Is Charles Waters Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Charles Waters 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 Charles Waters Campground?

Charles Waters Campground is open Seasons of Use May-October. 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 Charles Waters Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Charles Waters Campground?

Cell phone service at Charles Waters Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Charles Waters Campground have?

Charles Waters Campground has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Charles Waters Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Charles Waters Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Charles Waters Campground?

Charles Waters Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Charles Waters Campground

4.45

82 reviews

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,720 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use May-O...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on Stevensville Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,720 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use May-O...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on Stevensville Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Charles Waters Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-777-5461

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Charles Waters Campground

46.5753, -114.1408

Nearby places

Stevensville (approximately 5 miles), Missoula (approximately 25 miles)

Weather at Charles Waters Campground

Best Time to Camp at Charles Waters Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable weather and full access to the campground and nearby trails — expect warm, comfortable days (roughly 70–85°F) and cool nights (40s–50s°F) at 3,720 ft. This is when Bass Creek fishing, day hikes into the Selway‑Bitterroot Wilderness, mountain biking and wildlife viewing are at their peak, and all 26 paved sites and amenities are open. Expect busiest weekends in July–early August, so reserve early and be mindful of seasonal wildfire restrictions and a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Prime season: 70–85°F days, sites fill fast, host present, trails fully accessible — peak camping window.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasons of Use May-October

About Charles Waters Campground

Charles Waters Campground sits in the foothills of the Bitterroot National Forest near Stevensville, operated by the Stevensville Ranger District. The small campground offers paved, level sites with electric hookups among dense forest, with Bass Creek running nearby and trailheads into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness within easy reach. Campers fish, hike, mountain bike, and watch wildlife during the summer season when the campground is fully operational.

The campground is versatile, accommodating tent camping, RVs, and specialized users such as bicyclists and equestrians. It also includes a group site associated with the nearby Bass Creek Recreation Area.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable weather and full access to the campground and nearby trails — expect warm, comfortable days (roughly 70–85°F) and cool nights (40s–50s°F) at 3,720 ft. This is when Bass Creek fishing, day hikes into the Selway‑Bitterroot Wilderness, mountain biking and wildlife viewing are at their peak, and all 26 paved sites and amenities are open. Expect busiest weekends in July–early August, so reserve early and be mindful of seasonal wildfire restrictions and a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3720 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense evergreen forest surrounds the campground, with Bass Creek running through the property. Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir provide heavy shade over most sites. Wildflower meadows open up near the creek edges. At 3,720 feet, the forest floor stays cool even in July. The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary lies a short drive west, where the Bitterroots rise sharply into alpine terrain. Several reviewers mention the "dense forest and nearby creeks" as standout features.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information about hotel-style lodging or other accommodations beyond camping is provided.

Programs & ActivitiesThe associated Bass Creek Recreation Area includes interpretive nature trails and a fire ecology trail, which provide educational value.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

The Larry Creek Group Site is part of the Bass Creek Recreation Area and can be reserved for overnight use. The gate to this site closes on December 1.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov for group sites.

AccessibilityThe campground includes an accessible site with an electric hook-up and accessible vault toilets.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious. One review noted, 'Large spacious spots and level paved parking for small camper vans or large RVs.

PrivacyThe campsites offer a degree of privacy. A reviewer mentioned, 'The spaces are big enough to have privacy.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesOpt for campsites next to Bass Creek for tranquility and scenic beauty. Pull-through sites are ideal for larger RVs.

Best CampsitesSite 25 sits directly on the creek and gets regular mentions for its quiet, shaded feel. Sites toward the back loop tend to offer more spacing between neighbors. Several reviewers note that "the spaces are big enough to have privacy," so most sites work well if you're not packed in during peak weekends.

Amenities available

there is also one accessible site with electric hook-up.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

This campground offers a variety of activities including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It also features access to the Bass Creek Recreation Area, which includes picnic sites, interpretive trails, and a fire ecology trail.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Several reviewers confirmed the presence of vault toilets and described them as clean and well-maintained. One user stated, 'pit toilets are clean and well maintained.'

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are available on-site. One user remarked, 'Water and trash cans provided by each toilet building.'

Cell CoverageThe campground reportedly offers cell phone service, as one reviewer stated, 'It has cell service, which not many campgrounds we find do.' Another reviewer mentioned, '2 bars of Verizon service.' However, another user noted, 'WiFi comes and goes with the clouds,' implying intermittent internet connectivity.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

82 reviews

Recommended

Charles Waters Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for the Charles Waters Campground are generally positive, with frequent mentions of cleanliness, spacious sites, and the natural beauty of the area. Some users noted issues with the campground host, describing instances of rude behavior.

Review Summaries

Based on 82 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praised the campground for its cleanliness, spacious and level sites, and proximity to trails. Common sentiments include, 'Very clean campground,' 'Beautiful area - dense forest and...

Based on 82 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaint was regarding the behavior of the campground host. For example, one user stated, 'The camp host was extremely rude.' Another echoed this sentiment, saying, 'Pretty cool...

Based on 82 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #25 received specific praise for being next to the creek and peaceful. One user wrote, 'We had campsite #25 right next to the creek .. it was gorgeous and so peaceful.'

Based on 82 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include arriving early to secure a spot, as the campground fills up quickly, and bringing all necessary supplies since there is no camp store on-site. One user suggested, 'Check it...

Based on 82 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground appears popular during the summer and early fall, with users noting the presence of a host between Memorial Day and Labor Day. After September 25, camping becomes free, which some...

Based on 82 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Very clean campground and nice, level asphalt sites and road throughout.' - 'The spaces are big enough to have privacy.' - 'Vault restrooms, trash cans, potable water, no hookups.' - 'Large...

Based on 82 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground includes an accessible site with electric hook-up and accessible vault toilets. No specific user reviews about accessibility experiences were provided.

Based on 82 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a clean, spacious base camp with hookups for exploring the Bitterroot backcountry.

Skip if

You need consistent, attentive host service or prefer a more remote setting.

Nearby Campgrounds

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4.7

(47)

Larry Creek Group Camp

88 MAIN STREET, STEVENSVILLE, MT 59870, USA

Larry Creek Group Camp sits in the Bitterroot National Forest foothills near Stevensville, operated by the US Forest Service for group gatherings. The site offers covered pavilions, fire rings, and access to hiking, fishing, and biking in the Bass Creek Recreation Area. Reviewers praise the spacious layout and well-maintained facilities, though generator noise and foot traffic through sites can be issues.