How much does camping cost at Slate Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Slate Creek 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 Slate Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Slate Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are walk-up and first-come, first-served. No reservation system is in place.

Can I see photos of campsites at Slate Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Slate Creek Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Slate Creek Campground?

Slate Creek Campground is open June through September for the back loop.. 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 Slate Creek Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Slate Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Slate Creek Campground: Fire rings are provided at each campsite.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Slate Creek Campground have?

Slate Creek Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Slate Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Slate Creek 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 Slate Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Slate Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Slate Creek Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Slate Creek Campground

5 reviews

6735 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Montana

Quick Facts

4,787 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,787 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Slate Creek Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for the site itself. Overnight use fees are $10 per single site and $5 per additional vehicle. 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

Slate Creek Campground

6735 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829

Nearby places

Darby, MT - 23.6 miles (~30 minutes driving)

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be obtained in Darby, MT, approximately 23.6 miles away. Groceries, fuel, and camping gear are available in the town.

Driving directionsFrom Darby Montana drive south on state Highway 93. Then, turn south (right) on West Fork Road (towards Painted Rocks State Park). Travel approximately 23.6 miles. The campground is located on the east (left) side of the road.

The road leading to the campground is paved and accessible year-round for the front loop, weather permitting. The back loop is open seasonally from June through September 30th. Snow conditions in winter may impact access.

Weather at Slate Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Slate Creek Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and nights in the 40s–50s. The seasonal back loop opens June 1, when roads and trails are typically clear and water recreation peaks. Long daylight hours and wildflower displays make this the busiest season, with moderate weekend crowds. Winter keeps the front loop accessible but transforms the area into snow country. Solitude is guaranteed, but expect frosty nights and limited services. Spring and fall bring quick temperature swings, so pack layers if you're visiting outside summer.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Back loop open June–Sept; reliable summer temperatures and peak-season water activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June through September for the back loop.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Front loop is open year-round, snow dependent. Back loop is open June through September 30th.

About Slate Creek Campground

Slate Creek Campground sits along Painted Rocks Lake in Montana's Bitterroot National Forest, offering 13 sites split between a year-round front loop (4 sites) and a seasonal back loop (9 sites, open June 1–September 30). Sites accommodate RVs and trailers up to 25 feet and run $5–10 per night. The campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, but no potable water.

Slate Creek Campground offers a mix of tent sites and RV/trailer sites, suitable for a range of camping preferences. The campground is divided into two loops, with 13 total campsites.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and nights in the 40s–50s. The seasonal back loop opens June 1, when roads and trails are typically clear and water recreation peaks. Long daylight hours and wildflower displays make this the busiest season, with moderate weekend crowds. Winter keeps the front loop accessible but transforms the area into snow country. Solitude is guaranteed, but expect frosty nights and limited services. Spring and fall bring quick temperature swings, so pack layers if you're visiting outside summer.

ElevationPerched among the peaks and valleys of Montana's mountainous backbone, Slate Creek Campground sits at an elevation that offers the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere. While specific elevation details await confirmation, visitors can expect that refreshing mountain air and cooler temperatures that make high-country camping so invigorating.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies forested terrain at 4,787 feet elevation, where dense conifers slope down to the shoreline of Painted Rocks Lake. The surrounding Bitterroot range shows the work of ancient glaciation in its ridgelines and valleys. The lake itself is the main draw. Clear water suitable for swimming, with shoreline access for fishing and boating. Forest cover provides shade at most sites, and wildlife sightings (deer, mountain bluebirds) are common in the dense understory.

Geological RegionSlate Creek Campground rests in the heart of the Bitterroot National Forest's geological wonderland, where ancient forces carved dramatic peaks and valleys that continue to inspire awe. The surrounding mountainous terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, with rugged ridgelines and pristine water bodies like Painted Rocks Lake serving as testament to glacial artistry. Dense coniferous forests blanket the slopes, thriving in the unique microclimate created by this convergence of mountain and water. This remarkable landscape offers more than scenic beauty—it's a living classroom of Rocky Mountain geology where every rock formation and forest grove reveals the powerful natural forces that shaped the American West.

Scenic ViewsProximity to Painted Rocks Lake offers scenic views of water and surrounding forested landscapes.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping limited to 16 consecutive days.

Groups

Details about group camping are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo loops: a year-round front loop with 4 sites and a seasonal back loop with 9 sites. Sites are spaced to accommodate RVs up to 25 feet.

Reservation PlatformsNo online reservation system; all sites appear to be first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up and first-come, first-served. No reservation system is in place.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules are not explicitly stated.

AccessibilityAccessibility features for disabled visitors are not specified in the provided materials.

Site SizeSites can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 25 feet.

PrivacySite privacy is not explicitly described in the source materials.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near Painted Rocks Lake in the back loop likely have better views.

Amenities available

Slate Creek Campground offers basic amenities suitable for both tent campers and small RVs or trailers (up to 25 feet). The campground is structured in two loops: the front loop operates year-round (depending on snow conditions) and includes four individual campsites, each with a picnic table and fire ring, as well as a vault toilet at the loop entrance. The back loop is only open seasonally, from June through September 30th, and includes nine campsites and an additional vault toilet.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Slate Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities nearby, with a focus on water-based and traditional outdoor pursuits.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSnow-dependent access and lack of potable water pose challenges. Wildlife like bears may be present due to the forested nature of the area.

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

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets available at this campground. Vault toilets are available in both loops.

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.

Fire PolicyFire rings are provided at each campsite.

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

Emergency ServicesWest Fork Ranger District (6735 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829, Phone: 406-821-3269) is the nearest ranger station. For other emergencies, services in Darby, MT are the likely next option.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities or arrangements are not mentioned in the provided information.

Water FeaturesNear Painted Rocks Lake, offering opportunities for fishing and motorized boating.

Camp HostNo explicit mention of campground hosts.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is not explicitly mentioned. Coverage quality is unknown.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Slate Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews generally highlight the campground's peaceful atmosphere and proximity to Painted Rocks Lake, making it a great spot for swimming and enjoying nature.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

- "Beautiful and peaceful." - Proximity to Painted Rocks Lake. - Suitable for swimming and camping.

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints are provided in the user reviews.

Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specific to particular campsites or areas within the campground are provided.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the lake for swimming or boating.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The front loop is open year-round, subject to snow conditions, while the back loop is open seasonally (June to September 30). Seasonal variations in accessibility may influence visitor experiences.

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful and peaceful. Great place to swim and camp." - Betty Kelly

Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed per campground rules. No specific feedback from pet owners is provided.

Based on 5 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Tent campers and small-trailer owners (under 25 feet) who want lake access for swimming, fishing, or motorized boating on Painted Rocks will get a lot done here for almost nothing. First-come, first-served means showing up by Thursday for a summer weekend.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is the real filter. If hauling your own water or driving 24 miles to Darby for a resupply sounds like a problem, this setup will wear on you fast. Full-hookup RVers won't find anything to plug into either.

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