How much does camping cost at Dorr Skeels Campground?

Camping fees at Dorr Skeels Campground are $16/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dorr Skeels Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Dorr Skeels Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Dorr Skeels Campground before I book?

Yes! Dorr Skeels Campground has 4 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 Dorr Skeels Campground?

Dorr Skeels Campground is open May 22 to September 30. 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 Dorr Skeels Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Dorr Skeels Campground?

Fire policies at Dorr Skeels Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Dorr Skeels Campground have?

Dorr Skeels Campground has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dorr Skeels Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Dorr Skeels Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Dorr Skeels Campground?

Dorr Skeels Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dorr Skeels Campground?

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

Dorr Skeels Campground

4.27

42 reviews

Three Rivers Ranger District, 12858 US Hwy 2, Troy, MT, 59935

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Montana

Quick Facts

2,344 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

A security gate is c...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Three Rivers Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,344 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

A security gate is c...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Three Rivers Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Dorr Skeels Campground

$16.00 / night

Campsite Fees

standard non-electric: $16.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

406-295-4693

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Three Rivers Ranger District, 12858 US Hwy 2, Troy, MT, 59935

Dorr Skeels Campground

Three Rivers Ranger District, 12858 US Hwy 2, Troy, MT, 59935

Nearby places

Troy (13 miles, approximate driving time null)

Weather at Dorr Skeels Campground

Current alerts(3)

16 day stay limit
If your extra vehicle is at the site longer than 30 minutes, you will need to pay the $5 extra vehicle fee or move the vehicle to the overflow parking area.
Non-reservable sites are first come-first serve. Saving sites is prohibited.

Best Time to Camp at Dorr Skeels Campground

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable weather for swimming, boating, and lake fishing — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F. The boat ramp and designated swimming area are in full use, the campground host is present, and all visitor services (potable water, vault toilets) are operating; reservations are available May 23–Sep 30 and sites are FCFS starting June 21. Crowd levels are moderate: weekends and July–early August can填 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season May 22–Sep 30; swim beach and boat ramp are open and amenities available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: A security gate is closed at 10:00 pm and opened at 07:00 am daily by the camphost.

About Dorr Skeels Campground

Dorr Skeels Campground sits on the shore of Bull Lake in Kootenai National Forest, managed by the Three Rivers Ranger District near Troy. This small lakeside spot offers direct water access for swimming and boating, with most tent sites positioned right on the water. The campground operates seasonally during summer months when the boat ramp and designated swim beach are open.

Dorr Skeels Campground provides a mix of tent camping, day use sites, and RV camping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable weather for swimming, boating, and lake fishing — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F. The boat ramp and designated swimming area are in full use, the campground host is present, and all visitor services (potable water, vault toilets) are operating; reservations are available May 23–Sep 30 and sites are FCFS starting June 21. Crowd levels are moderate: weekends and July–early August can填 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2344 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBull Lake stretches 1,162 acres below the campground, with the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness rising to the east. The lake drops to cold depths that support native bull trout, along with bass, perch, and kokanee. Mature pines provide shade and frame views of the water. The campground sits at 2,344 feet elevation, where the forest meets the shoreline. Five of the six tent sites sit directly on the water.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges are described.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational activities are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Guests may stay up to 16 consecutive nights per visit and up to 48 nights in total per year.

Groups

No group camping sites or details are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, including online or via the app.

Site SizeMost campsites offer an average length of 30 feet.

PrivacyNo information provided on the privacy level of campsites.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and lakeside views, opt for one of the waterfront tent sites. Reviews suggest tent-only sites are clean and well-maintained.

Best CampsitesFive of the six tent sites sit directly on the water. Reviews consistently mention these lakeside spots as the draw. The campground also has two RV-suitable sites and two day-use areas.

Need help booking Dorr Skeels Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Dorr Skeels Campground offers a range of amenities including potable water, vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, a swimming area with a beach, and a fully developed boat ramp with dock. "The campground has 8 overnight camp sites, including one host site and 2 day use sites, all with tables and fire rings." Garbage service and drinking water are also available during peak season. Vault toilets and potable water are explicitly mentioned among the facilities. A security gate is closed at 10:00 pm and reopened at 7:00 am daily by the camp host.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Dorr Skeels Campground

Recreational activities at Dorr Skeels Campground include swimming, boating, fishing, and day use. "The campground has a boat ramp with dock, a beach area and bouyed off swimming area." The lake spans 1,162 acres and is popular with recreationists and fishermen. Nearby attractions include the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness and Ross Creek Cedars.

Swimming4.0/5Top 14% in Montana

Boating4.0/5

Fully developed boat ramp and dock on a 1,162-acre lake suitable for varied boating.

Water Sports4.0/5

Large, 1,162-acre lake with boat ramp and dock supports kayaking/backcountry paddling.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Kootenai NF location implies low light, but no explicit stargazing notes in sources.

Photography4.0/5Bull Lake, pines and Cabinet Mountains provide strong subject matter for photos.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

4.3

42 reviews

Satisfactory

Dorr Skeels Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Dorr Skeels Campground highlight its cleanliness, lakeside location, and the quality of tent sites. "As a local born and raised in the area there aren't many good campgrounds that could fit an RV or camper but this is one of the better managed and taken care of spots."

Review Summaries

Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews mention the campground's cleanliness, lakeside beauty, and good tent sites. "6 tent sites, 5 of which are on the water. Beautiful! Short drive to many trailheads."

Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with pet policies, swimming beach restrictions, and rude behavior from a previous camp host. "No dogs allowed on the swim beach which was a bummer for us." Another user...

Based on 42 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some sites are highlighted for their lakeside location: "6 tent sites, 5 of which are on the water."

Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include visiting nearby trailheads and Ross Creek Cedars. "Nice little day trip for us as a stop by on the way home."

Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not provide specific seasonal trends, but the peak season amenities are noted, such as vault toilets and potable water.

Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

"B-E-A-UTIFUL lakeside camping! Awesome hosts!" "If kindness killed, you would be safe forever with this camp host!" "Very cute campground, clean bathrooms, clean and well-kept tent-only sites."

Based on 42 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Some users express dissatisfaction with pet policies: "No dogs allowed on the swim beach which was a bummer for us."

Based on 42 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Dorr Skeels Campground

$16.00 / night

Campsite Fees

standard non-electric: $16.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-295-4693

Go if

You want budget-friendly lakeside camping with direct water access and don't mind a small, seasonal campground.

Skip if

You're traveling with dogs that need beach access or prefer larger campgrounds with more amenities.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.3

(42)

Dorr Skeels Campground

Kootenai National Forest

Dorr Skeels Campground sits 13 miles south of Troy along Highway 56, a small lakefront spot with 8 sites (5 tent-only, 2 RV) and a sandy swimming beach. A camphost manages the gated entry. Vault toilets and potable water keep things functional without frills.

Dorr Skeels Campground

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Quick Facts

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Current alerts(3)

Best Time to Camp at Dorr Skeels Campground

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About Dorr Skeels Campground

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Amenities available

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Get Notified When Available

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Ask Camp Sage about Dorr Skeels Campground

Current alerts(3)

Best Time to Camp at Dorr Skeels Campground

Planning Tips

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Need help booking Dorr Skeels Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Dorr Skeels Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews