Camping spots near Darby, Montana sit within the Bitterroot Valley, surrounded by the Sapphire Mountains to the east and the Bitterroot Range to the west, creating distinctive temperature variations between locations. Elevations range from 3,888 feet in town to over 8,000 feet in nearby mountain campsites. Winter access to most primitive sites ends after October due to snow accumulation and freezing temperatures.
What to do
Fly fishing opportunities: The Bitterroot River offers excellent trout fishing access from riverside camping areas. At Angler's Roost On the Bitterroot River, campers appreciate the easy access. One visitor noted, "This site has the cleanest and most amazing campground bathroom I've ever seen... Site 15 is right on the river."
Hiking trail access: Multiple campgrounds connect directly to trail systems. In the Blodgett Canyon area, campers can access the stunning canyon overlook trail. A camper at Blodgett Campground shared, "Great spot! This is a pretty standard campsite- there are only 5 sites though, so it can fill easily. Hiking is a must! The canyon overlook is stunning."
Swimming and water recreation: Lake Como provides summer swimming options with water that warms significantly by mid-summer. A visitor at Three Frogs Campground commented, "This 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."
What campers like
Quiet, wooded sites: Many campers value the secluded feeling at certain campgrounds. At Three Frogs Campground, a visitor described, "Three Frogs campground was wonderful. Completely wooded and spacious sites made this place really enjoyable! There were fire pits that lead to some really yummy s'mores!"
Riverfront camping: Direct river access ranks highly among camper preferences. According to one review at Angler's Roost Campground: "This is not a fancy campground but we loved it. It's on the Bitterroot River with the Bitterroot Mtns behind you and the Sapphire in front. The spaces are on the grass with full hook ups."
Small, less crowded options: Several campgrounds offer fewer sites but more privacy. One camper at Blodgett Campground shared, "Only five sites so come early to this free Campground. You're allowed to stay 14 days. Clean sites, vault toilet, BEAUTIFUL granite mountains on both sides that made for a perfect evening."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites involves navigating rough forest roads. A review for Lost Horse Dispersed Campground warned, "From the highway 93 turn it is 4.6 miles to where we camped. The last 2.3 miles of the drive was on a fairly rough, but very manageable, forest road. (Mostly washboard and a few holes)."
Crowds and traffic: Popular areas can experience unexpected traffic. A camper at Lost Horse Dispersed Campground noted, "The road in is BUSY. We have camped at a number of dispersed locations over the years and this was BY FAR the busiest forest road we have seen. On Friday night we counted 50 cars passing by before we stopped counting."
Reservation policies: Camping locations vary in their booking requirements. One visitor to Travellers Rest Cabins & RV Park advised, "We were in the area to fly fish and just needed a basic place to park our RV with power. We left the first location we were at due to extremely unprofessional and dangerous employees. We drove down the road to Traveler's Rest, a little frazzled from our recent experience and were very relieved that they were friendly, had availability."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for children: Choose campgrounds with child-friendly features. At Sam Billings Memorial Campground, a camper detailed the layout: "Sites #1 & #2 get the most sun, are the largest, and can accommodate any size RV. #2 can easily hold 5 full size trucks side by side... It also has 3 large tables, plenty of open ground for tents, and is ideal for large groups and families."
Bear safety precautions: Teach children proper food storage in bear country. A visitor at Three Frogs Campground mentioned that "Each tent site has a fire pit, tent pad, table, and is completed with a bear proof storage bin for food."
Water play opportunities: Select sites near shallow water areas for children. Lake Como provides swimming beaches with gradual entry points. A camper described, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Check campground limitations before arriving with larger rigs. At Travellers Rest Cabins & RV Park, a camper noted, "I have only tent camped here. Really nice flat grass for tents. $12 gets you campsite showers and toilets, WiFi and coin laundry. Also really great access to the bitterroot valley if you're into hikin and river activities."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary widely between campgrounds. A visitor to Lake Como Campground reported, "The campground has water and electricity. It's a great deal, especially for seniors with the America the Beautiful pass. We paid $12.50 a night. The sites are pretty spacious."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads for larger vehicles. A Three Frogs Campground visitor cautioned, "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."
