Is Magruder Crossing Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Magruder Crossing Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Magruder Crossing Campground?

Magruder Crossing Campground is open Closed seasonally due to snow.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Magruder Crossing Campground?

Magruder Crossing Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Magruder Crossing Campground have?

Magruder Crossing Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Magruder Crossing Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Magruder Crossing Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Magruder Crossing Campground?

Magruder Crossing Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Magruder Crossing Campground?

Popular activities at Magruder Crossing Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Magruder Crossing Campground

4.00

12 reviews

6735 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829

Top 19% in IDSummer

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

3,714 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Closed seasonally du...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,714 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Closed seasonally du...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Magruder Crossing Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fees are charged for using Magruder Crossing Campground.

No campsite fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

406-821-3269

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

6735 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829

Magruder Crossing Campground

6735 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829

Nearby places

Darby, MT - 55.3 miles (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely found in Darby, MT, approximately 55.3 miles away, including grocery stores, fuel stations, and other essentials.

Weather at Magruder Crossing Campground

Current alert: Closed seasonally due to snow.

Best Time to Camp at Magruder Crossing Campground

Summer brings daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F with nights dropping to 35–50°F. This is the most reliable access window, with roads normally open and stable weather for fishing and exploring. Winter closes the campground entirely as snow makes access impassable. Spring and fall are transitional, with unpredictable conditions as the snowpack melts or builds.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in ID

Summer is most reliable access window; temps comfortable and fishing/exploring are highlighted.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Closed seasonally due to snow.

About Magruder Crossing Campground

Magruder Crossing sits along the Selway River in the Bitterroot National Forest, offering six primitive sites for dedicated backcountry campers. The campground provides vault toilets and fire rings but no water or cell service. It's a remote wilderness retreat where you'll hear the river instead of traffic, and the closest town is a significant distance away.

Magruder Crossing Campground offers primitive camping in a remote wilderness setting.

Historical Significance

The Southern Nez Perce Trail, an ancient indigenous trade route, passes through this area. During the 1860s gold rush, the route connected Virginia City, Montana, with Lewiston, serving prospectors and pack trains moving through the Bitterroot wilderness.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F with nights dropping to 35–50°F. This is the most reliable access window, with roads normally open and stable weather for fishing and exploring. Winter closes the campground entirely as snow makes access impassable. Spring and fall are transitional, with unpredictable conditions as the snowpack melts or builds.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Selway River runs through this forested valley at 3,714 feet elevation, carving through ancient bedrock and creating a corridor of life between densely forested mountains. Dense evergreen canopy covers most of the campground. The Northern Rockies wilderness stretches in all directions, and the constant sound of moving water is your primary soundtrack. Morning mist rises from the river, and the surrounding forest blocks most long-range views but creates a sense of deep seclusion.

Geological RegionDeep within the embrace of the majestic Bitterroot National Forest, Magruder Crossing occupies a special corner of Idaho's wilderness where geology tells stories millions of years in the making. The Selway River has patiently carved this valley through ancient bedrock, creating a corridor of life through the densely forested mountains. This pristine pocket of the Northern Rockies sits at the intersection of natural wonder and human history, where the Southern Nez Perce Trail—an ancient trade route that predates written memory—still winds through the timeless landscape.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of the Selway River and surrounding wilderness can be enjoyed from the campground.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging accommodations beyond the campsites are not mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping limited to 16 consecutive days.

Groups

No group sites are specifically described.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSix sites spread through the campground. Hitching rails sit near the first sites, a remnant of the area's pack train history. Sites can handle RVs or trailers up to 30 feet, though spacing and terrain details aren't documented in available data.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are detailed.

Site SizeSites can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 30 feet in length.

PrivacyNo specific information about site privacy is provided.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites near the Selway River for easy access to water and scenic views.

Best CampsitesTwo established sites with contained fire rings and direct river access get the most positive mentions in reviews. These offer the best combination of fishing access and a defined camping area.

Amenities available

Loop in the back of campground is very narrow, advised not to take trailers longer than 16'. Magruder Crossing Campground features 4 campsites on the Selway River, and a vault toilet. Stock can be kept in this campground.

Fire rings

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Magruder Crossing Campground

Activities available at Magruder Crossing Campground include fishing in the stream/river, horse camping, and picnicking. User reviews also highlight the wilderness experience.

Fishing4.0/5

Water Sports2.0/5

Campground is riverside but no boating/kayak access or put-in details are provided.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote wilderness, no cell service and few sites imply low light pollution for stargazing.

Photography4.0/5Scenic river corridor, ancient bedrock and wilderness views provide strong photo opportunities.

Wildlife viewing3.5/5Situated in Northern Rockies wilderness with dense evergreen canopy; wildlife likely but not detailed.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo cell service. Bears are present in the area, requiring bear awareness practices. Remote location may pose travel challenges.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

12 reviews

Satisfactory

Magruder Crossing Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews emphasize the campground's primitive and remote nature. The presence of the Selway River and its vault toilet are consistently praised.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the wilderness setting, fishing opportunities, and the availability of basic facilities like fire rings and a vault toilet. Reviews highlight the pristine natural surroundings and...

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of potable water and cell phone service were mentioned as drawbacks. The remote location may also be a challenge for some visitors.

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite details are limited. A user review mentions two established campsites with fire rings and Selway River access.

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend practicing bear awareness and adhering to fishing restrictions. One review noted that the campground is ideal for 'dedicated deep woods campers.'

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground closes to snow annually, which limits accessibility during winter months. No specific seasonal advantages or disadvantages are detailed in the reviews.

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Vault Outhouse on site. Two established campsites with contained fire rings. Selway River access at both sites. Beautiful wilderness all around.' (Stacey Mc, 2017) 2. 'Great primitive camping...

Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences.

Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are required to be leashed, but no specific user reviews address overall pet-related experiences.

Based on 12 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Magruder Crossing Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fees are charged for using Magruder Crossing Campground.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

406-821-3269

Go if

Dedicated wilderness campers, horse packers (two hitch rails at the first sites), and fly fishers who've already read the Selway River restrictions will get the most out of this place. Free, first-come, and summer is the only reliable window.

Skip if

No potable water means hauling everything in from Darby, 55 miles away. No cell signal on any carrier. Bears are active, and the road in is long enough that a mechanical problem becomes a real problem.

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