Blodgett Campground
4.2324 reviewsBlodgett 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
Camping at Blodgett Campground is free, as confirmed by multiple user reviews and authoritative sources.
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About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the majestic Bitterroot Valley, Blodgett Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's wild beauty. This hidden gem features just five peaceful campsites, plus one secluded walk-in site and a dedicated host site, creating a tranquil retreat far from the crowds. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, while vault toilets provide essential amenities. Towering cliff faces rise dramatically overhead, drawing rock climbers from around the world while hikers discover endless adventures along canyon trails. Whether you're seeking vertical challenges on the granite walls or simply yearning for a quiet night under the stars, Blodgett delivers an authentic Montana wilderness experience.
Blodgett Campground offers a mix of standard campsites and a walk-in site. It is primarily oriented towards primitive camping, though it can also accommodate RVs and trailers.
Weather and SeasonsBlodgett Campground basks in the Bitterroot Valley's famously pleasant climate, where sunny days far outnumber rainy ones. Summer temperatures dance between comfortable highs around 55°F and crisp nighttime lows near 30°F, perfect for campfire gatherings and restful sleep. With rain appearing on fewer than 5% of days and snow rarely making an appearance (less than 3% chance), you can count on dry conditions for your outdoor adventures. The prime camping window stretches from late spring through early fall, when wildflowers paint the meadows, birds fill the canyon with song, and the granite cliffs glow golden in the evening light.
ElevationPerched at the gateway to Blodgett Canyon in the Bitterroot Valley, the campground sits at an elevation that perfectly balances accessibility with mountain majesty. Here, the valley floor meets the vertical world, where massive cliff faces soar skyward, creating a natural amphitheater that captures both morning sunshine and evening alpenglow. This strategic position offers cooler temperatures than the valley below while remaining low enough for comfortable camping throughout the season.
Natural Features and SceneryBlodgett Campground unfolds beneath one of Montana's most spectacular natural theaters, where sheer granite walls rise like ancient sentinels guarding the canyon entrance. A crystal-clear creek meanders through the grounds, its gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack to your stay. Towering ponderosa pines and Douglas firs create a verdant canopy, offering dappled shade during warm afternoons and framing views of the dramatic cliffs above. This rugged landscape serves as a playground for adventurers, where world-class climbing routes ascend the vertical faces and hiking trails wind deep into the canyon's wild heart. Morning light transforms the granite into glowing amber, while evening shadows create an ever-changing canvas of rock and sky.
Geological RegionBlodgett Campground sits at the dramatic confluence of the Bitterroot Valley and the soaring ramparts of Blodgett Canyon, where millions of years of geological forces have sculpted a masterpiece in stone. The canyon's towering cliff faces showcase the raw power of ancient granite thrust skyward, creating vertical walls that attract climbers to some of North America's most challenging routes. A pristine mountain creek has carved its way through this rugged terrain, polishing boulders smooth and creating quiet pools that reflect the canyon walls. This unique geological setting offers visitors front-row seats to Montana's mountain-building legacy, where every rock face tells a story written over eons.
Campsite details
AccessibilityTwo of the campsites are accessible, but specific details about other accessibility features were not provided.
Sites SizeThe campground can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 45 feet long. Campsites are small and paved, offering basic space.
Sites PrivacyThe campground has only six sites, contributing to a quiet and serene atmosphere. Multiple reviewers commented on the peacefulness and seclusion.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends. Creekside sites and the walk-in site are particularly recommended.
Best CampsitesUser reviews emphasize the creekside campsites and the walk-in site as favorites.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to a 5-night stay per site.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 5 sites, 1 walk-in site, and 1 host site. Sites are paved and shaded.
Reservation PlatformsCamping is non-reservable
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come-first-served. User reviews suggest arriving early as the campground fills quickly.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not allowed, and hence no cancellation policy applies. Camping is free and first-come-first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Blodgett Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and rock climbing. The scenery, including towering canyon walls and a nearby creek, enhances the recreational experience.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the main activities available. A well-regarded trail begins at the campground and leads into Blodgett Canyon. Visitors described the trails as beautiful and accessible.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Wildlife viewing
The proximity to the canyon and the natural surroundings make wildlife viewing possible, though no specific animals or locations were highlighted in the reviews.Winter Activities
Rock climbing is a prominent activity due to the towering cliffs of Blodgett Canyon. Winter-specific activities such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing were not mentioned.Water Sports
No mention of non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing was provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted within designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention the rugged dirt road leading to the site, potential falling rocks in camping areas, and minimal amenities such as no water supply.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Hamilton, MT offers emergency services such as hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities were provided, but the campground has a simple setup with no mention of recycling stations.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Blodgett Creek, which is a beautiful feature offering wading and scenic views.
Common complaintsReviews commonly mention that sites fill up quickly, and the dirt road access can be challenging. Lack of water supply is noted in several reviews.
HostUser reviews praise the campground host as being friendly and welcoming.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Hamilton, MT go west on Main Street for 1 mile, turn north (right) onto Ricketts Road and travel 0.5 miles. Turn west (left) onto Blodgett Camp Rd/FS 736, and follow approximately 4 miles to the campground.
Road access includes a 4-mile drive on Blodgett Camp Rd/FS 736, which is a narrow gravel road with some washboards and bumps. User reviews stress it's a dirt road with minor challenges, especially for lower-clearance vehicles.Nearby places
Hamilton, MT (approximately 5 miles, around 10 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Hamilton, MT, which is approximately 5 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.2
24 reviews
Blodgett Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Blodgett Campground are overwhelmingly positive. Visitors praised the scenic beauty, the peaceful atmosphere, and the free access. A common theme was the small size of the campground, which contributes to its quiet environment but also means that spots fill up quickly. The lack of potable water and other amenities is offset by the stunning natural surroundings.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews
What Campers Love
- Breathtaking scenery of Blodgett Canyon
- Free camping
- Clean vault toilets
- Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
- Proximity to hiking trails
- Shaded campsites
- Suitable for small RVs and trailers
Based on 24 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Limited number of campsites (only six, including the walk-in site)
- No potable water available
- Narrow and bumpy dirt road leading to the site
- Frequent crowding during peak times
- No advanced...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Arrive early to secure a spot as the campground fills up quickly.
- Bring your own water as there is no potable water on-site.
- Utilize the parking lot as an alternative if the sites are full; it...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is more crowded during summer months as noted by multiple reviews. Visitors appreciated the cooler weather and shade during warmer months. Winter-specific trends were not discussed.
Based on 24 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Looking for a campsite with an unbeatable view in the mountains? This is it. Bonus? It's free!" - Kelsie Cooper
"Vault toilets were cleaned daily." - Mary H.
"It's free, close to US 93 and Hamilton....
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Lucy Potter: "This was the best campground I've ever stayed at!"
- Rose Campbell: "Best Host Ever. Loved the site."
- Vincent Sheridan: "It's a 5 or 6 site campground that’s up a narrow gravel...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Two campsites are noted as accessible, but no further details were provided in user reviews.
Based on 24 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There were no specific mentions of pets or pet policies in the reviews.
Based on 24 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025