How much does camping cost at Sam Billings Memorial Campground?

Camping fees at Sam Billings Memorial Campground range from $5-$10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Sam Billings Memorial Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sam Billings Memorial Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come, first-served; no reservation required.

What is the best time to visit Sam Billings Memorial Campground?

Sam Billings Memorial Campground is open Open year-round, but access is closed by snow annually during winter.. 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 Sam Billings Memorial Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Sam Billings Memorial Campground?

Fire policies at Sam Billings Memorial Campground: Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Sam Billings Memorial Campground have?

Sam Billings Memorial Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Sam Billings Memorial Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sam Billings Memorial 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 Sam Billings Memorial Campground?

Sam Billings Memorial Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sam Billings Memorial Campground?

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

Sam Billings Memorial Campground

3.78

9 reviews

6735 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829

Featured in:Tent Camping Montana

Quick Facts

4,500 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,500 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Sam Billings Memorial Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this campground. Single sites are priced at $10/night, and additional vehicles cost $5/night. Interagency Senior/Access...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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USFS

Provider

406-821-3269

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

6735 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829

Sam Billings Memorial Campground

6735 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829

Nearby places

Darby: 17 miles, approximately 25 minutes drive.

Nearby supplies

Camping supplies and an RV waste station are available for a fee at Bud's and Shirley's Motel at the intersection of Main St. and Missoula Ave., Darby, MT.

Driving directionsFrom Darby, MT, take US Rt. 93 south 3.7 miles to West Fork Rd. (State Rt. 473). Turn right onto Rt. 473 and go 13.4 miles to Sam Billings Recreation Site sign (Forest Rt. 5631). Turn right at sign onto Rt. 5631 (dirt, single-lane) and go 0.8 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

The roads leading to the campground are gravel and tight. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are accommodated, but parking aprons are also gravel, and the driving conditions may be challenging for larger vehicles.

Weather at Sam Billings Memorial Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sam Billings Memorial Campground

Summer brings the most reliable access and weather. Daytime highs commonly hit 70-85°F, nights drop to 40-55°F. Roads stay clear, trails stay dry, and Boulder Creek fishing is accessible. The 12-site campground fills quickly during peak summer. Arrive early or book ahead. Winter temperatures fall between 20-36°F, and snow often blocks access entirely. Spring means snowmelt rushes through Boulder Creek. Autumn turns the forest golden before cold returns.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer offers reliable access, 70–85°F days, dry trails and good fishing.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round, but access is closed by snow annually during winter.

About Sam Billings Memorial Campground

Sam Billings Memorial Campground sits along Boulder Creek in the Bitterroot National Forest, roughly 4,500 feet above sea level. The 12 sites offer good privacy under mixed pines, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Sites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. It's a quiet basecamp for the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Fees run $5-10 per night.

The campground provides options primarily for tent and RV camping, with 12 combined sites suitable for both. It is described as rustic with good privacy between sites and a large area ideal for group activities. Stock facilities and 5 additional campsites are available at the nearby Boulder Creek Horse Camp.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable access and weather. Daytime highs commonly hit 70-85°F, nights drop to 40-55°F. Roads stay clear, trails stay dry, and Boulder Creek fishing is accessible. The 12-site campground fills quickly during peak summer. Arrive early or book ahead. Winter temperatures fall between 20-36°F, and snow often blocks access entirely. Spring means snowmelt rushes through Boulder Creek. Autumn turns the forest golden before cold returns.

ElevationPerched at 4,500 feet above sea level, Sam Billings Memorial Campground offers that perfect sweet spot of mountain elevation—high enough to escape summer's heat and provide crisp, pine-scented air, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. This moderate altitude creates an invigorating atmosphere where morning mists dance through the trees and afternoon breezes carry the whisper of higher peaks, while cool evenings invite campers to gather around crackling fires.

Natural Features and SceneryBoulder Creek runs alongside the campground, carving through ancient bedrock in a gentle valley setting. Mixed pine forests provide natural shade and privacy between sites. The surrounding forest opens to views of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Wildlife moves through the area regularly. Moose, elk, and deer appear often enough that bear-safe food storage is required, not just recommended. The forest floor is soft with pine needles and native grasses. The creek's sound carries through camp.

Geological RegionSam Billings Memorial Campground sits within the magnificent Bitterroot National Forest, where millions of years of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty. Boulder Creek has carved its path through ancient bedrock, creating the gentle valley that cradles the campground today. The surrounding pine forests—a diverse mix of species perfectly adapted to this mountain environment—thrive in the well-drained soils deposited over millennia. As the gateway to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, the campground offers front-row seats to one of the most pristine and geologically fascinating regions in the Northern Rockies, where the earth's raw power meets the gentle persistence of forest and stream.

Scenic ViewsSome campsites provide views of Boulder Creek.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping limited to 16 consecutive days.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground stretches 0.4 miles with good spacing between sites. Pine coverage provides natural privacy and shade.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served; no reservation required.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.

Site SizeCampsites can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 30 feet in length.

PrivacyReviewers mention good privacy between campsites with natural shade provided by pine trees.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites by Boulder Creek are recommended for scenic views.

Amenities available

Sam Billings Memorial Campground offers a rustic camping experience with 12 campsites featuring picnic tables and fire rings. There are three well-maintained vault toilets available, but no potable water on-site. The campground can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 30 feet in length. As noted: 'The campground is adjacent to Boulder Creek and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and is pack it in, pack it out. It is set in various species of pines and is rustic and peaceful.' Additional amenities include good privacy between sites and shade provided by pine trees.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Sam Billings Memorial Campground provides several recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The Boulder Creek Trail #617, a 27-mile trail suitable for foot and horse travel, starts nearby and leads through the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Boulder Falls is a notable highlight approximately 4 miles from the trailhead. Fishing includes opportunities for Brook, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears and other wildlife. Campers are advised to follow bear-safe food storage techniques.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. However, there are three vault toilets distributed across the campground. These are noted as wheelchair-friendly.

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 PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are available at West Fork Ranger District, located at 6735 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829. Phone: 406-821-3269.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to practice 'pack it in, pack it out' principles, as trash and recycling facilities are not provided.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Boulder Creek.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

9 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Sam Billings Memorial Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives positive reviews for its peaceful setting, cleanliness, and maintenance. Visitors appreciate the natural surroundings and the availability of basic facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

- Peaceful and well-maintained - Clean restrooms - Scenic, with good privacy between sites

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of potable water - Campground host was not seen during some visits, as noted by a reviewer.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own drinking water, as none is available on-site. - Practice bear-safe food storage techniques as this is bear country.

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is closed by snow annually, making it suitable for summer and early autumn camping. Visitors emphasize the peacefulness and well-maintained nature of the site during these seasons.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful campground, well maintained. Only issue was not ever seeing the campground host, overall fabulous place to camp!' 2. 'Clean restrooms.. Peaceful surroundings. Great place to camp.' 3....

Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, which is a noted accessibility feature.

Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed, as per campground rules.

Based on 9 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Anglers and hikers who want a low-cost, low-crowd setup near real wilderness. Boulder Creek holds Brook, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout, and Trail #617 reaches Boulder Falls in 4 miles. Pack in all your water and bring a bear canister.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is the hard stop for campers who don't want to haul in every drop. First-come-first-served fills fast in summer, so anyone needing a guaranteed site on a Friday night will likely be disappointed.

Nearby Campgrounds

7443 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829, USA

Rombo is a small campground in Bitterroot National Forest, operated by the Forest Service along the West Fork Bitterroot River near Darby. Shaded sites sit close to the water, drawing anglers, mountain bikers, and hikers exploring the surrounding mid-elevation forest. The campground operates seasonally during peak months, with vault toilets, potable water, and a reputation for friendly hosts and well-maintained facilities.

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Crazy Creek Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Bitterroot National Forest near Sula, Montana. Managed by the Forest Service, this very small campground offers well-spaced sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. The surrounding trails deliver alpine views and fall color, with fewer crowds than summer months.

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Warm Springs Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Bitterroot National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service along Crazy Creek. This small campground offers basic vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a wooded setting that attracts visitors seeking quiet access to hiking trails and creek-side relaxation. The rustic character and limited maintenance mean campers should come prepared for uneven terrain and minimal services.

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Fales Flat Campground sits along the Nez Perce Fork in Bitterroot National Forest, 30 minutes south of Darby. This small Forest Service campground offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for tent, RV, and group camping. Summer brings reliable trail access over Nez Perce Pass, wildflower meadows, and productive trout fishing in the creek.

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Campgrounds

Bitterroot National Forest

Sam Billings Memorial Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Sam Billings Memorial Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Sam Billings Memorial Campground is located off of the West Fork Rd and consists of 12 campsites complete with picnic tables, and fire rings. There is also a large area ideal for group activities. Other facilites include vault toilets.  Campground can accommodate RV's or trailers to 30 feet.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 4,500 ft. The campground, stretching out 0.4 miles, is adjacent to Boulder Creek and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and is pack it in, pack it out. It is set in various species of pines and is rustic and peaceful. Some sites are located on the creek. The understory is grass and pine needles. Privacy between campsites is good with very nice shade provided by the pines. Moose, Elk, and deer are occassional visitors. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Seasons & access

The parking aprons are gravel and the interior road is also gravel and tight. An RV waste station, with no potable water, is available for a fee at Bud's and Shirley's Motel - intersection of Main St. and Missoula Ave., Darby, MT. Facilities Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Vaults: Yes Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 0 Water Sports None Hiking: Boulder Creek Trail #617- foot and horse (through Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness) - 27 miles. Boulder Falls is 4 miles from trail head. Fishing: Brook, Rainbow and Cutthroat trout Bitterroot National Forest 70

RV information

Directions

From Darby, MT, take US Rt. 93 south 3.7 miles to West Fork Rd. (State Rt. 473). Turn right onto Rt. 473 and go 13.4 miles to Sam Billings Recreation Site sign (Forest Rt. 5631). Turn right at sign onto Rt. 5631 (dirt, single-lane) and go 0.8 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

National Forest: Bitterroot National Forest
Ranger District: West Fork
Elevation: 4500
Rate: No charge
Maximum Stay: 14