How much does camping cost at Black Bear Campground?

Camping fees at Black Bear Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black Bear Campground before I book?

Yes! Black Bear Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Black Bear Campground?

Black Bear Campground is open Memorial Day to Labor Day. 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 Black Bear Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Black Bear Campground?

Fire policies at Black Bear Campground: Campfires are allowed within provided fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Black Bear Campground have?

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

Are dogs allowed at Black Bear Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Black Bear 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 Black Bear Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Black Bear Campground?

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

Black Bear Campground

3.85

27 reviews

Top 9%Fall

Featured in:Summer Camping Montana

Quick Facts

4,606 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Peak Season: Memoria...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,606 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Peak Season: Memoria...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Black Bear Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for camping at Black Bear Campground. User reviews mention that it is a free campsite.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

406-821-3913

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Campground Map

Black Bear Campground

46.1660, -113.9245

Nearby places

Hamilton (14.9 miles, approximately 25 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies and amenities are available in Hamilton, approximately 14.9 miles from the campground.

Driving directionsFrom Hamilton travel 2 miles south on Highway 93. Turn east (left) on Skalkaho Highway 38. Follow Skalkaho Highway 38 12.9 miles, turn south (right) at Black Bear Campground.

Accessible via Skalkaho Highway 38, which is adjacent to the campground. Roads can be challenging for large RVs, as highlighted by user reviews: "Don't bring anything bigger than a small rv. I got stuck with a 30ft and a car dolly on the back."

Weather at Black Bear Campground

Best Time to Camp at Black Bear Campground

Fall brings the best conditions, with daytime highs in the 50s-60s°F and nights dropping into the 20s-30s°F, especially September through October. The ponderosa pines take on golden tones, and crowds disappear after Labor Day. Summer gets warm and brings out mosquitoes. One reviewer warns they 'get really bad when it warms up a bit.' Winter closes in with snow and freezing temperatures. Spring sees frequent rain and high creek flows from snowmelt.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in US

Described as best season: cool days, golden pines, quieter conditions in Sept–Oct.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak Season: Memorial Day - Labor Day Open yearlong until closed by snow. Accessibility not guaranteed in the winter.

About Black Bear Campground

Black Bear Campground sits along Skalkaho Creek in the Bitterroot National Forest at 4,606 feet elevation. The campground has six sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker. Sites accommodate RVs up to 50 feet, though tight spaces and potholes make maneuvering difficult for larger rigs. It's free, but there's no trash service.

Black Bear Campground provides a rustic camping experience with basic amenities for both tent and RV campers. It is a free, first-come, first-served campground with no reservation system.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions, with daytime highs in the 50s-60s°F and nights dropping into the 20s-30s°F, especially September through October. The ponderosa pines take on golden tones, and crowds disappear after Labor Day. Summer gets warm and brings out mosquitoes. One reviewer warns they 'get really bad when it warms up a bit.' Winter closes in with snow and freezing temperatures. Spring sees frequent rain and high creek flows from snowmelt.

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines tower over the campground, creating thick shade and privacy between sites. Skalkaho Creek runs alongside the sites, audible but peaceful. The creek remains fishable in fall after spring runoff subsides. Skalkaho Falls sits 8.5 miles down the road for visitors looking for a short side trip. The surrounding Bitterroot terrain is steep and forested, with mountain slopes visible through the trees.

Geological RegionNestled within the rugged terrain of the Bitterroot National Forest, Black Bear Campground sits at the intersection of natural wonder and accessibility along the renowned Scenic Skalkaho Highway. This spectacular region showcases the dramatic landscape of western Montana, where ancient ponderosa pine forests thrive along the life-giving waters of Skalkaho Creek. The campground's location offers visitors a front-row seat to the geological diversity of the Bitterroots, from creek-carved valleys to the surrounding mountain slopes that have been shaped by millennia of natural forces.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers scenic views of the surrounding forest and Skalkaho Creek. User reviews mention the scenic quality of the area, with one reviewer stating, "Very scenic views."

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are mentioned for this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Number of guests per site not specified.

Groups

Group camping specifics are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSix sites spread informally along the creek. Privacy is solid. Ana Alonso noted groups camped on both sides of her site but she barely heard them. The access road has huge potholes that can drag on level jacks, and bushes crowd tight to the pullouts.

Walk-in AvailabilityBlack Bear Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. User reviews highlight availability even during weekends, with one user noting, "We arrived here around 6:00 on a Friday night in June and plenty of spots were still available.

Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-served basis; no reservation needed.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Site SizeThe campsites can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 50 feet in length.

PrivacyAccording to Ana Alonso's review, the sites feel very private. She noted, 'There were groups staying at the sites on either side of us, but we barely heard them.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the vault toilet may be preferable for campers who prioritize proximity to restroom facilities. However, user reviews indicate that some sites are far from the restroom.

Amenities available

Black Bear Campground, situated along Skalkaho Creek, offers a rustic and scenic camping experience with basic facilities. The campground features 6 sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. There is a vault toilet available for use. The campground does not provide potable water or garbage services, following a 'Pack it in/Pack it out' philosophy. Food storage is required due to the presence of wildlife.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The Black Bear Campground offers limited recreational activities focused on enjoying the natural surroundings. Activities include fishing in Skalkaho Creek and picnicking at the available tables.

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include mosquitoes, particularly during warmer months. A user review warns, "At nightfall mosquitoes were somewhat bothersome." Large potholes and tight spaces for RVs have also been noted.

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

Food Storage RequiredFood storage is required, likely due to wildlife activity in the area.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within provided fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesDarby Ranger District, 712 N. Main Darby, MT 59829, Phone: 406-821-3913 (approximately 25 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingNo garbage service is provided; campers must pack out their trash. Laure Stevens commented, 'Had to do a lot of garbage clean up.' This indicates that prior campers might not follow the pack-out rule diligently.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located along Skalkaho Creek, providing opportunities for fishing.

Cell CoverageThe availability of cell phone service is not addressed in the authoritative content or user reviews.

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

From Booking Sources

3.9

27 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Black Bear Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the rustic and secluded nature of Black Bear Campground. Positive aspects include its scenic location, privacy between sites, and quiet atmosphere. Negative feedback focuses on the lack of maintenance, such as potholes and garbage issues, as well as mosquito problems during warmer months.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

- Scenic location along Skalkaho Creek - Privacy between campsites - Quiet and peaceful setting - Free of charge

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

- Potholes and muddy conditions during rain - Only one vault toilet, which may be far from some sites - Mosquitoes during warmer weather - Garbage left by previous visitors

Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Smaller RVs (up to 22 feet) are navigable, but larger RVs may face significant challenges, as noted by Kevin Hooker. - Sites are private and scenic, with proximity to Skalkaho Creek.

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a good spot. - Come prepared to pack out all trash due to lack of garbage service. - Bring mosquito repellent for visits during warmer...

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

- Peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day): More visitors, but privacy is maintained between sites. Mosquitoes can be an issue. - Off-season: Quiet and less crowded, though accessibility may be...

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

- Ana Alonso: 'The sites feel very private. There were groups staying at the sites on either side of us, but we barely heard them.' - Kevin Hooker: 'Don't bring anything bigger than a small RV. I got...

Based on 27 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. No reviews specifically address pet-related facilities or experiences.

Based on 27 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall campers who want quiet and don't need hookups will find this sweet spot. Daytime temps in the 50s-60s, golden pines, fishable creek, and six sites that rarely fill once summer crowds thin out.

Skip if

RVs over 22 feet will battle the potholes and tight pullouts hard. No potable water and no trash pickup are also real logistics to solve before you go.

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Campgrounds

Black Bear Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Black Bear Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Located on the banks of Skalkaho Creek, Black Bear Campground hosts 6 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet. There is no garbage service so Pack it in/Pack it out. Campground can accommodate RV's or trailers to 50'.</p>

Open Season: June