Norton Campground
Open for the 2026 season from May 1 through late September. First-come, first-served with no reservations. Bear food storage order is in effect.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 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 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. 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
Norton Campground occupies a scenic position along Rock Creek in the Lolo National Forest's Rock Creek drainage, roughly 31 miles from Missoula. The campground is set among mature ponderosa pines and Douglas-firs in a rugged canyon environment. Rock Creek is recognized as a blue-ribbon trout fishery, making this location popular with anglers pursuing wild trout in a pristine mountain setting. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables. Potable water is available via a hand pump, and vault toilets are provided. Pets are welcome but must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. Horses and pack animals are prohibited. Access requires driving 11 miles south on Rock Creek Road from I-90 Exit 126. The road is narrow and rough, making it unsuitable for trailers, motorhomes, and tow vehicles. Campers should follow the bear food storage order to minimize wildlife conflicts in this area.
Directions
From Missoula, drive 20 miles east on Interstate 90 and take Exit 126 (Rock Creek). Turn south onto Rock Creek Road (Forest Road 102) and continue 11 miles to the campground. Note: The road is narrow and rough; trailers, motorhomes, and tow vehicles are not recommended.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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 | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 329-3814 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!