Chief Looking Glass Campground

For Montana locals seeking a tranquil escape into nature, Chief Looking Glass Campground in Florence offers a delightful and accessible option. Tucked away along the scenic Bitterroot River, this campground provides a serene setting that's perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with the great outdoors. It’s a place where the gentle sounds of the river can replace the everyday hustle, offering a true sense of peace and quiet.

Chief Looking Glass Campground is known for its well-spaced sites, providing a good degree of privacy amidst the natural surroundings. While it offers a more basic camping experience, emphasizing immersion in nature over extensive amenities, it provides the essentials for a comfortable stay. Visitors often praise its convenient location and the overall value it offers. Whether you’re a keen angler, a family looking for a riverside picnic spot, or simply someone who appreciates a peaceful setting, Chief Looking Glass Campground is a highly recommended destination for your next Montana adventure. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, adding to its spontaneous appeal for those impromptu getaways.

Chief Looking Glass Campground is ideally situated at 5832 Ellison Ln, Florence, MT 59833, USA. This places it approximately 6.5 miles south of Lolo, Montana, and conveniently close to Florence, making it a readily accessible destination for many residents in the Bitterroot Valley and surrounding areas, including Missoula.

To reach the campground, travelers typically turn east onto Chief Looking Glass Road from Highway 93, then follow it for about 1.0 to 0.9 miles. The campground’s location is a significant advantage, providing relatively easy access via a "nice, flat paved road" according to some visitors. This makes it suitable for a variety of vehicles, including RVs and trailers, although larger rigs should note the stated maximum RV length of 28 feet. The proximity to the Bitterroot River is a major draw, with direct access points for various water activities. Despite its ease of access, the campground still manages to feel secluded, offering that desirable balance between convenience and natural tranquility. The drive itself is scenic, leading you through pleasant Montana landscapes before arriving at your riverside retreat.

• Campsites: Chief Looking Glass Campground offers multiple campsites, suitable for both tents and RVs (with a maximum RV length of 28 feet). Sites are generally well-dispersed, providing a good sense of privacy. Some sites are pull-through, and others are back-in.
• Picnic Tables: Each designated campsite comes equipped with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Fire Rings/Pits: Campers will find fire rings at each site, allowing for campfires and cooking (always subject to local fire restrictions).
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets for public use. While reviews mention they are generally kept clean and stocked with toilet paper, occasional maintenance issues might arise.
• Water Pump: A central hand pump provides access to non-potable water. Visitors should note there is no potable water available and plan to bring their own drinking water.
• No Hookups: As a more rustic campground, there are no electric, water, or sewage hookups available for RVs at individual campsites.
• Garbage Disposal: The campground typically offers garbage disposal services, though some early season visitors have noted that services may not be fully operational, so packing out trash is always a good practice.
• Boat Launch (Non-Motorized): There are access points for non-motorized boats such as kayaks, tubes, and stand-up paddleboards, allowing for easy launching onto the Bitterroot River.
• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, although some information suggests a mix of reservable and non-reservable sites might exist. It's always best to arrive early, especially during peak season.
• Fees: A nightly fee is charged for camping. The fee may vary, with a lower rate for Montana residents with a valid fishing license (e.g., $12) and a higher rate for non-residents or those without a license (e.g., $18). Senior discounts ($7.50) may also be available.
• Stay Limit: There is a maximum stay limit, typically 7 days.

• Bitterroot River Access: A primary highlight is the campground's direct and easy access to the Bitterroot River. This provides fantastic opportunities for fishing, floating, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the river.
• Tranquil and Peaceful Setting: Visitors consistently praise the tranquil atmosphere, noting the peaceful environment and the ability to hear the cascading water from the nearby creek/river, creating a relaxing ambiance.
• Excellent Fishing: The Bitterroot River is renowned for its fishing, making Chief Looking Glass Campground an ideal base for anglers.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities for observing local wildlife, from small creatures to larger animals like coyotes, as reported by campers.
• Good Cell Coverage: Many campers have noted the presence of good cell phone service (e.g., AT&T) at the campground, which can be a welcome feature in a natural setting for staying connected or for emergencies.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed, making it a great option for those who want to bring their furry companions along on their camping adventures.
• Scenic Surroundings: The campground is nestled among trees and greenery, with a "run off river coming down through the camp," contributing to a beautiful natural environment.
• Close to Local Amenities: Despite its natural setting, the campground is conveniently located within a short drive of Florence and Missoula, allowing for easy access to supplies, dining, and other town services.
• Variety of Sites: The campground offers a mix of tent sites, back-in sites, and pull-through sites, accommodating different camping preferences.

Address: 5832 Ellison Ln, Florence, MT 59833, USA

Chief Looking Glass Campground is primarily managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) as a Fishing Access Site (FAS). For the most current and accurate information regarding fees, availability, conditions, and any specific regulations, it is best to consult the official Montana FWP website or contact their local office.

While a direct phone number specifically for Chief Looking Glass Campground is not widely published, general inquiries can often be directed to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Region 2 (Missoula Area) or through their general contact lines for public access sites.

For FWP general inquiries, you might look for regional offices or general contact numbers on the Montana FWP website, which would be the most reliable source for information related to fishing access sites.

For Montana locals, Chief Looking Glass Campground offers an accessible and authentic outdoor experience right in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley. Its primary appeal lies in its immediate connection to the Bitterroot River, a beloved local resource for fishing, floating, and simply enjoying the scenic waterways that define this region. Unlike some more remote or heavily developed campgrounds, Chief Looking Glass strikes a balance, providing basic but essential amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while still fostering a sense of natural tranquility and seclusion.

The first-come, first-served availability (though some reservable sites might exist) makes it an excellent option for spontaneous weekend trips, allowing Montanans to easily embrace their state's outdoor lifestyle. The varied site types, accommodating both tents and smaller RVs, ensure that different camping preferences can be met. While some reviews mention mosquitoes in summer, this is a common reality of riverside camping in Montana, easily mitigated with proper preparation and still well worth the trade-off for the peace and natural beauty.

The fact that it’s a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks site, often offering a lower fee for residents with a valid fishing license, further underscores its suitability for locals who actively engage with the state's natural resources. It's a place where families can create cherished memories by the campfire, anglers can pursue their passion, and anyone can simply unwind and appreciate the serene sounds of the Bitterroot River. Chief Looking Glass Campground is a true local gem, providing an affordable, convenient, and genuinely peaceful escape into the breathtaking landscapes that make Montana so special.

To get a better visual sense of the campground's surroundings, you might find this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2DIXTGP25M) helpful.

Chief Looking Glass Campground

5832 Ellison Ln, Florence, MT 59833, USA