The Bitterroot Valley surrounding Victor, Montana sits at an elevation of around 3,500 feet with the Bitterroot Mountains rising dramatically to the west. Camping options near Victor, Montana include both developed campgrounds and primitive sites set among pine forests. The camping season in this area extends beyond the typical summer months, with some locations like Blodgett Campground offering year-round access depending on snow conditions.
What to do
Creek-side hiking trails: At Charles Waters Campground, trails lead from the campground to Bass Creek. "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," notes Rene S.
Fishing opportunities: Angler's Roost On the Bitterroot River provides direct river access for fishing. "This site has the cleanest and most amazing campground bathroom i've ever seen... Site 15 is right on the river. The campground had access to water and trash. Gas station and store on site," reports Alexis M.
Mountain viewing: Camp surrounded by mountain views at Blodgett Campground where five sites offer panoramic scenery. "This is a very nice little campground that is free. There is a great hiking trail from the campground - listed in Lonely Planet Hiking the Rockies. Pit toilet and pump water," notes Will M.
Wildlife observation: Head to National Bison Range, approximately 40 minutes from Missoula. A campground visitor at Missoula KOA suggests, "If you have a couple days here I would suggest a 40 minute drive to the National Bison Range. The kids will love it!"
What campers like
Camping without crowds: Many Bitterroot Valley sites offer quieter camping options. At Blodgett Campground, a reviewer notes: "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."
Natural soundscapes: The sound of creeks and rivers enhances camping experiences. "We love the fact that you can hear the cascading water at the sites, peaceful," writes MT Nesters about Chief Looking Glass Campground. Another camper noted, "This is a pretty quiet fishing campground. In fact, if you have a fishing license it's cheaper to stay here than if you don't."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities. "Trees for shade, clean vaulted toilets. Nice camp sites and camp ground," reported LeRoy U. about Charles Waters Campground. Another camper at Yellowrock Campground (formerly Square Dance Center) mentioned "The bathhouse is immaculate and the showers are like you wish you had at home."
Accessibility: Many campsites offer convenient access from main roads. "Just a mile of Highway 93. I was able to get a campsite, I think one of the very last remaining, on Thursday at about 4:30 PM. Nice wooded area. Pave roadway and parking spot," wrote Richard H. about Charles Waters Campground.
What you should know
Limited availability: Small campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Blodgett Campground, Matt S. reports: "Pulled in to find an empty spot, host said they left about 15 minutes prior so hallelujah. 5 sites but spread out enough. Free which rocks and actually have decent cell (Verizon)."
Seasonal conditions: Facilities may vary by season, particularly in early spring. At Charles Waters Campground, one visitor advised, "The only down side was the the trash services weren't ready yet, so make sure to pack it out if you're there in early may."
Fishing license savings: Some camping fees are reduced with a fishing license. At Chief Looking Glass Campground, Annie C. noted, "This is a pretty quiet fishing campground. In fact, if you have a fishing license it's cheaper to stay here than if you don't."
Gate restrictions: Some fishing access campgrounds have locked gates overnight. "The gate to the campsite is closed from 10 PM to 8 AM so if you need to leave early, you cannot do so," warned Riley about Chief Looking Glass Campground.
Site types vary: Campsites range from secluded to more social arrangements. "They have several very creative approaches to tent sites. The one that I am staying at has a tent circle, five sites in the round, facing outward, fenced on each side with a picnic table," described a camper at Missoula KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Yellowrock Campground provides multiple recreation choices. "The people running the campground are nice. The bathrooms were kept clean. There are games available for free (horseshoes, cornhole, frisbee golf, and more)," writes Kari L.
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds offer water access during summer months. "Paves roads, large sites, (sloped, not level) very friendly hosts, water spigots throughout, pit toilets, cement picnic tables. We love the fact that you can hear the cascading water at the sites, peaceful," notes MT Nesters about Charles Waters Campground.
Group camping options: For larger family gatherings, Larry Creek Group Campground provides dedicated group sites. "It was the beginning of May.. so it was easy to get the spot. We all had a great time. Large campfire area with seating," reports Robin F.
Wildlife sightings: Multiple campgrounds feature wildlife viewing opportunities. Craig L. noted about one campground: "My daughter wanted me to add that they have three very large bunnies that roll around the campground. She loves them."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV sites vary in size and levelness. "What a great setting in the trees. Campground is clean, sites are well spaced, parking pads are pretty flat and big," writes Steve D. about Charles Waters Campground.
Hook-up availability: Most forest campgrounds have limited or no hookups. "Nice campground. No water or electric but paved sites," notes Robin F. about Charles Waters Campground.
Riverside options: Several RV parks offer riverfront sites. At Angler's Roost, a camper shared: "This is not really our type of camping spot. It's more of an RV park than a camping spot, but for what it is, it's nice. They have spots right on the Bitterroot River."
Weekday arrivals recommended: Arriving mid-week improves chances of finding available sites. "I got there around 2 on a Sunday and had 3 sites to pick from. All of the sites were full by 4pm," notes Annie C. about Chief Looking Glass Campground.
