Join the fun near Bitterroot National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Bitterroot National Forest. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.
"Right next to the creek, with another small branch cutting through the middle of the campground, the only thing I could hear was the water and later a fire spotter plane overhead."
"Stay here for quick access to Lamar Valley. Be aware of your surroundings, we had a coyote visit us unexpectedly!"
LegendOnly 3 miles off the main drag, I’m not sure why more people weren’t camping here. While there are only about 8 sites only 2(including mine) were taken. Maybe it was the smoke from distant first fires. Anyway, great little campground! Right next to the creek, with another small branch cutting through the middle of the campground, the only thing I could hear was the water and later a fire spotter plane overhead. The vault toilet was super clean and serviced recently. Sites were of different sizes(the parking pad curbs had lengths listed on them), and of differing amounts of levelness. I had site 2 and had to go to a fairly low spot to find a level place to pitch my tent, not a problem during a drought, but it would have been wet if it had rained. Saw a doe and fawn on the way out in the morning.
Ranger7 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
LegendThis is a nice little campground. 5 RV/tent sites. Plus a 6th tent only site. Vault toilet. Right next to river with hiking trail. Good fishing for small trout. About 6 miles from main road.
LegendThis is a nice campground with a beautiful lake. No hookups. Potable water. No dump. Vault toilets. Sites are spaced out. Lake access is not the greatest for carrying kayaks. Good lake access from day use just before entering campground. $15 night. Some hiking trails.
Ranger12 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
TravelerAfter a long day on the lake it's nice to have a cozy spot to come back to. Outhouses with vault toilets, fire ring, picnic table.
Ranger21 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.
RangerThe Selway is one of the most beautiful places in Idaho, and this campground is a good place to stay on your visit! There are plenty of sites (32) to stay at, however it can tend to get crowded, so I recommend reserving a spot ahead of time. The crowds are really the only downside to this site (if you prefer more quiet and privacy) but fortunately there are other sites along the river that are also great spots to camp. This campsites has plenty of amenities and many of the sites are pretty accessible. This is a great place for families, people with limited mobility, and the elderly to visit. There are vault toilets, potable water, and bear-proof dumpsters that serve the whole camp. Individual sites should all have tent spots, picnic tables, and a fire ring. The loop around the campsite is paved. Kids and families often ride their bikes around the loop. Like much of central Idaho, the wildlife includes black bears and rattlesnakes, so remember to be cautious and aware of our wilder friends! The area offers a great variety of recreation opportunities. Slower areas of the river offer great swimming, and the Lower Selway makes a great day trip on kayaks or rafts. There is lots of biking, hiking, and horseback riding along the river and through the mountains. Selway Falls are beautiful and a really fun stop.
TravelerBear Creek Pass Campground is semi-official dispersed camping at Bear Creek Pass, the location of two trail heads. I surveyed the site during a hike but did not stay over night.
There are two trail heads, about 1/2 mile apart. Between is a turn off for the“campground” which is little more than a pull out and a turn around. I didn’t see tent sites off the road. A little further on is a large parking area with vault toilet. A little beyond that a small parking area near the second trail head. Between these two is the one place that did look like a camp site. There was one fire ring and vegetation had been pressed down.
There are facilities for horses: several hitching posts and a loading ramp. These don’t look like they have been used for a while. We did see signs that horses were up here recently but the area is little impacted by horse use.
The area is in open pine forest with meadows. There is a stream flowing near by.
I would certainly sleep in my vehicle over night here or set up a tent. You can overnight here before starting on a hike from one of the trail heads. However, this site has little to recommend itself as a destination for an extended stay or overflow if nearby Schumaker is full.
Nestled in the stunning Bitterroot National Forest, tent camping offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bitterroot National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bitterroot National Forest is Deep Creek with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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