Black Bear Campground
Open year-round until closed by snow; winter accessibility is not guaranteed. Peak season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day. All sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations. A Food Storage Order is in effect March 1 through December 1.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
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, South Dakota, and Idaho
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.
About
Black Bear Campground is a quiet, primitive campground nestled along the banks of Skalkaho Creek in Montana's Bitterroot National Forest. Located 16 miles south of Hamilton and 26 miles north of Darby, the campground sits adjacent to the scenic Skalkaho Highway and is approximately 8.5 miles from Skalkaho Falls, a popular scenic waterfall. The campground hosts 6 sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. A vault toilet is available, but there is no potable water, hookups, or garbage service. Campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. The campground can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 50 feet in length. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees required. A Food Storage Order is in effect on all National Forest lands within the Montana portion of the Bitterroot National Forest from March 1 through December 1 annually due to bear activity. Pets must be kept on a leash, and quiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Directions
From Hamilton, travel 2 miles south on Highway 93. Turn east (left) on Skalkaho Highway 38. Follow Skalkaho Highway 38 for 12.9 miles, then turn south (right) at Black Bear Campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 821-3913 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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