How much does camping cost at Clearwater Crossing Campground?

Camping fees at Clearwater Crossing Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Clearwater Crossing Campground?

Clearwater Crossing Campground is open Open yearlong unless road is closed by snow.. 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 Clearwater Crossing Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Clearwater Crossing Campground?

Fire policies at Clearwater Crossing Campground: Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Clearwater Crossing Campground have?

Clearwater Crossing Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Clearwater Crossing Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Clearwater Crossing 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 Clearwater Crossing Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Clearwater Crossing Campground?

Popular activities at Clearwater Crossing Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Clearwater Crossing Campground

Q: Is Clearwater Crossing Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Clearwater Crossing Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are public corrals for horse campers, which are also first-come, first-served.

2.60

10 reviews

Clearwater Crossing Campground, West Fork Fish Creek Road #7750, Lolo National Forest, MT

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Montana

Quick Facts

3,507 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open yearlong unless...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,507 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open yearlong unless...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Clearwater Crossing Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fee required for camping.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

406-626-5201

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Clearwater Crossing Campground, West Fork Fish Creek Road #7750, Lolo National Forest, MT

Clearwater Crossing Campground

Clearwater Crossing Campground, West Fork Fish Creek Road #7750, Lolo National Forest, MT

Nearby places

Missoula (37 miles, approximately 40 minutes by car)

Nearby supplies

Rod & Connie French Conservation Camp is located 1 mile from the campground, and Missoula (37 miles away) offers a full range of grocery stores and supply shops.

Driving directions37 miles west of Missoula on Interstate 90. Take the Fish Creek Exit #66. Follow Fish Creek Road #343 south to West Fork Fish Creek Road #7750. Follow Road #7750 to the end. Follow the signs to Rod & Connie French Conservation Camp and go 1 mile beyond this camp to the campground.

Accessible yearlong unless road is closed by snow. Roads leading to the site are likely unpaved and may require caution during winter months.

Weather at Clearwater Crossing Campground

Best Time to Camp at Clearwater Crossing Campground

Summer is the most reliable season here. Daytime highs reach the 70s to low 80s°F, with nights dropping into the 40s–50s°F. Trails and stock facilities are fully accessible once spring runoff subsides in Fish Creek. Crowds stay moderate to low because of the primitive setup. Wildfire risk increases in summer, occasionally triggering road or trail restrictions. Winter buries the campground in snow, and spring brings intermittent rain that fills the streams.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is most reliable; highs 70s–80s and trails/facilities accessible.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open yearlong unless road is closed by snow.

About Clearwater Crossing Campground

Clearwater Crossing Campground sits in Lolo National Forest near the confluence of Fish Creek and the Great Burn wilderness area. The primitive campground has six sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. It's built for horse camping, with permanent pens available first-come, first-served and space for portable corrals. Fees are unknown.

Clearwater Crossing Campground primarily caters to primitive and equestrian camping needs. There are public corrals and hitch rails available for horse campers, along with ample space for portable corrals.

Historical Significance

The campground provides access to the Great Burn, a wilderness area shaped by the historic fires of 1910. Those fires influenced modern wilderness preservation efforts and helped define how national forests are managed today.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the most reliable season here. Daytime highs reach the 70s to low 80s°F, with nights dropping into the 40s–50s°F. Trails and stock facilities are fully accessible once spring runoff subsides in Fish Creek. Crowds stay moderate to low because of the primitive setup. Wildfire risk increases in summer, occasionally triggering road or trail restrictions. Winter buries the campground in snow, and spring brings intermittent rain that fills the streams.

ElevationPerched at the characteristic elevation of Lolo National Forest's mountainous terrain, Clearwater Crossing offers that perfect high-country atmosphere where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every breath reminds you that you've left the lowlands far behind. This mountain setting provides natural air conditioning in summer and creates the perfect staging ground for adventures into even higher elevations.

Natural Features and SceneryFish Creek runs alongside the campground at 3,507 feet elevation. Dense conifer forests cover the steep mountain slopes, and clear mountain streams cut through valleys carved by glaciers. The surrounding terrain is rugged Northern Rockies country, shaped by ancient tectonic forces that thrust peaks upward and carved deep valleys. The creek holds native trout, though user reviews note fishing quality varies.

Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic landscape of Lolo National Forest, Clearwater Crossing sits at the confluence of Fish Creek and the greater Great Burn wilderness area. This geological wonderland showcases the raw power of the Northern Rockies, where ancient tectonic forces carved deep valleys and thrust peaks skyward. The rugged mountainous terrain surrounding the campground tells a story millions of years in the making, with dense forests clinging to steep slopes and clear mountain streams cutting through valleys shaped by glaciers and time.

Scenic ViewsVisitors enjoy scenic views of Fish Creek and the surrounding forested mountains.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging available at Clearwater Crossing Campground; the campground caters primarily to campers, horseback riders, and hikers.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural and educational programs are not mentioned in the provided sources.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSix sites spread across the campground, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Separate parking areas accommodate horse trailers. Sites are spacious enough for portable corrals.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are public corrals for horse campers, which are also first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations required; cancellations do not apply.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources.

Site SizeUser reviews and sources suggest sites are spacious and can accommodate portable corrals for horses. Permanent pens are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

PrivacyPrivacy levels for campsites are not explicitly discussed in either authoritative sources or user reviews.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesHorse campers should arrive early to secure one of the six permanent pens or use portable corrals. Campers seeking privacy should choose secluded areas closer to the trailhead.

Best CampsitesSites with portable corrals are popular among horse campers. Six permanent pens are available first-come, first-served. User David Goodman calls it a great spot for camping with horses.

Amenities available

Clearwater Crossing Campground provides essential amenities catering mainly to horseback riders and hikers. As per official sources, the campground has picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets for visitor use. Potable water is explicitly not available, requiring visitors to bring their own supply. There are public corrals located near the horse trailer parking area for those traveling with horses.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Clearwater Crossing Campground offers recreational opportunities primarily focused on horseback riding, hiking, hunting, and trout fishing. The adjacent Fish Creek provides excellent trout fishing conditions according to official sources. The campground is closely connected to trails leading into the Great Burn area, offering opportunities for exploration and wildlife observation.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity and rugged terrain are potential hazards. Campers are advised to follow bear safety guidelines and use food storage facilities.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in designated fire rings.

Emergency ServicesNinemile Ranger Station (20325 Remount Road, Huson, MT 59846, Phone: 406-626-5201, Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the provided sources.

Water FeaturesThe campground lies adjacent to Fish Creek, a popular trout fishing spot.

Cell CoverageNeither official sources nor user reviews mention the availability or quality of cell phone reception.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

2.6

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Clearwater Crossing Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Clearwater Crossing Campground are mixed. Positive feedback highlights the campground’s suitability for horse camping and proximity to well-maintained trails. Negative reviews focus on fishing quality and overall camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's suitability for horse camping ('Great site for camping with your horse(s),' according to David Goodman) and the well-maintained hiking trails ('The trails...

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include fishing quality ('Terrible camping and fishing,' according to Joe Maesar) and lack of maintenance for some amenities ('Bring toilet paper because it doesn't get replenished...

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

David Goodman mentions six permanent pens available on a first-come, first-served basis as a highlight for horse campers.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing essential supplies such as toilet paper due to the irregular replenishment of vault toilets. Abigail Johnston recommends hiking trails near the campground for an...

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends are not explicitly discussed in user reviews. However, the campground remains open year-round, with snow potentially closing road access during winter months.

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Terrible camping and fishing. Trust me, you really don't want to come here.' - Joe Maesar 2. 'Great site for camping with your horse(s). Large sites for setting up portable corrals. There are...

Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility experiences are not discussed in user reviews.

Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but dogs must be leashed at all times as per official regulations. User reviews do not elaborate further on pet experiences.

Based on 10 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Horse campers will find this place hard to beat: six permanent corrals, trailer parking, and space for portable setups, all free. Hikers headed into the Great Burn can reach Goose Lake on a manageable first day out. Pack all your water and your own toilet paper.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means hauling everything from Missoula, 37 miles out. Fishing reviews are genuinely split, so don't plan the trip around catching fish. First-come, first-served on six sites means showing up mid-week or early if you're coming on a summer weekend.

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