Alta Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates late May through mid-September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov during operating season.
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Northern and Intermountain Regions Salmon Wild and Scenic River: Occupancy and Use
This order enacts visitor use restrictions for activities within the 80-mile-long wild segment of the Salmon Wild & Scenic River corridor, including a one-quarter mile buffer from the river, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Manag
Northern and Intermountain Regions Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This order implements visitor use requirements for activities within the Restricted Area and on the Restricted Trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Bitterroot National Forest Food Storage Order
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and wildlife by minimizing human-bear interactions.
Annual Mill Creek Area Climbing Closure
The Stevensville Ranger District is reminding everyone of the annual climbing closure in the Mill Creek area to allow for nesting of cliff-dwelling raptors.
Trapping prohibited within 150' of groomed cross country ski trails
Pursuant to Title 36 Code of Federal Regulation 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited as described below, within the Darby Ranger District on the Bitterroot National Forest.
Bass Creek Recreation Area
Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), the following are prohibited within the Bass Creek Recreation of the Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest.
About
Alta Campground occupies a scenic location along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River in Montana's Bitterroot National Forest at 4,580 feet elevation. Large yellow-barked ponderosa pines tower above the 14 campsites, mixing with fir, aspen, and lodgepole pine to provide ample shade. Three of the campsites are ADA accessible. Each site can accommodate up to 10 people and two vehicles, equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Parking spurs are gravel, and the campground can handle RVs and trailers up to 30 feet. The West Fork of the Bitterroot River flows alongside the campground, offering some of the best fly fishing and wading in the area. During high water season, canoeing and rafting are available. Anglers will find mountain whitefish and various trout species. Painted Rocks Lake, located about five miles north, provides additional opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The surrounding area features numerous hiking trails to mountain peaks including Lookout, Razorback, and Thunder Mountains, as well as Beaver and Deer Creek Points. The Alta Pine interpretive trail is nearby, showcasing an 800-year-old ponderosa pine. Various trails and unimproved roads allow exploration by bike or off-road vehicle. The historic Alta Ranger Station, the first Forest Service Ranger Station in the United States built in 1899, is just minutes from the campground. Horse Creek natural hot springs can be reached about 18 miles south via gravel road, though a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with frequent sightings of bald eagles, mule and white-tailed deer, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, and numerous songbirds. A Food Storage Order is in effect from March 1 through December 1 annually, requiring proper food storage due to bear activity. The campground provides a bear-proof container for cyclists and ATV travelers.
Directions
From Darby, travel south on Highway 93 for about four miles. Turn right onto West Fork Road (Road 473) and continue southwest past Painted Rocks Lake for approximately 30 miles to the campground on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 60ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 60ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 821-3269 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!