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Established Camping

Bad Medicine Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Bad Medicine Campground, near Bull Lake, Montana, is a serene spot tucked away in the Kootenai National Forest, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This campground is surrounded by towering trees, providing ample shade and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great choice for tent and RV camping.

Visitors rave about the beautiful lake access, which is just a short walk away, and the stunning views of the Cabinet Mountains. The campground features vault toilets and water spigots, ensuring you have the basics covered. As one camper noted, “The views of the Cabinet Mountains and Bull Lake are stunning,” highlighting the natural beauty that surrounds you here.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Ross Creek Cedars offer breathtaking hikes through ancient trees, and the area is known for its quiet, secluded feel. While amenities are limited, the tranquility and natural beauty make up for it. Just be mindful of the wildlife; keeping food secured is a must in bear country.

Whether you're looking to relax by the lake or explore the nearby trails, Bad Medicine Campground offers a refreshing retreat into nature.

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Location

Bad Medicine Campground is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

48.15434 N
115.86945 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 29, 2021

Peaceful forest

All the sites are tree shaded as this cg is in a dense forest. No views of the lake, but beautiful lake access. No cell service even with a booster. This is never a problem for us. We have a 30 ft class A, with a tow. Unhooked it before attempting to find a site was necessary. Water spicket available and vault toilets. In the area, check out the Kootenai Falls and swinging bridge. Beautiful aqua water rushing over the rocks. Wow! Also, Ross Creek Cedars (giant cedars) was well worth a visit.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Bad Medicine Campground by Nancy C., September 29, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2021

Shaded camp sites

This was a decent camp ground for passing though the area. Trees and mostly dirt grounds with little vegetation. Quiet with plenty of space, but tent pads were not as level as other camp grounds. Facilities were also not as good. Average vault toilet, water available, but had to walk up to the entrance for garbage. It was a great location to stay and then drive to Ross Creek Cedar trail which is a short hall through amazing old growth cedars

Site14
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 2, 2021

Quiet campground on a beautiful lake

The lakeside campsites were perfect!  We spent the week there, enjoying the water and nearby hiking.  Nice spacious sites with good shade.  Will definitely camp there again!

Reviewed Nov. 25, 2020

Surrounded by big trees

We stayed here mid-September, 2020. It is close to the Ross Cedars just up the narrow road. This is a wooded campground where not much light gets in. But, it feels woodsy, no claustrophobic. We were worried about grizzlies but the camp hostess said there weren’t any there. This is a USFS campground so your Senior Pass cuts the $16 camping fee in half. I would imagine Bull Lake to be beautiful but the smoke from fires obscured it in a haze.

There were vault toilets and water spigots. I have found that USFS campgrounds in this area of NW Montana to have some of the best tasting water. It is quiet being far enough off a little traveled highway.

  • Review photo of Bad Medicine Campground by Judy T., November 25, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2019

Waterfront access on very private lake!

Bad Medicine was just what the Dr ordered for us over the 4th of July! Very rural location. 30 minutes, at least, to closest store, so there weren’t many people there. Excellent for doing your own fireworks 💥 

Amenities were lacking unfortunately.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bad Medicine Campground by Natascha A., August 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Bad Medicine Campground by Natascha A., August 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Bad Medicine Campground by Natascha A., August 28, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2019

Wonderful

This once "hidden gem" campground is growing more popular because it is absolutely astounding. The Views of the Cabinet Mountains and Bull Lake are stunning and the location of the campground is perfect, IMO. The pit toilets were clean, the sites are well taken care of, and the ability for activity is great. As others have said you do have direct access to Bull Lake and the hiking is just a short drive to an Ancient Giant Cedar Grove. You are in bear and Grizzly country here though so keeping food locked up is a must. One final note, they tell you to raise your hood due to pack rats getting in your engine compartment.

Site3
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Bad Medicine Campground by Tom K., August 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Bad Medicine Campground by Tom K., August 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Bad Medicine Campground by Tom K., August 27, 2019
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jul. 20, 2019

Perfect!

Amazing views of Bull Lake. We went in late July and there were a few sites left when we arrived. The camp volunteer is super sweet! Awesome stay.

Reviewed Jun. 27, 2018

Doorstep of Ross Creek Cedars

On the south shore of picturesque Bull Lake, the campground gives quick access to the breathtaking Ross Creek cedars. The facility is well maintained by the camp host. Several of the sites give access to the lake, and the boat launch/swimming area is a very short walk in the Day Use area. Please note the roadways within the campground are very narrow. They can be maneuvered by even large rigs, but take care. Peaceful and Beautiful!

  • Review photo of Bad Medicine Campground by Tom S., June 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Bad Medicine Campground by Tom S., June 27, 2018
Reviewed May. 3, 2018

Bull Lake MT Camping

This campground is operated by the US Forest Service and it is hosted from May to Sept. During thoes months it is $10 a night. HOWEVER, it is open year round wether and road closures considered. There are 18 campsites and the roads and site parking is paved. Other amenities include vault toilets, potable water spicgots and picnic tbles. And that is all, excepted for magnificent views. This is the Bull River Valley of western Montana after all. More to the point, just down the road a few miles is an Ancient Cedar Forest and there is a boat launch and dock nearby for Bull Lake access.

Drawbacks are the possibility that wildfires might limit access in late summer. Mosquitoes and the fact that the nearest camp store with ice, gasoline and provisions is 25 miles away in Troy. But seriously, an Ancient Cedar Forest…

We stayed here in early October. The days were short and cold and we were tent camping, but there was spectacular lake access for our canoe.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Bad Medicine Campground by Francie M., May 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Bad Medicine Campground by Francie M., May 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Bad Medicine Campground by Francie M., May 3, 2018
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitor reviews say about Bad Medicine Campground?

Bad Medicine Campground receives high marks for its stunning views of Bull Lake and the Cabinet Mountains. Campers appreciate the well-maintained facility with clean pit toilets and well-cared-for sites. The lakeside sites are particularly popular, offering perfect water access and spacious, shady spots. While some note it's growing more popular due to its beauty, others mention it's relatively uncrowded due to its rural location. Some visitors note that amenities are somewhat basic, tent pads could be more level, and the dense forest creates a woodsy feel with limited sunlight. The proximity to Ross Creek Cedars is frequently highlighted as a bonus.

Are there photos available of Bad Medicine Campground facilities?

Yes, photos of Bad Medicine Campground facilities are available online. These images showcase the campground's paved roads and site parking, vault toilets, and the beautiful lakeside setting. Photos also highlight the forested campsites with good shade, the day use area with boat launch and swimming access, and the stunning views of Bull Lake and the Cabinet Mountains. Check the official USFS website or The Dyrt for current photos of the campground facilities.

Where is Bad Medicine Campground located in Montana?

Bad Medicine Campground is located on the south shore of Bull Lake in northwestern Montana, approximately 30 minutes from the nearest store. It's situated in a dense forest area near Troy, Montana. The campground provides excellent access to the Ross Creek Cedars, which is just up a narrow road from the camping area. This remote location in the Cabinet Mountains offers a truly rural camping experience with beautiful lake views and forest surroundings. The campground's secluded setting makes it ideal for those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience away from crowds.

How do I make reservations at Bad Medicine Campground?

Bad Medicine Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis without advance reservations. The campground is operated by the US Forest Service and charges $10 per night during the hosted season from May to September. While open year-round (weather and road conditions permitting), the campground is most accessible during the summer months. The campground has 18 sites, so arriving early during peak season (especially weekends and holidays) is recommended to secure a spot. For the most current information on fees and availability, contact the local USFS district office.