National Forest Campground Charles Waters Campground

Address

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Website http://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot Phone 406-777-5461

Overview Service & Activities

About Charles Waters Campground is located in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley is part of a watchable wildlife-viewing triangle that also includes the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. At the Willoughby Environmental Education Area, sagebrush grassland communities are interspersed with ponderosa pine forests and a small creek. A 1-mile interpretive trail begins at the parking area. Look for red-tailed hawks spring through fall and rough-legged hawks in winter, soaring above the open the open shrub lands. Also common are western meadowlarks, mountain bluebirds, and savannah and vesper sparrows. Year-round residents include white-tailed deer, pine squirrels, great horned owls, and mountain and black-capped chickadees. The Charles Water Nature Trail is 18 miles northeast off US Highway 93. The 0.5-mile trail traverses 2 dramatically different habitats that exist side by side. The trail begins in a dry ponderosa pine forest and quickly makes the transition to a cool, moist river bottom forest along Bass Creek. White-tailed deer are common, and elk, mule deer, and black bears are occasional visitors. Look for nuthatches, golden-crowned kinglets, dark-eyed juncos, and red cross-bills year-round. Migratory bird species that are relatively common include ruby-crowned kinglets, warbling vireos, and western wood pewees. There is also a 2.5 mile fire ecology trail in the same area. The campground offers 22 designated campsites. There is a maximum trailer length of 35 feet. There is a 14 day stay limit and a small fee. Water, garbage removal and disabled access available.

Contact

MAILING ADDRESS 88 Main Street
Stevensville, MT 59870

CONTACT 406-777-5461

FAX 406-777-7423

Details

SEASON 5/25 - 9/10

PAYMENT METHODS Cash, Personal Check (In State), Personal Check (Out Of State)

SPECIAL DIRECTIONS To reach the Charles Water Campground, take US Highway 93 south 25 miles from Missoula and turn west on Bass Creek Road. Go west for 2 miles, and park at the parking area on Forest road 1316.