Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Flathead National Forest, MT has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Flathead National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Pine-scented campsites here are a mere 2.5 miles from Glacier National Park's west entrance. A short drive of a few minutes brings you to the start of the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road that twists and climbs across the million-acre alpine preserve. Whitefish, Kalispell, and Flathead lake are within driving distance to explore for part of a day with plenty of time left to relax at this KOA. This KOA also offers a heated adult (18+) pool 2 adult (18+) hot tubs and a heated family (all ages) pool. Enjoy our Lazy Bear Breakfast or Dinner restaurants, as well as our Bearstream Bar and Bear Garden. You can treat yourself to huckleberry ice cream at Scoops Ice Cream Shop or head to the state's largest water park in nearby Columbia Falls.
Glacier Campground is located just one mile from the west entrance of Glacier National Park and is the closest privately owned campground to the park, known for “the way camping used to be!” Our heavily wooded 40 acre campground is surrounded by the Flathead National Forest. West Glacier Village provides many activities including golf, mini golf, shopping, rafting, horseback rides and helicopter tours. There are also many options for great local dining. Outdoor lovers will love staying at with us
$75 / night
Apgar, Fish Creek, and St. Mary Campground reservations WILL NOT provide access to any vehicle reservation areas (including the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and North Fork). To obtain a vehicle reservation, visit Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations on Recreation.gov. __ Fish Creek Campground is the second largest campground in Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park, in northwestern Montana, is comprised of pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles (1,125 km) of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. It also provides countless scenic vistas for those wishing to relax and take in its natural beauty. The campground is located on the western side of the park at an elevation of nearly 3,500 feet (1,066 m). This area of the park generally receives the most rainfall. Daytime temperatures can exceed 90__F (32__C), although it is frequently 10__ to 15__ F cooler at higher elevations. Weather in the mountains can be varied, including snow in summer; visitors should come prepared for anything.
This facility is conveniently located in the western part of the park, nearby many day hikes, including Rocky Point Trail, which wanders through a burn area from a 2003 wildfire. Explorers of all ages can attend nightly ranger programs at an amphitheater within the facility.
This facility is conveniently located in the western part of the park, nearby many day hikes, including Rocky Point Trail, which wanders through a burn area from a 2003 wildfire. Explorers of all ages can attend nightly ranger programs at an amphitheater within the facility.
Fish Creek is heavily forested with plenty of shade. Some sites have views of Lake McDonald. The park is named for its prominent glacier-carved terrain and remnant glaciers descended from the ice ages almost 10,000 years ago. Its diverse habitats are home to nearly 70 species of mammals including the grizzly bear, wolverine, gray wolf and lynx. Over 270 species of birds visit or reside in the park, including such varied species as harlequin ducks, dippers and golden eagles.
One must-see attraction is Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier's sister park across the Canadian-U.S. border. As the other half of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes offers great hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the townsite of Waterton. Waterton Lakes National Park
Welcome to the West Shore Unit of Flathead Lake State Park, a gem nestled near Lakeside, Montana. This campground is a haven for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The sites are generously spaced and surrounded by lush, wooded landscapes, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
One of the standout features here is the stunning view of Flathead Lake, especially from Loop B. Many campers rave about the beautiful lake views through the trees and the quiet, peaceful environment. The campground is well-maintained, with clean facilities including toilets and drinking water. While there are no showers or sewer hookups, the electric hookups in Loop B make it a comfortable stay for RV campers.
For those who love outdoor activities, there are several short hiking trails that wind through the campground and lead down to the lake. The lake itself is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with rentals available on-site. The lack of a designated beach area keeps the crowds down, allowing you to enjoy the lake in relative solitude.
Pets are welcome here, and there are convenient dog poop bag stations with backup leashes, making it a great spot for your furry friends. The campground also allows campfires, so you can enjoy a cozy evening by the fire.
If you need supplies or a meal, the town of Lakeside is just a short drive away. Visitors have mentioned the Tamarack Brewery as a great spot to grab a bite. Overall, the West Shore Unit offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and convenience, making it a favorite among campers.
This recreation area is located near the village of Swan Lake at the north end of the scenic Swan Valley in northwest Montana. The campground consists of two loops. Ponderosa Loop offers open, large sites with plenty of space, while sites at Birch Loop are shaded and more clustered together. There is also a reservable group site which accomodates up to 100 people. Here, we have 38 rentable sites. 24 sites are reservable and 14 sites are for our walk-up visitors. The stay limit is 16 consecutive days.
Campers and day-use visitors have access to a boat ramp and a beach. Both power and non-motorized boating is permitted. This campground also offers Kayak, Paddleboard and Canoe rentals and firewood for sale.Anglers can fish for several kinds of trout as well as Kokanee salmon and Northern Pike. Bike lanes wind throughout the campground.
Campers and day-use visitors have access to a boat ramp and a beach. Both power and non-motorized boating is permitted. This campground also offers Kayak, Paddleboard and Canoe rentals and firewood for sale.Anglers can fish for several kinds of trout as well as Kokanee salmon and Northern Pike. Bike lanes wind throughout the campground.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains lies the 2.4 million acre Flathead National Forest. Home to lynx, grizzly bear, and bull trout, with numerous lakes, streams and rivers to enjoy, the forest is the premiere destination for visitors looking to experience natural landscapes of the American West. Swan Lake is surrounded by dense conifer forest and the craggy, snow-covered peaks of the Swan Mountain Range.
For facility specific information, please call (406) 210-8199.
Glacier National Park is within an hour drive. About a mile from the campground is the Swan River National Wildlife Refuge, with a wildlife and bird observation area.
Please cancel 4 days prior. For day of arrival cancellations please call Leona at 406- 210-8199 so we can get the information to the Campground Host. All Considerations will be made after your original reservation dates have passed.______ *No shows have no chance of a refund.__
$20 / night
Welcome to Finley Point Unit — Flathead Lake State Park! Nestled near Polson, MT, this campground offers a fantastic escape with stunning views of Flathead Lake. Open from April 1 to November 15, it's a great spot for both tent and RV camping.
The campground is known for its spacious sites, especially those on the hill, which are perfect for RVs. If you're looking for a quieter experience, the upper loop sites offer a bit more seclusion and breathtaking views of the lake through the pines. For those who prefer being closer to the water, there are lakeside sites that provide easy access to the beach and boat slips.
Visitors have praised the cleanliness and upkeep of the campground, with friendly rangers and hosts who are always ready to help. The campground is pet-friendly, and you'll find convenient stations stocked with poop bags and personalized leaves from Flathead Lake.
One of the highlights here is the abundance of wildlife. Deer are a common sight, adding to the charm of your stay. The campground also features amenities like electric hookups, drinking water, and picnic tables. While there are no showers, the toilets are well-maintained.
For those who enjoy boating, there's a large boat launch area that can get busy during the day but remains peaceful overall. If you're into hiking, a small path from the upper sites leads down to the waterfront, offering a serene walk with beautiful views.
Whether you're here for a night or planning a longer stay, Finley Point Unit provides a memorable camping experience with its scenic beauty and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy your stay and don't forget to catch the stunning sunsets over the lake!
Big Arm is located on Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. Twenty-eight miles long and 15 miles wide, Flathead Lake is renowned for its fishing.
Located on the lake's Big Arm Bay, its long pebble beach is popular with sunbathers and swimmers. Camping under a stand of mature ponderosa pine and juniper is a major attraction. The hiking trail provides excellent vistas of surrounding mountain ranges and high peaks with abundant watchable wildlife opportunities. Other opportunities include: fishing for lake trout, board sailing, boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, bicycling, hiking the 2.5 mile trail, wildlife viewing, scuba diving, and water-skiing.
This site is 2,953 feet in elevation and covers 240 acres. The campground has 41 campsites, including one wheelchair accessible site; one group campsite; and three yurts. Maximum RV/trailer length is 40 feet. Bear resistant storage lockers are available.
Yurts offer the latest in circular camping comfort. The Mission yurt is 20’ in diameter, Salish and Swan are 16’ in diameter, and the Swan yurt is ADA accessible. All yurts have furniture, electrical outlets, lights, and electric heat. Yurt sites includes a picnic table and a fire pit for cooking.
A tribal fishing license is needed for fishing at this park. Campers may stay only 14 days during a 30-day period. Pets are required to be on leashes.
Big Arm is a popular jumping-off point to Wild Horse Island, a 2,163-acre island in Flathead Lake State Park, located off the west shore of the lake. The island is home to bald eagles, bighorn sheep, yellow-pine chipmunks, and wild horses.
Pine-scented campsites here are a mere 2.5 miles from Glacier National Park's west entrance. A short drive of a few minutes brings you to the start of the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road that twists and climbs across the million-acre alpine preserve. Whitefish, Kalispell, and Flathead lake are within driving distance to explore for part of a day with plenty of time left to relax at this KOA. This KOA also offers a heated adult (18+) pool 2 adult (18+) hot tubs and a heated family (all ages) pool. Enjoy our Lazy Bear Breakfast or Dinner restaurants, as well as our Bearstream Bar and Bear Garden. You can treat yourself to huckleberry ice cream at Scoops Ice Cream Shop or head to the state's largest water park in nearby Columbia Falls.
Glacier Campground is located just one mile from the west entrance of Glacier National Park and is the closest privately owned campground to the park, known for “the way camping used to be!” Our heavily wooded 40 acre campground is surrounded by the Flathead National Forest. West Glacier Village provides many activities including golf, mini golf, shopping, rafting, horseback rides and helicopter tours. There are also many options for great local dining. Outdoor lovers will love staying at with us
$75 / night
Apgar, Fish Creek, and St. Mary Campground reservations WILL NOT provide access to any vehicle reservation areas (including the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and North Fork). To obtain a vehicle reservation, visit Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations on Recreation.gov. __ Fish Creek Campground is the second largest campground in Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park, in northwestern Montana, is comprised of pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles (1,125 km) of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. It also provides countless scenic vistas for those wishing to relax and take in its natural beauty. The campground is located on the western side of the park at an elevation of nearly 3,500 feet (1,066 m). This area of the park generally receives the most rainfall. Daytime temperatures can exceed 90__F (32__C), although it is frequently 10__ to 15__ F cooler at higher elevations. Weather in the mountains can be varied, including snow in summer; visitors should come prepared for anything.
This facility is conveniently located in the western part of the park, nearby many day hikes, including Rocky Point Trail, which wanders through a burn area from a 2003 wildfire. Explorers of all ages can attend nightly ranger programs at an amphitheater within the facility.
This facility is conveniently located in the western part of the park, nearby many day hikes, including Rocky Point Trail, which wanders through a burn area from a 2003 wildfire. Explorers of all ages can attend nightly ranger programs at an amphitheater within the facility.
Fish Creek is heavily forested with plenty of shade. Some sites have views of Lake McDonald. The park is named for its prominent glacier-carved terrain and remnant glaciers descended from the ice ages almost 10,000 years ago. Its diverse habitats are home to nearly 70 species of mammals including the grizzly bear, wolverine, gray wolf and lynx. Over 270 species of birds visit or reside in the park, including such varied species as harlequin ducks, dippers and golden eagles.
One must-see attraction is Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier's sister park across the Canadian-U.S. border. As the other half of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes offers great hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the townsite of Waterton. Waterton Lakes National Park
Welcome to the West Shore Unit of Flathead Lake State Park, a gem nestled near Lakeside, Montana. This campground is a haven for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The sites are generously spaced and surrounded by lush, wooded landscapes, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
One of the standout features here is the stunning view of Flathead Lake, especially from Loop B. Many campers rave about the beautiful lake views through the trees and the quiet, peaceful environment. The campground is well-maintained, with clean facilities including toilets and drinking water. While there are no showers or sewer hookups, the electric hookups in Loop B make it a comfortable stay for RV campers.
For those who love outdoor activities, there are several short hiking trails that wind through the campground and lead down to the lake. The lake itself is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with rentals available on-site. The lack of a designated beach area keeps the crowds down, allowing you to enjoy the lake in relative solitude.
Pets are welcome here, and there are convenient dog poop bag stations with backup leashes, making it a great spot for your furry friends. The campground also allows campfires, so you can enjoy a cozy evening by the fire.
If you need supplies or a meal, the town of Lakeside is just a short drive away. Visitors have mentioned the Tamarack Brewery as a great spot to grab a bite. Overall, the West Shore Unit offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and convenience, making it a favorite among campers.
This recreation area is located near the village of Swan Lake at the north end of the scenic Swan Valley in northwest Montana. The campground consists of two loops. Ponderosa Loop offers open, large sites with plenty of space, while sites at Birch Loop are shaded and more clustered together. There is also a reservable group site which accomodates up to 100 people. Here, we have 38 rentable sites. 24 sites are reservable and 14 sites are for our walk-up visitors. The stay limit is 16 consecutive days.
Campers and day-use visitors have access to a boat ramp and a beach. Both power and non-motorized boating is permitted. This campground also offers Kayak, Paddleboard and Canoe rentals and firewood for sale.Anglers can fish for several kinds of trout as well as Kokanee salmon and Northern Pike. Bike lanes wind throughout the campground.
Campers and day-use visitors have access to a boat ramp and a beach. Both power and non-motorized boating is permitted. This campground also offers Kayak, Paddleboard and Canoe rentals and firewood for sale.Anglers can fish for several kinds of trout as well as Kokanee salmon and Northern Pike. Bike lanes wind throughout the campground.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains lies the 2.4 million acre Flathead National Forest. Home to lynx, grizzly bear, and bull trout, with numerous lakes, streams and rivers to enjoy, the forest is the premiere destination for visitors looking to experience natural landscapes of the American West. Swan Lake is surrounded by dense conifer forest and the craggy, snow-covered peaks of the Swan Mountain Range.
For facility specific information, please call (406) 210-8199.
Glacier National Park is within an hour drive. About a mile from the campground is the Swan River National Wildlife Refuge, with a wildlife and bird observation area.
Please cancel 4 days prior. For day of arrival cancellations please call Leona at 406- 210-8199 so we can get the information to the Campground Host. All Considerations will be made after your original reservation dates have passed.______ *No shows have no chance of a refund.__
$20 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Flathead National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, Flathead National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 187 campgrounds and RV parks near Flathead National Forest and 24 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Flathead National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Flathead National Forest is West Glacier KOA Resort with a 4.7-star rating from 46 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Flathead National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Flathead National Forest.
What parks are near Flathead National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Flathead National Forest that allow camping, notably Glacier National Park and Lolo National Forest.
