Black Bear Campground
4.2312 reviewsBlack Bear 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 camping at Black Bear Campground. User reviews mention that it is a free campsite.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Bitterroot National Forest, Black Bear Campground beckons those seeking an authentic Montana wilderness experience. This intimate retreat features six thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. The melodic sounds of Skalkaho Creek provide a natural soundtrack as it flows alongside the campground, creating a serene atmosphere that draws visitors back year after year. While maintaining its rustic charm with simple vault toilet facilities, the campground welcomes adventurers of all kinds, accommodating everything from tent campers to RVs and trailers up to 50 feet in length.
Black Bear Campground provides a rustic camping experience with basic amenities for both tent and RV campers. It is a free, first-come, first-served campground with no reservation system.
Weather and SeasonsBlack Bear Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for creek-side relaxation and forest exploration, with extended daylight hours that stretch well into the evening. As autumn approaches, crisp air and changing foliage paint the landscape in brilliant hues. Winter blankets the campground in snow and silence, with freezing temperatures creating a pristine wonderland for the hardy few who venture here. Spring arrives with frequent rain showers that awaken the forest and fill Skalkaho Creek with rushing snowmelt, making each season a unique chapter in the campground's story.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic ponderosa pines tower overhead at Black Bear Campground, their vanilla-scented bark and sprawling canopies creating a cathedral-like atmosphere that visitors find truly awe-inspiring. Skalkaho Creek winds gracefully through the landscape, its crystal-clear waters offering both a peaceful ambiance and opportunities for streamside exploration. Just 8.5 miles down the road, the spectacular Skalkaho Falls rewards adventurous souls with a breathtaking cascade that showcases the raw beauty of the Bitterroot wilderness. As one enchanted visitor shared, this is truly a 'wonderful place along the river' where the super tall ponderosa trees create an unforgettable natural sanctuary.
Geological RegionNestled within the rugged terrain of the Bitterroot National Forest, Black Bear Campground sits at the intersection of natural wonder and accessibility along the renowned Scenic Skalkaho Highway. This spectacular region showcases the dramatic landscape of western Montana, where ancient ponderosa pine forests thrive along the life-giving waters of Skalkaho Creek. The campground's location offers visitors a front-row seat to the geological diversity of the Bitterroots, from creek-carved valleys to the surrounding mountain slopes that have been shaped by millennia of natural forces.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campsites can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 50 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyAccording to Ana Alonso's review, the sites feel very private. She noted, 'There were groups staying at the sites on either side of us, but we barely heard them.'
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the vault toilet may be preferable for campers who prioritize proximity to restroom facilities. However, user reviews indicate that some sites are far from the restroom.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Number of guests per site not specified.
Groups
Group camping specifics are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 6 sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Layout is informal and rustic.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen yearlong until closed by snow. Peak season is Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Walk-in AvailabilityBlack Bear Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. User reviews highlight availability even during weekends, with one user noting, "We arrived here around 6:00 on a Friday night in June and plenty of spots were still available."
Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-served basis; no reservation needed.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Black Bear Campground offers limited recreational activities focused on enjoying the natural surroundings. Activities include fishing in Skalkaho Creek and picnicking at the available tables.
Fishing
Fishing is available in Skalkaho Creek. However, specific details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are not provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described, but the campground is open year-round until closed by snow.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not detailed in the provided information.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within provided fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include mosquitoes, particularly during warmer months. A user review warns, "At nightfall mosquitoes were somewhat bothersome." Large potholes and tight spaces for RVs have also been noted.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 14%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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).
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day to Labor Day
Trash and recyclingNo garbage service is provided; campers must pack out their trash. Laure Stevens commented, 'Had to do a lot of garbage clean up.' This indicates that prior campers might not follow the pack-out rule diligently.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located along Skalkaho Creek, providing opportunities for fishing.
Common complaintsMosquitoes were a common concern in user reviews, along with maintenance issues such as potholes and garbage cleanup. One user noted, "Mosquitos get really bad when it warms up a bit," and another mentioned, "Huge potholes that caused my level jacks to drag and was super tight to the bushes."
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Hamilton travel 2 miles south on Highway 93. Turn east (left) on Skalkaho Highway 38. Follow Skalkaho Highway 38 12.9 miles, turn south (right) at Black Bear Campground.
Accessible via Skalkaho Highway 38, which is adjacent to the campground. Roads can be challenging for large RVs, as highlighted by user reviews: "Don't bring anything bigger than a small rv. I got stuck with a 30ft and a car dolly on the back."Nearby places
Hamilton (14.9 miles, approximately 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies and amenities are available in Hamilton, approximately 14.9 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.2
12 reviews
Black Bear Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the rustic and secluded nature of Black Bear Campground. Positive aspects include its scenic location, privacy between sites, and quiet atmosphere. Negative feedback focuses on the lack of maintenance, such as potholes and garbage issues, as well as mosquito problems during warmer months.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
- Scenic location along Skalkaho Creek
- Privacy between campsites
- Quiet and peaceful setting
- Free of charge
Based on 12 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Potholes and muddy conditions during rain
- Only one vault toilet, which may be far from some sites
- Mosquitoes during warmer weather
- Garbage left by previous visitors
Based on 12 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a good spot.
- Come prepared to pack out all trash due to lack of garbage service.
- Bring mosquito repellent for visits during warmer...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
- Peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day): More visitors, but privacy is maintained between sites. Mosquitoes can be an issue.
- Off-season: Quiet and less crowded, though accessibility may be...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- Ana Alonso: 'The sites feel very private. There were groups staying at the sites on either side of us, but we barely heard them.'
- Kevin Hooker: 'Don't bring anything bigger than a small RV. I got...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Smaller RVs (up to 22 feet) are navigable, but larger RVs may face significant challenges, as noted by Kevin Hooker.
- Sites are private and scenic, with proximity to Skalkaho Creek.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility considerations are not mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. No reviews specifically address pet-related facilities or experiences.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025