Trout Creek is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Trout Creek. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed!"
"It provided nothing, but was close to the river. We pooped in a bag, and provided our everything. We made a made a campfire. We didn’t shoot anything, but there were a lot of shells around."
"Fantastic access to the river for great fly fishing. Several spots in the trees and several in the more open areas. Vault toilet is to the right as you pull in about 1/8 mile away from pull off."
"The guy camping next to me was fishing and I wish I had but I forgot to get my Idaho license! The fish were jumping like CRAZY the night I stayed!"
"Have to ford Creek to access. Just one party there on memorial weekend. All the campsites on the way up here were very crowded."
"By far one of my favorite Mt lake hikes! With great camping at both the lower and upper lakes, I recommend using the trails app to help navigate through the switch backs, and have lots of water!"
"Dispersed camping at the "Peninsula" Recreation Area. 6 day stay limit according to the sign. No potable water. Stone fire rings throughout.
We stayed mid week during August."
"Main dirt road is well maintained but narrow and curves up the mountain. Lots of spots if you keep on going, but some offshoots are steep and rocky."
GuideA nice free spot right off the highway. Has a pit toilet, almost no bugs, nice pine tree shade, good dirt roads. Some trees are very sappy so be wary if setting up a hammock
GuideThis was my first ever backpacking experience and was a great introduction for me. We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed! I would recommend this trek for anyone who is wanting to learn and practice backpacking skills. There are a few cleared areas for dispersed camping at the lake and a few other locations along the 3.5-mile trail and the 11-mile trail to Engle Lake. It is mostly uphill along both trails, though, so be mindful of that when considering equipment and weight. It is a gorgeous spot and is close to the Engle Peak summit with 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountains. When we were here, there were a lot of Elk and Moose foot-traffic. They probably won't bother you. Just be aware of them and store your food properly. There have been grizzly bears spotted here, but not that frequently, apparently. Nonetheless, bring a bear canister and place it 100-300 feet from your tent. Enjoy the preserved and lightly trafficked gem! And as always, leave no trace and follow COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines :)
TravelerDispersed camping at the "Peninsula" Recreation Area. 6 day stay limit according to the sign. No potable water. Stone fire rings throughout.
We stayed mid week during August. Stayed in a medium sized site on the river. Small steep slope to the water.
Pros:
Plenty of space, both large and small sites.
Room for a 30' in a couple of the sites.
3 bars Tmobile.
Some sites on the water with a short steep slope down.
12 miles to gas station.
Beautiful views.
Cons: No pit toilets (edit: another camper said they are at the end of the campground) No potable water. Road/train noise. POISON IVY (found it... found all of it)
Overall we loved this spot. Being ok the water in a mostly private setting with such amazing views is our goal. Little bit of road noise but hardly noticeable over the wind in the trees.
Sites were clean but well used, so thank you to all the campers that took care of this place!
RangerEasy to get to. Can park a decent size rv in some spots and group camp in s couple. There are only a few spots thought.
You have to “walk down” a steep drop to access the river. When it’s high don’t try or say goodbye. Train runs often across the river and will disrupt your night unless you live in Montana then you’re already used to it. The toilets are stocked but not cleaned regularly. There was a you g lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay. If you’re not from Montana expect those that are to be unfriendly, that’s a thing here. Fire pits are a joke and burn band are common
Details: Free up to 14 days No water or trash Easy 15 min drive to St Regis, supplies and tourists traps aplenty Expect people to just ignore you as they walk right through your site to access the river Sheep can be seen across the river sometimes Pics are better than reality Uncomfortable atmosphere
RangerEasy to get to. Can park a decent size rv in some spots and group camp in s couple. There are only a few spots thought.
You have to “walk down” a steep drop to access the river. When it’s high don’t try or say goodbye. Train runs often across the river and will disrupt your night unless you live in Montana then you’re already used to it. The toilets are stocked but not cleaned regularly. There was a you g lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay. If you’re not from Montana expect those that are to be unfriendly, that’s a thing here. Fire pits are a joke and burn band are common
Details: Free up to 14 days No water or trash Easy 15 min drive to St Regis, supplies and tourists traps aplenty Expect people to just ignore you as they walk right through your site to access the river Sheep can be seen across the river sometimes Pics are better than reality Uncomfortable atmosphere
GuideMain dirt road is well maintained but narrow and curves up the mountain. Lots of spots if you keep on going, but some offshoots are steep and rocky. We took the second right offshoot and got an awesome view with plenty space to spread out. We car camp in a Wagoneer
ScoutSo gorgeous! Tent camped along the river! Very spaced out campsites, nice for lots of privacy and quiet! Signs to be aware of bear country but took precautions. Rock fire pits at each site. Super easy for quick stop road tripping (0.5 miles off main road)! Stayed in early September on a road trip to Glacier, was able to find our site decently well in the dark! Verizon cell service 3-4 bars! Loved it!
The west is the only safe way to enter onto the road to the campsites. On the map, it looks like you can enter/exit either way from 135… but the east side of the road to get back onto 135 is impossible… so we just had to turn around and exit the same way we came in (from the west).
LegendLovely dispersed camping area. Very pretty. We stayed for a night and were in good company. By the end of the day each site was filled and there were several folks driving through still looking for sites.
They’re spaced out well from one another giving all campers lots of privacy. Very wooded with paths down to the water. We hung out on a hammock most of the day but it rained throughout the night and into the next day so I wasn’t able to snag any good photos.
We small camper trailers, tents, single cots, and full RVs in this campground. Our site and seemingly most sites could have supported a 50 footer.
Although a popular spot, it wasn’t loud and we didn’t really interact with other campers.
There is a single vault toilet but no hookups. It’s dispersed camping. No water source beyond the river.
Great spot, highly recommend. I would try to get there early to grab a spot (first come first serve.) We went late September and every spot ended up filled.
ATT & Verizon service work well. Sites very unlevel
GuideWe were able to get our fifth wheel (40ft long, 13 1/2 ft tall) in and out easy! Lots of spaces and places to turn around. After crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsmans access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot.) Like another said, the best spot is past the first circular area. Keep going down the road and you’ll see a big shady area in the trees. (You can go further along to two more sites more suited for smaller pop-up campers, tents, or vans.) Close to the water so of course, there were some bugs: lots of bees and mosquitoes.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Trout Creek, Montana, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Trout Creek dispersed camping?
Trout Creek dispersed camping offers minimal amenities, typical of dispersed camping areas. Based on similar sites like Muchwater Recreation Area and 2 Mile Turn Off Dispersed Camp, you might find basic pit toilets or outhouses. Many sites have established stone fire rings. There is no potable water, electricity, or garbage service available. Some sites may have rustic picnic tables and fire grates. The natural setting typically provides shade from pine trees and access to a creek or river, but you should be prepared for dry camping conditions with no hookups.
Are there any regulations or permits needed for camping at Trout Creek?
While specific permit requirements for Trout Creek aren't detailed in the reviews, typical dispersed camping regulations likely apply. Similar to Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area, there may be a stay limit (typically around 6-14 days). Practice Leave No Trace principles, use existing fire rings, and be aware this is bear country requiring proper food storage. Check with the local Forest Service or BLM office before your trip, as regulations can change seasonally. Some dispersed areas require a free permit or have seasonal fire restrictions. Always pack out all trash and extinguish fires completely.
Where is Trout Creek dispersed camping located?
Trout Creek dispersed camping is located off a highway with access roads that may be narrow and difficult to find, often situated near a corner of the road. Similar to Rainbow Lake Montana State Campground, the entrance can be easy to miss. The path to reach the camping areas may be tight with trees on either side, potentially causing branches to hit vehicles. Once you navigate down to the camping area, you'll find spots along a creek or river, with some sites offering waterfront access.
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