overnighter. Conveniently located next to the freeway and by a rest stop. We were surprised with how many trees and close to the river you can be if you continue to A loop. We have stayed here a few times and are always happy to stop for a rest. No hook up. Pit toilets Potable water Good cell service Dump station Five pieces of free firewood per night

This was a last minute stop just to spend the night and I was not expecting it to be so nice and spaced out bc it’s literally right on the highway behind the rest stop. It also felt very safe. The sites are next to each other but not on top of each other like a lot of campgrounds with rvs. The big pines create its own little world and there is a trail you can meander above the “cliff” over the river which is pretty gorgeous. The campground hosts were awesome - just a quick super friendly chat when they walked their rounds and offered me firewood. You can hear the highway (and see it depending on where you get your spot) but when I was in my van with the doors closed you couldn’t hear it at all. The photo is just a view over the edge to the river from inside the campground.

CLICK HERE for FULL Ranger Review Video

When traveling through Montana there is a portion of the state which suddenly opens up in such an inviting way as the National Forest and Mountains start to give you the first glimpse of the upcoming PNW environment.   Tall trees welcome you and on a cool fall day the crisp air produces  a beautiful fog over the mountains.

Campground Review:

As I entered into this section of the 2 million acre LOLO National Forest I initially pulled into a rest area to make lunch only to realize that the exit point for the rest area was actually also the shared entry point for the Quartz Flat Campground.

The immediate sense of comfort abounded as large campsites became visible as I drove down the entry and the opening of the 2 loops welcomed me in with open arms.   Sites were well shaded and had ample ground to spread out and get comfortable for a stay from a day to 14 days at only $10 a night or $5 for those with the Senior Access pass.

I was very surprised when I noticed that Loop C was designed for smaller RVs, Vans and Tent campers and Loop A was designed for larger units which required pull through entry.    There was attention to detail for any possible traveler, something which commonly is not considered in design of National Forest campsites.

But far beyond the size this started to reveal to me that it was not your typical campsite on National Forest land for many other reasons.    There were both vault toilets and flush toilets at the location scattered throughout camp and drinking water spigots available at central points.

For tent campers the forest bed offered a lush and soft pad for set up and with sites being quite large there was a tranquility which came from camping here.  All sites were equipped with fire rings and tables but a select few were the location of bear boxes.    After leaving Yellowstone where each site had a bear box this was bit confusing to me as to why there were limited bear boxes but this did not deter me.

Additionally there is a dump station and trash collection at the Loop C entry point, very uncommon for these type of sites.   There also was a trail which began on the C Loop and traversed 1/2 a mile with information available at the main road with free brochures.

Departing this loop, I thought I had seen it all, but boy was I wrong!!  There was an entire other campground on the opposite side of the highway, accessible by a tunnel which passed under the highway itself.  This campground near mirrored that of the A & C Loops however appeared a bit closer to the highway.

TIPS:

• If you are visiting this campground make sure you bring everything with you, there is no store nearby for a quick stop.

• Check dates of closure for this campground.   When I arrived there were signs posted at the pay kiosk of closure beginning September 16th.    

For More Information About LOLO National Forest CLICK HERE

Product Review:

Upon occasion I am given the opportunity as a Dyrt Ranger to try out some amazing new products along my adventures.   For this trip I was able to try out the Acai Berry Liquid IV, a unique product which offers hydration multiplication for those who are needing a little pick me up.

How Does It Work?

Hydration multipliers work in a very interesting way.   Through adding a concentrated amount of electrolytes to your regular water they are able to make a single water hydrate your body as much as 3 waters of the same size.     The CTT technology used by Liquid IV is unique to the brand  and allows glucose and sodium to move differently in the body.  

In simple terms, if you don't drink enough water regularly, if you add Liquid IV to your intake, it allows your body to feel like it actually is getting enough water.

How Do I Use It?

Use is simple!! Servings are prepackaged and can be added to water of any temperature.    Simply tear the top, scissors not needed, and pour then shake!  I personally like adding it to hot tea in addition to plain water for a little punch of flavor.

How Does It Taste?

The Acai Berry flavor is a light flavor additive which allows you a subtle punch of flavor,   Unlike many drink additives it does not have a chalky taste and when it is fully dissolved you have no textural discrepancy from a standard water.   It just tastes like something other than water...lol

Does It Really Work?

I have been trying Liquid IV for a few weeks and have noticed a definite difference when using it versos not using it.    The product allows your body to not feel the signs of fatigue on a strenuous hike and allows you to stay hydrated, preventing muscle cramps, profuse sweating and heat related fatigue.

When using on a standard day of light activity your body just feels more energized, despite not being an energy supplement.    

I would recommend using this product for your day to day, especially if you struggle with consuming the recommended amount of water regularly.   For those who participate in strenuous athletic activity this is a game changer much better than Gatorade or Powerade.

Campground is found driving thru rest stop and follow signs. 1st loop you will have some train noise if they’re running but drive thru 13’ tall culvert to other side for quieter spots. Has dump, water fill site, and hosts at each loop. Nature Interpretive Trail. $10 night for sight with concrete pad, table, fire ring/bbq grate. Discount with National Parks Access Sr or Disabled or Military. We then traveled onto Pallisades Falls near Bozeman Mt

With all of the great options available, this wouldn't be my top pick but it would be an emergency overnight option. This campground is nestled on BOTH sides of 90 with a bridge underneath the road to get to the other side. It is accessible through the rest stop. Because it is literally at the rest stop and directly next to the major hiway, I would avoid it unless it is a last minute stop.

Great campsite right off interstate 90. Wooded and spacious! Really convenient and super cheap!

A couple of friends and I stayed overnight at Quartz Flat Campground the night before rafting the Clark Fork. Amazing stay overall. The camp hosts had firewood waiting for us when we arrived at no extra charge and they had tons of options for tents or campers/RVs. The price was also unbeatable.

if I ever end up in the area again I won’t hesitate to stay there another night!