Camp Observer
Stony Creek Campground (MT)
Overview
Stony Creek Campground is located in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in southwest Montana. The campground sits alongside the Rock Creek drainage, with views of the open valley and close access to the Blue Ribbon trout stream. The campground loops through a mix of conifers and cottonwoods, presenting a delightful show of color in the fall. Stony Creeks runs through the campground, offering an ideal setting for campers seeking relaxation and recreation. There are 10 first-come, first-served campsites. The camping fee is $15 per night.
Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Recreation
Stony Campground provides access to opportunities for hiking, backpacking, hunting, and fishing.
Blue Ribbon trout stream Rock Creek is a prime destination for westslope cutthroat trout, brown trout, whitefish and the occasional rainbow. The fishable Stony Creek runs through the campground. It is illegal to target bull trout, if caught they must be released immediately with minimal handling. Participants must have Montana licenses to hunt or fish.
Continue on FR 241 for about 5.5 miles to the trailhead for the Stony Lake Trail #8002 - a 5 mile hike up to Stony Lake. A regular passenger vehicle can travel a portion of the road, but a high clearance/4WD vehicle is highly recommended to reach the trailhead and the road will be muddy and difficult to navigate early in the season and for several days following heavy rainfall.
Travel past the campground on Upper Rock Creek Road/County Road 102 through the Rock Creek drainage and you will pass into Lolo National Forest in about 2.5 miles. The canyon is rich with geology and wildlife to appreciate, and several trailheads and fishing access spots are located off the roadway.
Visitors will find no shortage of trails within the Pintler Ranger District. Numerous trails lead into the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, which covers almost 250 square miles and straddles the Continental Divide along the crest of the Anaconda Range.
Facilities
Stony Campground provides access to opportunities for hiking, backpacking, hunting, and fishing.
Blue Ribbon trout stream Rock Creek is a prime destination for westslope cutthroat trout, brown trout, whitefish and the occasional rainbow. The fishable Stony Creek runs through the campground. It is illegal to target bull trout, if caught they must be released immediately with minimal handling. Participants must have Montana licenses to hunt or fish.
Continue on FR 241 for about 5.5 miles to the trailhead for the Stony Lake Trail #8002 - a 5 mile hike up to Stony Lake. A regular passenger vehicle can travel a portion of the road, but a high clearance/4WD vehicle is highly recommended to reach the trailhead and the road will be muddy and difficult to navigate early in the season and for several days following heavy rainfall.
Travel past the campground on Upper Rock Creek Road/County Road 102 through the Rock Creek drainage and you will pass into Lolo National Forest in about 2.5 miles. The canyon is rich with geology and wildlife to appreciate, and several trailheads and fishing access spots are located off the roadway.
Visitors will find no shortage of trails within the Pintler Ranger District. Numerous trails lead into the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, which covers almost 250 square miles and straddles the Continental Divide along the crest of the Anaconda Range.
Natural Features
Stony campground is nestled in a luxurious mix of conifers, cottonwoods, wild rose bushes, and other deciduous plants. Stony Creek runs through the campground and Rock Creek flows nearby. Several campsites have a view of the delightful cliffside overlooking the campground along Stony Creek Road/FR 241. Along the northwest corner an open meadow gives way to a commanding view of the variegated rocky cliffsides across the valley.
The Pintler Ranger District is known for its high, rugged, and beautiful mountain scenery, as well as the variety of wildlife that makes its home there, including elk, moose, deer, mountain lions, and bears (grizzly and black bears). Learn more about bear safety and forest-wide Food Storage Order.