Schumaker Campground
4.387 reviews712 N. Main Darby, MT 59829
Schumaker 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 required for this site. It is a free campground.
About this campground
Nestled on the pristine shores of Twin Lakes, Schumaker Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's untamed wilderness. This peaceful retreat features 16 thoughtfully positioned campsites spread across two distinct areas – four coveted spots right along the lower lake's edge where morning mist dances on the water, and twelve additional sites tucked into the forest southeast of the lake. With two handicap-accessible sites ensuring everyone can experience this natural wonder, and vault toilet facilities for convenience, Schumaker strikes the perfect balance between rustic simplicity and essential comfort at the doorstep of the legendary Selway Bitterroot Wilderness.
The campground offers basic camping facilities suitable for tents, RVs, and small groups. It is a free, rustic campsite with no fees required.
Weather and SeasonsWhile Schumaker welcomes adventurers year-round, Mother Nature writes her own schedule here in the high country. The sweet spot for camping runs from mid-June through Labor Day, when wildflowers paint the meadows and warm days give way to cool, star-filled nights. Early summer visitors might encounter lingering snow patches – a reminder of winter's grip on these elevations. July brings its own wilderness initiation with clouds of mosquitoes, so pack your bug spray alongside your sense of adventure. As autumn approaches and winter whispers its return, seasonal snow closures transform this summer paradise into a pristine wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid winter explorers.
ElevationElevation details are not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryTwin Lakes serves as nature's mirror, perfectly reflecting the surrounding peaks and forests in its crystal-clear waters. From your campsite, watch eagles soar overhead while the rugged silhouette of the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness dominates the horizon, promising endless adventures just beyond the treeline. Morning brings a symphony of bird calls echoing across the water, while evening paints the sky in brilliant alpenglow. This is a landscape that demands to be photographed but can never quite be captured – where towering pines frame postcard-perfect views and every trail leads to another breathtaking vista.
Geological RegionPerched at the gateway to the mighty Selway Bitterroot Wilderness, Schumaker Campground occupies a spectacular position along Twin Lakes' ancient shoreline. This remarkable landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where glacial forces carved deep valleys and left behind the sparkling jewels we now call Twin Lakes. The surrounding terrain showcases the raw power of geological time – granite peaks thrust skyward, volcanic remnants pepper the horizon, and pristine waters fill basins sculpted by ice ages past.
Campsite details
AccessibilityTwo campsites are handicap accessible.
Sites SizeThe campground supports vehicles up to a maximum length of 55 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is split into two sections: one with four sites on the lower lake shore and another with twelve sites southeast of the lower lake.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose the lower lake campsites for water access and views. Prepare for mosquitoes in July.
Best CampsitesThe four campsites on the lower lake shore are noted for their proximity to the water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours.
Check-out
No specific check-out time provided.
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into two sections: one with 4 sites by the lower lake shore and the other with 12 sites southeast of the lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen yearlong until closed by snow.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as no reservation system is in place.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations allowed.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as no reservation system is in place.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational options include fishing, non-motorized boating, and hiking. The proximity to the Twin Lakes Trailhead makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
The campground is located near the Twin Lakes Trailhead, providing easy access to hiking trails.Fishing
Fishing is allowed in Twin Lakes, which is accessible from the campground.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed on Twin Lakes.Winter Activities
Winter activities may be limited due to snow closing the access road (FS429) from December 1 to June 16.Water Sports
Supports non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing on Twin Lakes.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Not specified.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes and other insects are prominent in July. The road conditions can also be hazardous, with narrow, rough, and steep areas on FS429.
Active alertsFS429 Road is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles from Dec 1 to June 16.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Darby Ranger District (712 N. Main Darby, MT 59829, Phone: 406-821-3913), approximately 25 miles away from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid June - Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage service. Campers are required to pack out all their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated near Twin Lakes, offering easy access to non-motorized boating and fishing.
Common complaintsMosquitoes and other insects are a recurring issue in the summer months. Road conditions leading to the campground are often rough.
HostNo information provided about campground hosts.
Campground Map
712 N. Main Darby, MT 59829
Driving directionsFrom Darby, MT travel 7 miles north on Highway 93. Turn west (left) on Lost Horse Road FS 429 and travel approximately 18 miles. Take the north fork (right) at the Lost Horse Guard Station onto FS 5605 and follow approximately 2 miles to the campground.
Forest Service Road #429 can be extremely rough due to many potholes and rocks. High clearance vehicles are recommended. The road is narrow, rough, and fairly steep in some places. FS429 Road is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles from Dec 1 to June 16.Nearby places
Darby, MT (7 miles north + 18 miles west via FS429 and FS5605, approximately 25 miles total).
Nearby supplies
No specific mention of grocery or fuel locations nearby
pack it in/pack it out policy applies. Darby, MT, likely the nearest location for supplies (approximately 25 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.4
7 reviews
Schumaker Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Schumaker Campground highlight its natural beauty, privacy, and well-maintained sites. However, the rough access road and prevalence of mosquitoes are frequently noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors frequently praise the "beautiful views" and "well-maintained campgrounds." Many also appreciate the "privacy of the campsites" and the free access to the campground.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the rough condition of the access road (FS429), the "insane mosquitoes," and other bugs during the summer months.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing mosquito repellent for summer visits and a high clearance vehicle due to the rough road conditions. As there is no water available, bringing your own supply is advised.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Peak camping season is from mid-June to Labor Day. During this time, bugs, especially mosquitoes and horse flies, are commonly noted. Snow closures may affect accessibility in the off-peak season.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Lovely place, and it's free." - Jilla L. "Free campground with beautiful setup and private spot close to the lake!" - Valentina Carracoi. "Mosquitoes were absolutely insane in July though. Bring bug...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground is divided into two sections: four sites located on the lower lake shore and twelve additional sites southeast of the lower lake. The lake shore sites appear to be more popular for...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Two handicap-accessible sites are available, but no user reviews specifically address their usability.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are required to be leashed. No additional reviews specifically addressing pet experiences were found.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025