Bitterroot Campgrounds Begin to Close for Season

Though you can still spend time at many of the Bitterroot National Forest campgrounds (at least until the snow closes 'em down), services will cease this weekend. Public Affairs Officer Tod McKay said some of the services have already stopped, but the majority of seasonal operations will end within days. On the Darby/Sula Ranger District, Lake Como's Three Frogs Campground and Lower Como Campground are closing September 28. Also at Lake Como, the Rock Creek Horse Camp will stop services September 27, but that campground will remain open until closed by snow. The Day Use fees stopped on Labor Day, but that area is open all year long. Remember to "Pack it in, Pack it out." No services at the other camping areas on the district, however, they're open until closed by snow. That includes Black Bear Campground, Lost Horse Road and Schumaker Campground.

On the West Fork Ranger District, Spring Gulch, Indian Trees, Martin Creek, Warm Springs and Crazy Creek Campground stop services September 27. Indian Trees and Spring Gulch Close the next day, with the others open until snow.

Elsewhere on the West Fork, Rombo Campground, Alta Campground, Sam Billings Campground, Fales Flat Campground, Beaver Point, Raven Creek, Indian Creek, Paradise Campgrounds, Crazy Creek Horse Camp and Jennings Camp are open until closed by snow. The front loop of Slate Creek Campground is open until closed by snow, but the back loop closes September 30. Again, no services at these sites.

And on the Stevensville Ranger District, Charles Waters Campground and Larry Creek Campground have no services after this weekend, but Charles Waters is open until the end of October and Larry Creek is open until the end of November. Blodgett Campground is open until the end of November, weather permitting and Gold Creek Campground is open until snow. Pack it in, Pack it out. For more information on all Bitterroot National Forest activities, photos and news, check their Facebook page.

Don't forget, the Magruder Rangers House, Wood's Cabin,McCart Lookout and East Fork Guard Station can all be reserved for overnight stays, but the reservation periods are different for each one. Check the national USFS reservation site.