Black Bear Campground
Closed — Closed for winter due to snow. Skalkaho Highway 38 is closed by gate and will reopen Memorial Day weekend in late May 2026. The campground is accessible year-round until closed by snow, with winter accessibility not guaranteed.
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
Black Bear Campground is a small, quiet campground located along the banks of Skalkaho Creek in the Bitterroot National Forest, 16 miles south of Hamilton, Montana. The campground hosts 6 sites with picnic tables and fire rings, and can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 50 feet. No fees are required and all sites are first-come, first-served. The campground is adjacent to the Scenic Skalkaho Highway and is approximately 8.5 miles from Skalkaho Falls, a popular scenic waterfall. The nearby Centennial Grove Trail offers a short paved interpretive trail to learn about trees and plant life. No potable water is available and there is no garbage service, so pack it in/pack it out. A vault toilet is provided. Bears frequent the area and a Food Storage Order is in effect from March 1 through December 1 annually. Skalkaho Creek offers good fishing opportunities, particularly for Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep.
Directions
From 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 |
Useful Links
| Black Bear Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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