Grizzly Campground

For Montanans seeking a tranquil and authentic camping experience away from the hustle and bustle, Grizzly Campground emerges as a fantastic option. Nestled within the Lolo National Forest along the famed Rock Creek Road near Clinton, this National Forest campground offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to one of Montana's premier fishing streams and beautiful hiking opportunities. It’s a place where the sounds of nature, particularly the gentle flow of the river, become your soundtrack, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and outdoor adventure.

Grizzly Campground has earned a reputation among locals for its well-kept facilities and serene environment. As one reviewer aptly put it, it's "The sweetest little campground ever!" Whether you're passing through and need a comfortable spot for a few nights or planning a longer stay to truly explore the Rock Creek area, this campground provides a welcoming and tidy base. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and its integration with the stunning natural landscape, offering a genuine taste of Montana's wilderness without being too far removed from essential services. Many campers appreciate the feeling of having the river to themselves, highlighting the peaceful, uncrowded nature of this hidden gem.

The charm of Grizzly Campground extends beyond its individual sites. It's an ideal spot for anglers eager to cast a line in Rock Creek, renowned for its blue-ribbon trout fishing. Hikers will find access to trails that wind through the surrounding ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forests, offering opportunities to observe local wildlife and simply enjoy the fresh mountain air. For Montanans, who value their access to public lands and quiet natural spaces, Grizzly Campground provides an accessible and affordable option for escaping into the wild and experiencing the raw beauty that defines our state.

Grizzly Campground is conveniently located at Rock Creek Rd, Clinton, MT 59825, USA, within the Lolo National Forest. Its position makes it an appealing choice for those traveling along Interstate 90 or exploring the areas around Missoula.

To reach Grizzly Campground, you'll travel approximately 20 miles east of Missoula on Interstate 90. Take Exit #126, which is the Rock Creek exit. From there, you'll turn onto Rock Creek Road (Forest Road #102) and drive south for about 11.5 miles. While this initial section is generally well-maintained, the final approach involves turning 1 mile east onto Ranch Creek Road. It’s important to note that this last mile can be "very rough towards the end," as one reviewer mentioned. Due to the narrow and rough nature of this final stretch, trailers, motorhomes, and tow vehicles are generally not recommended, or at least caution is advised. However, a 25ft Class C RV was successfully accommodated by one camper, so smaller RVs might manage with care. It's often suggested to drive past the nearby Norton Campground and continue to Grizzly, as many campers find Grizzly to be a superior choice. The campground’s setting is quiet due to being on a side road a mile from the main Rock Creek traffic, allowing for a more serene experience. The drive to Missoula, offering larger town amenities, is about 45 minutes, making it a feasible day trip for supplies or other needs.

Grizzly Campground, while offering a rustic National Forest camping experience, provides a good set of essential services to ensure a comfortable stay for its visitors.

• Campsites: The campground offers back-in trailer spots and tent camping sites. There are several individual campsites, often described as "nicely spread apart," ensuring privacy. Each of the nine campsites includes a picnic table and a metal fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and campfires (following fire restrictions). The fee is $15 per night, with a limit of 2 vehicles per site.
• Restrooms: Multiple pit toilets are available throughout the campground. Reviewers consistently highlight their cleanliness, with one noting "at least 3 very clean pit toilets with TP" and "tidy outhouses." An accessible vault toilet is also provided.
• Drinking Water: While there are drinking water faucets available at the campground itself, a more reliable and larger water source is often noted at Norton Campground, just 1.5 miles north on Forest Road 102. It’s advisable to confirm water availability upon arrival, especially during shoulder seasons.
• Trash Disposal: A dumpster is provided for trash disposal, ensuring the campground remains "neat and tidy," as observed by campers. This service helps maintain the cleanliness and natural beauty of the area.
• Food Storage: As Grizzly Campground is located in bear country within the Lolo National Forest, bear safety and food storage requirements are in effect. While not explicitly detailed in reviews, campers should always be prepared to store food and scented items in bear-resistant containers or vehicles to minimize wildlife encounters.
• First-Come, First-Served: Grizzly Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not taken. This provides flexibility for travelers but also means arriving early, especially on weekends, is advisable to secure a spot.

Grizzly Campground boasts several attractive features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a Montana camping destination.

• Rock Creek Access: The campground offers direct access to Rock Creek, a nationally renowned blue-ribbon trout stream. Many campsites are either adjacent to or very close to the creek, providing excellent opportunities for fishing, wading, or simply enjoying the sounds of the flowing water. One camper fondly recalled enjoying "the river to ourselves."
• Hiking Trails: There is a "hiking trail and creek access" directly from the campground, offering opportunities for short strolls or longer explorations into the surrounding Lolo National Forest. The area is rich with geology and wildlife, making any hike a chance to appreciate nature.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Being located a mile off the main Rock Creek Road on a side road, Grizzly Campground is notably quiet due to the lack of through traffic. Reviewers often describe it as a "sweetest little campground" and appreciate the peaceful solitude it offers.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite its rustic nature, the campground is praised for its cleanliness. "The whole area was neat and tidy," and outhouses are described as "very clean," enhancing the overall camping experience.
• Ponderosa Pine Forest Setting: The campsites are nestled within a beautiful "tall Ponderosa pine forest," providing ample shade, a pleasant aroma, and a classic Montana forest ambiance.
• Proximity to Missoula: While offering a wilderness feel, the campground is only about a 45-minute drive from Missoula. This allows campers to easily access larger town amenities, groceries, or medical services if needed, providing a convenient balance between seclusion and accessibility.

For inquiries regarding Grizzly Campground, the primary point of contact is the Lolo National Forest, specifically the Missoula Ranger District, which oversees this area.

Address: Rock Creek Rd, Clinton, MT 59825, USA (This is the physical location of the campground.)

Phone: (406) 329-3750 (Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest)

It is always advisable to contact the Missoula Ranger District directly for the most current information on campground open seasons, fees, water availability, road conditions (especially for the rough final mile), and any fire restrictions that might be in place. While the campground is typically open from early May through September 30th, closures can occur due to weather, timber removal projects, or other operational needs. Given that the campground is first-come, first-served, direct communication with the Ranger District can provide valuable insights for planning your visit.

Grizzly Campground is an ideal spot for Montanans looking to embrace the outdoor lifestyle that defines our state. Its location on Rock Creek Road, a short drive from Missoula, makes it incredibly accessible for a quick weekend getaway or a longer mid-week escape. For locals, the $15 per night fee offers an affordable opportunity to enjoy quality time in the Lolo National Forest without breaking the bank. The first-come, first-served policy, while requiring a bit of planning for popular times, offers the spontaneity that many Montanans appreciate in their outdoor adventures.

What truly sets Grizzly Campground apart for locals is its genuine Montana charm. It’s a clean, quiet, and well-maintained National Forest campground that respects the natural environment. The presence of tidy outhouses, drinking water faucets (even if sometimes supplemented from Norton), and a dumpster for waste makes for a comfortable stay while still feeling immersed in the wild. The creek access is a significant draw, providing opportunities for world-class fly-fishing or simply unwinding by the water's edge, a favorite pastime for many Montanans.

Furthermore, the availability of hiking trails directly from the campground allows locals to easily explore the surrounding forest, whether for a strenuous trek or a leisurely stroll. For those with smaller RVs or trailers, the ability to fit them into the "back in" spots is a huge plus, overcoming the challenges of rougher roads to reach a truly serene destination. In a state celebrated for its wild places, Grizzly Campground offers a perfectly balanced blend of accessibility, essential amenities, and untamed beauty, making it a highly suitable and cherished destination for Montana residents seeking their next outdoor adventure. It truly encapsulates the "love Montana" sentiment shared by those who call this beautiful state home.

Grizzly Campground

Rock Creek Rd, Clinton, MT 59825, USA