How much does camping cost at Alta Campground?

Camping fees at Alta Campground are $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Alta Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Alta Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Alta Campground before I book?

Yes! Alta Campground has 15 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 Alta Campground?

Alta Campground is open May 22 to September 04. 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 Alta Campground?

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

How many campsites does Alta Campground have?

Alta Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Alta Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Alta 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 Alta Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Alta Campground?

Popular activities at Alta Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Alta Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Alta Campground?

Fire policies at Alta Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.72

92 reviews

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, DARBY, MT 59829, USA

A+Report Card

Featured in:Fishing Camping Montana#1 Swimming Camping Montana#1 Tent Camping Montana#1 +7 more

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

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Alta Campground

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

406-821-3269

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Campground Map

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, DARBY, MT 59829, USA

Alta Campground

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, DARBY, MT 59829, USA

Nearby places

Conner (27 miles north, approximately 30 minutes), Darby (32 miles north, approximately 40 minutes).

Weather at Alta Campground

Current alerts(3)

Bears frequent the area - A Food Storage Order is in effect on all National Forest System lands within the Montana portion of the Bitterroot National Forest from March 1 - December 1 annually.
Call (406) 821-3269 for information on road conditions or fire restrictions
Click here for more information on the Bitterroot National Forest

Best Time to Camp at Alta Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Alta because the campground is fully open (May 23–Sept 8) and weather is reliably warm for river recreation, hiking, and long daylight hours; expect daytime highs in the 70s–80s°F and crisp nights in the 40s–50s. Fishing on the West Fork of the Bitterroot is at its peak as trout are active and water access is easy for wading, boating, and shore fishing. Trails, biking routes, and wildlife viewing are all most accessible in summer, though the small 14-site loop is Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Campground open May 23–Sept 8; summer is best for fishing, hiking and water activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 04. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 8 annually.

About Alta Campground

Alta Campground sits along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River in southwestern Montana's Bitterroot National Forest, 16 miles south of Darby. This U.S. Forest Service campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers fish for trout, hike nearby trails, and enjoy wildlife viewing in a mid-elevation forest setting known for clean facilities and spacious, private sites.

Alta Campground provides versatile camping options, catering to both tent and RV campers across 14 campsites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Alta because the campground is fully open (May 23–Sept 8) and weather is reliably warm for river recreation, hiking, and long daylight hours; expect daytime highs in the 70s–80s°F and crisp nights in the 40s–50s. Fishing on the West Fork of the Bitterroot is at its peak as trout are active and water access is easy for wading, boating, and shore fishing. Trails, biking routes, and wildlife viewing are all most accessible in summer, though the small 14-site loop is Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4580 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines with golden bark dominate the canopy, mixed with fir, aspen, and lodgepole pine. The West Fork of the Bitterroot runs clear and accessible for wading and fishing. Wildlife sightings include bald eagles, moose, elk, and bighorn sheep on nearby slopes. The forest provides generous shade across most sites, and songbirds are active throughout the day.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges are available onsite. Alta Campground only offers campsites for tents and RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesThe nearby Alta Ranger Station offers historical insights, being the first Forest Service Ranger Station in the U.S.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 16 consecutive nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates up to 10 people and 2 vehicles.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAlta Campground includes three accessible campsites and accessible vault toilets.

Site SizeEach campsite is sizable enough to accommodate up to 10 people and two vehicles. Parking spurs are gravel.

PrivacyCampers frequently mention the generous spacing and privacy between campsites. Many sites are shaded by large trees and provide a peaceful environment.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and river views, choose sites 6 or 7. For accessibility and amenities, sites 10 and 15 are popular.

Best CampsitesSites 6, 7, 10, and 15 get frequent mentions for river proximity and privacy. Site 6 has direct river access.

Need help booking Alta Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Alta Campground offers essential amenities that cater to both tent and RV campers in a scenic forest setting. The campground is equipped with accessible vault toilets and drinking water, along with picnic tables and campfire rings at each site. A campground host is available on-site, and trash collection bins are provided throughout the facility.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Alta Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent sightings: bald eagles, moose, elk, bighorn sheep and songbirds noted in description.

Biking3.0/5

Boating3.0/5

Water Sports3.0/5

Kayaking/launches available at Painted Rocks Lake nearby; river likely limited to wading/float use.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Photogenic river, pine groves, mountains and wildlife provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground provides vault toilets instead.

Food Storage RequiredOne bear-proof food locker is provided for travelers on bicycles or ATVs.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection bins are available throughout the campground for camper convenience.

Cell CoverageThe availability of cell phone service at Alta Campground is not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

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

Rate Alta Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.7

92 reviews

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 92 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 92 reviews.

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

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...

Based on 92 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 92 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 92 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 92 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....

Based on 92 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 92 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 92 reviews

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Alta Campground

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

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

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-821-3269

Go if

You want clean, well-maintained riverside camping with privacy and easy river access for fishing and boating.

Skip if

You prefer a more hands-off host presence or need full hookups and modern restrooms.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.7

(17)

Painted Rocks State Park

6717 Highway 12 West, Lolo, Montana, 59847, United States

Painted Rocks State Park sits at 4,718 feet in the Bitterroot Mountains near Hamilton, where a reservoir nestles among pine-covered slopes. The campground has 23 sites for tents, RVs, and primitive camping, with nightly fees ranging from $15 to $30. Vault toilets, bear lockers, and a helpful campground host keep things functional.

Alta Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Alta Campground

Current alerts(3)

Best Time to Camp at Alta Campground

Planning Tips

About Alta Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

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Amenities available

RV details

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Alta Campground

Current alerts(3)

Best Time to Camp at Alta Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Alta Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Alta Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns