Camping sites near Lolo, Montana range from riverside fishing access points to forest road dispersed sites tucked between the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountain ranges. Elevations of most campgrounds sit between 3,200-4,000 feet, creating significant temperature swings between day and night even during summer months. Many Forest Service roads providing access to dispersed camping typically open by mid-May, though higher elevation access can be limited until early June depending on snowpack.
What to do
Fishing the Bitterroot: Access the river directly at Chief Looking Glass Campground which offers sites along the water. "The river wasn't particularly scenic, but it was right there. Lots of towering trees. Restroom was clean for a vault," notes one camper who stayed during September.
Trail hiking: From Charles Waters Campground, several hiking and horseback riding trails branch out, including routes that climb to mountain summits. A visitor mentions, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and dusk provide optimal wildlife spotting opportunities throughout the area. At Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping, visitors report frequent deer sightings: "Saw deer so far. It's tucked in a valley, so no awesome views. This is a spot for ease and convenience."
What campers like
Secluded, free forest sites: Blue Mountain Forest Road 365 - Dispersed offers numerous pull-offs for camping without facilities. "We drove about 45 minutes up the mountain on the 365 road, and found a very secluded camping spot with a absolute beautiful view. We hardly saw anyone on the way up but the road is very narrow," reports one camper who enjoyed the isolation.
Family-friendly amenities: Yellowrock Campground (formerly Square Dance Center) provides more structured camping with clean facilities. "The bathhouse is immaculate and the showers are like you wish you had at home. Staff were very friendly and helpful. There is access to the creek that runs along the campground," explains one satisfied visitor.
Riverside access: Multiple camping options provide direct water access. At Lolo Creek Campground, one camper appreciated the "Amazing river access from this spot. Bears, deer, beavers, frogs in the bogs along the river, butterflies, bats, fish, bunnies, grouse, chipmunks, eagles, black squirrels, snakes, and of course mosquitoes and flies... each site has a picnic table and fire pit."
What you should know
Seasonal road conditions: Forest Service roads to dispersed camping can be challenging without appropriate vehicles. At Blue Mountain Forest Road 365, a camper warned about terrain: "Road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn't recommend a rv or trailer unless you don't mind washboards. I got a flat tire going up so be careful of sharp rocks."
Gate closure times: Several fishing access sites have strict entry/exit rules. Chief Looking Glass Campground "gate to the campsite is closed from 10 PM to 8 AM so if you need to leave early, you cannot do so," states one review, an important consideration for early risers.
Varying camping rules: Campgrounds maintain different policies about fires, pets, and outdoor cooking. At Yellowrock Campground, "they don't allow fires unless it's in their fire ring and only a few camp sites have fire rings. We asked if we could use our fire pit that we brought (solo stove) and they said no. And there are no communal fire rings."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds with amenities provide entertainment beyond hiking. At Missoula KOA Holiday, "Playground, pool, mini golf, clean showers, restrooms and laundry! It was great!" according to a family with young children.
Wildlife exploration opportunities: Many campgrounds offer wildlife viewing directly from camp. At Missoula KOA Holiday, one dad reported, "My daughter wanted me to add that they have three very large bunnies that roll around the campground. She loves them."
Unique shelter options: For families wanting a camping experience without pitching tents, consider alternatives. Missoula KOA Holiday offers "two really nice teepees in the center of the campground. They are super deluxe and the next time I come here I will be staying in one of them."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Many RV sites near Lolo offer full connections. At Jim & Mary's RV Park, "The sites are gravel, mostly level and most sites have shade. The pull through sites on the outer edge do not but others inside do," notes one reviewer who appreciated the well-maintained grounds.
Site spacing considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly. Yellowrock Campground offers "sites are large, private, shaded, and well maintained," while others may position RVs closer together.
Weather preparation: The sprinkler systems at some RV parks can affect items left outside. At Jim & Mary's RV Park, "There is flowers everywhere and they have a sprinkler system to keep everything pretty so you can't leave anything out overnight that you don't want to get wet."
