{"id":4386,"date":"2015-03-24T03:57:55","date_gmt":"2015-03-24T10:57:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/forestcamping.com\/blog\/?p=4386"},"modified":"2019-02-08T06:26:19","modified_gmt":"2019-02-08T13:26:19","slug":"charles-waters-campground-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.forestcamping.com\/dow\/suzi\/charles-waters-campground-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Charles Waters Campground"},"content":{"rendered":"

in the Bitterroot National Forest and convenient to Missoula, MT, Charles Waters Campground<\/a> combines rustic luxuries with some wonderful trails.\u00a0\u00a0The campground, once the outdoor laboratory for Dr. Charles Waters research on the life history and control of forest tree diseases, consists of a spur next to a large grass meadow and a loop passing through a pleasant blend of deciduous and conifer trees. Some sites are adjacent to Bass Creek, while others especially along the spur, have views of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. One campsite is dedicated to bicycle campers. Because of the excellent hiking and day trip opportunities (Missoula for one), this is an excellent destination campground.<\/span><\/p>\n

Views<\/h2>\n

For great views of of Bitterroot Valley and Bass Creek Canyon, take Forest Rt. 1136 (turn left when exiting campground) for about 7 miles to the “overlook.” (Turn left at “T” intersection, about 1.6 miles from start.) The road is dirt, single-lane and winds its way up the mountainside to 6,100 ft. The drive up takes one through a variety of trees from aspen and Ponderosa pine to Lodgepole pine and Western larch. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the viewing surprises at the “overlook.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Trails<\/em><\/p>\n

Personal favorite hiking trails at the campground were the Dr. Waters Physical Fitness and Bass Creek trails. The 1\/4-mile Fitness trail meanders through a thick stand of pines and includes a variety of stations to exercise more than one’s legs. At the other end of the campground is the 12-mile Bass Creek trail which follows Bass Creek to Bitterroot-Selway Wilderness. While the Fitness trail winds through the dense shadow of Ponderosa pine, Bass Creek trail<\/a> is more open and, in the Spring, bordered with colorful blossoms. This is a great campground with even better trails.<\/p>\n

PS _ I have heard the Physical Fitness trail has fallen into disrepair but haven’t had confirmation of this.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Sawtooth Mountains are the backdrop for Charles Waters campground<\/p><\/div>\n

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