4.0825 reviewsPrice
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Early May – late Sep...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Early May – late Sep...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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46.5574, -113.7104
Fly fishers and hikers who can arrive midweek in July or August and drive a smaller vehicle on the rough gravel access road. Creek-side sites are the obvious pick, and the 8-mile Welcome Creek Trail to the Bitterroot Divide starts practically in camp.
Potable water is unreliable, reviews mention porta-potties during vault toilet renovations and a hand pump that may not deliver safe drinking water, so bring everything you need. Generator campers sometimes break the quiet, and the rough road rules out anything trailer-sized.
Reference information about Dalles Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Located in the Rock Creek drainage, this campground is situated above Rock Creek in a mixed conifer forest. This area is known for its blue ribbon trout stream and rugged canyon environment.</p>
The elevation is 4,000 ft. The campground is heavily wooded, primarily with Lodgepole and Douglas fir. It is on a bluff overlooking the "blue ribbon" Rock Creek and adjacent to the Welcome Creek Wilderness. The sounds of running water and birds add to the tranquility of this rustic campground. It is a good location for fishing and wildlife viewing with sightings of Big Horn Sheep, bear and moose. Some sites overlook the creek with informal paths leading down to it. Limited groceries and gas are 14.5 miles away at the intersection of Rock Creek Rd. and Interstate 90.
Open May 1 through September 30
The water spigot is a hand pump. The authors have traveled many roads over the years and have a great deal of respect for the variety of road surfaces and conditions. Roads like the one paralleling Rock Creek has more than our respect. While some might consider the appropriately named Rock Creek Road a “white-knuckle” experience, with its many stretches of single lane hemmed by the steep banked creek on one side and near vertical talus slides on the other, it is one of the more scenic byways traveled in the Lolo National Forest. Lolo National Forest 346
The parking aprons are dirt.
From Clinton, MT, take Interstate 90 east 4.7 miles to Rock Cr Rd. (Exit 126). At end of exit ramp, turn right onto Rock Creek Rd. and go 14.5 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.
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Summer is the obvious choice. Daytime highs run 70s to 90s with cool nights in the 40s and 50s, and the dry weather makes creek access easy. Early summer sometimes catches lingering wildflowers from higher elevations. July and August bring the most visitors, so midweek camping improves your odds at snagging a site. Spring and fall can be pleasant but colder, and winter access depends on snow levels on Rock Creek Road.
Peak season May–September; warm days, cool nights, ideal for fishing and hiking.
Dalles Campground offers basic amenities in a scenic and tranquil setting. The campground features picnic tables and fire rings at all 10 sites, providing essential conveniences for campers. Restrooms are available in the form of vault toilets, and water is provided via a hand pump. Potable water is not available, and campers are advised to bring their own drinking water. User reviews mention the scenic beauty and seclusion of the sites, as well as the presence of mule deer and other wildlife.
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