Norton Campground

4.37

21 reviews

Norton Campground, Rock Creek Rd, Lolo National Forest, Montana

Quick Facts

3,900 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Lolo National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,900 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Lolo National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Norton Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single sites cost $15 per night, with a two-vehicle limit per site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for single...

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 21 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"Mixed reviews highlight the campground's peaceful and beautiful setting, clean facilities, and proximity to Rock Creek. However, some users reported issues such as a closed gate despite the campground being listed as open and the lack of parking at individual campsites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Norton Campground, Rock Creek Rd, Lolo National Forest, Montana

Norton Campground

Norton Campground, Rock Creek Rd, Lolo National Forest, Montana

Driving directionsFrom Clinton, MT, take Interstate 90 east 4.7 miles to Rock Creek Rd. (Exit 126). At the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto Rock Creek Rd. and go 10.9 miles to the campground sign. Turn right into the campground.

Rock Creek Rd transitions from a wide paved roadway to dirt at 8.3 miles, eventually deteriorating into a narrow, winding, single-lane road with few turnouts. Trailers, motorhomes, and tow vehicles are not recommended due to these conditions.

Nearby places

Clinton (approximately 15 miles, 30-minute drive)

Missoula (approximately 31 miles, 45-minute drive)

Nearby supplies

Limited groceries and gas are located 10.9 miles away at the Rock Creek Rd. and Interstate 90 intersection.

Best Time to Camp at Norton Campground

From May through September, Norton Campground basks in the perfect mountain climate—sun-drenched days that invite exploration followed by refreshingly cool evenings ideal for campfire stories. Summer temperatures create comfortable conditions for hiking and fishing, while crisp nights remind you of the elevation and provide excellent sleeping weather. As autumn approaches, the forest transforms into a tapestry of gold and amber. Winter brings a dramatic change, blanketing the area in snow and dropping temperatures well below freezing, transforming this summer paradise into a winter wonderland accessible only to the most adventurous souls.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Sept; summer reviews note pleasant weather and good fishing access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open through Sept 30; late summer/early fall pleasant but season ends at month end.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens May 10; early spring access and road conditions can be challenging per reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed offseason; reviews mention closures and winter road issues.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 10 to September 30, 2024.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 10 to September 30, 2024.
Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned in the provided sources.

About Norton Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Lolo National Forest, Norton Campground offers an intimate escape where 12 thoughtfully arranged campsites form a welcoming circle beneath towering pines. This hidden gem in the Rock Creek drainage rewards visitors with a symphony of rushing water and songbirds, creating the perfect soundtrack for your wilderness retreat. The unique circular layout features convenient drive-up sites along the outer ring and secluded walk-in sites at the center, offering options for every camping style. Anglers flock here to test their skills against the legendary trout of Rock Creek, while nature enthusiasts discover endless opportunities to spot local wildlife in this pristine mountain sanctuary.

Norton Campground is a small, rustic site catering primarily to tent campers. The area is first-come, first-served, and does not support RVs.

Historical SignificanceNorton Campground sits within a landscape shaped by generations of Montana history, where the legacy of responsible logging practices meets modern conservation efforts. The crown jewel of this heritage is Rock Creek itself—a blue ribbon trout stream that has drawn devoted anglers for decades, earning its reputation as one of the West's premier fishing destinations. This stretch of Lolo National Forest tells the story of America's evolving relationship with its wild places, from the early days of timber harvest to today's careful balance of recreation and preservation, making every visit a connection to the region's rich outdoor traditions.

Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Norton Campground basks in the perfect mountain climate—sun-drenched days that invite exploration followed by refreshingly cool evenings ideal for campfire stories. Summer temperatures create comfortable conditions for hiking and fishing, while crisp nights remind you of the elevation and provide excellent sleeping weather. As autumn approaches, the forest transforms into a tapestry of gold and amber. Winter brings a dramatic change, blanketing the area in snow and dropping temperatures well below freezing, transforming this summer paradise into a winter wonderland accessible only to the most adventurous souls.

ElevationPerched at 3,900 feet above sea level, Norton Campground occupies that sweet spot where mountain air stays crisp without leaving you breathless. This elevation creates an ideal microclimate—high enough to escape summer's heat, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. The altitude enhances every sunrise and sunset, painting the surrounding peaks in brilliant colors while keeping the camp pleasantly cool even on the warmest days.

Natural Features and SceneryA living cathedral of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and lodgepole pine creates a natural canopy above Norton Campground, filtering sunlight into gentle patterns across the soft, grassy forest floor. The real star of the show flows just steps away—Rock Creek's crystal-clear waters dance over smooth stones, creating pools and riffles that shelter native trout and reflect the surrounding forest like nature's mirror. This verdant understory, dotted with wildflowers in season, provides both privacy between sites and open meadows perfect for wildlife watching or an impromptu game of catch.

Geological RegionNorton Campground rests within the dramatic Rock Creek drainage, where ancient geological forces carved a rugged canyon through the heart of Lolo National Forest. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's artistry—weathered rock formations frame the blue ribbon waters of Rock Creek, while stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir cling to steep canyon walls. The interplay of water, stone, and forest creates a dynamic ecosystem that changes with every bend of the creek, offering campers a front-row seat to millions of years of geological history still being written with each passing season.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in details not specified
operates on a 24-hour basis.

Check-out

Check-out details not specified.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest numbers not specified.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is laid out in a circular configuration with walk-in sites located in the middle.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not taken; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served. No reservation system is in place.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted, so cancellation policies are not applicable.

AccessibilityNo information about specific accessibility features is available. Vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.

Site SizeThe campground has a circle configuration with walk-in sites in the middle.

PrivacySites are shaded by Douglas firs, Ponderosa, and Lodgepole pines, providing some natural privacy.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesWalk-in sites located in the center of the campground offer additional privacy.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Norton Campground offers primarily fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Its location along Rock Creek makes it favorable for anglers and nature enthusiasts.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at this campground, which is located near Rock Creek, a blue ribbon trout stream. Fish species include Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat, and Bull Trout (catch-and-release for Bull Trout).

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of Big Horn Sheep, bears, and moose. The surrounding forest and proximity to Rock Creek enhance the experience.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include black bear activity, narrow and rough access roads, and the lack of potable water on-site.

Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned in the provided sources.

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 within the provided fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are 20 miles away in Missoula. Contact Missoula County emergency services for urgent assistance. The nearest ranger station is the Missoula Ranger District.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated adjacent to Rock Creek, a blue ribbon trout stream.

Camp HostNo campground host information provided.

Weather at Norton Campground

Reviews

4.4

21 reviews

Recommended

Norton Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mixed reviews highlight the campground's peaceful and beautiful setting, clean facilities, and proximity to Rock Creek. However, some users reported issues such as a closed gate despite the campground being listed as open and the lack of parking at individual campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's proximity to Rock Creek, its tranquil and scenic setting, and the cleanliness of the vault toilets. Several reviews note that it is a good spot for fishing...

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include reports of the campground being unexpectedly closed, limited parking at campsites, and the road leading to the campground being narrow and rough.

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing all necessary supplies, as the nearest market is 10.9 miles away. Bear-proofing food is essential due to sightings of black bears in the area.

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews note the pleasant weather and access to fishing, while offseason reviews mention closures and challenging road conditions. No specific extreme seasonal trends are noted.

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Smaller campground, beautiful setting. On Rock Creek (the blue ribbon trout fishery)." - Constance Norona. "Lovely little primitive campground located just a few miles off the interstate. Perfect...

Based on 21 reviews