Recreation Region: Darby Ranger District

Lake Como Campground

The Lake Como Campground, a.k.a. "Lower Como", is located within the Lake Como Recreation Area in between Darby and Hamilton, Montana. It is a single loop with 125' pull through sites for recreational vehicle RVs with spurs that include 8 single sites and 2 double sites. (12 total sites). The campground is paved and all sites feature electrical and water hookups. Water and garbage services are also provided. Three of the sites are accessible, and there are 4 accessible vault toilets located throughout the campground.

First come/first serve, no reservations. Camping is limited to 7 days and is $25 per night.

Here's what you can enjoy:

Relaxing on the Beach and Swimming: The lake features a beautiful beach with a designated swimming area, perfect for relaxing on the sand or taking a refreshing dip.
Hiking or Biking the Lake Como Loop Trail: Explore the surrounding trails on foot or bike, including the 8-mile Lake Como Loop Trail, which offers stunning views and a visit to a waterfall located at the west end of the lake. A mountain bike system of trails is on the south end of the lake.
Paddling with Kayaks and Paddleboards: Lake Como is an ideal spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, allowing you to peacefully explore the lake's calm waters. Non-motorized boats can also be launched from the swimming area.
Boating at the Boat Launch Dock Area: For those with motorized boats, a dedicated boat launch dock area is located on the opposite shore. Note that the floating dock is typically installed from late May to mid-August, depending on water levels.

Current Conditions

Peak Season: Memorial Day - Labor Day
Closed Oct - May

Reservations

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.
Camping equipment cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours without permission.
The Forest Service is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.
Camping is limited to 7 Days at Lake Como Campground.

General Information

The campground takes you through a stand of mixed pine and fir trees, there is a grass understory and provides good privacy between campsites. It is one of three campgrounds in the Lake Como Recreation Area and is located below the 913 acre Lake Como. The recreation area also includes day use areas, hiking trails, a swimming beach, and a motorized boat launch. Lake Como is a popular destination for recreationists in the Bitterroot Valley.

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

Non-Peak Season: Weather Dependent

Quiet hours: 10:00pm to 6:00am.

Day use pass required at Lake Como Recreation Area from Memorial Day - Labor Day.

Additional day use passes, or extra vehicle passes can be purchased at the campground fee station.

Camping limited to 7 consecutive days.
Quiet hours 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Pets must be leashed.
No pets or glass allowed on the beach or in the swim area.
Food Storage Required

Overnight Use:
Single Site (Electric + Water): $25 per night
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$30 per season.

$25 per night per campsite (water/electricity included). Fee includes 1 pass for day use within the recreation area (Display hangtag from payment envelope on rear-view mirror). Pass must be displayed in vehicle while accessing other parts of the recreation area. Senior, Annual, and Access Passes are honored at all Lake Como fee sites.

Pets must be leashed at all times within the recreation area boundaries.

Pets are not permitted within designated swim area. (Beach)

Contact Name: Darby-Sula Ranger District

Contact Phone: 406-821-3913

Darby Ranger Station administrative office in the winter.

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: 46.06888889

Longitude: -114.2363889

Elevation

4,231 feet

Directions

From Darby, Montana travel north for 4 miles on Highway 93. Turn west (left) onto Lake Como Rd. Follow for 3 miles. Turn north (right) on FS Road 1111 and follow signs to campground.

From Hamilton, Montana travel south for 16 miles on Highway 93. Turn west (right) onto Lake Como Rd. Follow for 3 miles. Turn north (right) on FS Road 1111 and follow signs to campground.

Parking

Parking is limited to 2 vehicles per site. (a Truck + trailer is considered one vehicle). Additional vehicles must display pass (purchase at campground fee station).