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Map showing campground location near Bigfork, Montana
Camper submitted image from Camp Misery TrailheadView 2 Photos
Map showing campground location near Bigfork, Montana

Camp Misery Trailhead

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Within Flathead National Forest, Camp Misery Trailhead serves as a launching point for backcountry lake access rather than a traditional camping destination. The forest road leading to this trailhead offers extremely limited dispersed camping opportunities, with only two spots where vehicles can actually pull off the road safely.

Most visitors use the parking area for overnight staging before hiking to alpine lakes, though the lot fills quickly on weekends with day hikers creating lines of cars extending down the access road. Some campers resort to using roadside pullouts designed for vehicle passing, creating crowded conditions. For more established options, consider camping areas around Bigfork or other campgrounds near Flathead National Forest. This spot works best for hikers needing an early start or late return rather than a comfortable camping experience.

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Location

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Camp Misery Trailhead is located in Montana

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Directions

<p>From Bigfork, take Hwy 35 north to Hwy 83.  Head east on Hwy 83 to the junction of the Echo Lake Road.  Head north on Echo Lake Road about 3 miles to junction with the Jewel Basin Road (No. 5392).  Follow this road approximalty 7 miles to the trailhead.  CAUTION:  The last 5 miles are steep.  Use headlights for safety.  Caution advised for low clearance vehicles.  Trailers not recommended. </p>

Coordinates

48.16088017 N
113.94704728 W

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Connectivity

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1 Review

Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2025

Camp Misery Trailhead

The forest road up to the trailhead has very limited opportunities for dispersed camping--maybe 2 spots where you can actually get your vehicle off the road, but some people didn't mind using some of the pull offs meant for two-way jams. It seems overnight parking is allowed at the trailhead since camping at the lakes is quite popular. I meant to take a picture of the actual trailhead, but totally forgot. The parking area was mostly full this Sunday morning when we started our dayhike and when we returned in the early afternoon, there was a line of cars down the road. Busy area and very limited spots, so I only recommend dispersed camping here if you're needing a quick and easy spot for hiking early or if you return late from your hike.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Camp Misery Trailhead by Meghan B., August 17, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Camp Misery Trailhead located and how do I access it?

Camp Misery Trailhead is located in Flathead National Forest in Montana. Access is via a forest road that can be challenging in parts. The road to the trailhead has limited width in some sections, potentially causing two-way traffic issues. While accessible by passenger vehicles, the road conditions may vary seasonally. The trailhead serves as a gateway to the surrounding wilderness area and provides a parking area for hikers and backpackers.

Are there photos available of Camp Misery Trailhead to view before visiting?

Photos of Camp Misery Trailhead can be found on various hiking and outdoor websites. Check the official Flathead National Forest website for potential images of the trailhead and surrounding area. Additionally, search engines and social media platforms often feature user-submitted photos that can give you a good idea of what to expect before your visit. The trailhead serves as an access point to wilderness areas, so photos typically showcase the parking area, information boards, and nearby forest scenery.

What do visitor reviews say about Camp Misery Trailhead?

Camp Misery Trailhead offers very limited dispersed camping opportunities along the forest road leading to it, with only about two spots where vehicles can properly pull off the road. Some visitors use pull-offs intended for passing vehicles, which isn't ideal. Overnight parking appears to be permitted at the trailhead itself, making it functional for backpackers planning multi-day hikes. The overall experience rates as basic but serviceable for those primarily interested in accessing the trails rather than the camping experience itself.

What hiking trails are accessible from Camp Misery Trailhead?

Camp Misery Trailhead serves as an access point to several wilderness hiking trails in the Flathead National Forest. While specific trail names aren't detailed, the trailhead is a popular starting point for backpacking trips and day hikes into the surrounding wilderness areas. Given its name and function as a dedicated trailhead with overnight parking options, it likely connects to a network of backcountry trails. For current trail conditions, maps, and specific route information, check with the local Forest Service office before your trip.

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