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Dispersed Camping

Libby Creek Gold Panning Area

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Location

Libby Creek Gold Panning Area is located in Montana

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Coordinates

48.143742569037485 N
115.53127878470781 W

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DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


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1 Review

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2025

Beautiful Surroundings by Libby Creek

This is an open claim area for primitive gold panners. Several sites with fire rings a short distance to the creek. Be aware that there is mercury contamination due to mining activity in the area in years gone by so dogs should be kept out of the water. This is the only reason I am not giving it five stars as my dogs love to swim and so had to be confined while we were there. Otherwise it is a beautiful area and not heavily traffic, There is a single vault toilet (bring your own tp), beautiful trees; cedar, fir, spruce and pine. Howard Lake Campground is nearby (mile and a half) with swimming opportunities and other amenities. There was a decent amount of dead wood around the site we chose so while we did bring some camp wood, it lasted by burning up some of the dead stuff laying around. I drove a 24' class C RV and while there were a few different areas I could have parked, level ground was the principal factor for parking at a wide site right next to the road. There were only two other tent campers there for the day and a half we stayed and they were together at a good distance. I enjoyed the beauty of the creek and the rocks along with the clean smells of the cedar and other evergreens. It is a bit of a drive in on a gravel road, just about ten miles from highway 2. Plenty of washboard surface and a few chuck holes but overall, I've driven much worse, just make sure everything is securely tied down and stowed. The sites aren't numbered and there are sites on both sides of the access road, at least eight with some of them able to accommodate groups. We may have found a couple flecks of gold between four of us but we still had a fabulous time.

Sitefirst site off the principal area
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Libby Creek Gold Panning Area by Emmett S., July 18, 2025
  • Review photo of Libby Creek Gold Panning Area by Emmett S., July 18, 2025
  • Review photo of Libby Creek Gold Panning Area by Emmett S., July 18, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Libby Creek National Gold Panning Area located?

Libby Creek National Gold Panning Area is located in northwestern Montana, situated in the Kootenai National Forest. It's an accessible site for gold panning enthusiasts, positioned along Libby Creek. The area is a designated open claim area specifically set aside for recreational gold panning. For precise directions, contact the Kootenai National Forest office or check their official website before your visit.

What are the rules and regulations for gold panning at Libby Creek?

Libby Creek is an open claim area designated for primitive gold panning activities. Visitors should be aware of mercury contamination in the creek due to historical mining operations, so keep pets out of the water. Standard gold panning regulations likely apply, including using only non-motorized equipment and hand tools. For complete and current regulations, check with the Kootenai National Forest Service before your visit as rules may change.

What equipment do I need for gold panning at Libby Creek National Gold Panning Area?

For gold panning at Libby Creek, bring basic panning equipment including a gold pan, classifier, small shovel, and collection vials. Since this is a primitive panning area, you'll need to bring all your own supplies. Consider wearing waterproof boots or waders, sun protection, and gloves. Pack water, snacks, and a first aid kit. Remember that only non-motorized, hand-operated equipment is typically allowed in recreational gold panning areas.

What amenities are available at Libby Creek National Gold Panning Area?

Libby Creek National Gold Panning Area offers primitive camping with several sites featuring fire rings. The sites are positioned a short distance from the creek for convenient panning access. There are minimal amenities, so visitors should plan to be self-sufficient. Bring your own drinking water, food, and toilet supplies. This is a rustic experience without modern facilities like showers, flush toilets, or hookups. Cell service may be limited in this remote location.