Bitterroot Flat Campground
05 reviewsBitterroot Flat Campground
$6.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Fees are $15 per night for single campsites during peak season (April through September). Discounts are available with Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes, but only for the site physically occupied by the pass holder. Payment is accepted via cash or check.
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About this campground
Nestled in a serene pocket between ancient talus slopes, Bitterroot Flat Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's untamed wilderness. Here, towering Douglas firs and stately Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral above your tent, while the melodic rush of Rock Creek—one of the West's premier blue ribbon trout streams—provides nature's perfect soundtrack. This rustic haven invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the rhythmic pulse of the wild, where birdsong greets each morning and the creek's gentle murmur lulls you to sleep each night.
Bitterroot Flat Campground primarily caters to tent campers and offers a rustic, outdoor experience.
Historical SignificanceWhile the written history of this secluded campground remains unrecorded, the land itself tells ancient stories through its weathered rocks and enduring pines, inviting modern visitors to create their own lasting memories in this timeless landscape.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Bitterroot Flat transforms with the seasons, offering a dynamic camping experience that shifts from spring's crisp awakening to summer's warm embrace, before yielding to autumn's golden farewell. While summer days invite leisurely afternoons by the creek, spring and fall nights demand cozy sleeping bags as temperatures dip into refreshing coolness. Adventure-seekers should come prepared for nature's surprises—late spring and early fall occasionally dust the landscape with unexpected snow, adding a touch of alpine magic to your camping story.
ElevationPerched at 4,300 feet above sea level, Bitterroot Flat occupies that sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even on warm summer days. This elevation creates an ideal habitat for diverse wildlife, transforming your campsite into a front-row seat for nature's grand theater. The altitude's crisp, clean air enhances every sunset and sharpens every star in the night sky, making this the perfect basecamp for both relaxation and high-country exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryBitterroot Flat campground immerses you in a landscape where rugged beauty meets peaceful sanctuary. The surrounding canyon walls rise dramatically, clothed in evergreen forests of Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine that have stood sentinel for centuries. Rock Creek, the campground's liquid jewel, flows crystal-clear alongside your site—its pristine waters home to native trout that draw anglers from across the country. Lucky visitors might glimpse the area's most majestic residents: bighorn sheep navigating impossible cliffs, black bears foraging in distant meadows, or even a solitary moose wading through creek shallows at dawn.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic Rock Creek drainage, Bitterroot Flat occupies a unique geological niche where water has carved through ancient stone to create a rugged canyon paradise. The surrounding landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where ponderosa pines and Douglas-firs have found purchase in rocky soils, creating a resilient ecosystem that thrives despite the challenging terrain. This blue ribbon trout stream corridor represents one of the West's finest examples of pristine mountain watershed habitat, where clear waters have sculpted a canyon that serves as both geological wonder and recreational treasure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are not available. The rough terrain and limited facilities may pose challenges for visitors with disabilities.
Sites SizeEach site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring; parking aprons are dirt.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies; some sites are well-spaced with foliage, while others are more exposed. "Lots of foliage between us and the next site, so we felt like we had a reasonable amount of privacy," mentioned a user for site number one.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the creek have scenic views and the soothing sound of running water. Center sites are further from the road and experience less road dust.
Best CampsitesReviewers recommend Site #1 for its privacy and proximity to the entrance.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Two vehicles per campsite
- the number of people allowed per site is unspecified.
Groups
No designated group sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is located on a flat area between two talus slopes. It includes 15 sites with picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 1 through September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are walk-up only and cannot be reserved in advance.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy outlined.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Fishing is the main highlight of this campground due to its location along Rock Creek. Some hiking opportunities are also available.
Hiking
Adler Cree Trail #209 is a 7.5-mile foot trail accessible from the campground. It connects to Easthouse National Recreation Trail.Fishing
Rock Creek is a blue-ribbon trout stream, home to rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and bull trout, as well as whitefish. Note that bull trout is catch-and-release only. One user advised against traditional fishing methods due to the shallow creek: "Do not come here for fishing unless you are fly fishing. The water is really shallow."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include big horn sheep, bears, and moose. The sounds of running water and birds enhance the natural setting.Winter Activities
No specified winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized or motorized water sports are not applicable.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsBear safety is required due to the presence of bears in the area. Narrow and rough roads can also pose hazards for large vehicles.
Active alertsNo active alerts are listed.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Limited groceries and gas are available 23 miles away near the Interstate 90 and Rock Creek Rd intersection.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril - September.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities available; campers must pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Rock Creek, known for fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsMultiple reviews mention road conditions being rough and narrow—especially challenging for larger vehicles. Privacy between campsites varies, with some users mentioning flashlight disturbances from neighboring campsites.
HostThere are no camp hosts. However, USFS staff visit the site several times daily.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Clinton, MT, take Interstate 90 east 4.7 miles to Rock Creek Rd. (Exit 126). At end of exit ramp, turn right onto Rock Creek Rd. and go 23 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground. NOTE: Rock Creek Rd. goes from a wide paved roadway to dirt at 8.3 miles. It then deteriorates into a winding, single-lane road with few turnouts.
Trailers, motorhomes, and tow vehicles are not recommended due to the narrow and rough road. The road transitions from paved to dirt at 8.3 miles and becomes a winding, single-lane road.Nearby places
Missoula is about 20 miles west of the campground, accessed via Interstate 90. Clinton, MT is 23 miles north of the campground.
Nearby supplies
Emergency services not directly mentioned
no hospitals, ranger stations, or police stations specified.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Bitterroot Flat Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users appreciate the scenic beauty, trout fishing, and tranquil environment of the campground. Negative feedback includes the challenging access road and lack of privacy at some sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Users highlighted the "scenic views," "incredible creek sound," and the cleanliness of the campground. One user described it as "One of the best places you'll ever camp."
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Several users mentioned the rough, narrow access road. Another user noted, "Rock Creek is hard to access from the campsites and there is not much privacy." The shallow creek was also criticized for...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Approaching the campground from the north via I-90 is recommended due to the southern route's narrowness. The campground is better suited for fly fishing. Campers also advised bringing cash or checks...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and summer are popular seasons for camping here, with trout fishing and wildlife viewing being key attractions. Winter camping is not feasible due to limited facilities.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"No cell service at all, for miles in either direction, which I think is a good thing." "The toilets were very clean, and the campground itself was very well kept up." "Lots of foliage between us and...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #1, near the entrance, is noted for its privacy due to foliage. Center sites are further from the road and may offer less dust exposure.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility. However, the lack of wheelchair-friendly toilets and rugged terrain may pose difficulties.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention experiences related to pets.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025