Autumn Camping is Great in the Bitterroot – And There are Choices

Autumn Camping is Great in the Bitterroot – And There are Choices

A Bitterroot National Forest campsite at Bass Creek. (Steve Fullerton, Townsquare Media)

The Bitterroot National Forest has closed a few campgrounds and turned off water services in advance of freezing temperatures, but don't let that stop you from getting out into the nearby forests for a day hike or some overnight camping. Fire danger has lessened and campfires are allowed, but PUT THEM OUT when you leave your campsite. We'll list the camping opportunities in the three Ranger Districts of the Bitterroot National Forest.

Stevensville Ranger District:
Bass Creek Recreation Area

  • Charles Water Campground - Services and $10 nightly fees are in effect until October 1, when it closes.
  • Larry Creek Group Site - Reservations until October 1, when it is "first come - first serve" until November 30.
  • Blodgett Campground - 7 Campsites open until December 1, depending on weather. No water service. Garbage - Pack it in, pack it out.
  • Gold Creek Campground - 5 campsites open until closed by snow. Pack it in, pack it out.

    • Darby/Sula Ranger District
    Lake Como Recreation Area

  • Lower Como Campground for RVs - Closed for season.
  • Three Frogs Campground - Open until closing October 1. No fees, no water. Pack it in, pack it out.
  • Lake Como Day Use sites (picnic, trail, beach boat launch) are open through the winter. No fees.
  • Rock Creek Horse Camp - No fees, no services, but open until snow closure.
  • Wood's Cabin - Available for fall and winter rental. $60 per night at recreation.gov.

    • Elsewhere in the district -

  • Black Bear Campground - 6 campsites. No services. Open until closed by snow.
  • Lost Horse Road and Shumaker Campground - Open until closed by snow. No services.
  • Spring Gulch Campground - $12 nightly fees until October 1, when it will close.
  • Indian Trees Campground - $10 nightly fees until Closure October 1.
  • Martin Creek Campground - $8 fees until Oct. 1, then no fees until snow closure.
  • Warm Springs Campgrounds - $8 nightly fees until Oct. 1, then no fees until closure October 31.
  • Crazy Creek Campground - $8 nightly fees until October 1, then no fees until closed by snow.
  • Crazy Creek Horse Camp - Open with no fees until closed by snow.
  • Jennings Camp - Open with no fees until closed by snow.
  • McCart Lookout - closed for the season.
  • East Fork Guard Station - Open for rentals year-round at recreation.gov.
  • Two Good Cabin - Reservations until October 15 and then only during December at recreation.gov.

    • West Fork Ranger District

  • Rombo Campground - Open with no services until closed by snow.
  • Alta Campground - Open with no services until closed by snow.
  • Sam Billings Campground - 12 campsites with no services until closed by snow.
  • Slate Creek Campground - Front loop open with no services until closed by snow. Back loop closes September 30.
  • Fales Flat Campgrounds - Open with no services until closed by snow.
  • Beaver Point, Raven Creek, Indian Creek, Paradise Campgrounds are open until closed by snow.
  • Magruder Ranger's House - Reservations through October 20 at recreation.gov.

    • For more information call the ranger stations. Darby/Sula at 406 821-3913, Stevensville at 406 777-5461, West Fork at 821-3269.

    Filed Under: Bitterroot National Forest, winter
    Categories: Local News

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