145 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Bitterroot Valley around Florence, Montana encompasses several distinct camping areas with options ranging from developed sites to primitive camping. Chief Looking Glass Campground offers riverside camping with sites that accommodate both tents and RVs along the Bitterroot River, while Charles Waters Campground provides paved sites in a forested setting with access to hiking trails. Dispersed camping opportunities exist at Peterson Lake and in nearby national forest lands, particularly along Blue Mountain Forest Road. The region includes a mix of state, federal, and fishing access sites with varying amenities and regulations.
Seasonal factors significantly impact camping availability in the Florence area. Most developed campgrounds operate from May through September or early November, with several closing after Labor Day. "We got there about 4:30 in the middle of the week in late September and there was only one spot left," noted one camper about Chief Looking Glass. Mosquitoes present a notable challenge during summer months, particularly at riverside locations. Gates at some fishing access campgrounds close overnight, typically from 10 PM until morning, restricting late arrivals or early departures. Water levels in creeks and rivers fluctuate seasonally, affecting fishing conditions and water-based activities. Cell service varies by location but is generally available at most developed sites near Florence.
Riverside locations consistently receive attention in visitor reviews, with the Bitterroot River providing scenic backdrop to several campgrounds. Campers at Chief Looking Glass appreciate the spacious sites that can accommodate multiple tents. According to visitor reports, the campground's proximity to Missoula makes it popular for overnight stays when other areas are full. Charles Waters Campground receives praise for its well-maintained facilities and privacy between sites, with one camper describing it as having "sites spaced apart nicely" despite the lack of hookups. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, with reports of coyotes and various bird species. First-come, first-served policies apply at most public campgrounds in the region, with visitors recommending arrival by early afternoon to secure desirable sites, especially on summer weekends.
"Great for tent camping, there are several spots with trails leading to Bass Creek. Recreational area, picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms, and about 10 minutes from Florence MT."
"Traveling south in Montana and found this lovely little place. Trees, meadows and solitude. Just the way I like it"
"Good fishing, can float the river from Florence bridge to camp, mostly private spots, most spots are on the tributary run off of the bitterroot river, lots of wildlife from small to larger animals, there"
"We got a nice spot next to the river. It was really relaxing. There’s two pit toilets and 1 water pump near the entrance. It’s first come first serve."
from $6 - $18 / night
Check Availability"Great friendly and clean place to stay in Missoula Montana!"
"This KOA is conveniently located for a quick overnight stop. We were passing through Montana and needed a full hookup site to rest and recharge before another long day of driving."
from $75 - $192 / night
Check Availability"Full hook-ups are available, and it's close to everything yet nestled in the forest."
"Can walk to the river. Two Porto ponies nearby. On main bathhouse. Cold washers. Medium 5G. $27/night"
from $27 - $47 / night
Check Availability"Lots of shade to keep cool during the hot Montana summer. We wish we would have stayed a few more nights."
"The pull through sites on the outer edge do not but others inside do. The laundry and bathhouse was very nice and clean. 2.00 per load to wash."
"Drove here at night look peaceful loved the drive made it to the spot parked set up my roof-tent grabbed my chair and flash light went past the wooden fence to one of 2 hand made fire pits set up **next **"
"On my drive up I did not see any established distributed campsites. However there are some turn offs that you could park at. This area would probably not be ideal for RVs."
"We tried to drive out here and the gps location is on private land. The actual campground is to the east on the main highway on the south side of the road."
"Tucked in away from everything. Nice little camping spot!"
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $75 / night
Check Availability"We had been staying at different sites as we traveled to Montana from Iowa and this one was a favorite!. We will make it a point to stay there again when coming out west."
"The 1 mile Nature Trail around the area is really well maintained and beautiful. There are 2 Tipi sites you can rent as well."
from $24 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful location, classic Montana with trees mountains and rivers! Great restaurant on site. Campsites are the reason for not giving 5 stars. Very tight and not great space for maneuverability."
"Sites are very close to each other, so don't expect solitude, but they have free wifi, bathrooms, showers, and laundry on site. Gorgeous surroundings and generally quiet."
from $40 - $100 / night
Check Availability
RangerDon't know if it's the long gravel road in, but I was amazed how few people were enjoying this gem on a weekend. Beach access is tough without decent ground clearance, but doable if you pick your line.
RangerI typically eschew State Parks due to all of the people, but this one ain't bad, and the reservoir was the perfect temperature for swimming.
ScoutGreat campground, clean bathrooms. Friendly camp hosts. Right on the lake. Sandy Beach. Lake has a muddy bottom.
GuideIt’s a KOA, nice level sites, although close, clean bathrooms, nice pool, “free” breakfast one day but didn’t have staff to do it the other day. The lawn mowing felt like it happened every day and the staff were driving the loud carts by our site all day. But things were very clean and the staff were nice. It was easy to grab an uber to go places but also walkable to a few stores. We used an uber to go downtown to catch a shuttle to Kettlehouse amphitheater for a concert.
GuideThis little gem comes up quick and is tucked off of Highway 12. Handful of spots with a vault toilet and most the campsites are right on the river. There’s plenty of dead wood for fires and easy to drive my truck through.
GuideLove this place right on the Lochsa River. Small and peaceful. Pit toilet.
GuideEasy to get to, very popular. Paid campground $8 per night with senior and access passes, decent vault toilets, potable water, trash disposal, tall pines/shade, paved Loop A 1-24 first come first serve, Loop B has some first come first serve as well, Loop C no first come first serve. Cell service, plenty for zoom meetings. With shade, solar is challenging. No hook ups. Campfire rings and firewood for sale by the host. Need a water craft to get on lake for fishing.
TravelerClose to highway so for sure road noise, but I’m used to that when in places like this.
You can actually stay for up to 4 days/3 nights by signing up for their player card and gambling a bit.
Security does need to unlock the electric boxes, sadly I just wanted to run my mini split AC and their 20amp didn’t support that amount of power needed. But I won’t ding them for that, just wanted to make people aware. They also have 30/50 amp ports.
Bathrooms are clean and they also have free beverages. This is a smoking casino, so if you go in during a busy time it may be pretty smoky. I went in around 3pm
Also nice area for dogs to potty, they had picnic tables to sit at.
By front door there are also outdoor activity stuff for people to play games and couches to lounge in.
Overall I think this is a very well thought out location that’s super convenient.
Also 1 bar Verizon cell
*restaurant was closed during my stay.
TravelerFree camping spot next to Placid Lake. Has Porta potties. Lots of space.
The Florence area sits at the intersection of the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountain ranges, creating diverse camping environments at elevations ranging from 3,200 to 5,000 feet. Dispersed camping options along forest service roads provide alternatives to established camping sites near Florence, Montana. Water availability varies significantly with many creeks drying up by late summer, requiring campers to bring their own water supply.
Mountain biking access: Blue Mountain Forest Road offers multiple dispersed camping spots with direct access to mountain biking trails. "Blue Mountain is a great place to recreate! Very dog friendly and tons of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Camping is allowed west of road 365," notes one camper at Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed.
Creek exploration: Most campgrounds in the area provide access to small waterways perfect for wading during summer months. At Charles Waters Campground, "There are some nice hiking and horseback riding trails across the road, and there is a forest road that goes all the way to the top of the mountains with picnic tables to watch the sunset or sunrise."
High-elevation hiking: Peterson Lake dispersed camping area offers backcountry sites with lake access via a challenging trail. "About 5 miles one way to Peterson lake, another 1 and 2 miles to Duffy and Holloway lakes above Peterson. Nice secluded valley heading into Bitteroot-Selway wilderness. You gain around 1700ft in elevation before dropping down around 800ft into the first lake."
Easy river access: Several camping areas provide direct water access with flat areas suitable for small watercraft. At Chief Looking Glass Campground, "There is a beautiful flat water river with two access points and locals tube and paddle here. There are tent sites, back-in sites, and pull through sites."
Scenic drives: Many camping areas serve as base camps for scenic drives along the Bitterroot Valley. "There is a forest road that goes all the way to the top of the mountains with picnic tables to watch the sunset or sunrise (when the smoke doesn't cloud the view)."
Midweek availability: Most camping sites in the Florence area remain available midweek even during peak season. "Plenty of open sites M-Th, even during the summer. Sites are close-ish together but very private because of the tree cover. The creekside sites are especially lovely," reports a camper at Charles Waters Campground.
Gate restrictions: Several fishing access sites implement overnight gate closures affecting early departures. "The gate to the campsite is closed from 10 PM to 8 AM so if you need to leave early, you cannot do so," warns a camper about Chief Looking Glass.
Seasonal water levels: Many creeks run dry by mid-summer, affecting fishing and water recreation options. "The creek was all dried up and it just overall was not a great campsite. We packed up and moved on."
Campsite variety: Lolo Creek Campground provides a mix of stream-adjacent and wooded sites with varying degrees of privacy. "Wide campsites in a loop near river. Most people stay here for a night. Easy to pay, at the entrance you can pay in cash in a envelope."
Cell service gaps: Coverage varies widely between campgrounds and can be nonexistent in some areas. "There is no cell service at nor near the campsite," notes a Lolo Creek Campground visitor, while others report "Medium 5G" or "spotty" service at other locations.
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer built-in recreational facilities that keep children entertained. Missoula KOA Holiday has "Playground, pool, mini golf, clean showers, restrooms and laundry! It was great!" according to one family camper.
Wildlife watching opportunities: Many camping areas provide chances to observe local wildlife in natural settings. "My daughter wanted me to add that they have three very large bunnies that roll around the campground. She loves them."
Creek access for hot days: Several campgrounds feature shallow creek areas perfect for supervised water play. "Great for tent camping, there are several spots with trails leading to Bass Creek. Recreational area, picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms, and about 10 minutes from Florence MT."
Pad conditions: Yellowrock Campground offers level, maintained RV spaces with good separation between sites. "Very nice campground! The sites are large, private, shaded, and well maintained. The bathhouse is immaculate and the showers are like you wish you had at home."
Generator policies: Several campgrounds have specific rules about generator use, which impacts RV campers without solar setups. "I gave it 4 star only due to campers with generators. Other than that a great place."
Site measurements: RVers should confirm exact dimensions before booking as some "large" sites have restrictions. "Sites varied in size and shape and shade. I like the sites on the far side of the loop as they are closer to the creek and away from the dusty road."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Florence, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Florence, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Florence, MT and 24 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Florence, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Florence, MT is Charles Waters Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Florence, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Florence, MT.
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