Map showing campground location near Kalispell, Montana

Camper submitted image from Little Bitterroot Lake Campground

Little Bitterroot Lake Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

County-run and priced at $5 per night (with waterfront sites running $25), Little Bitterroot Lake Campground in Marion, Montana sits directly on the lake and draws a mostly local crowd from May through October. Reservations are available, though midweek arrivals have found multiple sites open for several days at a stretch. Sites are large but positioned close together, and the campground accommodates RVs up to 35 feet. A dock serves both overnight boaters and day visitors, and a boat launch sits nearby.

Water access is the defining feature here. Several sites overlook the lake directly, and a short path connects others to the shore. The lake runs clear with a rocky bottom, and reviewers consistently mention it for swimming and trout fishing. Eagles have been spotted hunting along the water. Campers who have visited areas with camping near Kalispell note that Little Bitterroot moves at a noticeably slower pace than campgrounds closer to town.

Facilities are basic but well-kept. Pit toilets rather than flush, drinking water on-site, firewood available, and ADA accessibility. Jeff P. sums up the upkeep simply: "Everything was clean and tidy." The camp host draws repeated praise across reviews for being attentive and approachable. No dump station is on-site, so RV campers should plan accordingly.

Campers wanting a different setup in the area can look at Ashley Lake North Campground to the northeast or Bitterroot Meadows to the south.

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Map & DirectionsLittle Bitterroot Lake Campground is located in Montana near Kalispell

Public Campground

Directions

From Jct of US-93 & US-2, W 20 mi on US-2 to Pleasant Valley Rd., NW 5 mi to Bitterroot Rd., (L)

Address

155 Lodgepole Drive
Marion, MT 59925

Coordinates

48.14004615 N
114.71764682 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

+14068542744

Drive Time

2 hrs 34 min from Missoula, MT
3 hrs 27 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
3 hrs 57 min from Spokane, WA
5 hrs 22 min from Lewiston, ID

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Little Bitterroot Lake Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Jeff P.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2025

Scouting trip we found a winner for next year!

We are traveling this year scouting where we want to spend weeks next year and this little place was everything we wanted.

We payed $25/night (which was $5) extra the $20 for a water front site.

Arrived on a Tuesday found multiple sites available for 3-4 days.

This is definitely a local hotspot.

Boat access if you have that kind of money. They have a dock and I saw some people anchoring for the night.

The host was friendly and professional.

Bathrooms were non flushable but clean. Everything was clean and tidy. You can tell the hosts really care about this place.

We will come back to enjoy the full amenities

Site14a

Month of VisitJuly

(20) View All

Bobette F.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2024

Great campground.

Very nice campground. Rod, caretaker, is the best. We had a wonderful 3 days camping.

Month of VisitJuly

Eric G.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2022

Nice lake quiet

This is a nice little campground. Mostly locals. Pit toilet. Water. No dump. Quiet big sites. Boat launch near by. Lake access from campground. Most sites have no electric. $20 night or $25 with electric.

Site1

Month of VisitAugust

Patricia B.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2021

Nice spot!

Right on the lake, with a couple sites overlooking water. Path down to shore is short. Water is an extremely clear turquoise and cool. Rocky, not Sandy. Gravel tent flat provided. Lots of trees, but sites very close to one another.

Site18

Month of VisitJune

Luke H.

Scout

Reviewed May. 27, 2021

Actually $20 per night

Well worth the 20 bucks. Great sites, a bit closer together, but not bad. The lake is a gem, camp host is friendly and helpful.

Site11

Month of VisitMay

Juice B.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2019

Great location, Inexpensive, Not very crowded

Stayed at Little Bitterroot Lake last year(Aug 2018) for 3 nights and had a great time.

After seeing the crowds closer to Kalispell, we enjoyed the slower pace of Little Bitterroot lake. Got a great site, where the tent literally opened to a beautiful view of the lake.

Nice clear lake for swimming or fishing for trout. All types of boating is allowed.

We saw many eagles fishing for dinner, and even a snake swimming in the lake.

Month of VisitAugust

(7) View All

Talia H.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2017

Campground On The Lake

Nice clean campground, well-maintained facilities, and they even have a dock and a playground! The lake is great for swimming and fishing.

Month of VisitJuly

(7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Bitterroot Lions Campground and Little Bitterroot Lake Campground?

While Little Bitterroot Lake Campground is a quieter, more intimate setting with sites close to or overlooking the water, Bitterroot Lions Campground typically offers different amenities and location features. Little Bitterroot Lake Campground is known for its clear turquoise waters, playground, dock, and mix of standard and electric sites ($20-25/night). It's popular with locals and provides a peaceful alternative to the more crowded areas near Kalispell. For specific comparisons regarding facilities, reservations, and exact location differences, it's best to contact each campground directly.

What amenities are available at Little Bitterroot Lake Campground?

Little Bitterroot Lake Campground offers a range of amenities for campers. The facilities include well-maintained pit toilets and water access. Most sites are standard, but some do offer electrical hookups for an additional fee ($25 with electric vs. $20 standard). The campground features a dock, playground, and direct lake access with a path to the shore. Sites are situated among trees, providing shade, and some premium spots overlook the water. Each site includes a gravel tent pad. The campground is clean and well-kept thanks to the dedicated caretaker.

Where is Little Bitterroot Lake Campground located in Montana?

Little Bitterroot Lake Campground is located in northwestern Montana, situated away from the busier tourist areas around Kalispell. The campground sits directly on the shores of Little Bitterroot Lake, offering a quieter alternative to more crowded camping destinations in the region. This peaceful location features crystal clear turquoise waters and is primarily frequented by locals. The campground's somewhat secluded position makes it an excellent base for those wanting to enjoy Montana's natural beauty without the crowds.

Is there a boat launch at Little Bitterroot Lake Campground?

Yes, there is a boat launch near Little Bitterroot Lake Campground. While not directly within the campground boundaries, the launch is conveniently located nearby, making it easy for campers to get their boats into the water. The lake itself is known for its extremely clear turquoise water, making it ideal for boating activities. Many campers enjoy fishing on the lake, and the water clarity enhances the overall boating experience.

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