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!

## 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.

Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt)

Looking for the best campgrounds near West Glacier, MT? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Montana camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near West Glacier, reviewed by campers like you.

West Glacier

The Best Camping Near West Glacier, Montana

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.


Be prepared for da bears

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!

Secluded campground outside Glacier NP

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!

Outside Glacier NP and Less Crowded

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!

Bring Bugspray!

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

Big Creek = Big Fun!!

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!!!

     





Just enough of everything.

Stayed here over the weekend, out of season, so not the normal facilities. It is in a great area and the features (and views) of the camp are equally great.

Amazing campsite any time of the year!

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!

Amazing experience!

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. 


Nice and shady

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!!!

Nice campground 

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.

Early Oct

Lovely, quiet campground to spend the night. Large open sites along the river. Pit toilets.

Photos of Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt)

Real photos from real campers