Dorr Skeels Campground
4.437 reviewsThree Rivers Ranger District, 12858 US Hwy 2, Troy, MT, 59935
Dorr Skeels Campground
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
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
The nightly rate for standard nonelectric sites is $16. Fees are consistent throughout the peak season from May 23 to September 30.
About this campground
Escape to Dorr Skeels Campground, where eight intimate campsites await beneath towering pines at the pristine north shore of Bull Lake. This hidden gem offers the perfect blend of wilderness solitude and modern convenience, featuring fresh potable water, clean vault toilets, and a welcoming host site to ensure your stay is comfortable. Spend your days lounging on the sandy beach, taking refreshing dips in the designated swimming area, or launching your boat from the well-maintained ramp complete with its own dock—your gateway to over 1,100 acres of crystal-clear mountain water.
Dorr Skeels Campground provides a mix of tent camping, day use sites, and RV camping options.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape shaped by millennia of natural history, where your campground serves as a gateway to two of Montana's most treasured wilderness areas. To the south lies the legendary Ross Creek Cedars, an awe-inspiring grove of ancient giants that have stood sentinel for centuries. The majestic Cabinet Mountains Wilderness stretches along the eastern horizon, its rugged peaks holding stories of early explorers, wildlife corridors, and pristine ecosystems that remain largely untouched by time.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's perfect balance at Dorr Skeels, where gentle mountain breezes and low humidity create an ideal outdoor climate. With temperatures that hover between a crisp 42°F at dawn and a comfortable 62°F during afternoon adventures, you'll find the weather consistently pleasant for any activity. Blue skies dominate the landscape nearly two-thirds of the time, while rain remains a rare visitor during peak season—ensuring your camping memories won't be dampened by unexpected showers.
ElevationPerched at 2,344 feet above sea level, Dorr Skeels occupies a sweet spot in Montana's varied terrain. This moderate elevation delivers the best of both worlds: cooler temperatures that provide relief from summer heat while remaining accessible year-round. The altitude frames spectacular mountain vistas and contributes to the area's renowned clarity—both in its crystalline lake waters and crisp mountain air that seems to sharpen every view and deepen every breath.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering mature pines create a natural cathedral above your campsite, their branches whispering ancient stories in the mountain breeze. Bull Lake stretches before you like a sapphire mirror, its 1,162 acres reflecting the surrounding peaks and endless sky. This aquatic paradise teems with life—from the native bull trout gliding through deep waters to feisty bass and perch that keep anglers coming back season after season. Whether you're casting a line for kokanee at dawn or watching eagles soar above the Cabinet Mountains at dusk, the scenery here transforms every moment into a postcard-worthy memory.
Geological RegionDiscover the dramatic convergence of water and stone at the north end of Bull Lake, where ancient geological forces carved out this 1,162-acre alpine jewel. Your campground rests within a natural amphitheater of mature pine forests, with the rugged Cabinet Mountains Wilderness rising dramatically to the east. This unique position places you at the intersection of diverse ecosystems—from the deep, cold waters that harbor ancient bull trout populations to the weathered peaks that mark the western edge of one of Montana's most pristine wilderness areas. Here, millions of years of geological history create a playground for modern adventurers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are listed in the source.
Sites SizeMost campsites offer an average length of 30 feet.
Sites PrivacyNo information provided on the privacy level of campsites.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and lakeside views, opt for one of the waterfront tent sites. Reviews suggest tent-only sites are clean and well-maintained.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight the tent sites, with 5 out of 6 located directly on the water, as highly desirable.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
7:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 PM
Stay Limit
Guests may stay up to 16 consecutive nights per visit and up to 48 nights in total per year.
Groups
No group camping sites or details are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 8 overnight campsites and 2 day-use sites, most of which are approximately 30 feet in length. Sites are equipped with tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates as first-come, first-served (FCFS) from June 21 to September 30, and is open for reservations from May 23 to September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, including online or via the app.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is available on a first-come, first-served basis from June 21 through September 30. Site saving is prohibited.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies to campsite reservations. Late cancellations will also subtract the first night's recreation use fee from any refund owed. There is no option to cancel or modify reservations after the scheduled check-in date.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities at Dorr Skeels Campground include swimming, boating, fishing, and day use. "The campground has a boat ramp with dock, a beach area and bouyed off swimming area." The lake spans 1,162 acres and is popular with recreationists and fishermen. Nearby attractions include the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness and Ross Creek Cedars.
Fishing
The lake offers fishing opportunities with species including brook trout, bull trout, kokanee, small and large mouth bass, pike, suckers, whitefish, and perch.Swimming
Designated swimming areas are available, including a buouyed section at the beach. One user notes that "dogs are not allowed on the swim beach."Boating
Boating is supported with a fully developed boat ramp and dock. The lake spans 1,162 acres, accommodating various boating activities.Beach activities
Beach activities are available at the campground's swimming area, which includes a designated buoyed section.Winter Activities
No winter activities are specified.Water Sports
Boating and swimming are explicitly supported; other water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife, particularly near water features. Guests should follow standard safety practices, including securing food.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.2 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
Emergency services including gas stations, ice, and a store are located in Troy, approximately 13 miles away. For serious emergencies, visitors can reach the Three Rivers Ranger District.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 to September 30
Trash and recyclingGarbage service is available during peak season, but no further details on recycling are provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated on Bull Lake and includes waterfront sites, a beach area, and a swimming area. A boat ramp with a dock is also available.
Common complaintsReviews mention the host's attitude as contentious and unkind, but others commend their helpfulness. Some campers noted that dogs are not permitted on the swimming beach, which may inconvenience pet owners.
HostThe campground has an on-site host who opens and closes the security gate daily at 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM, respectively.
Campground Map
Three Rivers Ranger District, 12858 US Hwy 2, Troy, MT, 59935
Driving directionsFrom Troy follow Hwy 2 east for 3 miles to the junction with Hwy 56. Turn and follow Hwy 56 for approximately 13 miles, turn right on Dorr Skeels road 1117 and follow to the campground.
Access to the campground is via paved roads including Hwy 56 and Dorr Skeels Road 1117, which are suitable for various vehicle types, including RVs. The campground includes paved parking and roads within its area.Nearby places
Troy (13 miles, approximate driving time null)
Nearby supplies
Laundry, gas, ice, and a store are located in Troy, approximately 13 miles away from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.4
7 reviews
Dorr Skeels Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Dorr Skeels Campground highlight its cleanliness, lakeside location, and the quality of tent sites. "As a local born and raised in the area there aren't many good campgrounds that could fit an RV or camper but this is one of the better managed and taken care of spots."
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews mention the campground's cleanliness, lakeside beauty, and good tent sites. "6 tent sites, 5 of which are on the water. Beautiful! Short drive to many trailheads."
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include issues with pet policies, swimming beach restrictions, and rude behavior from a previous camp host. "No dogs allowed on the swim beach which was a bummer for us." Another user...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Recommendations include visiting nearby trailheads and Ross Creek Cedars. "Nice little day trip for us as a stop by on the way home."
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide specific seasonal trends, but the peak season amenities are noted, such as vault toilets and potable water.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
"B-E-A-UTIFUL lakeside camping! Awesome hosts!" "If kindness killed, you would be safe forever with this camp host!" "Very cute campground, clean bathrooms, clean and well-kept tent-only sites."
Based on 7 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Some sites are highlighted for their lakeside location: "6 tent sites, 5 of which are on the water."
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific user reviews addressing accessibility are available.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Some users express dissatisfaction with pet policies: "No dogs allowed on the swim beach which was a bummer for us."
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025