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.

The Bad Medicine Campground is located 25 miles south of Troy on Hwy 56, at the south end of Bull Lake.The campground has 18 sites including one host site, with tables and fire rings, most offering an average length of 32'. Campground roads and campsite parking spurs are paved. Amenities include\_\_potable water, vault toilets and a fully developed boat ramp with dock. There are 6 picnic sites with tables and fire rings near the boat ramp for day use only.\_\_A security gate is closed at 10:00 pm and opened at 07:00 am daily be the camphost.

Bad Medicine Campground

Looking for the best campgrounds near Heron, MT? Heron is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Heron, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Heron

The Best Camping Near Heron, Montana

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.

Bull Lake MT Camping

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!

Doorstep of Ross Creek Cedars

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.

Perfect!

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.

Wonderful

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.

Waterfront access on very private lake! 

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. 

Surrounded by big trees

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!

Quiet campground on a beautiful lake

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

Shaded camp sites

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.

Photos of Bad Medicine Campground

Real photos from real campers