About ALTA CAMPGROUND
Overview Alta Campground is located in a scenic forest in the heart of Montana's Bitterroot National Forest. The West Fork of the Bitterroot River flows nearby, giving visitors access to some of the best fishing the area has to offer, as well as other water-related recreation. Recreation Fly fishing and wading in the Bitterroot River, which runs alongside the campground, are popular activities. A variety of trails and unimproved roads are great for exploring by bike or off-road vehicle. Hiking trails to various mountain peaks, including to Lookout, Razorback and Thunder Mountains, as well as Beaver and Deer Creek Points, are nearby. The Alta Pine interpretive trail is located 1/2 mile to the north. Painted Rocks Lake is located about five miles north of the campground. Visitors enjoy swimming, kayaking, boating and fishing. Anglers will find mountain whitefish and a variety of trout.Facilities The campground offers 14 campsites, three of which are accessible, for tent and RV camping. Each site can accommodate up to 10 people and two vehicles. Utility hookups are not available. Parking spurs are gravel. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A campground host is available on-site and trash collection bins are placed throughout the facility. One bear-proof container is provided at the campground for those traveling on bicycle or ATV to properly store food and other attractants. Natural Features The campground is located along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, a popular fishing river in the area. Large, yellow-barked ponderosa pine trees tower above many of the campsites, which along with fir, aspen and lodgepole pine, provide pleasant shade. The campground is situated at an elevation of about 4,580 feet. A variety of wildlife can be seen in the area, including bald eagles, piliated woodpecker, mule and white-tailed deer, moose, elk, bighorn sheep and numerous songbirds. Nearby Att
How to Get There
From Darby, travel south on Highway 93 for about four miles. Turn right onto Road # 473 and continue southwest, past Painted Rocks Lake, for about 30 miles to the campground on the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to ALTA CAMPGROUND
Heading to ALTA CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for ALTA CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for ALTA CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234614) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ALTA CAMPGROUND?
From Darby, travel south on Highway 93 for about four miles. Turn right onto Road # 473 and continue southwest, past Painted Rocks Lake, for about 30 miles to the campground on the right.
How do I contact ALTA CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 406-821-3269.
References & Official Resources
