Observation Point Campground
Closed — Closed for the season due to snow. The campground typically operates from July through September or until closed by snow. High-elevation location closes annually in winter.
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
* 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
Observation Point Campground is a rustic high-elevation campground situated at 7,650 feet along the historic Magruder Corridor Road #468 in Bitterroot National Forest. Chuckling Creek meanders through the campground, which is surrounded by whitebark pine, subalpine fir, and lodgepole pine. The campground offers 5 primitive campsites without picnic tables, providing a true dispersed camping experience with only a vault toilet for amenities. Deer, elk, and other wildlife frequently visit the area, and an observation point near the campground provides expansive views of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The area has a history of wildland fire activity, with recent and historic burn areas visible along the high-elevation corridor. While no trailheads originate directly from the campground, nearby trailheads to the north and south offer access to backcountry wilderness hiking. The Magruder Corridor Road, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, remains much the same as it did then, providing a unique backcountry driving experience. Access requires a high-clearance vehicle, and trailers over 16 feet are not recommended. Campers should consider bringing a saw as trees frequently fall across the road.
Directions
From Darby, MT travel south 4.3 miles on Highway 93, turn south on the West Fork Road and proceed for approximately 14.3 miles. Turn west (right) on Forest Road 468, Nez Perce Road and travel for approximately 35 miles. Turn west (left) at Magruder Corridor Nez Perce Trail Road and continue for 9 miles to Observation Point Campground. High clearance vehicle recommended; trailers over 16 feet not recommended.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| 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 |
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