Alta Campground

4.8·26 reviews
·Bitterroot National Forest

Overview

Alta Campground is located in a scenic forest in the heart of Montana's Bitterroot National Forest. The West Fork of the Bitterroot River flows nearby, giving visitors access to some of the best fishing the area has to offer, as well as other water-related recreation.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (5 of 14 campsites have Driveway Entry)

  • Firepit

    (All campsites have Firepit)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 10)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 2)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (13 of 14 campsites have Shade)

Natural Features

ALTA CAMPGROUND - Credits: WF Recreation
Historic Alta Ranger Station near Alta Campground - Credits: WF Recreation
Painted Rocks Reservoir located downstream of Alta Campground - Credits: WF Recreation
Alta Campground Fall - Credits: WF Recreation
The campground is located along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, a popular fishing river in the area. Large, yellow-barked ponderosa pine trees tower above many of the campsites, which along with fir, aspen and lodgepole pine, provide pleasant shade. The campground is situated at an elevation of about 4,580 feet.A variety of wildlife can be seen in the area, including bald eagles, mule and white-tailed deer, moose, elk, bighorn sheep and numerous songbirds.

Recreation

Alta Campground site - Credits: WF Recreation
Fly fishing and wading in the Bitterroot River, which runs alongside the campground, are popular activities. During high water season, canoeing and rafting are available as well. A variety of trails and unimproved roads are great for exploring by bike or off-road vehicle. Hiking trails to various mountain peaks, including to Lookout, Razorback and Thunder Mountains, as well as Beaver and Deer Creek Points, are nearby. The Alta Pine interpretive trail is nearby. Painted Rocks Lake is located about five miles north of the campground. Visitors enjoy swimming, boating and fishing. Anglers will find mountain whitefish and a variety of trout.

Permitted Equipment

  • rv-Up to 40ft

  • tent-Up to 40ft

  • trailer-Up to 40ft

  • vehicle-N/A

  • 5th wheel-N/A

  • pickup camper-N/A

  • pop up camper-N/A

Nearby Attractions

The Alta Ranger Station, located on the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, was the first Forest Service Ranger Station in the United States, built in 1899. It remains a popular tourist location and is just minutes from the campground.

Hughes Creek, once a vibrant placer gold mining site, is nearby. The historic area accounted for 88 percent of all the placer gold recovered in Ravalli County from 1904-1948.

Horse Creek natural hot springs can be found about 18 miles south from the campground, via gravel road with high-clearance vehicle recommended.

The nearest town is Conner, which provides some services and is approximately 27 miles to the north. Darby is about 32 miles away and offers full services.

Additional Information

Campsites