Gold Creek Campground
04 reviewsGold Creek Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Recreation use fees are $8 for camping. Reservation service fees vary: $8 if made online or through the app, $9 if made via contact center, and $3 for in-person reservations.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the rugged beauty of the Bitterroot National Forest, Gold Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with just 4 secluded campsites. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to adventure, with miles of trails beckoning hikers, mountain bikers, motorcycle enthusiasts, and equestrians alike. From your campsite, you'll have direct access to the pristine Skalkaho Wildlife Preserve, the babbling waters of Gold Creek, and the renowned Easthouse National Recreation Trail. While the campground welcomes RVs and trailers up to 25 feet, its true charm lies in the sense of wilderness solitude it provides.
Gold Creek Campground offers a limited number of campsites (4 in total) suitable for tents and small RVs/trailers. Group camping, cabins, or glamping accommodations are not available.
Weather and SeasonsGold Creek's mountain climate brings dramatic seasonal changes that transform the landscape throughout the year. Winter blankets the canyon in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy few who venture here during the colder months. Spring and fall can surprise visitors with freezing temperatures even as wildflowers bloom or leaves turn golden. Summer offers the most predictable conditions, though mountain weather always keeps you on your toes with cool mornings giving way to warm afternoons, and afternoon thunderstorms rolling through the canyon. Pack layers and be prepared for nature's mood swings in this dynamic mountain environment.
ElevationCarved deep into the mountains, Gold Creek Campground nestles within a dramatic steep-walled canyon that creates its own microclimate and ecosystem. The towering canyon walls provide both shelter and a sense of awe-inspiring scale.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking to the echoing call of canyon wrens as morning light slowly descends the steep canyon walls surrounding Gold Creek Campground. This dramatic setting within the Bitterroot National Forest creates an amphitheater of natural beauty, where towering pines and firs cling to rocky slopes and the constant melody of Gold Creek provides nature's soundtrack. The surrounding forest teems with wildlife, from black bears and elk to smaller creatures that make the nearby Skalkaho Wildlife Preserve their home. Every direction offers postcard-worthy views, whether you're gazing up at the canyon rim or following the creek as it tumbles over moss-covered rocks.
Geological RegionGold Creek Campground occupies a spectacular steep-walled canyon carved over millennia into the heart of the Bitterroot National Forest. This geological wonder showcases the raw power of water and time, with exposed rock faces telling the story of ancient upheavals and patient erosion. The canyon's unique topography creates diverse microclimates that support an incredible variety of plant and animal life, making it a living laboratory for nature enthusiasts. The proximity to both the Skalkaho Wildlife Preserve and the Easthouse National Recreation Trail places you at the intersection of some of the region's most significant natural corridors, where wildlife roams freely and ecosystems thrive in protected splendor.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 25 feet, suggesting moderately sized sites.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
There is no information about designated group camping facilities.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov website or app, contact center, and in-person.
Walk-in AvailabilityGold Creek Campground does not offer reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservation modifications or cancellations incur fees, including a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees for late cancellations. Late cancellations are defined as occurring after 12:00 AM local time on the day before the reservation start date.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Gold Creek Campground provides abundant outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, motorcycle and horseback riding. Fishing opportunities are available in Gold Creek, North Fork Bitterroot, and other nearby creeks, while seasonal hunting for deer and elk is also noted. Trails connect directly to the Skalkaho Wildlife Preserve and the Easthouse National Recreation Trail.
Hiking
Extensive hiking opportunities are available directly from the campground and nearby trails, giving access to the Skalkaho Wildlife Preserve and Easthouse National Recreation Trail.Fishing
Fishing is possible in Gold Creek, the North Fork Bitterroot, and other area creeks. Specific types of fish are not detailed.Biking
Biking is mentioned as one of the recreational activities available, but no specific details about trails or terrain are provided.Wildlife viewing
The campground's proximity to the Skalkaho Wildlife Preserve makes it a suitable spot for wildlife observation. However, details on specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned in the available information.Water Sports
There is no information about non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsThe area is marked with warnings about black bear and grizzly bear activity.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information is available regarding trash or recycling facilities at this campground.
Proximity to water featuresGold Creek and Middle Burnt Fork Creek confluence is nearby.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints in reviews include narrow access roads and the removed footbridge over the creek.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Stevensville head south on East Side Highway 0.5 miles. Turn east (left) on Burnt Fork Rd (County Road 372) which becomes FS 312. Follow for approximately 14 miles to the campground.
The road to Gold Creek Campground is described as graded and passable, but reports suggest narrow roads and seasonal recommendations for 4x4 vehicles or decent tires for access beyond the campground. The area is located in a steep canyon.Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Gold Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers describe Gold Creek Campground as secluded and beautiful, with basic amenities and a rugged charm. However, access can be challenging due to narrow roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include its natural beauty, seclusion, and proximity to hiking trails and fishing spots. One reviewer stated, 'Very beautiful and secluded place to hang out.'
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users noted difficulty in accessing the campground due to narrow roads. One reviewer mentioned, 'Hard to get to... Narrow road but good camping.'
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, including bears. A user noted, 'The area is posted with warnings about black bear and grizzly bear activity.'
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Access and road conditions may vary seasonally. A reviewer suggested using 4x4 or decent tires outside the main season: 'Roads to the campground are good, anything past I would seasonally recommend...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Very beautiful and secluded place to hang out.' - Bill
2. 'Roads to the campground are good, anything past I would seasonally recommend 4x4 or decent tires.' - Mason
3. 'Hard to get to... Narrow...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
With only four campsites, no specific site numbers or rankings are mentioned.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025