Two miles of gravel road leads to Big Creek Campground, a Forest Service facility positioned along the Flathead River in northwestern Montana. The campground sits roughly 20 miles from Columbia Falls and provides access to the west entrance of Glacier National Park via a connecting gravel route.
The campground organizes into two small loops totaling about 20 sites, with sites 5-15 positioned directly on the Flathead River. "Right next to the Flathead River and has a boat launch," notes Stephanie T., highlighting the water access that draws many visitors. Campers can launch kayaks or rafts directly from the facility, though the swift current and slippery rocks require caution. The forested setting provides good privacy between sites, with tall conifers creating natural barriers that muffle neighbor noise.
Fishing opportunities abound along the river corridor, and wildlife sightings are common throughout the area. Bears frequent the campground, making proper food storage in bear containers essential. Several visitors report deer wandering through campsites, particularly during evening hours. The facility maintains vault toilets and potable water from hand pumps, though no flush facilities exist on-site.
Access requires navigating the two-mile gravel entrance road, which some reviewers describe as washboard conditions requiring slow speeds. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov for most sites, though walk-in availability sometimes occurs. The campground operates from mid-May through mid-September, with group sites remaining accessible longer into fall. RVs up to 48 feet can access the facility, though the gravel road conditions may challenge larger rigs. For those exploring the broader region, places to camp around Flathead National Forest provide additional options within the same forest system.
The combination of river access, proximity to Glacier National Park, and relatively secluded forest setting makes this campground well-suited for paddlers, anglers, and campers seeking a base for park exploration.
Description
Overview
Big Creek Campground lies in the expansive Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana, 2 miles south of the Northwest entrance to Glacier National Park. Visitors can enjoy access to the Flathead River as well as the countless other recreational opportunities provided by the surrounding forests. Big Creek Campground has 22 campsites, 12 of which are reservable and 10 are walk-up, first come, first serve sites. The stay limit is 16 consecutive nights.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy the ample fishing and floating opportunities provided by the river. Trout are a popular catch amid the calm flow of the water. Boating is also an excellent pastime, as the river is perfect for floating, rafting and canoeing. Across from the campground is the Glacier Institute's Big Creek Outdoor Education Center, which provides learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Programs offered include seminars and guided hikes, which point out the diverse natural and cultural resources of the Glacier National Park and the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem.
Facilities
The campground offers several accessible individual campsites for tent and RV camping. Each has convenient access to the river and is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. A group camping area is nestled in the middle of the campground and can accommodate up to 200 guests. Campfire circles and group picnic areas are also available. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. The water is in 2 locations and are hand pumps. They are not for filling your RV so please come with your water full.
Natural Features
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, west of the continental divide and just south of the Canadian border, lies the 2.4 million acre Flathead National Forest. Home to lynx, grizzly bear, and bull trout and with numerous lakes, streams, and rivers to enjoy, the forest is a premiere destination for visitors. The campground sits along the North Fork of the Flathead River, which begins in Canada and joins a couple other forks before depositing into Flathead Lake. It is a forested area of mature pine and fir trees that provide a sparse understory at an elevation of 3,300 feet.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (406) 752-7924.
Nearby Attractions
Big Creek Campground is just 2 miles from the Camas Creek entrance to the Glacier National Park. Columbia Falls, along the North Fork of the Flathead River, is located 19 miles south of the campground.
Charges & Cancellations
__Cancellations made within the 4 Day Reservation Window will be "considered" for a refund, by the concessionaire, of Camping fees only and will automatically forfeit the first nights fee. Day of Arrival cancellations must be turned in by calling Cheryl at 406-752-PWAI (7924) or 406-404-4164 to get the information to the campground Host. All Considerations will be made after your original reservation dates have passed. *No shows have no chance of a refund.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) is located in Montana near West Glacier
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 5/22/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 5/22/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites 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
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 31 min from Missoula, MT
- 3 hrs 16 min from Great Falls, MT
- 4 hrs 2 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 4 hrs 31 min from Spokane, WA
