Fales Flat Campground
03 reviewsWEST FORK RANGER STATION, 6735 WEST FORK RD, DARBY, MT 59829
Fales Flat Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / 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$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group sites cost $30/night during peak season (May 23 - September 8). This rate applies to 'Group Standard Nonelectric' sites. Out-of-season bookings are not available.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of the Nez Perce Fork of the Bitterroot River, Fales Flat Campground offers a unique group camping experience where history and wilderness converge. This equestrian-friendly haven serves as your gateway to endless trails winding through untouched backcountry, following the same paths once traveled by the Nez Perce Nimi'ipuu people. Gather around the expansive campfire circle under starlit skies, park your rigs on stable gravel surfaces, and enjoy the simplicity of camping with basic amenities including vault toilets. True to its backcountry character, the campground operates without drinking water or trash services, encouraging a leave-no-trace ethos that preserves this special place for generations to come.
Fales Flat Campground offers group camping and equestrian sites. A large group site accommodating tents and RVs is available for reservations, while individual equestrian sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living corridor of Native American history at Fales Flat, where the meadow grasses still remember the passage of the Nez Perce Nimi'ipuu tribe. For generations, this verdant valley served as a vital waystation on their seasonal journeys to the buffalo hunting grounds of eastern Montana. The very trails you'll explore once echoed with the sounds of their horses and the stories of their people, making every hike or ride a journey through time.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of Montana's high country during the perfect camping window from late spring through early fall, when Fales Flat reveals its most inviting face. Week 35 data showcases what makes this region special: brilliant blue skies dominate 92% of the time, while comfortable days reaching 78.8°F give way to crisp mountain evenings cooling to 52.7°F—ideal for campfire gatherings. Gentle breezes averaging just 3.4 mph whisper through the meadow grasses, creating perfect conditions for both relaxation and adventure. These dry, stable weather patterns make it an outdoor enthusiast's dream destination.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, the campground's mountain meadow setting promises that refreshing high-country atmosphere that rejuvenates the soul and rewards the adventurous spirit.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle murmur of the Nez Perce Fork as it dances past your campsite, framed by an expansive meadow that stretches toward the towering presence of Nez Perce Pass. This dramatic landscape, where rolling grasslands meet rugged wilderness, creates a natural amphitheater of beauty that has captivated travelers for centuries. The surrounding wilderness areas beckon with their untamed splendor, while the meadow itself provides a serene basecamp where wildflowers paint the landscape in seasonal hues and wildlife moves through ancient corridors.
Geological RegionFales Flat occupies a remarkable geological setting where the forces of nature have carved out a broad, welcoming meadow at the base of the imposing Nez Perce Pass. Here, the Nez Perce Fork of the Bitterroot River has sculpted its course through the landscape, creating a natural crossroads that has served travelers for millennia. This strategic location, where river valley meets mountain pass, formed an essential link in the Nez Perce Nimi'ipuu tribe's ancestral route to the buffalo-rich plains of eastern Montana, making it a place where geology and human history are forever intertwined.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible, and the campground provides gravel parking surfaces, which may assist visitors with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeThe group site is spacious enough to accommodate 15 to 100 people, making it suitable for gatherings and events.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not specifically mentioned, but the campground includes a large meadow setting which may limit seclusion.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesEquestrian campers should utilize the horse staging area and hitching racks. The group site is suitable for large gatherings.
Best CampsitesOne large group site, accommodating 15-100 people.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights per visit or 7 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group sites can accommodate between 15-100 people.
Groups
The group site accommodates 15 to 100 people and includes multiple tables, gravel parking surfaces, and a large campfire circle.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of one group site, along with individual and equestrian sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season runs from May 23 to September 8 during peak times. The campground is closed out of season (September 8 to May 22).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and its mobile apps.
Walk-in AvailabilityIndividual and equestrian sites are first-come, first-served. Group sites are reservable only.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made prior to check-in. A $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (14 days or fewer before arrival for group sites) incur additional penalties, including forfeiting the first night’s recreation use fee. No refunds are given for cancellations made after the check-in date.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Fales Flat Campground offers a range of recreational activities, with hiking and horseback riding being prominent due to the nearby trails accessing the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Fly fishing and wading are popular in the Nez Perce Fork, which runs alongside the campground.
Hiking
"A variety of trails and unimproved roads are great for hiking and horseback riding." Three trails originate near the campground: Watchtower Trail, Sheephead Creek Trail, and a steep 2-mile trail leading to Bare Cone Lookout. Trails vary in difficulty and offer access to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.Fishing
Fly fishing is popular along the Nez Perce Fork. The stream runs alongside the campground, offering opportunities for fishing and wading.Biking
Biking is listed among the activities available, but details regarding specific trails or terrain are not provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed for this campground.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed at designated campfire circles.
Hazards
General hazardsBears are a frequent presence, requiring strict food storage regulations. There is also a lack of drinking water, trash facilities, and cell phone coverage.
Active alertsVisitors are advised to check for road closures and fire restrictions before traveling.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 14%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.9 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 is the closest emergency service location. Specific details on hospitals and police stations are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 8.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection bins are not available; campers are required to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located along the Nez Perce Fork of the Bitterroot River, allowing for fly fishing and wading.
Common complaintsNo drinking water, no trash collection bins, and no cell phone service.
HostCampground host information is not specified.
Campground Map
WEST FORK RANGER STATION, 6735 WEST FORK RD, DARBY, MT 59829
Driving directionsFrom Darby, travel south on Highway 93 for about four miles. Turn onto Highway 473 and continue southwest for 14 miles. Turn west onto Forest Road 468 and continue about 12 miles to the campground.
The roads to the campground include paved highways (Highway 93 and Highway 473) and gravel surfaces (Forest Road 468). There is no mention of seasonal closures, but users are advised to call for potential road closures or fire restrictions.Nearby places
Conner, approximately 23 miles away (specific travel time not provided).
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including services, are available in the town of Conner, which is 23 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Fales Flat Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the beauty of the campground and its suitability for camping and fishing, with one user emphasizing making annual visits due to its free camping experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects noted by users include the campground's aesthetic appeal and suitability for outdoor activities like camping and fishing.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
No significant complaints are recorded in the user reviews provided.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend the campground for repeat visits and appreciate its scenic and recreational value.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide specifics about seasonal changes, but activities like fishing and hiking suggest summer as a favorable time.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "I try to come here every year to camp. It's a beautiful place with free camping." - Ranger Danger 2. "Great area to camp and fish." - Gerb Bergen 3. "We love this site! So many great memories...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user review specifically highlights campsite GS1 in Loop G with a 5-star rating.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not specifically mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information regarding pet-friendly policies or experiences is provided in user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025