Schumaker Campground

4.37

29 reviews

712 N. Main Darby, MT 59829

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,585 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open yearlong until ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Darby-Sula Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,585 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open yearlong until ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Darby-Sula Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Schumaker Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site. It is a free campground.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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USFS

Provider

406-821-3913

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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 29 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacywell-maintainedsites

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews for Schumaker Campground highlight its natural beauty, privacy, and well-maintained sites. However, the rough access road and prevalence of mosquitoes are frequently noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

712 N. Main Darby, MT 59829

Schumaker Campground

712 N. Main Darby, MT 59829

Driving directionsFrom Darby, MT travel 7 miles north on Highway 93. Turn west (left) on Lost Horse Road FS 429 and travel approximately 18 miles. Take the north fork (right) at the Lost Horse Guard Station onto FS 5605 and follow approximately 2 miles to the campground.

Forest Service Road #429 can be extremely rough due to many potholes and rocks. High clearance vehicles are recommended. The road is narrow, rough, and fairly steep in some places. FS429 Road is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles from Dec 1 to June 16.

Nearby places

Darby, MT (7 miles north + 18 miles west via FS429 and FS5605, approximately 25 miles total).

Nearby supplies

No specific mention of grocery or fuel locations nearby

pack it in/pack it out policy applies. Darby, MT, likely the nearest location for supplies (approximately 25 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Schumaker Campground

While Schumaker welcomes adventurers year-round, Mother Nature writes her own schedule here in the high country. The sweet spot for camping runs from mid-June through Labor Day, when wildflowers paint the meadows and warm days give way to cool, star-filled nights. Early summer visitors might encounter lingering snow patches – a reminder of winter's grip on these elevations. July brings its own wilderness initiation with clouds of mosquitoes, so pack your bug spray alongside your sense of adventure. As autumn approaches and winter whispers its return, seasonal snow closures transform this summer paradise into a pristine wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid winter explorers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season mid-June–Labor Day; beautiful but 'insane mosquitoes' and horse flies commonly reported.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Should have quieter conditions, good views and fewer bugs after peak season (implied by seasonal notes).

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

High-country spring may have snow/mud; open season depends on snowmelt (seasonal variability).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open until snow; reviewers saw snow on site—winter use possible but access/comfort limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid June - Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open yearlong until closed by snow.
Current Alerts: FS429 Road is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles from Dec 1 to June 16.

About Schumaker Campground

Nestled on the pristine shores of Twin Lakes, Schumaker Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's untamed wilderness. This peaceful retreat features 16 thoughtfully positioned campsites spread across two distinct areas – four coveted spots right along the lower lake's edge where morning mist dances on the water, and twelve additional sites tucked into the forest southeast of the lake. With two handicap-accessible sites ensuring everyone can experience this natural wonder, and vault toilet facilities for convenience, Schumaker strikes the perfect balance between rustic simplicity and essential comfort at the doorstep of the legendary Selway Bitterroot Wilderness.

The campground offers basic camping facilities suitable for tents, RVs, and small groups. It is a free, rustic campsite with no fees required.

Weather and SeasonsWhile Schumaker welcomes adventurers year-round, Mother Nature writes her own schedule here in the high country. The sweet spot for camping runs from mid-June through Labor Day, when wildflowers paint the meadows and warm days give way to cool, star-filled nights. Early summer visitors might encounter lingering snow patches – a reminder of winter's grip on these elevations. July brings its own wilderness initiation with clouds of mosquitoes, so pack your bug spray alongside your sense of adventure. As autumn approaches and winter whispers its return, seasonal snow closures transform this summer paradise into a pristine wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid winter explorers.

ElevationElevation details are not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryTwin Lakes serves as nature's mirror, perfectly reflecting the surrounding peaks and forests in its crystal-clear waters. From your campsite, watch eagles soar overhead while the rugged silhouette of the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness dominates the horizon, promising endless adventures just beyond the treeline. Morning brings a symphony of bird calls echoing across the water, while evening paints the sky in brilliant alpenglow. This is a landscape that demands to be photographed but can never quite be captured – where towering pines frame postcard-perfect views and every trail leads to another breathtaking vista.

Geological RegionPerched at the gateway to the mighty Selway Bitterroot Wilderness, Schumaker Campground occupies a spectacular position along Twin Lakes' ancient shoreline. This remarkable landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where glacial forces carved deep valleys and left behind the sparkling jewels we now call Twin Lakes. The surrounding terrain showcases the raw power of geological time – granite peaks thrust skyward, volcanic remnants pepper the horizon, and pristine waters fill basins sculpted by ice ages past.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours.

Check-out

No specific check-out time provided.

Stay Limit

Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into two sections: one with 4 sites by the lower lake shore and the other with 12 sites southeast of the lake.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as no reservation system is in place.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations allowed.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as no reservation system is in place.

AccessibilityTwo campsites are handicap accessible.

Site SizeThe campground supports vehicles up to a maximum length of 55 feet.

PrivacyThe campground is split into two sections: one with four sites on the lower lake shore and another with twelve sites southeast of the lower lake.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose the lower lake campsites for water access and views. Prepare for mosquitoes in July.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational options include fishing, non-motorized boating, and hiking. The proximity to the Twin Lakes Trailhead makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

HikingThe campground is located near the Twin Lakes Trailhead, providing easy access to hiking trails.

FishingFishing is allowed in Twin Lakes, which is accessible from the campground.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed on Twin Lakes.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and other insects are prominent in July. The road conditions can also be hazardous, with narrow, rough, and steep areas on FS429.

Active AlertsFS429 Road is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles from Dec 1 to June 16.

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

Fire PolicyNot specified.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesDarby Ranger District (712 N. Main Darby, MT 59829, Phone: 406-821-3913), approximately 25 miles away from the campground.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no garbage service. Campers are required to pack out all their trash.

Water FeaturesThe campground is situated near Twin Lakes, offering easy access to non-motorized boating and fishing.

Camp HostNo information provided about campground hosts.

Weather at Schumaker Campground

Reviews

4.4

29 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews for Schumaker Campground highlight its natural beauty, privacy, and well-maintained sites. However, the rough access road and prevalence of mosquitoes are frequently noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praise the "beautiful views" and "well-maintained campgrounds." Many also appreciate the "privacy of the campsites" and the free access to the campground.

Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the rough condition of the access road (FS429), the "insane mosquitoes," and other bugs during the summer months.

Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing mosquito repellent for summer visits and a high clearance vehicle due to the rough road conditions. As there is no water available, bringing your own supply is advised.

Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak camping season is from mid-June to Labor Day. During this time, bugs, especially mosquitoes and horse flies, are commonly noted. Snow closures may affect accessibility in the off-peak season.

Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Lovely place, and it's free." - Jilla L. "Free campground with beautiful setup and private spot close to the lake!" - Valentina Carracoi. "Mosquitoes were absolutely insane in July though. Bring bug...

Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground is divided into two sections: four sites located on the lower lake shore and twelve additional sites southeast of the lower lake. The lake shore sites appear to be more popular for...

Based on 29 reviews