The Charlo, Montana area offers campers access to the Mission Mountains and the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex. Sites typically sit at elevations between 3,000-4,000 feet with cool summer nights even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. The region's campgrounds often serve as gateways to extensive backcountry trail systems popular with equestrians and hikers.
What to do
Hike to Holland Falls: The 1.6-mile trail to Holland Falls provides excellent views and is suitable for most skill levels. "The hike to the Holland Falls is short but totally worth it! Clean lake perfect for swimming and paddleboarding," reports Talia H.
Explore wilderness trails: Multiple access points near Charlo connect to the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex. "You are right at the mouth of the Bob Marshall Wilderness for hiking exploring needs!" notes Sara C. The trail system offers day hikes and multi-day backcountry options.
Fish the Clark Fork River: Anglers can access prime fishing spots directly from riverside campsites. At Sloway Campground, "We enjoyed sitting in our space watching the river flow and, the anglers and the trains go by," reports Lisa K.
Float the river: Several put-in and take-out locations make river activities accessible. "You can put in right from your campsite, the beach by the pullthru sites, Dry Creek or Superior, then float to your campsite/beach, St Regis, or 14 Mile/Ferry Landing," explains Lisa C.
What campers like
River access: Many sites offer direct water access for fishing, swimming, and boating. At Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area, campers appreciate "Amazing site next to the river which drowned out all surrounding noise," according to Luke L., who adds that their site had "privacy and plenty of space to setup 5 tents."
Privacy between sites: Campgrounds in the region typically provide good spacing between sites. "Spots are very private and spacious overlooking river. Minimal road noise. Only a couple spots taken," notes Brian K. about the Lolo National Forest dispersed camping.
Wilderness proximity: Equestrian camping near Charlo, Montana benefits from immediate trail access. Holland Lake Campground connects directly to wilderness trails, with Sara C. noting it's "hands down, my favorite camping spot! You are right at the mouth of the Bob Marshall Wilderness for hiking exploring needs!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area supports diverse wildlife including bears. Carmen H. warns, "There are both black and grizzly bears that frequent this area daily, so be very careful with your food, and bear aware when hiking. My last stay was only 2 nights, and I ran into two bears, one that strolled right by my trailer."
What you should know
Bear safety is essential: The Charlo region is active bear habitat requiring proper food storage and awareness. "Keep an eye out for bears. We saw a black bear across the road from the campground," reports Sara D. at Holland Lake Campground.
Limited services: Most campgrounds offer basic amenities with few modern conveniences. "Not for the person who wants amenities (no cell service, showers...just flush toilets) but if you want a beautiful spot, this is for you!" explains Lesley J.
Seasonal insect activity: Early summer brings mosquito populations at many sites. "The mosquitoes were pretty bad in early July," notes Carl H., while Sara D. adds, "Bring bug spray, the mosquitos are out. They really go nuts when you first pull in but relax after a few minutes."
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railway noise. At Sloway Campground, "The bigger noise maker is the train that runs on the other side of the Clark Fork River. There are two road crossings across from the campground, and the trains are required to blow their horns when approaching these crossings," explains Kenneth F.
Tips for camping with families
Select accessible waterfall hikes: The Holland Falls trail works well for children. "The hike to Holland Falls is suitable for beginners and children, but be aware that it's rocky when you reach the falls, and dogs and children should be supervised in that area," advises Carmen H.
Consider camping timing: Mid-week visits offer less crowded experiences at popular campgrounds. "We had a really nice couple of mid week nights here. We couldn't get two consecutive nights in a row so had to move spots, but it wasn't a big deal," shares Sara D.
Pack entertainment for young riders: Lake Elsina - Dispersed offers primitive equestrian camping opportunities but requires preparation. "Absolutely gorgeous undeveloped area! If you can stand the hordes of mosquitos and constant trail of hikers coming through the area hiking to Lake Dinah," notes BriAnne M.
Check cell service availability: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. Sara D. reports, "The closest cell service is just outside of Seeley Lake," while Josh S. found "3 bars Tmobile" at the Lolo National Forest dispersed sites.
Tips from RVers
Research site access first: Some horse-friendly campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. At Out Post Campground, Megan K. notes it's "Great pit stop to Yellowstone" with "grounds very close to the highway and easy to access."
Know dump station locations: Many primitive horse camps lack full hookups or dump stations. Leland mentions at Holland Lake Campground, "The only issues we had were that it is not terribly remote so there are a lot of huge fifthwheelers who think they should have the best spots."
Prepare for noise considerations: Highway and railway noise affects some sites more than others. At Sloway Campground, Nancy C. explains, "We ended up not staying here. We didn't know there were trains running all night long. It wouldn't be so bad without the whistle."
Verify seasonal operation dates: Most equestrian camping facilities near Charlo have limited seasons. Josh S. notes important amenities at Lolo National Forest sites: "No pit toilets (edit: another camper said they are at the end of the campground). No potable water."
Traveler
