ALTA CAMPGROUND campground
DARBY, Montana

ALTA CAMPGROUND

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
14 campsites
Open in maps

14

Total Campsites

Campground

9

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

4

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About ALTA CAMPGROUND

Overview Alta Campground is located in a scenic forest in the heart of Montana's Bitterroot National Forest. The West Fork of the Bitterroot River flows nearby, giving visitors access to some of the best fishing the area has to offer, as well as other water-related recreation. Recreation Fly fishing and wading in the Bitterroot River, which runs alongside the campground, are popular activities. During high water season, canoeing and rafting are available as well. A variety of trails and unimproved roads are great for exploring by bike or off-road vehicle. Hiking trails to various mountain peaks, including to Lookout, Razorback and Thunder Mountains, as well as Beaver and Deer Creek Points, are nearby. The Alta Pine interpretive trail is nearby. Painted Rocks Lake is located about five miles north of the campground. Visitors enjoy swimming, boating and fishing. Anglers will find mountain whitefish and a variety of trout. Facilities Fly fishing and wading in the Bitterroot River, which runs alongside the campground, are popular activities. During high water season, canoeing and rafting are available as well. A variety of trails and unimproved roads are great for exploring by bike or off-road vehicle. Hiking trails to various mountain peaks, including to Lookout, Razorback and Thunder Mountains, as well as Beaver and Deer Creek Points, are nearby. The Alta Pine interpretive trail is nearby. Painted Rocks Lake is located about five miles north of the campground. Visitors enjoy swimming, boating and fishing. Anglers will find mountain whitefish and a variety of trout. Natural Features The campground is located along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, a popular fishing river in the area. Large, yellow-barked ponderosa pine trees tower above many of the campsites, which along with fir, aspen and lodgepole pine, provide pleasant shade. The campground is situated at an elevation of about 4,580 feet. A variety of wildlife can be seen in the area, including bald eagles, mule and white-tailed deer, moose, elk, bighorn sheep and numerous songbirds. Nearby Attractions The Alta Ranger Station, located on the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, was the first Forest Service Ranger Station in the United States, built in 1899. It remains a popular tourist location and is just minutes from the campground. Hughes Creek, once a vibrant placer gold mining site, is nearby. The historic area accounted for 88 percent of all the placer gold recovered in Ravalli County from 1904-1948. Horse Creek natural hot springs can be found about 18 miles south from the campground, via gravel road with high-clearance vehicle recommended. The nearest town is Conner, which provides some services and is approximately 27 miles to the north. Darby is about 32 miles away and offers full services. Charges & Cancellations A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see NRRS Reservation Policy.

  • 14 total campsites listed.
  • 9 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • 4 accessible campsites listed.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (14).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
ALTA CAMPGROUND photo 2
ALTA CAMPGROUND photo 3

Campsite Inventory

14 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

14total sites

9

Reservable

4

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Accessibility

Yes

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

2:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM

Driveway entry

Back-in

Driveway Grade

Slight

Driveway length (ft)

40, 45, 50, 55

Driveway surface

Gravel

Fire Pit

Yes

GRILLS

Yes

Max guests

10

Max vehicle length (ft)

40, 45, 48, 50

Minimum guests

Yes

Pets allowed

Yes

Picnic Table

Yes

Shade

Yes

Site length (ft)

40, 45, 50, 55

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

406-821-3269

Getting There

From Darby, travel south on Highway 93 for about four miles. Turn right onto Road # 473 and continue southwest, past Painted Rocks Lake, for about 30 miles to the campground on the right.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to ALTA CAMPGROUND.

How do reservations work for ALTA CAMPGROUND?

Reservation availability for ALTA CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at ALTA CAMPGROUND?

ALTA CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (14).

Where is ALTA CAMPGROUND located?

ALTA CAMPGROUND is in Montana near DARBY. Coordinates: 45.6239, -114.3019.

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