Norton Campground
4.339 reviewsNorton Campground, Rock Creek Rd, Lolo National Forest, Montana
Norton Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Single sites cost $15 per night, with a two-vehicle limit per site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for single campsites physically occupied by the pass holder. Payment is accepted in cash or check only. Reservation fees may apply if the site becomes reservable in the future.
Share this campground
USFSProvider
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Lolo National Forest, Norton Campground offers an intimate escape where 12 thoughtfully arranged campsites form a welcoming circle beneath towering pines. This hidden gem in the Rock Creek drainage rewards visitors with a symphony of rushing water and songbirds, creating the perfect soundtrack for your wilderness retreat. The unique circular layout features convenient drive-up sites along the outer ring and secluded walk-in sites at the center, offering options for every camping style. Anglers flock here to test their skills against the legendary trout of Rock Creek, while nature enthusiasts discover endless opportunities to spot local wildlife in this pristine mountain sanctuary.
Norton Campground is a small, rustic site catering primarily to tent campers. The area is first-come, first-served, and does not support RVs.
Historical SignificanceNorton Campground sits within a landscape shaped by generations of Montana history, where the legacy of responsible logging practices meets modern conservation efforts. The crown jewel of this heritage is Rock Creek itself—a blue ribbon trout stream that has drawn devoted anglers for decades, earning its reputation as one of the West's premier fishing destinations. This stretch of Lolo National Forest tells the story of America's evolving relationship with its wild places, from the early days of timber harvest to today's careful balance of recreation and preservation, making every visit a connection to the region's rich outdoor traditions.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Norton Campground basks in the perfect mountain climate—sun-drenched days that invite exploration followed by refreshingly cool evenings ideal for campfire stories. Summer temperatures create comfortable conditions for hiking and fishing, while crisp nights remind you of the elevation and provide excellent sleeping weather. As autumn approaches, the forest transforms into a tapestry of gold and amber. Winter brings a dramatic change, blanketing the area in snow and dropping temperatures well below freezing, transforming this summer paradise into a winter wonderland accessible only to the most adventurous souls.
ElevationPerched at 3,900 feet above sea level, Norton Campground occupies that sweet spot where mountain air stays crisp without leaving you breathless. This elevation creates an ideal microclimate—high enough to escape summer's heat, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. The altitude enhances every sunrise and sunset, painting the surrounding peaks in brilliant colors while keeping the camp pleasantly cool even on the warmest days.
Natural Features and SceneryA living cathedral of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and lodgepole pine creates a natural canopy above Norton Campground, filtering sunlight into gentle patterns across the soft, grassy forest floor. The real star of the show flows just steps away—Rock Creek's crystal-clear waters dance over smooth stones, creating pools and riffles that shelter native trout and reflect the surrounding forest like nature's mirror. This verdant understory, dotted with wildflowers in season, provides both privacy between sites and open meadows perfect for wildlife watching or an impromptu game of catch.
Geological RegionNorton Campground rests within the dramatic Rock Creek drainage, where ancient geological forces carved a rugged canyon through the heart of Lolo National Forest. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's artistry—weathered rock formations frame the blue ribbon waters of Rock Creek, while stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir cling to steep canyon walls. The interplay of water, stone, and forest creates a dynamic ecosystem that changes with every bend of the creek, offering campers a front-row seat to millions of years of geological history still being written with each passing season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information about specific accessibility features is available. Vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeThe campground has a circle configuration with walk-in sites in the middle.
Sites PrivacySites are shaded by Douglas firs, Ponderosa, and Lodgepole pines, providing some natural privacy.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesWalk-in sites located in the center of the campground offer additional privacy.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites were highlighted as the best; all sites offer similar features.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in details not specified
- operates on a 24-hour basis.
Check-out
Check-out details not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest numbers not specified.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out in a circular configuration with walk-in sites located in the middle.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 10 to September 30, 2024.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not taken; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served. No reservation system is in place.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted, so cancellation policies are not applicable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Norton Campground offers primarily fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Its location along Rock Creek makes it favorable for anglers and nature enthusiasts.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at this campground, which is located near Rock Creek, a blue ribbon trout stream. Fish species include Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat, and Bull Trout (catch-and-release for Bull Trout).Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of Big Horn Sheep, bears, and moose. The surrounding forest and proximity to Rock Creek enhance the experience.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are described for this campground.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within the provided fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include black bear activity, narrow and rough access roads, and the lack of potable water on-site.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned in the provided sources.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 13%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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 are 20 miles away in Missoula. Contact Missoula County emergency services for urgent assistance. The nearest ranger station is the Missoula Ranger District.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 10 to September 30, 2024.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to Rock Creek, a blue ribbon trout stream.
Common complaintsComplaints include occasional closure issues (e.g., "drove an hour and a half to find a locked gate"), narrow roads unsuitable for trailers, and limited amenities such as no potable water.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
Norton Campground, Rock Creek Rd, Lolo National Forest, Montana
Driving directionsFrom Clinton, MT, take Interstate 90 east 4.7 miles to Rock Creek Rd. (Exit 126). At the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto Rock Creek Rd. and go 10.9 miles to the campground sign. Turn right into the campground.
Rock Creek Rd transitions from a wide paved roadway to dirt at 8.3 miles, eventually deteriorating into a narrow, winding, single-lane road with few turnouts. Trailers, motorhomes, and tow vehicles are not recommended due to these conditions.Nearby places
Clinton (approximately 15 miles, 30-minute drive)
Missoula (approximately 31 miles, 45-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Limited groceries and gas are located 10.9 miles away at the Rock Creek Rd. and Interstate 90 intersection.
Camper Reviews
4.3
9 reviews
Norton Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mixed reviews highlight the campground's peaceful and beautiful setting, clean facilities, and proximity to Rock Creek. However, some users reported issues such as a closed gate despite the campground being listed as open and the lack of parking at individual campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the campground's proximity to Rock Creek, its tranquil and scenic setting, and the cleanliness of the vault toilets. Several reviews note that it is a good spot for fishing...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include reports of the campground being unexpectedly closed, limited parking at campsites, and the road leading to the campground being narrow and rough.
Based on 9 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing all necessary supplies, as the nearest market is 10.9 miles away. Bear-proofing food is essential due to sightings of black bears in the area.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews note the pleasant weather and access to fishing, while offseason reviews mention closures and challenging road conditions. No specific extreme seasonal trends are noted.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Smaller campground, beautiful setting. On Rock Creek (the blue ribbon trout fishery)." - Constance Norona. "Lovely little primitive campground located just a few miles off the interstate. Perfect...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were noted.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information about pet policies or pet-related reviews is available.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025