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Established Camping

Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt)

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!

Description

National Forest

Flathead National Forest

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.

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: 1-30 people - $100/night 31-60 people - $150/night 61-100 people - $200/night 101-150 people - $250/night 151-200 people $300/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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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.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

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

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

12 Reviews

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

  • How much does it cost to camp at Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt)?

    Camping at Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) can cost between $100.00 and $300.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt)?

    Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) allows vehicles up to 48 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt)?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt), although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt)?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt)?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt). If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt), try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt)?

    There are 23 campsites at Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt) and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts