How much does camping cost at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground?

Camping at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground is free. Confirm current rules and whether separate reservation, entrance, parking, or amenity fees apply.

What is the best time to visit West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground?

West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground is open Open May 13, 2026 - October.. 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 West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground?

West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground?

Fire policies at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground: Campfires are permitted, with fire rings available at each campsite.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground?

West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground offers: Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground?

Popular activities at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Q: Is West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is first-come, first-serve. Water availability begins mid-June. Call District to confirm opening date at 406-826-3821.

2 reviews

Featured in:Forest Camping Montana

Quick Facts

3,540 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open May 13, 2026 - ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,540 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open May 13, 2026 - ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Free

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site. It is completely free.

No campsite fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

406-826-3821

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

47.8166, -115.1492

Nearby places

Thompson Falls (5 miles east), other nearby towns are not specified.

Driving directionsFrom the town of Thompson Falls, travel 5 miles east on state highway 200. Turn left (north) onto the paved Thompson River Road (do not take the graveled road). Travel 15 miles north on the Thompson River Road. Turn left (west) on Fishtrap Creek Road #516 for 10 miles. Turn left (south) on the West Fork Fishtrap Creek Road. Campground is on the right after 0.1 mile.

The site is accessible via paved roads for most of the route. The final stretch includes unpaved roads.

Weather at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions and full site access, with daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights dropping into the 40s–50s°F. Early to mid-summer sees peak insect activity along the stream. Late spring can be unpredictable, with frosty mornings giving way to warmer afternoons and occasional late snow or rain. Autumn arrives with crisp air and the possibility of early snowfall, though this can create striking photo opportunities as the valley takes on golden tones.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers most reliable conditions and full site access; warm days, cool nights.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open May 13, 2026 - October.

About West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground sits along a meandering stream in Lolo National Forest near Thompson Falls, Montana, at 3,540 feet elevation. The sun-drenched sites offer fire rings and picnic tables, with fishing as the main draw. Note that potable water isn't available until mid-June, which can complicate early-season trips.

West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground is a first-come, first-serve campground with no fees required for use. 'No fee required.'

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions and full site access, with daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights dropping into the 40s–50s°F. Early to mid-summer sees peak insect activity along the stream. Late spring can be unpredictable, with frosty mornings giving way to warmer afternoons and occasional late snow or rain. Autumn arrives with crisp air and the possibility of early snowfall, though this can create striking photo opportunities as the valley takes on golden tones.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a broad valley where ancient geological forces created gentle terrain for the creek to wind through open landscape. The stream curves through meadows rather than dense forest, providing expansive views and consistent sunlight. This open setting contrasts with more heavily wooded campgrounds in Lolo National Forest. The water runs clear over rocky sections, forming pools that hold fish and reflect the surrounding hills.

Geological RegionSituated within the magnificent expanse of Lolo National Forest, the campground rests in a unique geological setting where ancient forces carved a broad valley, allowing the stream to wind leisurely through the landscape. This gentle topography, shaped over millennia, creates the perfect environment for the meandering waterway that defines the campground's character and provides its recreational heartbeat.

Scenic ViewsStreamside views are prominent, with the scenic ambiance highlighted.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information provided about lodging or accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs available.

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Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required as it operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is first-come, first-serve. Water availability begins mid-June. Call District to confirm opening date at 406-826-3821.

AccessibilityNo accessibility-related features or details mentioned.

Site SizeNo specific details about the sizes of campsites are available.

PrivacyPrivacy of sites not described.

Amenities available

Amenities at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground include a picnic table and fire ring at each campsite. Potable water is not available on-site, which is explicitly noted in authoritative sources: 'Water will not be available until mid-June. Call District to confirm opening date 406-826-3821.'

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Things to do at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

The campground offers fishing opportunities along a scenic, meandering stream. 'Streamside fishing opportunities available. Scenic.' Hunting and shooting are also mentioned under recreational activities.

Fishing3.5/5

Described as the campground's main draw with direct streamside access for fishing.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Open meadow and remote Lolo NF setting suggest good dark-sky potential (not stated).

Photography3.5/5Expansive streamside and meadow views provide good natural photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity and the lack of potable water.

Trip Planning Tools

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From Booking Sources

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

No user reviews or ratings have been provided.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

No positive aspects from user reviews available.

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

No common complaints from user reviews available.

Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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Based on 2 reviews

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West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Free

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site. It is completely free.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

406-826-3821

Go if

Fly fishers and hunters who want a no-cost base camp along Fishtrap Creek through summer will find open meadow sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and Thompson Falls just 5 miles east for resupply.

Skip if

Arrive before mid-June and the potable water isn't running yet, so bring all your own. Bear activity is real here, food storage is required, and there's nothing else on-site beyond the basics.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

0.0

(4)

Fishtrap Lake Campground

Lolo National Forest

Fishtrap Lake Campground sits on a flat, sunny bench above Fishtrap Lake in Lolo National Forest, about 30 miles from Thompson Falls. The 101 sites accommodate both tent and RV camping at 4,163 feet elevation. Scattered trees provide some shade and privacy, though the plateau layout keeps the campground fairly open.

West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Ask Camp Sage about West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Campground Map

Weather at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Planning Tips

About West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Policies & Safety

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Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Overview

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Ask Camp Sage about West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews