Clearwater Crossing Campground
05 reviewsClearwater Crossing Campground, West Fork Fish Creek Road #7750, Lolo National Forest, MT
Clearwater 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 fee required for camping.
About this campground
Tucked away in the untamed wilderness of Lolo National Forest, Clearwater Crossing Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This intimate, primitive campground serves as your personal basecamp for exploring the legendary Great Burn area, where wild horses roam and ancient trails wind through untouched forests. With dedicated stock facilities and public corrals, it's a haven for equestrian enthusiasts and hikers alike, offering direct access to some of Montana's most spectacular and remote trail systems.
Clearwater Crossing Campground primarily caters to primitive and equestrian camping needs. There are public corrals and hitch rails available for horse campers, along with ample space for portable corrals.
Historical SignificanceClearwater Crossing stands as a gateway to the Great Burn, a vast wilderness that holds a special place in America's conservation legacy. This rugged landscape, shaped by the historic fires of 1910, became a testament to nature's resilience and helped inspire modern wilderness preservation efforts. The campground continues this tradition, serving as a launching point for those who seek to experience the same untamed wilderness that captivated early conservationists and shaped the future of our national forests.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Northern Rockies at Clearwater Crossing. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a hushed wonderland where temperatures plunge and the landscape becomes a frozen paradise. As spring arrives, the forest awakens with intermittent rains nurturing wildflowers and filling streams to their banks. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for trail riding and fishing, while autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons, with crisp air and variable weather adding to the mountain magic.
ElevationPerched at the characteristic elevation of Lolo National Forest's mountainous terrain, Clearwater Crossing offers that perfect high-country atmosphere where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every breath reminds you that you've left the lowlands far behind. This mountain setting provides natural air conditioning in summer and creates the perfect staging ground for adventures into even higher elevations.
Natural Features and SceneryFish Creek babbles alongside the campground, its crystal-clear waters harboring native trout and creating a soothing soundtrack for your wilderness retreat. Towering conifers form a protective canopy overhead, their ancient trunks standing sentinel over this peaceful spot. The surrounding landscape unfolds in layers of rugged mountain terrain, where pristine streams cascade through rocky gorges and dense forests stretch as far as the eye can see, creating an immersive backcountry experience that feels worlds away from civilization.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic landscape of Lolo National Forest, Clearwater Crossing sits at the confluence of Fish Creek and the greater Great Burn wilderness area. This geological wonderland showcases the raw power of the Northern Rockies, where ancient tectonic forces carved deep valleys and thrust peaks skyward. The rugged mountainous terrain surrounding the campground tells a story millions of years in the making, with dense forests clinging to steep slopes and clear mountain streams cutting through valleys shaped by glaciers and time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources.
Sites SizeUser reviews and sources suggest sites are spacious and can accommodate portable corrals for horses. Permanent pens are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels for campsites are not explicitly discussed in either authoritative sources or user reviews.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesHorse campers should arrive early to secure one of the six permanent pens or use portable corrals. Campers seeking privacy should choose secluded areas closer to the trailhead.
Best CampsitesSites with portable corrals are popular among horse campers. Six permanent pens are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group camping site details are not provided in the available sources.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features six sites with picnic tables and fire rings. There are separate parking areas for horse trailers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen yearlong unless road is closed by snow.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are public corrals for horse campers, which are also first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations required; cancellations do not apply.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Clearwater Crossing Campground offers recreational opportunities primarily focused on horseback riding, hiking, hunting, and trout fishing. The adjacent Fish Creek provides excellent trout fishing conditions according to official sources. The campground is closely connected to trails leading into the Great Burn area, offering opportunities for exploration and wildlife observation.
Hiking
The nearby trailhead is primarily used for hiking into the Great Burn area. User Abigail Johnston shares, 'We hiked up the north fork of Fish Creek and stayed at Goose Lake. The hike was easy the first day. The next day we headed down to Fish Lake. That was a harder hike and wore us out.' The trails are well-maintained, as per her review.Fishing
The campground is adjacent to Fish Creek, described as 'a perfect place for trout fishing' in official sources. User Joe Maesar had a contrasting experience, stating, 'Terrible camping and fishing. Trust me, you really don't want to come here.'Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned. However, the campground remains open year-round unless the road is closed by snow.Water Sports
Water sports are not mentioned in the provided sources.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity and rugged terrain are potential hazards. Campers are advised to follow bear safety guidelines and use food storage facilities.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ninemile Ranger Station (20325 Remount Road, Huson, MT 59846, Phone: 406-626-5201, Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the provided sources.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground lies adjacent to Fish Creek, a popular trout fishing spot.
Common complaintsSome user reviews complain about fishing quality, lack of potable water, and infrequent toilet paper replenishment.
Campground Map
Clearwater Crossing Campground, West Fork Fish Creek Road #7750, Lolo National Forest, MT
Driving directions37 miles west of Missoula on Interstate 90. Take the Fish Creek Exit #66. Follow Fish Creek Road #343 south to West Fork Fish Creek Road #7750. Follow Road #7750 to the end. Follow the signs to Rod & Connie French Conservation Camp and go 1 mile beyond this camp to the campground.
Accessible yearlong unless road is closed by snow. Roads leading to the site are likely unpaved and may require caution during winter months.Nearby places
Missoula (37 miles, approximately 40 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Rod & Connie French Conservation Camp is located 1 mile from the campground, and Missoula (37 miles away) offers a full range of grocery stores and supply shops.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Clearwater Crossing Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Clearwater Crossing Campground are mixed. Positive feedback highlights the campground’s suitability for horse camping and proximity to well-maintained trails. Negative reviews focus on fishing quality and overall camping experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the campground's suitability for horse camping ('Great site for camping with your horse(s),' according to David Goodman) and the well-maintained hiking trails ('The trails...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include fishing quality ('Terrible camping and fishing,' according to Joe Maesar) and lack of maintenance for some amenities ('Bring toilet paper because it doesn't get replenished...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing essential supplies such as toilet paper due to the irregular replenishment of vault toilets. Abigail Johnston recommends hiking trails near the campground for an...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends are not explicitly discussed in user reviews. However, the campground remains open year-round, with snow potentially closing road access during winter months.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Terrible camping and fishing. Trust me, you really don't want to come here.' - Joe Maesar
2. 'Great site for camping with your horse(s). Large sites for setting up portable corrals. There are...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
David Goodman mentions six permanent pens available on a first-come, first-served basis as a highlight for horse campers.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility experiences are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but dogs must be leashed at all times as per official regulations. User reviews do not elaborate further on pet experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025