Blodgett Campground

For us Montanans, discovering a truly spectacular camping spot that offers both breathtaking views and a genuine connection to the wilderness is like finding gold. Blodgett Campground, nestled in the stunning Bitterroot Valley just outside Hamilton, is precisely that kind of treasure. It’s a place that consistently leaves visitors "speechless" with its "amazing views" of the towering mountains and its serene setting right by a lively creek. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's an experience that captures the very essence of Montana's rugged beauty, and best of all, it's free!

Blodgett Campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, a characteristic that speaks to its authentic, no-frills approach to outdoor recreation. While this means you need to "get there early though because there is very few spots," the reward is immeasurable. With only about 5-7 sites, each described as "large and cozy," it offers a more intimate and peaceful camping experience than larger, more crowded campgrounds. Even if the campsites are full, the adjacent parking lot provides an option for RVs or campervans to stay overnight, ensuring you can still wake up to those "unbeatable view in the mountains."

What truly sets Blodgett Campground apart for Montanans is its incredible setting as a base for adventure. It sits directly under the majestic cliff faces of Blodgett Canyon, a renowned spot for rock climbing. Beyond the climbing, the presence of Blodgett Creek right there offers the soothing sounds of flowing water and opportunities for exploration. It's a place where you can disconnect from the everyday, immerse yourself in dramatic landscapes, and truly appreciate the profound beauty of our Bitterroot National Forest. As one local enthusiastically put it, "If I would have known about this campground I would have dismissed the hotel stay. Amazing views! My boyfriend and I were speechless."

Blodgett Campground is beautifully situated within the Bitterroot National Forest, with its address listed as Blodgett Camp Rd, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA. This places it approximately 5-6 miles west of Hamilton, providing a perfect balance of remote wilderness feel with relatively easy access from a charming Bitterroot Valley town. The campground rests dramatically "under the towering cliff faces of Blodgett Canyon," making it a visually striking location. Blodgett Creek flows nearby, adding to the picturesque setting and providing the soothing sound of running water.

Accessibility to Blodgett Campground involves a short but notable journey. From Hamilton, you typically drive west on Main Street for about a mile, then turn right (north) onto Ricketts Road for half a mile. A left turn (west) onto Blodgett Camp Road (also designated as FS 736) leads you approximately 4 miles to the campground. A key detail mentioned by visitors is that "the road in is currently VERY washboarded for over a mile." This means the gravel road can be rough and bumpy, requiring careful driving. While accessible by most vehicles, including RVs and trailers up to 45 feet, a higher-clearance vehicle might offer a more comfortable ride, especially after periods of heavy use or rain.

Despite the road conditions, the consensus among Montanans is that the destination is well worth the drive. The proximity to Hamilton means you're not entirely cut off from supplies, but the campground's immediate surroundings feel wonderfully wild and secluded. The journey itself is scenic, passing through the beautiful foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains, gradually leading you to this stunning mountain retreat.

Blodgett Campground provides essential, yet minimalist, services designed to facilitate a natural and authentic camping experience within the Bitterroot National Forest. As a free, first-come, first-serve site, it focuses on the basics, encouraging self-sufficiency in a beautiful setting.

• Campsites: The campground consists of 5 campsites, plus 1 walk-in site and 1 host site, totaling 7 available spots. Each site is typically "large and cozy" and includes a picnic table and a fire ring (with grates for cooking). Some sites are even paved.
• First-Come, First-Serve Basis: All sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This means no reservations are taken, so arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak seasons, is crucial to secure a spot.
• Free Camping: A significant highlight, there are "no fees" required for this campground, making it a highly economical option for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets for sanitation needs. These are maintained, offering a basic restroom facility.
• No Potable Water Onsite: Visitors must come prepared with all their own drinking water. While Blodgett Creek is nearby, its water should be filtered or treated before consumption.
• RV/Campervan Parking: The campground can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 45 feet in length. Even if sites are full, visitors with RVs or campervans can often park overnight in the larger adjacent parking lot (though not within a designated campsite).
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash within the campground area.
• Bear-Proof Storage: While not explicitly listed in reviews, given its location in bear country, it's highly recommended that visitors practice bear-safe food storage, either by using personal bear-proof containers or by contacting the Forest Service for specific guidelines.

These services collectively offer a rustic yet comfortable base for enjoying the stunning natural surroundings.

Blodgett Campground is renowned for its exceptional features and highlights that draw in Montanans and visitors seeking an authentic mountain experience:

• Unbeatable Mountain Views: The most frequently praised feature is the "amazing views" of the "towering cliff faces of Blodgett Canyon" and the surrounding Bitterroot Mountains, often described as "speechless" and "unbeatable."
• Proximity to Blodgett Creek: The creek runs "right there," offering the soothing sounds of flowing water, opportunities for fishing (particularly wild trout fly-fishing), and a beautiful natural ambiance.
• Access to Blodgett Canyon Trail: The campground is located at the trailhead for the Blodgett Canyon Trail (#19), a popular and highly-rated hike that leads to stunning waterfalls and into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, often considered one of the best hikes in the Bitterroot National Forest.
• Rock Climbing Destination: Blodgett Canyon is a very popular area for rock climbers, making the campground an ideal base camp for those pursuing this activity.
• Secluded and Cozy Sites: Despite being popular, the "large and cozy" sites offer a sense of privacy and seclusion amidst the trees.
• Free Camping: The fact that this campground offers such incredible scenery and access completely free of charge is a major highlight and a strong draw for many.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Being in a natural forest setting, there are opportunities for wildlife viewing, from common forest animals to birds.
• Accessible to Various Vehicles: The campground can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 45 feet, making it suitable for a range of camping setups.
• Ideal for Disconnecting: With limited to no cell service in the immediate campground (though it might improve a mile down the road), it's a perfect spot for a digital detox and fully immersing oneself in nature.

These features combine to create a highly sought-after camping experience that provides both tranquility and adventure in equal measure.

For those planning their incredible mountain escape to Blodgett Campground, here is the essential contact information for the managing agency, the Bitterroot National Forest:

Address: Blodgett Camp Rd, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA

Phone: (406) 363-7100

Mobile Phone: +1 406-363-7100

These phone numbers connect directly to the Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor's Office in Hamilton. While there isn't a direct phone line to the campground itself (as it's a first-come, first-serve site without an on-site reservation desk), calling the Supervisor's Office or, more specifically, the Stevensville Ranger District at (406) 777-5461, is highly recommended for Montanans. They can provide the most current and accurate information regarding:

• Road conditions, especially for Blodgett Camp Road (FS 736), which is known to be washboarded.
• Current site availability (though they won't hold spots, they might offer insights into how quickly sites fill up).
• Any fire restrictions or bans in effect.
• Bear activity alerts and food storage orders.
• Trail conditions for Blodgett Canyon Trail and other nearby hiking options.
• General information about the campground's operational season (typically May 1 - October 31).

Given the campground's first-come, first-serve nature and its popularity, contacting the Forest Service before your trip is a wise step to ensure a smooth and informed visit to this stunning part of Montana.

Blodgett Campground is an absolutely perfect fit for us Montanans, embodying so many of the qualities we seek in an outdoor escape. Its "first-come, first-serve" nature, coupled with its "free" price tag, speaks directly to our appreciation for accessible, authentic outdoor experiences without the fuss of reservations or high costs. We understand that "very few spots" mean getting there early, a small effort for the massive reward of an "unbeatable view in the mountains."

The description of sites as "large and cozy" and the presence of Blodgett Creek "right there" paint a picture of the peaceful, immersive setting we crave. For many of us, the slightly "washboarded" road is just part of the adventure, a small hurdle to reach a truly spectacular destination. The highlight of being nestled under the "towering cliff faces of Blodgett Canyon" provides a dramatic backdrop that truly makes you feel deep in Montana's wilderness, whether you're rock climbing, hiking the famous Blodgett Canyon Trail (dubbed the "#1 hike" in the Bitterroot), or simply enjoying the tranquil sounds of the creek.

This campground truly offers a profound connection to nature, from the incredible views that leave you "speechless" to the simplicity of basic amenities like a vault toilet and the need to bring your own water. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, breathe the clean mountain air, and soak in the raw, majestic beauty of the Bitterroot National Forest. For any Montanan looking for a quintessential, free, and utterly breathtaking mountain camping experience, Blodgett Campground is a must-visit.

Blodgett Campground

Blodgett Camp Rd, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA