Autumn Brings Changes to Bitterroot Campgrounds

With the official arrival of fall on September 22, the Bitterroot National Forest has announced the seasonal operations at the forest's campgrounds.

Darby/Sula Ranger District
Lake Como Recreation Area:

• Lower Como Campground - Closes on Sept. 19
• Three Frogs Campground - Closes on Oct. 3
• Rock Creek Horse Camp - Services and fees through Sept 18, open until closed by snow.
• Lake Como Day Use - picnic, beach, trailhead - Open year-round.

Black Bear Campground (up Skalkaho) - Services and fees through Sept 18, open until closed by snow.
Lost Horse Road and Schumaker Campground - Open until closed by snow.
Skalkaho Pass - State Highway 38 - closure determined by Montana Dept of Transportation.
Spring Gulch Campground - Closes on Sept. 19
Indian Trees Campground - Closes on Sept. 19
Martin Creek Campground - services and fees through Sept 18, open until closed by snow.
Crazy Creek Campground - Services through Sept 18, closed by snow.
Jennings Camp - Open until closed by snow.
Warm Springs Campground - Closed on Sept 19
East Fork Guard Station - open year-round. Reservations required. www.recreation.gov
Two Good Cabin - Closed Oct 10. Reservations Dec. 1-31 at www.recreation.gov

Stevensville Ranger District
Bass Creek Recreation Area:

• Charles Water Campground - Services through Sept 25, open until snow.
• Larry Creek Group Campground - Open on first come, first serve basis after Sept 23 until closed by snow.

Blodgett Campground - Closed December 2.
Gold Creek Campground - Open until closed by snow.

West Fork Ranger District
Rombo Campground - Open until closed by snow.
Alta Campground - Open until closed by snow.
Sam Billings Campground - Open until closed by snow.
Slate Creek Campground - Open until closed by snow. Back Loop closed Sept. 30.
Fales Flat Campground - Open until closed by snow.
Beaver Point, Raven Creek, Indian Creek, Paradise Campgrounds - Open until snow.
Magruder Road - Open, but check with West Fork Ranger for updates (406) 821-3269.

Tod McKay of the Bitterroot National Forest reminded visitors that "Pack it in and pack it out" is the rule for garbage at all campgrounds and to be VERY careful with campfires. It's still very dry in the woods. All fires should be out and the coals cold to the touch before you leave your campsite.

A great site for Bitterroot National Forest information is on Facebook.