Located in a scenic area along the West Fork Bitterroot River in the mountains of southwestern Montana, situated at an elevation of 4,500 feet. Large ponderosa pine trees, fir, aspen, and cottonwoods provide shade.
One bear proof container for tent campers on bicycles or ATVs. Bear proof garbage dumpsters. No cell phone coverage. Bears frequent the area, food storage requirements from March 1 - December 1. Alta Ranger Station (first Forest Service Ranger Station in the US, built in 1899) is a short distance away.
This is a Bitterroot National Forest campground—one of the Forest Service camps that define Montana camping for travelers who want a fire ring, a picnic table, and quiet timber rather than full-hookup convenience. Amenities are modest by design. Confirm water, trash, and fire restrictions with the local ranger district before you drive in.
Nearest town: Darby. Elevation about 4500 feet.
Campground snapshot
- Agency / unit: USFS — Bitterroot National Forest
- Sites: 15
- Type: Tent/RV
- Fee range: $15
- Season: Jun-Sep
- Reservations: Recreation.gov, FCFS
- Access road: Gravel
- Best for: Bitterroot River
Amenities
Picnic tables, campfire rings, grills, accessible pit toilets, drinking water, bear proof container, bear proof garbage dumpsters
How to book
Reservations and site details typically run through Recreation.gov, FCFS. Many Forest Service camps keep first-come, first-served loops; remote camps may be entirely FCFS. Confirm current fees, water status, and fire restrictions before arrival. Official listing: www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234618.
Bear country & campcraft
This stop sits in classic Montana bear country. Store all attractants—food, trash, toiletries, cookware, and pet food—in a hard-sided vehicle, an IGBC-approved container, a provided bear box, or a proper hang. Never bring food or cooking clothes into the tent.
Campfires belong only in provided metal rings when restrictions allow. Drown, stir, and feel the ashes with the back of your hand before leaving or sleeping. In Stage II restrictions, open fires are banned even in developed sites—use a shut-off stove only.
Follow Leave No Trace: camp on durable surfaces, pack out everything you pack in, and leave the site cleaner than you found it.
Plan the rest of the trip
- Camping reference: reservations, bears, and fire rules
- Open this stop on the Backroads Guided Trails map
- Campgrounds directory
Visitor Access
- Nearest town: Darby
- Focus: National Forest
- Coordinates: 45.7636, -114.2833
- Road note: Gravel
- Access note: Confirm road conditions, water availability, and fire restrictions before arrival. Mountain weather can drop below freezing even in midsummer.
- Legal reminder: Follow agency food-storage orders, stay within designated sites in developed camps, and respect private land and tribal boundaries.