Clearwater Crossing Campground

Star3.25
10 reviews
Clearwater Crossing Campground, West Fork Fish Creek Road #7750, Lolo National Forest, MT

Quick Facts

3,507 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open yearlong unless...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Ninemile Ranger Station site

Official Website
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Clearwater Crossing Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fee required for camping.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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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Provider
406-626-5201
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What Campers Say

3.25

Mixed Reviews

Based on 10 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikingwell-maintained

"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."

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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

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Clearwater Crossing Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Northern Rockies at Clearwater Crossing. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a hushed wonderland where temperatures plunge and the landscape becomes a frozen paradise. As spring arrives, the forest awakens with intermittent rains nurturing wildflowers and filling streams to their banks. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for trail riding and fishing, while autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons, with crisp air and variable weather adding to the mountain magic.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Trails, fishing and horse camping are accessible in summer; good for hiking and backcountry access.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Northern Rockies' seasonal changes likely enhance fall scenery and solitude (inferred).

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring access variable due to snowmelt; trails and creek conditions fluctuate during thaw.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter brings heavy snow and potential road closures; limited winter recreation mentioned.

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

About Clearwater Crossing Campground

Tucked away in the untamed wilderness of Lolo National Forest, Clearwater Crossing Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This intimate, primitive campground serves as your personal basecamp for exploring the legendary Great Burn area, where wild horses roam and ancient trails wind through untouched forests. With dedicated stock facilities and public corrals, it's a haven for equestrian enthusiasts and hikers alike, offering direct access to some of Montana's most spectacular and remote trail systems.
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.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe nearby trailhead is primarily used for hiking into the Great Burn area. User Abigail Johnston shares, 'We hiked up the north fork of Fish Creek and stayed at Goose Lake. The hike was easy the first day. The next day we headed down to Fish Lake. That was a harder hike and wore us out.' The trails are well-maintained, as per her review.
FishingThe campground is adjacent to Fish Creek, described as 'a perfect place for trout fishing' in official sources. User Joe Maesar had a contrasting experience, stating, 'Terrible camping and fishing. Trust me, you really don't want to come here.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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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.

Weather at Clearwater Crossing Campground

Reviews

3.3
10 reviews
Mixed 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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