Camping near Bitterroot National Forest

21 sites, 4 of which are tent camping only. Water point is by the paved hiking trail at the campground entrance. Two hosts on site that clean and stock the 4 toilets daily. The beach is a short walk away. Every site is partially shaded throughout the day. The campsites are in various sizes which is why there are designated “extra vehicle” parking locations.

The walk in tent sites are nestled in the trees amongst the forest sounds of birds and chipmunks. Deer bed down in the area and are often seen in the early morning hours. Each tent site has a fire pit, tent pad, table, and is completed with a bear proof storage bin for food.

The campground has an upper and lower level. I did see a 30+ foot trailer but i wouldn’t do it. The drive out is a bit to tight for my comfort. Although a dirt road drive in, the campground has an older paved road within.

The only negative mark is for the fire pits. They have years of build up ash from use that is well above the vent holes. The depth is 10-14 inches depending on the site. The ash is loaded with debris such as melted cans and its volume is a fire hazard. I dug mine out but just be aware. Also weeds are a problem. Two of the toilets have weeds groinvbin the entryway now, and a few campsites have tall overgrown areas. The main parking lot has weeds blocking the handicap parking area. All of this could be addressed in a couple of short days work, but nobody is doing it. Other than that its great.

Check out the paved trail for foot and bicycle traffic that goes along the lake.

7 day max stay despite what the website says. Additional $5 a day fee for water and electric despite what the website says. At $25 though thats not terrible. 1/2 price with applicable passes.

10 sites. How much shade, sitting area, rocks, level ground, level parking varies.

What’s Good? -4 toilets and 2 Dumpsters -The road and each site is paved -Parking can hold 2 trucks with 2 towable RVs at most sites -Running creek nearby with little trails, great for little ones -Sites are spread out for the most part and feel private

The not so good -While the toilets are in far better condition than most campgrounds they were not cleaned or restocked at all during my 7 days. Just a quick visual look was all that was done. -Hosts are generally oblivious. They don’t check sites and ignore complaints of “occupied” sites than nobody has been at for over three days. -There was one site, clearly friendly with the hosts, that has been there well beyond the time limit with no intentions of departing -It takes me about 10 minutes to casually walk through the campground. Same for the host that did the same twice in a week with a blower pretending to blow pine needles of the road. Meaning, no actual change was made as attempts at grounds keeping is below the minimum -Plenty of weeds, unkept sites covered in debris that should be moved, due to lack of host care. You will likely need to rake through or clear your site

Extra 5$ over other local campgrounds because there is water available and trash. Not especially nice or terrible. Very small sites, most with no room for a normal size tent, sites packed on top of each other. Even the few meant for small rvs have little room. Host on site in a nice beautiful and well maintained site, the public sites are not well maintained. Overgrown with weeds, very disappointing. Hosts don’t do much and are unhelpful. Suggest looking for any other CG in the area, there are several

Details: Toilet and trash on site Tight road, don’t tow anything to big On site managers are unhelpful Minimal room for even the average size tent One car per site at mist of them, nowhere else to park Long but easy drive to Darby, minimal amenities. Hamilton only 15 more minutes

12 sites with good tables and fire rings. This is a well maintained NFS campground. 3 vault toilets that are kept clean. Sites #1 & #2 get the most sun, are the largest, and can accommodate any size RV. The remaining sites vary in size. #2 can easily hold 5 full size trucks side by side, or three medium size trailers/5th wheels with their tow vehicles. It also has 3 large tables, plenty of open ground for tents, and is ideal for large groups and families. Toilets are located across from site 3, between 5/6, across from 12. #7 is low ground camping you walk down to with minimal shade and perfect for hot weather days.

The exit is at site 12, one way travel thru the campground. Across the street from the exit is the entry to sites 1-4 horse camping. Small sites with table, fire ring, and enough room for a small tent. There are 3 large metal structures with 3 chains each for horses and 2 horizontal tie out bars. No room to park horse trailers on that pull thru. One trailer spot across from site 4 by the “stock water trail” sign, the rest can park 50 yards down the road at the trail head/turn around. There are 2 additional tie out areas here for horses and plenty of room for horse trailers and several other vehicles.

Be sure to read the notice above the envelope box before you pay. From weather dependent dates chosen by the Rangers there is no cost from late Oct to late May. Otherwise it is $10 per night, $5 with golden or access passes.

No cell service, only 1 mile to the paved road, Ranger station is only about 1/2 mile down that paved road. The Rangers are proactive in sharing any important information such as severe weather, bear activity, or any other notable activity.

Details: Ranger station on the main road less than a mike from the entrance. They show up once a week Ravialli county sheriff is who to call on weekends and holidays, they will respond Be bear aware in season Equestrian specific campsites Trailhead next to the CG So much firewood laying around There are some karens that have been “coming here my whole life” and think they own the place; avoid Only three site requires walking access, the rest are drive right in to. Only a few sites so if its great weather or holiday show up mid week or even a week ahead if you can Free stays out of season, otherwise it’s a daily fee, pay at the entrance sign