Blackfoot River Corridor

2 reviews

3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana, 59801, United States

Quick Facts

3,730 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,730 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Blackfoot River Corridor

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping at designated float-in campsites requires a reservation and permit year-round. However, specific fee amounts are not provided.

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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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

95 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"User reviews highlight the natural beauty and popularity of the Blackfoot River Corridor. Some users mention concerns about overcrowding and the reduction of camping opportunities over time."

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Campground Map

3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana, 59801, United States

Blackfoot River Corridor

3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana, 59801, United States

Driving directionsLaunch Locations: Cedar Meadow FAS, River Junction FAS, Harry Morgan FAS, Scotty Brown Bridge FAS, Russell Gates Memorial FAS, Six Stall FAS, Three Stall FAS, Roundup FAS, Corrick's River Bend FAS.

The sites along the Blackfoot River Corridor require floating a watercraft into them. Accessibility may vary based on river flow levels—lower flows below 1,000cfs at the Bonner stream gauge may make campsites difficult to reach due to exposed rocks and technical rowing challenges. Visitors must check river flows and plan accordingly.

Nearby places

Missoula is the closest city, but distances to other nearby towns like Lincoln and Ovando are not provided.

Nearby supplies

Camping supplies, groceries, and fuel may be available in Missoula, Montana. There is a mention of the town of Ovando in user reviews, which could offer some additional amenities.

Best Time to Camp at Blackfoot River Corridor

Time your adventure perfectly with the Blackfoot's dynamic seasonal personality. Spring awakens the river with powerful snowmelt flows from mid-May through July, creating heart-pumping whitewater conditions that experienced paddlers crave. As summer progresses and flows drop below 1,000cfs at the Bonner gauge, the river reveals its technical side, demanding precise navigation through rocky channels. Montana's characteristic winters blanket the corridor in snow and freezing temperatures, while summer rewards visitors with crystal-clear skies and comfortable temperatures ideal for multi-day river journeys.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Lower flows late July onward yield good fishing, swimming and campsite access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Likely attractive with lower flows and scenery; fewer explicit fall details provided.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 10% in MT

Spring snowmelt (mid-May–July) creates powerful flows prime for whitewater paddling.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Winter recreation not described; cold season likely limits river camping and paddling.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: High river flows generally occur mid-May, while lower flows begin around late July.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservations can be made year-round. High river flows typically occur mid-May, with lower flows starting towards the end of July.

About Blackfoot River Corridor

Discover a paddler's paradise along the Blackfoot River Corridor, where eight secluded float-in campsites await those seeking adventure on one of Montana's most beloved snow-fed rivers. These water-access-only sites put you at the heart of an outdoor playground perfect for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and tubing enthusiasts. Whether you're casting a line for native trout, navigating rapids in your canoe, or simply drifting downstream on a lazy summer afternoon, the Blackfoot offers an authentic Montana river experience that combines thrilling water sports with pristine wilderness camping.

The Blackfoot River Corridor is exclusively for primitive float-in camping, accessible only by watercraft.

Historical SignificanceThe Blackfoot River holds a legendary place in Montana's outdoor heritage, immortalized in literature and cherished by generations of adventurers. This iconic waterway forms the backbone of the specially designated Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor, a protected area that balances public access with conservation through thoughtfully crafted regulations. Here, visitors become part of a continuing story that celebrates Montana's wild rivers and the communities that have long depended on their life-giving waters.

Weather and SeasonsTime your adventure perfectly with the Blackfoot's dynamic seasonal personality. Spring awakens the river with powerful snowmelt flows from mid-May through July, creating heart-pumping whitewater conditions that experienced paddlers crave. As summer progresses and flows drop below 1,000cfs at the Bonner gauge, the river reveals its technical side, demanding precise navigation through rocky channels. Montana's characteristic winters blanket the corridor in snow and freezing temperatures, while summer rewards visitors with crystal-clear skies and comfortable temperatures ideal for multi-day river journeys.

ElevationWhile specific elevation data isn't available for the corridor, paddlers will experience the gentle descent characteristic of Montana's river valleys as they journey downstream through this diverse landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare for a visual feast as the Blackfoot River guides you through Montana's most photogenic landscapes. Your journey begins among golden open farmlands before the river carves its way between towering cliffs that rise dramatically from the water's edge. Dense forests of pine and fir cascade down steep slopes, creating a green corridor that shelters an impressive array of wildlife. Keep your camera ready for encounters with majestic elk grazing riverside meadows, glimpses of grizzly bears foraging in the distance, playful river otters diving beneath your boat, and bald eagles soaring overhead against Montana's big sky.

Geological RegionNestled in Northwestern Montana's diverse terrain, the Blackfoot River Corridor showcases the region's geological tapestry as it winds through landscapes shaped by both ancient forces and modern waters. Fed by mountain snow and natural springs, the river has carved its course through a dramatic sequence of environments—from broad agricultural valleys reminiscent of the region's ranching heritage to narrow canyons where vertical cliffs bear witness to millions of years of geological history, all crowned by the dense coniferous forests that define the Northern Rockies ecosystem.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Reservations are non-transferable and cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. Specifics on maximum consecutive nights are not provided.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum group size per campsite is 10 people.

Groups

No group-specific sites are available
each campsite accommodates up to 10 people maximum.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground contains eight dispersed float-in campsites accessible by watercraft along the Blackfoot River.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are mandatory for float-in campsites, but specific platforms or methods (e.g., a website or phone number) are not detailed.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is not permitted outside designated float-in campsites, which require reservations year-round.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are non-transferable and cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. Only the primary occupant and their party are authorized to camp during the reservation period.

AccessibilityThere is no information regarding accessibility features at these primitive campsites.

Site SizeAll campsites are designed for small groups, with a maximum capacity of 10 people per site.

PrivacyThe campsites are dispersed along the river, providing a high level of privacy. Each site is float-in and likely well-separated from others.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites based on accessibility during different river flow levels. Lower flows may make some camps difficult to reach.

Activities you can enjoy

The Blackfoot River Corridor offers a range of activities centered around the river's natural beauty and recreation opportunities.

FishingThe Blackfoot River is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. As one reviewer noted: 'The Blackfoot River sets in beautiful country and offers excellent fishing.'

SwimmingThe river's clear waters are suitable for swimming, though no designated swimming areas are mentioned.

BoatingThe Blackfoot River allows for whitewater rafting, kayaking, tubing, canoeing, and other watercraft activities. However, there are class II-III rapids, and some campsites may be difficult to access during low flows.

Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife. Campers may spot 'elk, grizzly bears, river otters, bald eagles, and other wildlife.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe river includes Class II-III rapids, which may present technical rowing challenges during lower flows. Grizzly bears are present in the area, requiring caution.

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

Fire PolicyFire pans must be carried and used; campfires are permitted with regulations.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services near the campground likely include facilities in Missoula—specific details on hospitals, police stations, or ranger stations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to carry in and carry out all trash and recycling. No facilities are provided for waste disposal on-site.

Water FeaturesThe campsites are located along the Blackfoot River, one of Montana's most popular rivers.

Weather at Blackfoot River Corridor

Reviews

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Blackfoot River Corridor has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the natural beauty and popularity of the Blackfoot River Corridor. Some users mention concerns about overcrowding and the reduction of camping opportunities over time.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the area's stunning natural beauty, abundant fishing opportunities, and tranquil setting. As one reviewer stated, 'The Blackfoot River sets in beautiful country and offers...

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users note overcrowding and express dissatisfaction with the decreasing availability of camping areas.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should prepare for primitive conditions, including bringing fire pans and portable toilet systems. Be aware that the region is grizzly bear territory.

Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

High water flows are typically mid-May, while lower flows start toward the end of July. This variability can impact campsite accessibility and water activities.

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Beautiful but too popular and less camping as time goes on.' - K. Johnson - 'The Blackfoot River sets in beautiful country and offers excellent fishing.' - Karla Mazel

Based on 2 reviews