Dorr Skeels Campground

For those of us in Montana seeking a quintessential outdoor escape that combines serene lakeside beauty with comfortable amenities, Dorr Skeels Campground is a "very cute campground" nestled perfectly within the stunning Kootenai National Forest near Troy. It's a place that immediately charms visitors with its well-kept grounds and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, providing an ideal setting to "get away from it all."

Dorr Skeels offers a refreshing blend of tranquility and recreation, making it a favorite for families, anglers, and anyone who appreciates a peaceful natural environment. The campground is situated on the north end of Bull Lake, a sizable body of water that beckons with opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The presence of a dedicated "nice little swim beach" is a particular highlight, offering a safe and enjoyable spot to cool off on warm summer days, even if it's rocky rather than sandy.

What truly sets Dorr Skeels apart is its commitment to maintaining a clean and welcoming atmosphere. From the "clean and well kept TENT ONLY sites" to the "clean bathrooms" and even the potable water that tastes "awesome," every detail contributes to a pleasant and comfortable stay. The friendly camp hosts play a crucial role in ensuring the campground remains well-managed and enjoyable for all. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day trip or an overnight stay under the vast Montana sky, Dorr Skeels Campground offers a truly delightful experience that embodies the best of our state's natural beauty.

Dorr Skeels Campground is beautifully situated at Dorr Skeels Road, Troy, MT 59935, USA. This places it approximately 13 miles south of the small town of Troy, within the expansive Kootenai National Forest. Its prime location is adjacent to the north end of Bull Lake, offering direct access to its waters and picturesque views.

Access to the campground is straightforward, primarily via paved highways. From Troy, visitors would take US Highway 2 east for about 3 miles, then turn south onto Montana Highway 56. Following Highway 56 for approximately 13 miles leads directly to the recreation area. The drive itself is scenic, winding through the forested landscapes typical of Northwest Montana, making the journey an enjoyable part of the overall experience.

Once at the campground, the internal roads are also paved, providing easy navigation to the various sites. Dorr Skeels Campground features 8 overnight campsites, including one host site, and 2 day-use sites. Notably, 5 of these overnight sites are designated as "TENT ONLY sites," ensuring a quiet and traditional camping experience for tenters, while 2 sites are specifically for RVs and are located closer to the swimming beach. The maximum trailer length accessible to the campground is 32 feet. A security gate is in place, closing daily at 10:00 pm and opening at 07:00 am, managed by the camphost, adding an extra layer of security and quietude.

• Campsites: The campground offers a total of 8 overnight campsites, including a host site. Each site is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a clean fire ring with a grill for cooking and campfires.

• Tent-Only Sites: Five dedicated sites are designated as "TENT ONLY," catering specifically to traditional tent campers and ensuring a more serene atmosphere in those areas.

• RV-Friendly Sites: Two sites are available for RVs, conveniently located near the swimming beach, with average spur lengths of 30 feet to accommodate trailers up to 32 feet.

• Potable Water: Potable (drinking) water is available, typically through hand pumps. Reviewers praise the water quality, noting it tastes "awesome."

• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are accessible throughout the campground, described by visitors as "surprisingly clean and actually smelled nice."

• Day-Use Picnic Areas: In addition to overnight sites, there are 2 day-use sites with picnic tables scattered amongst the trees, perfect for picnics and lakeside enjoyment.

• Security Gate: A security gate is closed daily from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am by the camp host, ensuring quiet hours and security for campers.

• Firewood Sales: Although not explicitly on-site, firewood can be purchased from the camp host at their sister site, providing a convenient source for campfires.

• Trash Service: Garbage service is available, with trash receptacles provided for convenient waste disposal, helping to keep the campground clean.

• Beautiful Mountain and Lake Views: The campground boasts "beautiful view of the mountains" and direct adjacency to Bull Lake, providing stunning natural backdrops for every campsite and activity.

• Nice Swim Beach: A key highlight is the "nice little swim beach" on Bull Lake, providing a designated and buoyed-off area for swimming. While rocky (no sand), it offers a shallow area that's ideal for all ages to cool off.

• Clean and Well-Kept Facilities: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the entire campground, including sites, fire rings, and especially the vault toilets, contributing significantly to a positive experience.

• Peaceful Tent-Only Sites: The availability of "TENT ONLY sites" ensures a quieter and more traditional camping atmosphere for those who prefer to pitch a tent without the noise of generators or large RVs.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Bull Lake is known for its diverse fish species, including Eastern Brook and Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, and Largemouth Bass, making it a popular spot for anglers.

• Boat Ramp with Dock: A fully developed boat ramp with a dock provides convenient access for launching various watercraft onto Bull Lake, from fishing boats to kayaks and paddleboards.

• Friendly Camp Hosts: The presence of attentive and friendly camp hosts ensures the campground is well-managed and visitors feel welcome and supported.

• Proximity to Cabinet Mountains Wilderness: The campground lies along the western edge of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, offering opportunities for more extensive hiking and exploration in a designated wilderness area.

• Nearby Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area: Located approximately 7 miles away, this ancient grove of giant cedars in a rainforest-type setting provides a unique and awe-inspiring natural attraction for a day trip.

Address: Dorr Skeels Rd, Troy, MT 59935, USA

Phone: (406) 293-6211 (Kootenai National Forest - Three Rivers Ranger District, primary contact for information)

Mobile Phone: +1 406-293-6211

For Montana locals, Dorr Skeels Campground is an exceptional choice that embodies the very essence of Big Sky Country's outdoor appeal. Its location within the vast Kootenai National Forest, coupled with direct access to the beautiful Bull Lake, makes it an easily accessible and highly rewarding destination for a variety of recreational pursuits that Montanans cherish.

The campground's commitment to cleanliness and maintenance, from "well kept TENT ONLY sites" to sparkling clean restrooms, resonates deeply with locals who appreciate respectful stewardship of public lands. This attention to detail ensures a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, allowing visitors to truly relax and immerse themselves in nature without distractions.

The "nice little swim beach" is a significant draw, especially for families looking for a safe and enjoyable way to cool off during Montana's warm summers. While it may be rocky, its clear waters and "shallow area" make it perfect for kids and adults alike. For the avid angler, Bull Lake’s diverse fish population promises a rewarding experience, while the boat ramp and dock cater to those who prefer to explore the lake by watercraft.

Furthermore, Dorr Skeels offers that crucial sense of getting "away from it all," a sentiment highly valued by Montanans. Yet, it retains the convenience of being a manageable drive from local towns like Troy and even major highways, making it ideal for weekend getaways or even a leisurely "day trip." Its proximity to other natural wonders like the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness and the majestic Ross Creek Cedars adds layers of exploration for those seeking more adventure.

In essence, Dorr Skeels Campground is perfectly tailored for Montana locals: it’s clean, family-friendly, offers diverse recreation on a beautiful lake, and provides that much-needed dose of peaceful wilderness without being overly remote. It's a true gem that enhances the incredible outdoor lifestyle that defines living in Montana.

Dorr Skeels Campground

Dorr Skeels Rd, Troy, MT 59935, USA