Magruder Rangers House

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Salmon River, this 18-site campground offers adventurers a gateway to one of Idaho's most spectacular wild and scenic waterways. As a coveted launch point for whitewater enthusiasts, the campground provides direct access to thrilling Class III-IV rapids that challenge and exhilarate rafters and kayakers alike. Beyond the river's edge, a network of trails beckons hikers and equestrians to explore southward to the panoramic vistas of Butt Creek Point or venture north toward Horse Creek Campground. Anglers will find themselves in paradise, with the crystal-clear waters teeming with cutthroat and rainbow trout, alongside seasonal runs of steelhead and whitefish that make every cast a potential trophy moment.

Payette National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Idaho's backcountry, this hidden gem of a dispersed campground offers a truly unique wilderness experience accessible primarily by air. Nestled beside the Chamberlain Basin airstrip, it serves as a peaceful overnight haven for adventurous pilots and their families who touch down for an evening under the stars. When autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a bustling basecamp where hunting outfitters and guides prepare for expeditions into the surrounding wilderness. While amenities are minimal – just essential outhouses and designated fire rings for evening gatherings – the rustic simplicity is part of its charm, offering visitors an authentic taste of Idaho's untamed backcountry.

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Nestled along the pristine banks of the Wild and Scenic Salmon River, Spring Creek Campground offers adventurers a perfect blend of riverside tranquility and backcountry exploration. With 5 well-appointed developed sites and numerous primitive camping spots scattered along the riverbank, this hidden gem caters to both comfort-seekers and wilderness enthusiasts. The crystal-clear waters teem with native cutthroat and rainbow trout, while seasonal runs bring steelhead and whitefish to lucky anglers. Thrill-seekers will discover that Spring Creek serves as the gateway to an exhilarating 10-mile whitewater journey featuring heart-pumping Class III rapids, with a convenient take-out waiting at Cove Creek. Whether you're navigating the network of dirt roads in your 4x4, tackling challenging jeep trails, or exploring intimate single-track paths on foot or bike, Spring Creek promises endless adventures in every direction.

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River, Wendover Campground beckons travelers seeking refuge in nature's embrace. Located at mile post 158.2 on the celebrated Northwest Passage Scenic Byway and All American Road (US Highway 12), this tranquil retreat features 27 thoughtfully positioned campsites beneath a canopy of ancient, moss-draped pines. A babbling stream winds through the heart of the campground, creating a natural soundtrack for your outdoor adventures. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear river, exploring nearby trails, or simply unwinding in your campsite, Wendover offers the perfect basecamp for both adventure and relaxation. The campground welcomes RVs up to 40 feet and features friendly hosts during the operating season to ensure your stay is memorable.

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, DARBY, MT 59829, USA

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.

Bitterroot National Forest

Step back in time at Horse Heaven Cabin, a beautifully preserved 16-by-18-foot refuge hand-built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939. Perched at 7,100 feet between two of America's most spectacular wilderness areas, this rustic retreat sleeps four and comes equipped with propane cooking and lighting, a cozy wood stove, and an adventure-worthy approach requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles.

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Perched at the gateway to the legendary Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, Dry Saddle Trailhead beckons adventurers with its commanding 250-degree panoramic views that will take your breath away before you even hit the trail. This premier access point north of the Salmon River opens up a world of alpine exploration, where the famous Sheep Hill Trail #575 winds through pristine wilderness to crystal-clear mountain lakes and culminates at the historic Sheep Hill Lookout, just 10 miles into your journey. With a convenient loading ramp for pack animals and gear, this trailhead serves as your launching pad into one of America's most rugged and unspoiled landscapes.

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

Nestled deep in the heart of the Bitterroot Mountains, Painted Rocks State Park beckons adventurers with its pristine pine forests and sparkling reservoir waters. This mountain sanctuary offers an authentic Montana wilderness experience where towering pines frame stunning lake views and outdoor recreation knows no bounds. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling across mirror-like waters, or simply breathing in the crisp mountain air around your campfire, this scenic retreat promises memories that will last a lifetime.

6735 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829

Tucked away in the majestic Bitterroot National Forest, Slate Creek Campground offers an intimate escape where towering pines whisper overhead and the pristine waters of Painted Rocks Lake sparkle just moments away. This charming 13-site campground perfectly balances accessibility with wilderness tranquility. The front loop welcomes adventurers year-round with 4 hardy campsites that brave even winter's embrace, while the back loop's 9 seasonal sites (June through September 30) come alive with summer's warmth. Each site features thoughtfully placed picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings under star-filled skies, with convenient vault toilets nearby. Whether you're arriving with a cozy trailer or small RV (up to 25 feet), you'll find just enough modern comfort to enhance your mountain retreat without sacrificing the authentic outdoor experience.

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Discover the charm of intimate camping at this hidden gem, where thoughtfully designed compact sites create a cozy atmosphere perfect for those seeking a more personal outdoor experience. Each site is carefully positioned to maximize privacy while maintaining the friendly, close-knit community feel that makes camping memories last a lifetime.

6735 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829

Nestled alongside the pristine Selway River, Magruder Crossing Campground offers six intimate campsites where the whisper of flowing water becomes your nighttime lullaby. This back-to-basics wilderness retreat welcomes adventurers seeking authentic frontier camping, complete with hitching rails that harken back to the days of pack trains and mountain expeditions. While amenities are purposefully minimal—featuring only a vault toilet and the raw beauty of nature—the campground rewards visitors with an unspoiled slice of Idaho's backcountry. Remember to pack your own water, as this primitive paradise keeps modern conveniences at arm's length.

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, 6735 WEST FORK RD, DARBY, MT 59829

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Nez Perce Fork of the Bitterroot River, Fales Flat Campground offers a unique group camping experience where history and wilderness converge. This equestrian-friendly haven serves as your gateway to endless trails winding through untouched backcountry, following the same paths once traveled by the Nez Perce Nimi'ipuu people. Gather around the expansive campfire circle under starlit skies, park your rigs on stable gravel surfaces, and enjoy the simplicity of camping with basic amenities including vault toilets. True to its backcountry character, the campground operates without drinking water or trash services, encouraging a leave-no-trace ethos that preserves this special place for generations to come.

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Tucked away along the legendary Magruder Corridor, Granite Springs Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience for adventurous souls seeking solitude in the wilderness. This intimate campground features four primitive campsites, each equipped with sturdy metal fire rings where you can gather around crackling flames under star-filled skies. While the sites embrace a back-to-basics approach without picnic tables, they provide the perfect basecamp for exploring the rugged beauty of the surrounding forest. Adventure seekers will find themselves at the heart of premier OHV territory, with endless trails and forest roads beckoning from your doorstep. The campground maintains essential amenities including a vault toilet and an informative kiosk to help orient you to the area's recreational opportunities. Remember to pack your water supply, as this remote gem keeps true to its wild character without potable water on site.

7443 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829, USA

Where the West Fork Bitterroot River whispers through southwestern Montana's pristine wilderness, Rombo Campground offers an intimate escape beneath a canopy of majestic ponderosa pines. This hidden gem in the Bitterroot National Forest welcomes adventurers to 16 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each one embraced by nature's cathedral of yellow-barked ponderosas, fragrant firs, quaking aspens, and stately lodgepole pines. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear mountain waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, paddling peaceful river bends, or simply savoring the sight of eagles soaring overhead, Rombo delivers the authentic Montana wilderness experience that memories are made of.

6735 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829

Nestled along the pristine banks of the Selway River, Indian Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with just three thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with convenient hitching rails for equestrian adventurers. This hidden gem welcomes RVs and trailers up to 25 feet, featuring a spacious parking area and vault toilet facilities. Whether you're traveling with horses or simply seeking a peaceful riverside retreat, Indian Creek provides the perfect basecamp for exploring the untamed beauty of the Bitterroot wilderness.

6735 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829

Nestled along the pristine waters of Boulder Creek, Sam Billings Memorial Campground offers a true wilderness escape where the rhythms of nature replace the noise of modern life. This intimate campground features 12 thoughtfully spaced sites, each furnished with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under starlit skies. For larger parties, a spacious group area welcomes extended families and friends to create lasting memories together. While the campground maintains its rustic charm with vault toilets and a pack-in, pack-out philosophy, its location at the doorstep of the legendary Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness makes it a coveted basecamp for adventurers seeking authentic mountain experiences.

Bitterroot National Forest

Nestled alongside the legendary Selway River, Paradise Campground lives up to its heavenly name with 11 thoughtfully spaced campsites that serve as your gateway to Montana's pristine wilderness. Each site comes complete with its own picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Whether you're arriving with an RV or trailer (up to 25 feet), you'll find convenient amenities including three vault toilets and specialized equestrian facilities with hitching rails and feed bunks. The campground's proximity to the Paradise Boating Site makes it an ideal basecamp for river enthusiasts seeking to explore the Selway's legendary waters.

7443 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829, USA

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, DARBY, MT 59829, USA

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

Bitterroot National Forest

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, 6735 WEST FORK RD, DARBY, MT 59829

Salmon-Challis National Forest

6735 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829

6735 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829

6735 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

6735 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829

Bitterroot National Forest

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Salmon-Challis National Forest

420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725

Nestled along the pristine southern shores of Reservoir Lake, this high-elevation retreat offers an intimate camping experience where 16 thoughtfully placed sites blend seamlessly into the landscape of towering pines and aromatic sagebrush. At 7,000 feet above sea level, Reservoir Lake Campground provides a perfect balance of wilderness solitude and modern conveniences, including fresh drinking water, accessible vault toilets, and bear-resistant food storage to ensure both comfort and safety. Each campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table, while a primitive boat ramp invites anglers and paddlers to explore the tranquil 11-acre lake, where only electric motors disturb the mountain silence.

88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858

Nestled along the breathtaking Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, Lodgepole Campground invites you to experience the serene beauty of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. This intimate retreat features 10 thoughtfully designed campsites, each equipped with modern amenities that blend comfort with wilderness charm. Every site comes complete with a picnic table for memorable outdoor meals, a fire pit for evening gatherings under starlit skies, and convenient paved parking. The campground's commitment to accessibility shines through its ADA-compliant restrooms and facilities, while fresh mountain water flows from a traditional hand-pump spigot, adding an authentic touch to your outdoor adventure.

Moose Creek Campground, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Tucked away in the heart of Montana's Little Belt Mountains, Moose Creek Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking solitude and simplicity. With just six carefully positioned campsites along the babbling waters of Moose Creek, this hidden gem invites anglers and nature lovers to experience the untouched beauty of Montana's backcountry. The winding approach road and compact layout make this destination perfect for tent campers and small trailers up to 20 feet, ensuring that the peaceful atmosphere remains undisturbed by larger RVs. Here, the gentle rush of creek water and the whisper of wind through towering pines create nature's perfect soundtrack.

FOREST ROAD 2421, RED LODGE, MT, 59068, USA

Escape to Limber Pine Campground, where the whisper of wind through ancient pines and the gentle babble of Rock Creek create nature's perfect symphony. Tucked away in the breathtaking Beartooth Mountains along the legendary Beartooth Highway, this hidden gem invites adventurers to cast their lines in crystal-clear waters, explore winding mountain trails, and cruise one of America's most spectacular scenic routes. Each secluded campsite offers an intimate connection with the wilderness, while keeping you within easy reach of the region's most treasured attractions.

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, 6735 WEST FORK RD, DARBY, MT 59829

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Nez Perce Fork of the Bitterroot River, Fales Flat Campground offers a unique group camping experience where history and wilderness converge. This equestrian-friendly haven serves as your gateway to endless trails winding through untouched backcountry, following the same paths once traveled by the Nez Perce Nimi'ipuu people. Gather around the expansive campfire circle under starlit skies, park your rigs on stable gravel surfaces, and enjoy the simplicity of camping with basic amenities including vault toilets. True to its backcountry character, the campground operates without drinking water or trash services, encouraging a leave-no-trace ethos that preserves this special place for generations to come.

10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box190340

Step back in time at Hornet Lookout, where a historic 1922 fire tower awaits adventurous souls seeking an unforgettable mountain retreat. After a scenic one-mile hike through recovering wildlands, you'll discover this two-story sanctuary floating above the clouds at 6,744 feet. Wake to breathtaking 360-degree vistas stretching from the pristine waters of Kintla Lake to the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park. This rustic hideaway comes equipped with propane cooking facilities, lanterns, and comfortable cots, though you'll need to bring your own water and bedding for this authentic backcountry experience. The journey may test your legs, but the reward—sleeping where forest guardians once kept watch—is pure magic.

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Nestled along the pristine banks of the East Fork Bitterroot River, this intimate riverside retreat offers four thoughtfully positioned campsites where the gentle murmur of flowing water provides nature's soundtrack. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring for evening gatherings under Montana's star-filled skies, while an accessible vault toilet ensures comfort during your stay. The campground welcomes RVs and trailers up to 20 feet, making it perfect for couples or small families seeking a peaceful escape into nature's embrace.

WEST FORK RANGER STATION, DARBY, MT 59829, USA

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.

East Boulder Campground, Big Timber, MT, USA

Discover a hidden gem where the melodic sounds of the East Boulder River create nature's perfect soundtrack for your camping adventure. East Boulder Campground welcomes you with open arms and no fees—a rare find in today's outdoor landscape. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this riverside retreat has become a beloved basecamp for anglers casting lines at dawn and hikers setting off on mountain trails. Here, accessibility meets untouched wilderness, offering an authentic Montana experience without the crowds or complications.

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Lewis and Clark National Forest, Hay Canyon Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking solitude and adventure. This intimate campground features seven peaceful sites where the sounds of the South Fork Judith River provide a natural soundtrack to your stay. Whether you're casting a line into the pristine waters, exploring miles of ATV trails that wind through the forest, or simply savoring the tranquility of this year-round retreat, Hay Canyon delivers an escape from the everyday. While the campground embraces its rustic character—there's no potable water on-site—it compensates with 24-hour access and the kind of unspoiled natural beauty that's increasingly rare to find.