Best Campgrounds near Stevensville, MT
Camping options near Stevensville, Montana include both established campgrounds and dispersed sites throughout the surrounding Bitterroot Valley. Charles Waters Campground, located in the Bitterroot National Forest, offers paved campsites suitable for both tent and RV camping without hookups. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets, water spigots, and trash collection. Bass Lake Dispersed Camping offers free primitive camping experiences for those seeking more remote accommodations. Chief Looking Glass Campground near Florence provides fishing access and multiple site types with tent and RV camping opportunities along the Bitterroot River.
Access to these campgrounds varies with seasonal conditions, typically optimal from May through October when most facilities are fully operational. Charles Waters Campground costs approximately $10-15 per night, while Chief Looking Glass has fees around $18 for out-of-state visitors. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, making weekday arrivals recommended during peak summer months. Sites at popular locations like Charles Waters often fill by mid-afternoon, particularly on weekends. The region experiences significant mosquito activity near water sources during summer months. As one camper noted, "Peaceful and quiet, one of my favorite spots to camp during spring-fall. Good fishing, can float the river from Florence bridge to camp."
Campers frequently mention the peaceful environment and natural beauty throughout the Bitterroot Valley as highlights of their stay. Charles Waters receives praise for its spacious, wooded sites that provide privacy despite their proximity. The sound of Bass Creek flowing through the campground adds to the tranquil atmosphere. Sites situated along waterways tend to be most desirable, offering both recreation and ambient sounds. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities, particularly the clean vault toilets and organized campground layouts. Several campgrounds feature hiking trail access, with connections to longer routes through the Bitterroot Mountains. One visitor reported, "Very nice campground, all sites paved but the sites can't be reserved. Whole campground is first come first served, so if it is a planned stop try to get there by noon."
