Rock Creek Horse Camp

For Montanans with a passion for horses and the great outdoors, Rock Creek Horse Camp near Darby offers a truly specialized and inviting retreat. This isn't just a campground; it's a dedicated equestrian haven, designed with the unique needs of horse owners and trail riders in mind. Nestled within the picturesque Bitterroot National Forest and part of the broader Lake Como Recreation Area, Rock Creek Horse Camp provides a serene and well-maintained base for exploring some of Montana's most breathtaking landscapes on horseback. Imagine ample space for your horse trailer, dedicated facilities for your equine companions, and direct access to well-maintained trails that wind through lush forests and offer stunning vistas. Beyond its equestrian focus, the campground also offers a wonderfully quiet and beautiful escape for all campers, as highlighted by glowing reviews praising its peaceful ambiance and the presence of "wonderful park hosts." It’s a place where cleanliness and order are evident, ensuring a comfortable stay for both two-legged and four-legged guests. Whether you're planning an extensive trail riding adventure, a family camping trip with your horses, or simply seeking a tranquil forest getaway with the convenience of nearby lake recreation, Rock Creek Horse Camp stands out as a premier destination for Montanans looking to combine their love for horses with the unparalleled beauty of our state's wilderness.

Rock Creek Horse Camp enjoys an enviable location in the heart of Montana's Bitterroot Valley, making it a relatively accessible and highly desirable destination for locals. Its address is Lake Como Rd, Darby, MT 59829, USA, placing it firmly within the renowned Bitterroot National Forest. To reach the campground from Darby, Montana, you'll travel approximately 4 miles north on Highway 93. From there, you'll turn west (left) onto Lake Como Road and follow it for about 3.5 miles. The campground entrance will be on your east (left) side, situated on a stretch of road between the turn-off for the Lake Como beach and the boat launch. This convenient location ensures a scenic yet straightforward drive, guiding you through the beauty of the valley towards your destination. As part of the Lake Como Recreation Area, Rock Creek Horse Camp benefits from well-maintained gravel-surfaced roads, making access easy for vehicles, including those with horse trailers. The spacious sites are designed to accommodate RVs or trailers up to 40 feet, with several pull-through options, providing ample room for maneuvering equestrian setups. The accessibility to Lake Como itself, with its opportunities for boating and swimming, adds another layer of appeal to this already attractive location. For Montanans, Rock Creek Horse Camp offers a perfect blend of peaceful seclusion within the national forest while remaining within reasonable driving distance of essential services in Darby and other Bitterroot Valley communities, allowing for a seamless and enjoyable outdoor experience.

• Campsites (11 total): Rock Creek Horse Camp features 11 tent and small trailer campsites. Sites 1A, 1B, 9A, and 9B are specifically reserved for stock use only, catering to equestrian campers. All other sites are available for non-stock use.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings with Grates: Designated fire rings with grates are available at each site for campfires and cooking (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Accessible Vault Toilets: Clean and accessible vault toilets are conveniently located within the campground.
• Garbage Service: Unlike many rustic campgrounds, Rock Creek Horse Camp provides garbage service, which is a convenient amenity for campers.
• Stock Facilities:
  • Hitch Rails: Provided at stock-specific sites for tying up horses.
  • Stock Ramp: An accessible horse mounting platform/stock ramp is available, making it easier to load and unload horses.
  • Feed Bunks: Dedicated areas for feeding horses.
  • Manure Bins: Facilities for disposing of manure, ensuring cleanliness.
• Gravel Surfaced Roads: The internal roads within the campground are gravel, well-maintained for vehicle access.
• Camp Host: Reviews confirm the presence of "wonderful park hosts," indicating on-site assistance and a friendly atmosphere.
• Water (Non-Potable): Stock water troughs are available for horses. While not explicitly stated as potable for humans, it is typical for developed Forest Service campgrounds to have potable water available, so campers should verify. If not, campers should bring their own drinking water.
• RV and Trailer Accommodation: Sites are large and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet, with several pull-through options available.

• Dedicated Equestrian Focus: The most prominent feature is its specialized design for horse owners. With dedicated stock-use sites, hitch rails, a stock ramp, feed bunks, and manure bins, it stands out as a premier destination for trail riders in Montana.
• Quiet and Peaceful Ambiance: Visitors consistently highlight the "quiet" and "beautiful" nature of the campground, making it an excellent escape from more bustling recreation areas.
• Wonderful Park Hosts: The presence of "wonderful park hosts" contributes significantly to the positive experience, offering assistance, maintaining cleanliness, and fostering a welcoming environment.
• Ample Trailer Moving Room: For those with horse trailers or large RVs, the campground provides "lots of trailer moving room," including pull-through sites, which is a crucial convenience.
• Well-Maintained Trails: Reviews indicate that the adjacent trails are "always well maintained," ensuring a quality riding and hiking experience directly from the camp. A few trails directly leave from the horse camp, some adjacent to the Rock Creek trailhead which features loading ramps and trailer parking.
• Proximity to Lake Como: Being part of the Lake Como Recreation Area, campers have easy access to the lake for swimming, boating (motorized boat launch available), canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, offering diverse recreational opportunities.
• Lush, Green Setting: The campground is nestled among a ponderosa pine forest, providing ample shade and a picturesque, very green environment.
• Garbage Service: A convenient amenity for a more rustic camp, allowing campers to dispose of waste on-site.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The forest setting provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, enhancing the natural experience.
• Accessible Horse Mounting Platform: A specific feature that improves accessibility for riders.

Address: Lake Como Rd, Darby, MT 59829, USA

Phone: (406) 363-7100

Mobile Phone: +1 406-363-7100

Rock Creek Horse Camp is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Bitterroot National Forest. The phone numbers provided typically connect to the Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor's Office in Hamilton or the relevant Darby Ranger District office. For specific inquiries regarding reservations (some sites may be reservable via Recreation.gov during peak season), current conditions (like fire restrictions or trail closures), fees, or operational dates, it is highly recommended to contact the Darby Ranger District directly. Their specific phone number is generally (406) 821-3913. Checking the official Bitterroot National Forest website for Rock Creek Horse Camp is also advisable for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit, especially for peak season (Memorial Day - Labor Day) details and any day-use pass requirements for the Lake Como Recreation Area.

For Montanans who embody the state's deep-rooted equestrian culture and love for its vast wilderness, Rock Creek Horse Camp near Darby is an unparalleled destination. Its primary suitability for locals stems from its specialized equestrian facilities – ample trailer room, dedicated stock sites with hitch rails and feed bunks, and convenient manure disposal – which cater directly to the needs of horse owners. This makes it an ideal, hassle-free base for extended trail riding adventures through the scenic Bitterroot National Forest, with trails noted for being "always well maintained." Beyond its equestrian focus, the campground offers a wonderfully quiet and beautiful escape that appeals to all Montanans seeking tranquility. The presence of "wonderful park hosts" adds a personal, welcoming touch, fostering a sense of community and ensuring a well-managed environment. Its location within the popular Lake Como Recreation Area provides additional recreational opportunities like swimming, boating, and fishing, allowing for a diverse outdoor experience for the entire family. Furthermore, the convenience of nearby Darby for supplies, coupled with the natural seclusion of the forest, strikes a perfect balance for those who want to be immersed in nature without being entirely disconnected. Rock Creek Horse Camp truly embraces the spirit of Montana's outdoor lifestyle, offering a clean, peaceful, and perfectly equipped sanctuary for both people and their beloved horses, making it an essential local resource for creating lasting memories in our beautiful state.

Rock Creek Horse Camp

Lake Como Rd, Darby, MT 59829, USA