Charles Waters Campground

For those of us who cherish the vast landscapes and quiet corners of Montana, finding a campground that perfectly balances accessibility with a true sense of wilderness can be a delightful discovery. We, as locals, appreciate a place that offers both convenience for our travels and the serene beauty that defines our state. Charles Waters Campground, nestled in the scenic Bitterroot National Forest near Florence, is precisely such a gem. It’s a clean, well-maintained Forest Service campground that consistently receives high praise for its beautiful setting, spacious sites, and friendly atmosphere.

Charles Waters Campground isn't just a place to park your rig or pitch your tent; it's a gateway to some of Montana's most stunning natural areas. Whether you're an avid hiker, an RV enthusiast, or a family simply looking for a peaceful escape into the dense forest, this campground offers an ideal basecamp. From its level asphalt sites to its welcoming hosts, it provides a comfortable and enjoyable experience that truly encapsulates the essence of outdoor living in the Big Sky Country. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Charles Waters Campground, detailing its convenient location, the essential services it offers, its standout features, and why it's an excellent choice for your next Montana adventure.

Charles Waters Campground is ideally located off Highway 93, in Florence, MT 59833, USA. This places it within the picturesque Bitterroot National Forest, making it highly accessible for Montanans. To reach the campground, you would typically take US Highway 93 south approximately 25 miles from Missoula, then turn west onto Bass Creek Road. From there, you'll travel west for about 2 miles to the campground's parking area on Forest Road 1316. This proximity to Highway 93 ensures a relatively easy drive, whether you're coming from Missoula to the north or communities further south in the Bitterroot Valley like Stevensville or Hamilton.

The accessibility is further enhanced by the quality of the internal roads and sites. Reviews consistently highlight "nice, level asphalt sites and road throughout," which is a significant advantage for RVers and those with trailers. Unlike some more rugged forest campgrounds, Charles Waters provides smooth, paved surfaces, making maneuvering even larger rigs considerably easier. One reviewer enthusiastically noted, "plenty of room for our 42' trailer and gorgeous hikes and views." Official sources confirm the campground can accommodate RVs or trailers up to an impressive 70 feet, thanks to several pull-through sites and deep back-in options. This combination of being conveniently located near a major highway and offering excellent internal access makes Charles Waters Campground a practical and attractive option for a wide range of campers from across Montana. Its location also puts it within easy reach of local towns for supplies, with grocery stores and gas stations available within 10 miles in either direction along Highway 93.

Charles Waters Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, provides a solid array of essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay in a natural setting.

• Campsite Variety: The campground features 26 single campsites and one double site, including 4 pull-through sites. There is also a dedicated bicycle site and a horse site (reserved until 6 p.m. daily for those users, then first-come, first-served).
• ADA Accessible Site: One accessible site (site #2) is available and notably includes an electric hook-up, a rare convenience in many Forest Service campgrounds.
• Level, Paved Sites: All campsites feature "nice, level asphalt sites and road throughout," making them very RV-friendly and easy to navigate for all vehicles. Each site also includes a paved parking spur.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with an attached grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires (fire restrictions permitting).
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available via water spigots throughout the campground.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides "accessible vault toilets," which are regularly described as "very clean."
• Campground Host: A friendly and helpful campground host is typically available on-site from Memorial Day through Labor Day, offering assistance and information to campers.
• First-Come, First-Served: All sites operate on a "first-come, first-served basis," meaning no reservations are taken. This allows for spontaneous trips, though arriving early during peak season is advisable.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at Charles Waters Campground but "must be leashed" at all times, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all visitors.
• Open Meadow: There is an "open meadow for activities," providing space for games and recreation.

Charles Waters Campground offers several outstanding features and highlights that make it a truly appealing destination for Montanans seeking quality outdoor experiences.

• Spacious and RV-Friendly Sites: A major highlight is the generous size of the campsites and their ability to "accommodate RV's or trailers to 70 feet," including "pull thrus." This is particularly advantageous for larger RVs that often struggle to find suitable spots in forest campgrounds. The "plenty of room for our 42' trailer" review confirms this benefit.
• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Consistently described as a "Very clean campground" with "clean vault toilets," the high standard of maintenance contributes significantly to a pleasant stay.
• Friendly and Helpful Host: The presence of a "Friendly host" who is "truly wonderful" enhances the overall experience, providing a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
• Beautiful Dense Forest Setting: The campground is nestled in a "Beautiful area - dense forest and nearby creeks." This provides natural shade, a serene ambiance, and opportunities for enjoying the sounds of nature.
• Proximity to Bass Creek Recreation Area: The campground is associated with the Bass Creek Recreation Area, which offers four picnic sites, an interpretive nature trail, a fire ecology trail, and numerous trailheads. These trails provide excellent access for "hiking, biking and stock routes" and even lead into the vast Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.
• Quiet Environment: Despite its accessibility, the campground is generally "quite" and the "spots are far enough apart" to ensure privacy and minimize noise between sites, even with generator use permitted during certain hours.
• Excellent Value: At a reported "Great campground for $10" per night for a single unit ($15 currently, with $5 for an extra vehicle), it offers exceptional value for the amenities and location provided.
• Abundant Hiking Opportunities: With "gorgeous hikes and views" directly accessible from the campground, it's a prime spot for outdoor adventurers eager to explore the surrounding wilderness.

For inquiries, information on current conditions, or assistance during your stay at Charles Waters Campground, please use the following contact details for the Stevensville Ranger District, which manages this area of the Bitterroot National Forest.

Address: Highway 93, Florence, MT 59833, USA (specifically, within the Bitterroot National Forest)

Phone: (406) 777-5461 (Stevensville Ranger District)

Mobile Phone: +1 406-777-5461 (Stevensville Ranger District)

As this is a first-come, first-served campground, direct reservations are not taken via phone. For the most up-to-date information on seasonal opening/closing dates, fees, fire restrictions, and any alerts, it is highly recommended to check the official Bitterroot National Forest website or Recreation.gov.

Charles Waters Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Montanans, offering a blend of convenience, quality amenities, and authentic wilderness access that deeply resonates with local outdoor enthusiasts. For those of us living in Montana, the campground’s prime location on Highway 93 near Florence means easy accessibility, allowing for more time enjoying our state’s natural wonders and less time driving.

The features that truly make this campground ideal for locals include its accommodating nature for larger RVs, with "plenty of room for our 42' trailer" and sites capable of handling rigs up to 70 feet. This is a significant advantage in many Forest Service campgrounds. The "very clean campground and nice, level asphalt sites" ensure a comfortable and hassle-free setup, which is highly valued after a long day of travel or exploration. The presence of a "friendly host" adds a personal, welcoming touch that reflects Montana's reputation for hospitality.

Furthermore, the campground's setting in a "beautiful area - dense forest and nearby creeks" provides the serene and picturesque environment that Montanans seek. With direct access to the Bass Creek Recreation Area and its "gorgeous hikes and views" into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, it’s a perfect launching point for day trips and longer excursions into the backcountry. The fact that sites are "first-come spots and there were plenty open all the time" (at least during early July, as one reviewer noted) offers flexibility for spontaneous trips, a common practice among locals. At an excellent value of $15 per night for a single unit, Charles Waters Campground provides an affordable yet high-quality base for exploring the Bitterroot Valley and beyond. It’s a pet-friendly, quiet, and well-maintained retreat that truly embodies the best of Montana camping.

Charles Waters Campground

Highway 93, Florence, MT 59833, USA