Bitterroot National Forest, spanning 1.6 million acres across southwest Montana and Idaho, is home to the largest continuous wilderness in the lower 48 states. This breathtaking landscape includes the Selway-Bitterroot, Frank Church River of No Return, and Anaconda Pintler wilderness areas.
If you're looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, RV camping in Bitterroot National Forest is an excellent choice. You can conveniently rent an RV from RV Share in our website. The forest provides various camping opportunities. One popular option within the forest is the Black Bear Campground. This free campground is excellent for exploring the forest on a budget.
Camping in Bitterroot National Forest
For RV camping in Bitterroot National Forest, you can select an RV-friendly campground inside the forest. You can also explore other top campgrounds in Montana and Idaho for camping near Bitterroot National Forest. An alternative option is using a BLM land. Check the best BLM options in Montana and Idaho to find the perfect spot. To keep your RV clean, make sure to look at nearby dumping stations in Montana or Idaho as well.
Campgrounds in Bitterroot National Forest
Private Campgrounds Near Bitterroot National Forest
Explore top private campgrounds in Montana and Idaho before planning your trip to the forest.
Campgrounds by Lakes/Rivers for Fishing and Water Activities
Free of Cost Campgrounds
Bitterroot National Forest Hiking Trails
Bitterroot National Forest has a diverse range of hiking trails. Beginners and advanced trekkers can explore the options to find a trail suitable for them.
Easy to Moderate Hikes for Beginners
Equestrian Trails
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Bass Creek Trail
The Bass Creek Trail is an in-and-out pathway that climbs 1,138 feet beside a gurgling stream. At the end of the trail, there is a beautiful waterfall. You can continue to Bass Lake, from which the creek flows, but it is quite a distance further over some challenging terrain.
Length: 6.6 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
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Bear Creek Overlook Trail
The Bear Creek Overlook Trail, located near Victor, MT, is an in-and-out hiking trail that climbs 1,154 feet in elevation through a series of over 20 switchbacks. The pathway is well marked and relatively easy to walk, considering how high you climb in a short distance. The trail's climax is the overlook that presides over an incredible view of Bear Creek as it roars through the canyon more than a thousand feet below.
Length: 5.2 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
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Blodgett Canyon to Waterfall
The Blodgett Canyon to Waterfall path is an in-and-out trail with enough room to allow traffic both ways except in a few locations where outcroppings dictate one-way traffic. Located near Hamilton, MT, this path takes hikers upstream alongside Blodgett Creek to an impressive waterfall. The views of the canyon walls carved out over eons by Blodgett Creek are in full display during the entire hike.
Length: 9.6 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
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Boulder Creek Trail
Boulder Creek Trail is located near Darby, MT. The hike to the waterfall is relatively easy, with a few places where the path becomes rocky and wet. The trail travels through the valley between Boulder Peak and Trapper Peak, giving hikers breathtaking views throughout the hike. The path is easy enough for all members of the family to hike and enjoy.
Length: 9 miles
Intensity: Easy to Intermediate
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Canyon Lake Trail
Canyon Lake Trail is one of the most challenging climbs in Bitterroot National Park. The first half of the hike is comfortable with a gradual climb up the canyon. However, near the half-way mark, the path is strenuous, climbing nearly 1,500 feet in a short distance. The descent afterward takes you to fantastic views of Canyon Lake, where, if you still have the energy, you can try your luck at fishing.
Length: 10.7 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Activities in Bitterroot National Forest
Here are some of the interesting things to do in Bitterroot National Forest while camping.
Bitterroot National Forest is well known for its exceptional big game hunting opportunities. The three most commonly hunted animals in the forest are elk, Mule Deer, and Whitetail Deer. Additionally, special permits allow a limited number of hunters to pursue Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goats, and moose.
Anglers can enjoy fishing in alpine lakes, mountain reservoirs, fast-running streams, and the meandering Bitterroot River. These waters are home to brook, rainbow, and brown trout. Be sure to check the latest fishing regulations before you cast your line.
Once the traditional mode of travel through the backcountry, horse camping and trail riding remain popular recreational activities. Bitterroot National Forest offers many opportunities for saddle horse and pack stock use, allowing visitors to explore scenic trails on horseback.
A variety of water activities await visitors at Bitterroot National Forest. From motor boating on Lake Como or Painted Rocks Lake to leisurely floating down the Bitterroot River, there's something for everyone. Canoeing, sailing, water skiing, rafting, and tubing are all popular ways to enjoy the forest's beautiful waterways.
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Fishing
Angling is among the favorite activities that draw visitors to this forest. Creeks filled with trout appear everywhere as glacial runoffs create gurgling streams. Lakes host fish that are available for any licensed angler to try and catch.
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Geocaching
Geocaching is a modern game dependent on the GPS. At Bitterroot National Forest, the game gains value as participants must traverse smooth and rough landscapes to find the prize, often in a location with fantastic views.
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Animal Watching
Many endangered species, such as the grizzly bear, timber wolves, and bighorn sheep, have a home in Bitterroot National Forest. Approved hunting seasons allow registered hunters to pursue big game such as bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, white-tailed deer, and mule deer in specific areas of the forest.
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Stargazing
Stargazing on a clear night is a favorite activity of every camper who stays at Bitterroot National Forest. The night skies are vivid as there is little to no light pollution. Stargazers who visit here for one clear night understand why early humans described the Milky Way as a sky trail.
How to get to Bitterroot National Forest
Address: 1801 North 1st, Hamilton, MT 59840
Fee: Entry fee $0
By Car
From Missoula, Montana: Take US-93 South from Missoula. Continue driving depending on your destination within the forest. Follow signs for Bitterroot National Forest access points, such as Florence, Hamilton, or Darby.
By Air
The nearest airports to Bitterroot National Forest are:
Missoula Montana Airport (MSO): Approximately 1.5 hours away from the forest.
Bert Mooney Airport (BTM) in Butte, Montana: Approximately 2.5 hours away from the forest.
Seasonal Restrictions
Visitors should be aware that seasonal restrictions may impact access to certain areas of Bitterroot National Forest. Trails, campgrounds, and roads can be closed due to weather events such as wind and rain, wildfire, wildlife activity, etc. Before planning your trip, it is recommended to check current conditions and closures through official forest service sources to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Fees in the Bitterroot National Forest
There is no general entry fee for this forest. However, you may need to pay fees to stay at certain campgrounds. You may also need to pay for activities like hiking, water sports, and more.
If you want to plan an unforgettable vacation, consider visiting Bitterroot National Forest. Taking your family on an RV trip through this forest, with its multidimensional topography, incredible wildlife, and colorful history is an adventure you and your kids will remember for a lifetime. So, find yourself an RV and start building those memories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bitterroot National Forest
What type of wildlife lives in Bitterroot National Forest?
Wildlife living in Bitterroot National Forest includes grizzly bears, timber wolves, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, and deer. The forest is also home to a variety of birds and other small animals.
What is the closest town to Bitterroot National Forest?
One of the closest towns to Bitterroot National Forest is Hamilton, MT. Hamilton has plenty of restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, and stores where campers can restock or buy a souvenir to remind them of their trip.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Bitterroot National Forest?
Yes, you can kayak, canoe, and raft in Bitterroot National Forest. The forest has plenty of lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water that are perfect for paddling. Several companies also offer rafting trips in the forest.
What is the best time to visit Bitterroot National Forest?
Summer is the best time to visit Bitterroot National Forest. The weather is warm and it's the perfect time for hiking, mountain biking, or a variety of activities on the water. The forest has plenty of lakes and streams for paddling, swimming, fishing, and more.
Is Bitterroot National Forest open all year round?
Yes, Bitterroot National Forest is open all year-round. Some areas of the forest, and some services, may be closed in winter due to snow. However, the forest is a popular spot for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and other winter activities.
