Indian Trees Campground
Indian Trees Campground is a quiet place to stay 3/4 miles off of Highway 93 in the mountains of southwest Montana, at the bottom of Lost Trail Pass. It provides access to a number of enjoyable recreational activities, as well as the vast scenery of the rugged Bitterroot National Forest. The area boasts wild game, high quality water and wild and scenic rivers.
This paved campground has 15 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, garbage service, potable water and camp host. Will accept trailers/RV's up to 50'. It is conveniently located near Highway 93. Food storage required.
Some sites can be reserved through www.recreation.gov. Individual sites at this campground operate on a 6-month rolling basis. $15 nightly/daily rates. Other sites are first come/first served. You must physically arrive at the campground to see if the site is available. There is no guarantee that a site will be available.
Visitors enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. A number of trails can be accessed near the campground, including the Nez Perce National Historic Trail and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The Nez Perce NHT is a 3.1-mile trail begins near the turnoff to the campground and follows a portion of the original Nez Perce route. Explorers in the early 1800s also used the route, and wagon ruts are still visible along parts of the trail. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is also nearby. Fishing is available in nearby Camp Creek. Anglers will find mostly cutthroat trout but other species are available. A variety of wildlife, including big game like mule and white-tailed deer, elk and moose, makes its home in the area.
Non-peak season is dependent upon weather, but historically the campground will open early May and close end of September. Please contact the Darby-Sula Ranger Station at 406-821-3913 for current status.
Reservations
Make Reservations HereSome sites can be reserved through www.recreation.gov. Individual sites at this campground operate on a 6-month rolling basis. $15 nightly/daily rates. Other sites are first come/first served. You must physically arrive at the campground to see if the site is available. There is no guarantee that a site will be available.
General Information
The campground offers 15 single-family campsites, available for tent and RV camping. Most sites can accommodate up to 10 people and two vehicles, however, one site can accommodate up to 15 people. Site #6 is accessible, while Site #2 is designated for use by bicyclists. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A campground host is on-site. Utility hookups are not available.
Lost Trail Hot Springs is located less than a half-mile from the campground. Unlike the majority of natural hot springs, Lost Trail lacks sulfur, making it odorless and very comfortable for swimming.
A general store and lodging is located in Sula Store, about 5 miles north.
Indian Trees Campground gets its name from the scarred ponderosa pine trees whose bark was long ago stripped in order to extract the cambium layer which was a food source for Native Americans.
Peak season is Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Non-peak season is dependent upon weather, but historically the campground will open early May and close end of September. Please contact the Darby-Sula Ranger Station at 406-821-3913 for current status.
- Check Out: Noon
- Check In: 2:00pm
- Quiet hours: 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
- 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.
- 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.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $15 per night
Additional Vehicle: $5 per night
$15 nightly/daily
Pets must be leashed.
Contact Name: Darby-Sula Ranger Station
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: 45.75583333
Longitude: -113.9533333
Elevation
5,128 feet
Directions
From Sula, Montana head south 5.6 miles on Highway 93. Turn west (right) on to forest road #729 and follow for approximately 1 mile. Indian Trees Campground is located at the bottom of Lost Trail Pass.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Site 6 is a wheelchair accessible site.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Potable water is available (May - September) in the campground during peak season.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
Other Amenities
1 bicycle site with food storage locker is provided.
