Observation Point Campground
Open July through September, weather permitting. Closes annually when snow blocks access. No reservations; first-come, first-served only. No fees required.
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.
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 Management Plan (November 2003).
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.
About
Observation Point Campground offers a true backcountry camping experience in the remote Selway-Bitterroot wilderness corridor. Located at 7,650 feet elevation along the historic Magruder Corridor, this primitive 5-site campground provides minimal amenities but maximum solitude. Whitebark pine, subalpine fir, and lodgepole pine dominate the overstory, while Chuckling Creek provides a scenic backdrop. Access requires a high-clearance vehicle and the willingness to navigate roughly 50 miles of gravel forest roads from Darby, Montana. The final 9-mile stretch on Forest Road 6223 climbs steeply to the campground. Trailers over 16 feet are not recommended due to the narrow, rough road conditions. While no trailheads originate from the campground itself, nearby trailheads to the north and south offer backcountry wilderness hiking opportunities. The campground typically opens in July after snowmelt and closes in September when snow returns.
Directions
From Darby, MT: Travel south 4.3 miles on Highway 93, turn south onto West Fork Road and continue 14.3 miles. Turn west (right) onto Forest Road 468 (Nez Perce Road/Magruder Corridor) and travel approximately 35 miles. Turn west (left) onto Forest Road 6223 and continue 9 miles uphill to the campground. High-clearance vehicle recommended.
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 | 16ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 16ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 821-3269 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Observation Point Campground |
Photos
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