Clark Memorial Campground sits in a sun-drenched canyon bottom along the Thompson River in Lolo National Forest. The compact, first-come-first-served layout keeps things simple: vault toilets, fire rings, and direct river access for fishing. Sites are open and sunny, though a few spots offer shade. Reviews praise the clean facilities and well-maintained grounds, and weekday visits often mean near-total solitude.
Clark Memorial Campground is a first-come, first-served site that accommodates tent camping. The site is free of charge and offers basic facilities.
Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs around 70–80°F and dry, stable weather. The river stays calm for fishing, trails dry out completely, and long daylight hours stretch into warm evenings perfect for campfires. Weekends can bring modest crowds, but weekdays stay quiet. Spring and early fall offer cooler mornings and the occasional rain shower, so pack layers. Winter turns the canyon into a snow-covered landscape with freezing temperatures. Striking to look at, but access and conditions limit practical camping.
ElevationPerched at 2,500 feet, the campground enjoys a unique microclimate where warm canyon days give way to refreshingly cool evenings. This moderate elevation creates perfect sleeping weather throughout summer, when the crisp mountain air settles into the canyon, offering natural air conditioning that makes for comfortable nights under the stars.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Thompson River has carved this canyon through millions of years of layered rock, creating dramatic walls that frame the narrow valley floor. Oak trees line the riverbanks, their canopies providing scattered shade among otherwise open, sunny sites. At 2,500 feet elevation, the canyon bottom supports riparian forest alongside the river while the upper walls remain rugged and exposed. The river itself runs clear and calm through summer, reflecting canyon walls and oak branches. One reviewer called it "beautiful.. so many amazing Oak trees along the river."
Geological RegionThis remarkable canyon ecosystem showcases millions of years of geological history, where the persistent Thompson River has carved its path through layered rock formations. The canyon bottom provides a unique environment where riparian forests thrive alongside the river, creating diverse habitats and stunning contrasts between the verdant riverside vegetation and the rugged canyon walls above.
Scenic Views"There is one very nice spot on the water and in shade." (Ruth Clark)
Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional lodging or accommodations like cabins or lodges are mentioned.
Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned in the source material.