Bitterroot River Anglers Just Got 4 New Riverside Campsites Near Stevensville

Four new campsites have opened along the Bitterroot River at the Owen Fishing Access Site near Stevensville, Montana, bringing overnight capacity to a long-sought stretch. The John and Nancy Owen Fishing Access Site went live with overnight camping on June 5, adding formal infrastructure to a favored river segment used by float fishermen and wade anglers for years. Each of the four sites offers a picnic table and fire pit, and the upgrade includes a restroom and expanded parking to accommodate more boat trailers. The land was donated by the Fort Owen Ranch owner, highlighting private-land support for public river access. The sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations, and nightly fees differ by residency and license status: Montana license holders pay $12, Montana residents 62+ who are disabled or veterans pay $5, non-residents $18, and non-residents 62+ with disability or veteran status pay $7.50. Compared with private Bitterroot Valley campgrounds, these sites provide direct river access without the RV park crowd, enabling anglers to arrive the night before and be on the water at first light. This initiative aims to streamline access and support sustained, high-quality fishing opportunities on the Bitterroot near Stevensville.