Alta Campground

Star4.77
87 reviews
WEST FORK RANGER STATION, DARBY, MT 59829, USA
Fishing

Quick Facts

4,580 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Alta Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for standard nonelectric sites are $15 per night. Rates are consistent across booking windows and seasons.
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

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Provider
406-821-3269
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What Campers Say

4.77

Top-Rated

Based on 87 reviews

24 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleansites

"Alta Campground has highly favorable reviews, with an average sentiment score of 4.702. Campers frequently praise the cleanliness, helpfulness of hosts, and the peaceful environment."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, DARBY, MT 59829, USA

Alta Campground

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, DARBY, MT 59829, USA

Driving directionsFrom Darby, travel south on Highway 93 for about four miles. Turn right onto Road # 473 and continue southwest, past Painted Rocks Lake, for about 30 miles to the campground on the right.
Road #473 is accessible but includes gravel stretches and requires caution. Painted Rocks Lake is along the way and can serve as a landmark, though seasonal road conditions should be verified.
Nearby places
Conner (27 miles north, approximately 30 minutes), Darby (32 miles north, approximately 40 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Basic services available at Conner (27 miles north). Full services available at Darby (32 miles north).

Best Time to Camp at Alta Campground

Summer transforms Alta into a sun-dappled paradise where warm afternoons give way to crisp, star-filled nights perfect for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, the aspens burst into golden flames against the evergreen backdrop, creating ideal conditions for hiking and fishing in refreshing temperatures. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, while spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing snowmelt, offering each season its own unique charm for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 4% in MT

Peak season: abundant fishing, hiking, boating, warm days and starry nights; many summer reviews praise it.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspens put on strong fall color; quieter conditions but open only until early Sept—early fall best.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Mostly closed until May 23; late-spring visits possible but conditions colder and limited reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Sept 8 window; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 8, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 8 annually.
  • Current Alerts: A food storage order is in effect from March 1 to December 1 annually to deter bear activity.

About Alta Campground

Nestled along the crystal-clear waters of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, Alta Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem in the Bitterroot National Forest welcomes adventurers with 14 thoughtfully positioned campsites, including three fully accessible sites designed for all visitors. Known for its immaculate grounds and the warm hospitality of its dedicated hosts, Alta provides the perfect basecamp for those seeking authentic mountain experiences without sacrificing comfort.
Alta Campground provides versatile camping options, catering to both tent and RV campers across 14 campsites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is officially at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is officially at 12 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 16 consecutive nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Alta Campground provides a diverse range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, and biking. It is a hub for exploring nearby attractions such as Painted Rocks Lake, historic sites, and hot springs.
HikingThe campground is surrounded by hiking trails leading to mountain peaks such as Lookout, Razorback, and Thunder Mountains. The nearby Alta Pine interpretive trail offers educational opportunities.
FishingFishing is a major draw at Alta Campground. The West Fork of the Bitterroot River is known for trout and mountain whitefish. Painted Rocks Lake also offers fishing opportunities.
SwimmingPainted Rocks Lake, located five miles north of the campground, provides opportunities for swimming.
BikingUnimproved roads and trails in the area are suitable for biking. Campers have praised the biking experience, citing scenic routes.
BoatingBoating is available at Painted Rocks Lake, a short drive from the campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as bald eagles, mule deer, moose, elk, and songbirds are commonly observed in the area.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears and elk. Caution is advised around the Bitterroot River, which may have strong currents during high water seasons.
Active AlertsA food storage order is in effect from March 1 to December 1 annually to deter bear activity.
Food Storage RequiredOne bear-proof food locker is provided for travelers on bicycles or ATVs.

Weather at Alta Campground

Reviews

4.8
87 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Alta Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Alta Campground has highly favorable reviews, with an average sentiment score of 4.702. Campers frequently praise the cleanliness, helpfulness of hosts, and the peaceful environment.
Review Summaries
Based on 87 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, sizable campsites, proximity to recreational areas, knowledgeable hosts, and privacy between sites. Campers frequently mention the hosts' dedication to...
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Based on 87 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints mainly focus on strict pet policies and occasional micromanagement by hosts. Some campers described interactions with the hosts as overly controlling.
Based on 87 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend making reservations early due to the campground's popularity, especially on weekends. They also suggest visiting Painted Rocks Lake and Horse Creek Hot Springs.
Based on 87 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews vary by season. Summer reviews highlight peak conditions for fishing, hiking, and water activities. Early and late seasons are quieter but may have colder weather.
Based on 87 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bathrooms were very clean (best vault toilet experience).' - Family Brodt 2. 'We drove 7 hours from Boise and it was definitely worth it! The camp hosts were the BEST!' - Trinity Seele 3....
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Based on 87 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. Site 6: 'Has a path behind it to the river (West Fork of Bitterroot).' - Kathryn L 2. Site 7: 'Perfect campsite with ample water spigots.' - James R 3. Site 15: 'The camp hosts are great; very...
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Based on 87 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets receive consistent praise for cleanliness and maintenance. Accessible campsites are available, but bear boxes are noted as missing.
Based on 87 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet owners appreciate the provided dog waste bags at campsites but criticize strict pet policies, particularly the requirement to keep dogs tied at all times.
Based on 87 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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