Charles Waters Campground

Star4.55
82 reviews

Quick Facts

3,720 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day th...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Stevensville Ranger District 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
Charles Waters Campground
$10.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $15 per night for regular camping to $10 per night for senior pass holders. Costs vary seasonally, with free camping available after...
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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
406-777-5461
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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 82 reviews

92 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

"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."

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Campground Map

Charles Waters Campground

46.5753, -114.1408

Driving directionsFrom Stevensville take the Stevi cut-off road to Highway 93. Travel north 3.7 miles and turn west (left) onto Bass Creek Rd. Travel approximately 2 miles to the campground.
The campground is easily accessible via Bass Creek Road, approximately 2 miles west of Highway 93. Roads are paved, suitable for RVs and trailers.
Nearby places
Stevensville (approximately 5 miles), Missoula (approximately 25 miles)
Nearby supplies
The closest grocery and camping supplies are available in Stevensville, approximately 5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Charles Waters Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of Montana's changing seasons at Charles Waters Campground. Summer transforms the forest into a verdant paradise with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring. As autumn arrives, crisp air and golden light create magical camping moments. Winter brings a hushed wonderland of snow-draped pines and crystalline mornings, though visitors should prepare for freezing temperatures and pack accordingly for a true mountain adventure.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 22% in MT

Peak season; reviewers praise summer use, trails, cleanliness and host presence then.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Popular in early fall with changing-season beauty; fee/host presence may change later.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Seasonal opening is around Memorial Day; spring camping not part of primary season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonal with peak use Memorial Day–Labor Day; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Larry Creek Group Site gate closes on December 1.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal closures, including Larry Creek Group Site gate closure after December 1.

About Charles Waters Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Bitterroot National Forest, Charles Waters Campground offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and wilderness escape. With 26 thoughtfully designed asphalt-paved sites, this haven welcomes everyone from solo cyclists to families with massive 70-foot RVs. The campground's diverse layout includes four convenient pull-through sites for easy maneuvering, a spacious double site perfect for group gatherings, plus dedicated spots for equestrian adventurers and touring cyclists. Essential comforts like vault toilets, fresh potable water, and waste disposal ensure your stay remains comfortable while you immerse yourself in nature's grandeur.
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.
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Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
HikingThe area boasts numerous trailheads leading to hiking routes within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. One reviewer shared, 'It has several lovely hikes right from the campground.' Another stated, 'Walking distance to the trailheads.'
FishingFishing is possible in Bass Creek, which runs near the campground. However, one review noted, 'The water level is very low' and mentioned that better fishing opportunities exist further upstream near Log Pond.
BikingThe campground is suitable for biking, and nearby trails offer additional opportunities for cyclists. A reviewer commented, 'Super clean camp site right off the road easy and excellent mountain biking.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight of this campground, as one reviewer noted, 'Beautiful views and wildlife.' Another stated, 'You will likely hear owls at night.'
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe associated Bass Creek Recreation Area includes interpretive nature trails and a fire ecology trail, which provide educational value.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife and low water levels in Bass Creek.
Active AlertsSeasonal closures, including Larry Creek Group Site gate closure after December 1.

Weather at Charles Waters Campground

Reviews

4.6
82 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Charles Waters Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews about pet-related experiences were provided.
Based on 82 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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