Bitterroot Flat Campground

Star3.60
13 reviews

Quick Facts

4,300 ft

Price

$6 - $15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens USFS Lolo National Forest site

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Bitterroot Flat Campground
$6.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $15 per night for single campsites during peak season (April through September). Discounts are available with Interagency Senior/Access...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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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What Campers Say

3.60

Mixed Reviews

Based on 13 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"Overall, users appreciate the scenic beauty, trout fishing, and tranquil environment of the campground. Negative feedback includes the challenging access road and lack of privacy at some sites."

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Campground Map

Bitterroot Flat Campground

46.4685, -113.7774

Driving directionsFrom Clinton, MT, take Interstate 90 east 4.7 miles to Rock Creek Rd. (Exit 126). At end of exit ramp, turn right onto Rock Creek Rd. and go 23 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground. NOTE: Rock Creek Rd. goes from a wide paved roadway to dirt at 8.3 miles. It then deteriorates into a winding, single-lane road with few turnouts.
Trailers, motorhomes, and tow vehicles are not recommended due to the narrow and rough road. The road transitions from paved to dirt at 8.3 miles and becomes a winding, single-lane road.
Nearby places
Missoula is about 20 miles west of the campground, accessed via Interstate 90. Clinton, MT is 23 miles north of the campground.
Nearby supplies
Emergency services not directly mentioned
no hospitals, ranger stations, or police stations specified.

Best Time to Camp at Bitterroot Flat Campground

From May through September, Bitterroot Flat transforms with the seasons, offering a dynamic camping experience that shifts from spring's crisp awakening to summer's warm embrace, before yielding to autumn's golden farewell. While summer days invite leisurely afternoons by the creek, spring and fall nights demand cozy sleeping bags as temperatures dip into refreshing coolness. Adventure-seekers should come prepared for nature's surprises—late spring and early fall occasionally dust the landscape with unexpected snow, adding a touch of alpine magic to your camping story.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May–Sept; summer popular for trout fishing, wildlife viewing and warm weather camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Sept 30; early fall offers good scenery but season ends early.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from May 1; spring offers crisp conditions and trout fishing but can be cool/variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal closure; winter camping not feasible.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April - September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 1 through September 30.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are listed.

About Bitterroot Flat Campground

Nestled in a serene pocket between ancient talus slopes, Bitterroot Flat Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's untamed wilderness. Here, towering Douglas firs and stately Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral above your tent, while the melodic rush of Rock Creek—one of the West's premier blue ribbon trout streams—provides nature's perfect soundtrack. This rustic haven invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the rhythmic pulse of the wild, where birdsong greets each morning and the creek's gentle murmur lulls you to sleep each night.
Bitterroot Flat Campground primarily caters to tent campers and offers a rustic, outdoor experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights allowed.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Fishing is the main highlight of this campground due to its location along Rock Creek. Some hiking opportunities are also available.
HikingAdler Cree Trail #209 is a 7.5-mile foot trail accessible from the campground. It connects to Easthouse National Recreation Trail.
FishingRock Creek is a blue-ribbon trout stream, home to rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and bull trout, as well as whitefish. Note that bull trout is catch-and-release only. One user advised against traditional fishing methods due to the shallow creek: "Do not come here for fishing unless you are fly fishing. The water is really shallow."
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include big horn sheep, bears, and moose. The sounds of running water and birds enhance the natural setting.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear safety is required due to the presence of bears in the area. Narrow and rough roads can also pose hazards for large vehicles.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are listed.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Bitterroot Flat Campground

Reviews

3.6
13 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Bitterroot Flat Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users appreciate the scenic beauty, trout fishing, and tranquil environment of the campground. Negative feedback includes the challenging access road and lack of privacy at some sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlighted the "scenic views," "incredible creek sound," and the cleanliness of the campground. One user described it as "One of the best places you'll ever camp."
Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users mentioned the rough, narrow access road. Another user noted, "Rock Creek is hard to access from the campsites and there is not much privacy." The shallow creek was also criticized for...
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Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Approaching the campground from the north via I-90 is recommended due to the southern route's narrowness. The campground is better suited for fly fishing. Campers also advised bringing cash or checks...
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Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are popular seasons for camping here, with trout fishing and wildlife viewing being key attractions. Winter camping is not feasible due to limited facilities.
Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"No cell service at all, for miles in either direction, which I think is a good thing." "The toilets were very clean, and the campground itself was very well kept up." "Lots of foliage between us and...
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Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1, near the entrance, is noted for its privacy due to foliage. Center sites are further from the road and may offer less dust exposure.
Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility. However, the lack of wheelchair-friendly toilets and rugged terrain may pose difficulties.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention experiences related to pets.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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