Fales Flat Campground

FALES FLAT CAMPGROUND

Part of Bitterroot National Forest

Overview

Fales Flat Campground is a group facility on Nez Perce Fork of the Bitterroot River. It is also well equipped for equestrian campers. The campground provides access to a variety of hiking and horseback riding trails in the area, as well as a variety of historic sites that denote the presence of the Nez Perce many years ago.

Facilities

The campground offers one large group site for tent and RV camping. It can accommodate 15 to 100 people. Hookups are not available. Parking surfaces are gravel. The site is equipped with multiple tables and a large campfire circle. Vault toilets are provided. Drinking water and trash collection bins are not available. A few individual and equestrian sites are available at the campground on a first-come, first-served basis. Those sites have access to a horse staging area and hitching racks.

Natural Features

The campground is located in a large meadow at the base of Nez Perce Pass along the Nez Perce Fork of the Bitterroot River. The area is believed to have been used by the Nez Perce Nimi'ipuu tribe during its travels to the buffalo country in eastern Montana.

Recreation

Fly fishing and wading in the Nez Perce Fork, which runs alongside the campground, are also popular activities.

A variety of trails and unimproved roads are great for hiking and horseback riding. Three trails originate near the campground, including the Watchtower Trail and Sheephead Creek Trail which access the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and can be hiked as a loop. A steep, 2-mile trail leads to the historic Bare Cone Lookout.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is at the base of Nez Perce Pass which is a corridor into the heart of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Areas. The Montana/Idaho stateline sits atop Nez Perce Pass where there is interpretive information and trailhead access north and south.

Important Notices

  • Water is not available at the campground
  • Call (406) 821-3269 for information on potential road closures or fire restrictions
  • Click here for more information on the Bitterroot National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

  • No garbage service available, pack it in and pack it out.

  • No cell phone coverage.

  • Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept unavailable to bears in approved containers or inside a hard sided vehicle from March 1 through December 31. 

  • For more information on the Food Storage Order in Bear Country, visit https://nfs.fs2c.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r01/bitterroot/publication/alerts/BRF_FSO_Handout_final.pdf

Available Activities

  • Hiking - Hiking
  • Fishing - Fishing
  • Camping - Camping
  • Historic Sites - Historic Sites
  • Biking - Biking
  • Hunting - Hunting
  • Scenic Drive - Scenic Drive

Directions

From Darby, travel south on Highway 93 for about four miles. Turn onto Highway 473 and continue southwest for 14 miles. Turn west onto Forest Road 468 and continue about 12 miles to the campground.

Contact Information

Phone: 406-821-3269

WEST FORK RANGER STATION
6735 WEST FORK RD
DARBY, MT 59829

Rental Options

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Available Campsites

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