Black Bear Campground
Black Bear Campground, located 16 miles south of Hamilton, Montana and 26 miles north of Darby, Montana, hosts 6 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet. The campground can accommodate RV's or trailers to 50'. The campground is adjacent to Skalkaho Creek, easily accessed by each campsite. Though this is near the highway, this campground is small and quiet.
No fees. No hookups. No potable water.
There is no garbage service. Pack it in/Pack it out.
16 day stay limit.
Open yearlong until closed by snow. Accessibility is not guaranteed in the winter.
Black Bear Campground Sites
Reservations
- No fees. Campsites are available on a first come/first served basis.
- At least one person must occupy a camping area during the first night after camping equipment has been set up, unless permission has otherwise been granted by the Forest Ranger.
- Camping equipment cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours without permission by the Forest Ranger. The Forest Service is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.
General Information
Black Bear Campground is a small, quiet campground located along the banks of Skalkaho Creek, 16 miles south of Hamilton, Montana and 26 miles north of Darby, Montana. Adjacent to the Scenic Skalkaho Highway, the campground is approximately 8.5 miles from Skalkaho Falls, a popular scenic waterfall. FS Road 75, also known as the Skalkaho-Rye Road, is also a popular scenic route that is easily accessible from Black Bear Campground.
Explore the nearby Centennial Grove Trail and learn about trees, including a 200 year old Ponderosa Pine, and plant life on the short paved interpretive trail. This trail is accessible.
Bears frequent the area - A Food Storage Order is in effect on all National Forest System lands within the Montana portion of the Bitterroot National Forest from March 1 - December 1 annually.
Peak Season: Memorial Day - Labor Day
Open yearlong until closed by snow. Accessibility not guaranteed in the winter.
Quiet hours: 10:00pm to 6:00am.
- Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days. After 16 days, you must move 5 miles away from your camp site, as the crow flies.
- Quiet hours 10 p.m. - 6 a.m.
- Pets must be leashed in the campground. Consider leashing dogs at all trailheads the first few miles of the trail to prevent user conflicts in congested areas.
- No garbage service, pack it in/pack it out.
- Food Storage Required
- Campfires allowed depending on Fire Danger level. Ensure your campfire is OUT before you leave.
- Do not rinse or wash dishes/etc. out of the creek. Do it on land.
- Respect wildlife
- Use of fireworks or other explosives is prohibited on all National Forest lands
- Firing a gun is not allowed in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area, across or on a road or body of water, or in any circumstance whereby any person may be injured or property damaged.
No fees are required for this site
Pets must be leashed.
Contact Name: Darby-Sula Ranger District
Contact Phone: 406-821-3913
Address: 712 N. Main Darby, MT 59829
Phone: 406-821-3913
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 46.16638889
Longitude: -113.9205556
Elevation
4581 feet
Directions
From Hamilton, Montana 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. Drive estimate of 21 minutes.
From Darby, Montana travel 13 miles north on Highway 93. Turn east (right) on Skalkaho (Highway 38). Follow Skalkaho (Highway 38) 12.9 miles, turn south (right) at Black Bear Campground. Drive estimate of 38 minutes.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - River/StreamFishing - River/Stream Info
Skalkaho Creek, offers good fishing opportunities, particularly for Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Skalkaho Creek is one of the tributaries that feeds into the Bitterroot River. Fishing these smaller streams can offer a more secluded experience than fishing the main river.
Be sure to check the current fishing regulations for Skalkaho Creek and the Bitterroot River before heading out, as they can vary by location and time of year. There are several local fly shops in Hamilton that can provide the best suggestions.
Viewing Scenery
Viewing WildlifeViewing Scenery Info
Skalkaho Falls is 8.5 miles to the east, driving up Skalkaho Highway (Hwy 38). The water of Skalkaho Creek cascades down over 150 feet, providing impressive views and great photo opportunities. Most accessible during late spring through early autumn, the falls can be quite a busy tourist destination despite its remote location.
Skalkaho Highway is a narrow dirt road that connects the Bitterroot Valley to Phillipsburg, Montana. Normally open Memorial Day in the spring and is closed by gate due to snow in the winter. Accessible to snowmobiles and groomed for Nordic skiing during the winter.
Viewing Wildlife Info
Spot deer, elk, moose, and big horn sheep.