Grizzly Campground
4.307 reviews24 Fort Missoula Road Missoula, MT 59804
Grizzly Campground
$15.00 - $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
Overnight use fee is $15 per night for Single Sites, with a 2-vehicle limit per site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites, applicable only for the campsite occupied by the pass holder.
About this campground
Nestled in the tranquil Ranch Creek drainage, Grizzly Campground offers an intimate camping experience where the gentle murmur of Ranch Creek serves as nature's soundtrack. This hidden gem sits east of Rock Creek, with several prime campsites positioned right along the water's edge, allowing you to fall asleep to the soothing sounds of flowing water and wake to misty mornings by the creek.
Grizzly Campground provides a mix of tent and RV camping opportunities, with some sites bordering Ranch Creek. The road leading to the campground is described as narrow and rough, and trailers, motorhomes, and tow vehicles are not recommended.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Montana's mountain seasons at Grizzly Campground. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, perfect for those seeking solitude amid frosty conditions. Summer rewards visitors with exceptional weather – late July boasts an impressive 92.6% clear skies, ideal for stargazing and outdoor adventures. Early September delivers perhaps the most comfortable conditions, with daytime temperatures reaching a pleasant 77°F before cooling to a crisp 53°F at night, creating perfect sleeping weather in your tent.
ElevationElevation is not mentioned.
Natural Features and SceneryRanch Creek forms the heart of this campground, its crystal-clear waters creating a natural centerpiece that captivates visitors throughout their stay. The melodic flow of the creek mingles with the chirping of playful chipmunks that dart between the trees, creating a symphony of wilderness sounds. The peaceful river environment and creekside setting offer endless opportunities for quiet reflection, wildlife watching, and the simple pleasure of connecting with nature's rhythms.
Geological RegionGrizzly Campground claims its place within the magnificent Lolo National Forest, specifically in the Ranch Creek drainage system. This strategic location east of Rock Creek places campers in the heart of Montana's diverse forest ecosystem, where mountain streams carve their ancient paths through densely forested valleys, creating the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are provided.
Sites SizeUser reviews indicate that sites are spacious and flat, accommodating various camping setups.
Sites Privacy'I absolutely loved how much space there was between the campsites,' notes one user. This suggests good privacy between sites.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsites along Ranch Creek recommended for proximity to water views. Sites are described as 'spacious and flat' in user reviews.
Best CampsitesSeveral campsites border Ranch Creek; no specific site numbers provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
No specific stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Limit of 2 vehicles per site
- guest number not specified.
Groups
No specific group sites or their details are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNot specified. User reviews describe spacious and flat sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOperational hours indicate the campground is open 24 hours/day. Specific seasonal closure information is not available.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available; reservation fees apply.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability unclear; reservation options mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific details provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers opportunities for fishing and general relaxation by Ranch Creek. Wildlife sightings, including chipmunks, and stargazing are also popular activities.
Fishing
Fishing is available in Ranch Creek, with one user review describing it as 'great fishing in Ranch Creek btw.'Wildlife viewing
Chipmunks are mentioned in one user review as a common sight, contributing to the overall serene atmosphere of the campground.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not described, but the campground is open year-round.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings are available at campsites. No specific restrictions noted.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsRoad is narrow and rough; trailers, motorhomes, and tow vehicles are not recommended. Wildlife hazards include bears.
Active alertsWater system has been completed but is not yet hooked up to electrical power. Potable water is not available; users must go to Norton Campground.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Closest emergency services are available at the Missoula Ranger Station (24 Fort Missoula Road Missoula, MT 59804, Phone: 406-329-3814).
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information regarding trash or recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresSeveral campsites border Ranch Creek.
Common complaintsPotable water unavailable, rough road conditions mentioned in some reviews: 'Bathrooms locked due to COVID, so you will be roughing it.'
HostNot specified.
Campground Map
24 Fort Missoula Road Missoula, MT 59804
Driving directions20 miles east of Missoula on Interstate 90, take Rock Creek exit #126 onto Rock Creek road. Drive 11.5 miles south along Rock Creek Road #102, then 1 mile east on Ranch Creek Road. Trailers, motorhomes and tow vehicles not recommended due to the narrow and rough road.
Trailers, motorhomes, and tow vehicles are not recommended due to narrow and rough road conditions.Nearby places
Missoula (20 miles east, approx. 30 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Water is available at the nearby Norton Campground
additional supplies likely available in Missoula.
Camper Reviews
4.3
7 reviews
Grizzly Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the quiet, clean, and spacious nature of the campground, with multiple mentions of well-maintained facilities and the peaceful setting by Ranch Creek.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the well-maintained pit toilets, the spacious and flat campsites, and the peaceful environment. The proximity to Ranch Creek for fishing and the privacy between sites are also...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The rough road leading to the campground is a common concern among reviewers. One user noted that the bathrooms were locked at one point due to COVID-19, although this was likely a temporary issue.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend being prepared for the rough road leading to the campground. A 25ft Class C RV was able to navigate the road, but trailers and larger motorhomes are not advised.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Most reviews do not specify seasons, but the campground is described as quiet and uncrowded, which may be more common during the off-peak camping seasons.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The sweetest little campground ever!' 2. 'Great fishing in Ranch Creek btw.' 3. 'There were at least 3 very clean pit toilets with TP.' 4. 'Lots of little chipmunks running around.' 5. 'The river...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned in reviews. However, several campsites are noted as bordering Ranch Creek and offering ample space.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically discuss pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025