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Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt)

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Big Creek Campground, near Columbia Falls, Montana, is a peaceful retreat tucked away in the Flathead National Forest. This campground offers spacious sites along the river, perfect for those who enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water while camping.

With amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, it’s an ideal place to gather with friends or family around a campfire. Visitors have praised the cleanliness of the campground and the friendly camp host, making it a welcoming environment for everyone. One camper noted, “Lovely, quiet campground to spend the night,” highlighting the serene atmosphere.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the campground is conveniently located near Glacier National Park, providing easy access to stunning landscapes and hiking trails. Many campers have enjoyed floating the river, and the nearby scenery is simply breathtaking, with clear blue waters and lush greenery. Just remember to pack out what you bring in, as some facilities may not be available during certain seasons.

Whether you're looking to relax by the river or explore the surrounding wilderness, Big Creek Campground offers a great escape into nature. Just be sure to bring some bug spray if you're sensitive to mosquitoes, especially during those lovely dusks by the water!

Fee Info

To make reservations by phone: Call 1-877-444-6777 The rate for group site 001: 1-50 people - $175/night 51 - 100 people - $325/night Although you are allowed 2 motorized vehicles per site, the first vehicle is included in the site fee, the second vehicle is charged $5.00 upon arrival at the campground.

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Location

Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Columbia Falls, Montana, follow State Route 486 north for approximately 20 miles to the campground entrance on the right. The road is pavement for 10 miles and gravel for approximately 9 miles. An alternate route through Glacier National Park would be to enter the park through West Glacier. Take Glacier Route1 Rd/Going to the Sun Rd for 2 miles. Turn left onto Camas Rd for 11 miles. Turn left onto North Fork Rd for 2.7 miles of gravel. Campground will be on your left.

Address

NORTH FORK RD
Columbia falls, MT 59912

Coordinates

48.598975 N
114.1636556 W

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Demer’s Ridge

Demer’s Ridge

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Stillwater Lake

Stillwater Lake

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Drive Time

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Access

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

15 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 3, 2025

Great if you can stand the road

Pretty campsite. The 2 miles of gravel over to Glacier Park hasn't improved any. Literally 5 mph was too fast. I hear there is 7 miles of the same stuff if you come via north fork road so I wouldn't do that. The hosts are super nice as reported elsewhere. Very remote area. Recent bear campground activity when I was there. Starlink was difficult due to talk trees without a super long 100' cord that reaches the river clearing.

Site13
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Phil P., September 3, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2025

Great campground

Spacious and private spots. Easy access to Glacier from the rare, unused Flathead river entrance. Close to North Fork area of park as well and great hiking in surrounding Flathead Forest outside of park. Extremely clean campground, pit toilets.

Site5
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 7, 2025

Great Place Close to Glacier Enterence

Really nice camp right on the water and not far from Glacier. Moose lake nearby is good for 6 to 8 inch cutthroat. Camping hosts were really great.

Site15
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Todd J., June 7, 2025
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Todd J., June 7, 2025
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Todd J., June 7, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2022

Early Oct

Only the Group Camping section was open at this time of year. No water. No trash. So pack it in, pack it out. The six group sites are right next to the river and that sound is very pleasant. Huge picnic tables and large fire pit with three built in cooking grates.

SiteB
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by David P., October 7, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by David P., October 7, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2021

Nice campground

We happened upon this place. Found a great site near the water. Shaded, water and toilets close, but not to close. Campground host Pam was so sweet and informative. Very quiet!!!

Site12
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Nancy B., September 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Nancy B., September 6, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2021

Nice and shady

Nice little forest service campground with two small loops for a total of about 20 sites, reservable. I lucked out and was able to get a site last minute as a walk in, and my site was pretty good! Site 9 site on the river side and has water access (with a bit of walking), and is close to the vault toilet (which is in need of service). Quiet with a good number of trees (bring your hammock), you may need to kick some pine cones out of the way to pitch your tent. There is a nice picnic table and fire ring as well. I watched a doe nose around in the site opposite mine for a while.

Site9
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Annie C., July 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Annie C., July 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Annie C., July 31, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2021

Amazing experience!

I hosted here in 2020..one of..if not the best experiences in my life! Close to Glacier..Polebridge is a must see..the colored stones in the clear cold water..a person could go on forever..you just need to experience this yourself!

SiteHost site
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by James P., June 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by James P., June 19, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2020

Just enough of everything.

I visited here in late July for ten days and am trying to condense the experience so, bear 🐻with me Pros: Excellent camp host. Say hi to Jim. 20 miles to Columbia Falls shopping Whitewater rafting Near west side of Glacier NP Faucet water Ask Jim about Red Meadows Camps 5-15 are on the Flathead R Some sites are on Recreation.gov Cons: Swift current and slippery rocks Shooting range noise Dusty Washboard dyrt road for 6 miles All in all, doggy and I had a wonderful time there. I’ll be going back. Don’t forget your swimsuit!!!

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2020

Big Creek = Big Fun!!

Camp host is Excellent! Very accommodating! Nice clean areas. Picnic tables. Camp fire rings! We will be back!!

  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Don W., July 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Don W., July 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Don W., July 9, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2017

Bring Bugspray!

Big Creek Campground and surrounding area is so peaceful! Floating the river was really fun (but cold!). I would recommend bug spray to anyone who is prone to mosquito bites. Especially when it's dusk and you are by the river! Overall an excellent campground and they do provide drinking water!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Talia H., July 31, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Talia H., July 31, 2017
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2016

Outside Glacier NP and Less Crowded

This nice clean campground is located outside the west side of Glacier NP. It took us 10 minutes to get there from Camas Road. It's a great spot somewhat secluded and quiet in amongst the hills. It's woodsy and pretty private you can't hear your neighbor.

Everything around there is around $20/night I think this was $15. Pit toilets and pump your own water.

They have quite a few spaces on 3 loops and have group spots too.

We will be back!

  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Heidi P., September 23, 2016
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Heidi P., September 23, 2016
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Heidi P., September 23, 2016
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2016

Secluded campground outside Glacier NP

The national park campgrounds fill fast and are crowded and noisy, but this gem is positioned just outside of the quietest park entrance and feels way out there. This isn't a big campground but all the sites are great! The water access is great for boaters, pit toilets only and tasty mountain drinking water is available. A two mile gravel road trip in is the reason why this campground is lesser known and often empty. Just take it slow and enjoy the drive. We stayed two nights and drove into Glacier NP twice easily to hike and dine at the lodge. The views are great and the serenity priceless!

  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Drea M., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Drea M., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Drea M., September 22, 2016
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2016

Be prepared for da bears

Right next to the Flathead River and has a boat launch. Great kayaking, birdwatching and general wildlife watching. Didn’t run into any bears myself, but a friend walked right up to one in the underbrush, thinking it was a moose and wanting to take a photo! Luckily the bear was just as startled as my friend and ran away. Friend later ended up getting a moose photo that he generously shared with me.

Remember to keep your food in bear containers.

Visitors center nearby had some wonderful guided hikes, including a bird-watching one that I went on. Lots of trails nearby that were heavily trafficked in the summer when we were there.

No flush toilets but they did have potable water available to drink. Everything was well maintained and the camp host was very friendly and helpful with kayak tips.

  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Stephanie T., August 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Stephanie T., August 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) by Stephanie T., August 27, 2016
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Big Creek Campground located in Montana?

Big Creek Campground is located in the Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana. The campground sits right next to the Flathead River with convenient river access and a boat launch. It's situated in a wooded, secluded area that offers privacy and natural beauty. The campground is about 20 miles from Columbia Falls where you can find shopping and supplies. The area is known for its natural beauty, wildlife viewing opportunities, and outdoor recreation.

Are there photos available of Big Creek Campground?

Yes, photos of Big Creek Campground are available online. These images typically showcase the campground's riverside setting, wooded campsites, picnic tables, and fire rings. Photos often highlight the beautiful surroundings including the Flathead River with its colored stones visible in the clear water. For the most current and comprehensive collection of photos, check the official Flathead National Forest website or popular camping platforms where visitors share their experiences.

What do reviews say about Big Creek Campground?

Big Creek Campground receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its peaceful, quiet atmosphere and spacious, private sites. Campers appreciate the beautiful riverside location with access to clear, cold water (though swimming can be chilly). The campground features clean facilities with vault toilets, drinking water (in season), picnic tables, and fire rings with cooking grates. The camp hosts are frequently praised for being helpful and informative. Visitors mention excellent wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and kayaking opportunities. Many campers value the campground's proximity to Glacier National Park while offering a less crowded alternative to park campgrounds.

How close is Big Creek Campground to Glacier National Park?

Big Creek Campground is conveniently located just outside Glacier National Park. It's about a 10-minute drive to the park via Camas Road, making it an excellent alternative to the often crowded park campgrounds. The campground provides access to the west side of Glacier, including the less-used Flathead River entrance. It's also close to the North Fork area of the park. Note that the 2-mile gravel road connecting to Glacier can be rough, requiring slow driving (under 5 mph). This proximity to Glacier while maintaining a secluded, quieter atmosphere is one of the campground's main attractions.