Magruder Crossing Campground

Closed — Closed for winter. The campground typically opens in late spring and remains open until closed by snow in late fall. First-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Camping limited to 16 consecutive days.

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.

Air Stagnation Advisory issued December 29 at 11:23AM PST until January 1 at 12:00PM PST by NWS Missoula MT

11:23 AM — January 1st, 12:00 PM

* WHAT...Stagnation conditions will trap pollutants, leading to deteriorating air quality. * WHERE...Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region, Orofino/Grangeville Region, Southern Clearwater Mountains, and Northern Clearwater Mountains. * WHEN...Until noon PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Periods of air stagnation can lead to the build up of pollutants near the surface.

About

Located in a remote section of the Bitterroot National Forest along the Selway River, Magruder Crossing Campground occupies a historically significant site that once served as a crossing point on a commerce route established during the gold rush era between Lewiston and Virginia City, Montana. The Southern Nez Perce Trail, an even earlier route, crosses the road north of the campground. This primitive campground features 6 campsites that can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 30 feet in length. Stock animals are permitted and can be kept at the campground, making it suitable for horseback riders exploring the nearby Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. A vault toilet is provided, but campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash. The campground typically experiences light usage due to its remote location along the Magruder Corridor Road. The surrounding area offers access to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and Middle Fork Clearwater Wild and Scenic River. Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days, and no fees are charged. The campground operates from late spring through fall, remaining open until closed by snow, typically in late fall or early winter.

Directions

From Darby, Montana, travel 4.3 miles south on Highway 93. Turn southwest (right) onto West Fork Road/County Road 473. Go approximately 14 miles and turn west (right) onto Nez Perce Road/Forest Service Road 468. Follow for 37 miles on paved, gravel, and one-lane dirt road.

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 30ft
Max Trailer Length 30ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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