Magruder Crossing Campground
03 reviews6735 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829
Magruder Crossing Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are charged for using Magruder Crossing Campground.
About this campground
Nestled alongside the pristine Selway River, Magruder Crossing Campground offers six intimate campsites where the whisper of flowing water becomes your nighttime lullaby. This back-to-basics wilderness retreat welcomes adventurers seeking authentic frontier camping, complete with hitching rails that harken back to the days of pack trains and mountain expeditions. While amenities are purposefully minimal—featuring only a vault toilet and the raw beauty of nature—the campground rewards visitors with an unspoiled slice of Idaho's backcountry. Remember to pack your own water, as this primitive paradise keeps modern conveniences at arm's length.
Magruder Crossing Campground offers primitive camping in a remote wilderness setting.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Magruder Crossing, where the echoes of gold rush prospectors still resonate through the river valley. This humble campground sits along what was once a vital lifeline of commerce—a rugged route that connected the bustling mining town of Virginia City, Montana, with Lewiston during the frenzied 1860s gold rush era. The nearby Southern Nez Perce Trail adds another layer to this rich historical tapestry, reminding visitors that these paths carried the footsteps of Native peoples long before fortune seekers arrived with their picks and dreams.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints Magruder Crossing with dramatically different brushstrokes throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-locked wonderland, forcing seasonal closures as temperatures plunge and access roads become impassable. As spring melts away the white blanket, the campground awakens to mild days perfect for riverside relaxation. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched afternoons ideal for exploring the surrounding wilderness, while autumn dresses the forest in golden splendor before the cycle begins anew.
Natural Features and SceneryMagruder Crossing unfolds like a secret garden where the crystalline Selway River carves its ancient path through towering evergreens. Dense forest canopies create a natural cathedral overhead, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The constant melody of rushing water provides nature's soundtrack, while the untamed wilderness stretches endlessly in every direction. Here, morning mist rises from the river like ghostly dancers, and evening brings a profound silence broken only by the call of wild creatures and the eternal conversation between water and stone.
Geological RegionDeep within the embrace of the majestic Bitterroot National Forest, Magruder Crossing occupies a special corner of Idaho's wilderness where geology tells stories millions of years in the making. The Selway River has patiently carved this valley through ancient bedrock, creating a corridor of life through the densely forested mountains. This pristine pocket of the Northern Rockies sits at the intersection of natural wonder and human history, where the Southern Nez Perce Trail—an ancient trade route that predates written memory—still winds through the timeless landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are detailed.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 30 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information about site privacy is provided.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites near the Selway River for easy access to water and scenic views.
Best CampsitesReviews mention two established campsites with contained fire rings and access to the Selway River as being ideal.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Camping limited to 16 consecutive days.
Groups
No group sites are specifically described.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSix campsites spread throughout the campground, with hitching rails near the first sites.
Open and Closed SeasonClosed seasonally due to snow.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities available at Magruder Crossing Campground include fishing in the stream/river, horse camping, and picnicking. User reviews also highlight the wilderness experience.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed in the Selway River. A user review advises to 'please read and follow fishing restrictions for the area.'Winter Activities
No particular winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazardsNo cell service. Bears are present in the area, requiring bear awareness practices. Remote location may pose travel challenges.
Active alertsClosed seasonally due to snow.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
West Fork Ranger Station (6735 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829) - Phone: 406-821-3269.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information on trash or recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly adjacent to the Selway River.
Common complaintsLack of cell service and remote access make this campground less convenient for some campers.
Campground Map
6735 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829
Driving directionsFrom Darby, MT travel 4.3 miles south on Highway 93. Turn southwest (right) onto West Fork Rd/County Road 473. Go approximately 14 miles and turn west (right) onto Nez Perce Rd FS 468. Follow for 37 miles.
The campground is located in a remote area, requiring travelers to drive 37 miles on Nez Perce Rd FS 468. Roads may be challenging for some vehicles during snow closures.Nearby places
Darby, MT - 55.3 miles (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely found in Darby, MT, approximately 55.3 miles away, including grocery stores, fuel stations, and other essentials.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Magruder Crossing Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the campground's primitive and remote nature. The presence of the Selway River and its vault toilet are consistently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the wilderness setting, fishing opportunities, and the availability of basic facilities like fire rings and a vault toilet. Reviews highlight the pristine natural surroundings and...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Lack of potable water and cell phone service were mentioned as drawbacks. The remote location may also be a challenge for some visitors.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend practicing bear awareness and adhering to fishing restrictions. One review noted that the campground is ideal for 'dedicated deep woods campers.'
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground closes to snow annually, which limits accessibility during winter months. No specific seasonal advantages or disadvantages are detailed in the reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Vault Outhouse on site. Two established campsites with contained fire rings. Selway River access at both sites. Beautiful wilderness all around.' (Stacey Mc, 2017) 2. 'Great primitive camping...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite details are limited. A user review mentions two established campsites with fire rings and Selway River access.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are required to be leashed, but no specific user reviews address overall pet-related experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025