Black Bear Campground

4.09

27 reviews

Quick Facts

4,606 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open yearlong until ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Darby-Sula Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,606 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open yearlong until ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Darby-Sula Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Black Bear Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for camping at Black Bear Campground. User reviews mention that it is a free campsite.

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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USFS

Provider

406-821-3913

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What Campers Say

4.09

Satisfactory

Based on 27 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietpeacefullocation

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews highlight the rustic and secluded nature of Black Bear Campground. Positive aspects include its scenic location, privacy between sites, and quiet atmosphere. Negative feedback focuses on the lack of maintenance, such as potholes and garbage issues, as well as mosquito problems during warmer months."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Black Bear Campground

46.1660, -113.9245

Driving directionsFrom Hamilton travel 2 miles south on Highway 93. Turn east (left) on Skalkaho Highway 38. Follow Skalkaho Highway 38 12.9 miles, turn south (right) at Black Bear Campground.

Accessible via Skalkaho Highway 38, which is adjacent to the campground. Roads can be challenging for large RVs, as highlighted by user reviews: "Don't bring anything bigger than a small rv. I got stuck with a 30ft and a car dolly on the back."

Nearby places

Hamilton (14.9 miles, approximately 25 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies and amenities are available in Hamilton, approximately 14.9 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Black Bear Campground

Black Bear Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for creek-side relaxation and forest exploration, with extended daylight hours that stretch well into the evening. As autumn approaches, crisp air and changing foliage paint the landscape in brilliant hues. Winter blankets the campground in snow and silence, with freezing temperatures creating a pristine wonderland for the hardy few who venture here. Spring arrives with frequent rain showers that awaken the forest and fill Skalkaho Creek with rushing snowmelt, making each season a unique chapter in the campground's story.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Warm, golden days and peak season; mosquitoes and increased visitors are downsides.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Off-season quieter, scenic forest views; fewer mosquito complaints implied.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring can be muddy with potholes; quieter but access may be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round until closed by snow; accessibility and services likely limited in heavy snow.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open yearlong until closed by snow. Peak season is Memorial Day to Labor Day.

About Black Bear Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the Bitterroot National Forest, Black Bear Campground beckons those seeking an authentic Montana wilderness experience. This intimate retreat features six thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. The melodic sounds of Skalkaho Creek provide a natural soundtrack as it flows alongside the campground, creating a serene atmosphere that draws visitors back year after year. While maintaining its rustic charm with simple vault toilet facilities, the campground welcomes adventurers of all kinds, accommodating everything from tent campers to RVs and trailers up to 50 feet in length.

Black Bear Campground provides a rustic camping experience with basic amenities for both tent and RV campers. It is a free, first-come, first-served campground with no reservation system.

Weather and SeasonsBlack Bear Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for creek-side relaxation and forest exploration, with extended daylight hours that stretch well into the evening. As autumn approaches, crisp air and changing foliage paint the landscape in brilliant hues. Winter blankets the campground in snow and silence, with freezing temperatures creating a pristine wonderland for the hardy few who venture here. Spring arrives with frequent rain showers that awaken the forest and fill Skalkaho Creek with rushing snowmelt, making each season a unique chapter in the campground's story.

Natural Features and SceneryMajestic ponderosa pines tower overhead at Black Bear Campground, their vanilla-scented bark and sprawling canopies creating a cathedral-like atmosphere that visitors find truly awe-inspiring. Skalkaho Creek winds gracefully through the landscape, its crystal-clear waters offering both a peaceful ambiance and opportunities for streamside exploration. Just 8.5 miles down the road, the spectacular Skalkaho Falls rewards adventurous souls with a breathtaking cascade that showcases the raw beauty of the Bitterroot wilderness. As one enchanted visitor shared, this is truly a 'wonderful place along the river' where the super tall ponderosa trees create an unforgettable natural sanctuary.

Geological RegionNestled within the rugged terrain of the Bitterroot National Forest, Black Bear Campground sits at the intersection of natural wonder and accessibility along the renowned Scenic Skalkaho Highway. This spectacular region showcases the dramatic landscape of western Montana, where ancient ponderosa pine forests thrive along the life-giving waters of Skalkaho Creek. The campground's location offers visitors a front-row seat to the geological diversity of the Bitterroots, from creek-carved valleys to the surrounding mountain slopes that have been shaped by millennia of natural forces.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Number of guests per site not specified.

Groups

Group camping specifics are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 6 sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Layout is informal and rustic.

Walk-in AvailabilityBlack Bear Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. User reviews highlight availability even during weekends, with one user noting, "We arrived here around 6:00 on a Friday night in June and plenty of spots were still available.

Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-served basis; no reservation needed.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Site SizeThe campsites can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 50 feet in length.

PrivacyAccording to Ana Alonso's review, the sites feel very private. She noted, 'There were groups staying at the sites on either side of us, but we barely heard them.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the vault toilet may be preferable for campers who prioritize proximity to restroom facilities. However, user reviews indicate that some sites are far from the restroom.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Black Bear Campground offers limited recreational activities focused on enjoying the natural surroundings. Activities include fishing in Skalkaho Creek and picnicking at the available tables.

FishingFishing is available in Skalkaho Creek. However, specific details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are not provided.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include mosquitoes, particularly during warmer months. A user review warns, "At nightfall mosquitoes were somewhat bothersome." Large potholes and tight spaces for RVs have also been noted.

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

Food Storage RequiredFood storage is required, likely due to wildlife activity in the area.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within provided fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesDarby Ranger District, 712 N. Main Darby, MT 59829, Phone: 406-821-3913 (approximately 25 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingNo garbage service is provided; campers must pack out their trash. Laure Stevens commented, 'Had to do a lot of garbage clean up.' This indicates that prior campers might not follow the pack-out rule diligently.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located along Skalkaho Creek, providing opportunities for fishing.

Weather at Black Bear Campground

Reviews

4.1

27 reviews

Satisfactory

Black Bear Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the rustic and secluded nature of Black Bear Campground. Positive aspects include its scenic location, privacy between sites, and quiet atmosphere. Negative feedback focuses on the lack of maintenance, such as potholes and garbage issues, as well as mosquito problems during warmer months.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

- Scenic location along Skalkaho Creek - Privacy between campsites - Quiet and peaceful setting - Free of charge

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

- Potholes and muddy conditions during rain - Only one vault toilet, which may be far from some sites - Mosquitoes during warmer weather - Garbage left by previous visitors

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a good spot. - Come prepared to pack out all trash due to lack of garbage service. - Bring mosquito repellent for visits during warmer...

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

- Peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day): More visitors, but privacy is maintained between sites. Mosquitoes can be an issue. - Off-season: Quiet and less crowded, though accessibility may be...

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

- Ana Alonso: 'The sites feel very private. There were groups staying at the sites on either side of us, but we barely heard them.' - Kevin Hooker: 'Don't bring anything bigger than a small RV. I got...

Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Smaller RVs (up to 22 feet) are navigable, but larger RVs may face significant challenges, as noted by Kevin Hooker. - Sites are private and scenic, with proximity to Skalkaho Creek.

Based on 27 reviews