Painted Rocks State Park
Open year-round. Six sites are reservable Thursday through Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day via Reserve America. The remaining 19 sites are first-come, first-served. No potable water is available; campers must bring their own. Pack-in, pack-out trash policy in effect.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 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 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. 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
About
Painted Rocks State Park encompasses 23 acres along Painted Rocks Reservoir in the remote West Fork Valley of the Bitterroot Mountains, approximately 40 miles southwest of Hamilton. The campground features 25 sites set in a western pine forest, offering a mix of tent and small RV camping. Sites include established fire pits, grills, and picnic tables, with vault toilets available throughout. Campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. The reservoir provides excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow and brook trout, along with boating, swimming, and paddling. A boat launch and dock are available, though low water conditions may limit motorized boat access. The surrounding Bitterroot National Forest offers additional hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. Six sites are reservable Thursday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day through Reserve America, while the remaining 19 sites operate first-come, first-served year-round. Most sites accommodate vehicles up to 25 feet, with two sites allowing up to 35 feet. The narrow access road and small camp spurs make this campground unsuitable for large RVs or trailers.
Directions
From Hamilton, drive 17 miles south on U.S. Highway 93, then turn right and travel 23 miles southwest on Route 473 to the park entrance.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $18 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 273-4253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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