Lake Como Three Frogs Campground
Three Frogs Campground is located at the Lake Como Recreation Area, located between Darby and Hamilton, Montana. It offers a wealth of recreational opportunities amidst breathtaking mountain scenery within the Bitterroot National Forest. It features 20 total sites that include 16 spurs that can accommodate trailers up to 30' and 4 walk-in tent sites. The campground offers accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, water (near the host site), garbage service, and gravel surfaced roads. Some campsites are also equipped with tent pads.
First come/first serve. $15 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.
Non-Peak Season: Weather Dependent
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.
- Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days.
General Information
Three Frogs Campground is located adjacent to the beautiful Lake Como. It lies within the Lake Como Recreation Area, which 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. Special food storage requirements are in effect 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. The campsite fee includes one day pass. Additional day use passes, or extra vehicle passes can be purchased at the campground fee station for $5.
- 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 lake. 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 pets or glass allowed on the beach or in the swim area.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $15 per night
$15 per night per campsite. 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 day use 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
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: 46.066415
Longitude: -114.248935
Elevation
4,292 feet
Directions
From Darby, Montana travel north for 4 miles on Highway 93. Turn west (left) onto Lake Como Rd. Follow for 3 miles, then turn north (right) on FS Road 1111, follow paved road for 0.7 miles into the Lake Como Recreation Area. Turn Right upon entering the recreation area, continue on gravel past the beach area, stay on gravel road for 0.5 miles until road becomes campground loop.
From Hamilton, Montana travel south for 16 miles on Highway 93. Turn west (right) onto Lake Como Rd. Follow for 3 miles, then turn north (right) on FS Road 1111, follow paved road for 0.7 miles into the Lake Como Recreation Area. Turn Right upon entering the recreation area, continue on gravel past the beach area, stay on gravel road for 0.5 miles until road becomes campground loop.
Parking
Parking is limited to 2 vehicles per site. (a Truck + trailer is considered one vehicle). Additional vehicles must display pass. Additional day use passes, or extra vehicle passes can be purchased at the campground fee station for $5.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Water is available near Host site and Exit.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & Pond
Viewing Scenery
Viewing Wildlife
Boating - Motorized Info
The Lake Como Boat Launch Site is located within the Lake Como Recreation Area. The site hosts 38 boat trailer parking spots and a 4-section floating dock. The wider, longer dock and wide ramp allows for recreationists to safely and easily launch their watercraft from either side of the dock. Depending on lake levels and weather conditions the boat dock is generally installed by late-May and removed by mid-August.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/bitterroot/recreation/south-lake-como-boating-site