Charles Waters Campground features clean facilities and natural shade, distinguishing it from other equestrian camping options near Victor, Montana. Located in the Bitterroot National Forest at 3,200 feet elevation, the campground experiences mild summer temperatures typically ranging 70-85°F during peak season. The surrounding area connects to extensive trail systems suitable for day rides of varying difficulty levels.
What to do
Explore Bass Creek trails: Multiple access points from Charles Waters Campground connect riders to extensive trail networks. "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.
Visit Garnet Ghost Town: Located within driving distance of Bearmouth RV Park, this preserved mining town offers historical exploration. "Beautiful views here along the Clark Fork River with lots of things to do in the nearby area including visiting the Garnet Ghost town, Philipsburg, Deer Lodge, Anaconda, Butte and Missoula," shares Jason A.
Mountain sunset viewing: Forest roads from Charles Waters Campground provide scenic overlooks. "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)," mentions Annie C.
River recreation: Camps along waterways offer fishing and water activities. At Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground, visitors find "great river access and shady spots with some full hookups available," according to Reames C.
What campers like
Natural water features: Stream access enhances the camping experience at Charles Waters Campground. "The creekside sites are especially lovely," shares Jess W., while MT Nesters 4 adds, "We love the fact that you can hear the cascading water at the sites, peaceful."
Site privacy: Vegetation between campsites creates secluded spaces. "Sites are close-ish together but very private because of the tree cover," explains Jess W. about Charles Waters Campground. This natural separation maintains a wilderness feel despite proximity to other campers.
Trailhead proximity: Sam Billings Memorial Campground provides direct trail access. "Stayed we with a friend here to do some surficial geology in the Bitterroots Mt. It was a really nice central area to work out of and it had all we needed from a long day in the field," notes Nick P.
Seasonal availability: Off-season camping offers cost savings. At Sam Billings Memorial Campground, "No cost although that will change next weekend. They'll start charging $10," explains Steve O., reflecting the seasonal fee structure at many Bitterroot forest campgrounds.
What you should know
Arrival timing: First-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly. At Charles Waters Campground, "Plenty of open sites M-Th, even during the summer," reports Jess W., while Robert T. advises, "if it is a planned stop try to get there by noon."
Seasonal facilities: Services vary throughout the operating season. At Charles Waters Campground, "the trash services weren't ready yet, so make sure to pack it out if you're there in early may," cautions Thomas C.
Noise considerations: Generator use affects the camping experience. At Out Post Campground, highway proximity offers "easy access" but increases ambient noise, while at Charles Waters, one camper "gave it 4 star only due to campers with generators."
Water supply limitations: Potable water availability varies by location. Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground sometimes operates under water advisories, with Andrea B. noting, "Staff provided jugs of water due to the water boil notice."
Tips for camping with families
Recreational amenities: East Fork Group Area provides water-based activities. "The river by the camp sites is absolutely beautiful. The lake at the top of the hill is a sight to be seen with the surrounding mountains," describes Nick T.
Kid-friendly facilities: Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground offers dedicated play areas. Eugenia W. shares her family's experience: "We pulled in and the kids where so excited!! Wonderful people helped us to our spot, we are t up camp, kids went to the playground."
Space for group activities: Larger sites accommodate family gatherings. Sam Billings Memorial Campground offers variable site sizes, with Sadie P. noting site #2 "can easily hold 5 full size trucks side by side... has 3 large tables, plenty of open ground for tents, and is ideal for large groups and families."
Wildlife awareness: Bear safety requires proper precautions. Sam Billings Memorial Campground advises visitors to "Be bear aware in season," with ranger staff providing updates on "severe weather, bear activity, or any other notable activity."
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: Charles Waters Campground offers varying accommodations for different vehicle sizes. "Paves roads, large sites, (sloped, not level) very friendly hosts, water spigots throughout, pit toilets, cement picnic tables," describes MT Nesters 4.
Hookup availability: Bearmouth RV Park provides utility connections. Hanaa notes, "All of which have water and electric. There is a good amount of space between RV campsites."
Dump station access: Servicing options exist at established campgrounds. Reames C. mentions Bearmouth RV Park "offer a 'honey pot' mobile dump station where they come pump your sewage, sometimes offering a free dump for stays of a week or longer."
Arrival recommendations: RV site availability follows predictable patterns. Richard H. reports about Charles Waters Campground, "I was able to get a campsite, I think one of the very last remaining, on Thursday at about 4:30 PM."
Ranger
