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Bull River Campground

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Bull River Campground, near Noxon, Montana, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with easy access to the river. This spot offers a mix of tent and RV sites, complete with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings and roasting marshmallows.

The campground is known for its beautiful surroundings, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and hiking. Visitors have enjoyed the nearby trails that lead to fishing areas, and wildlife sightings like beavers and deer are common. One camper noted, “We saw beavers, turkeys, and deer,” highlighting the area's natural charm.

While the campground has its quirks, like some sites being close together and a lack of showers, many appreciate the friendly vibe and the chance to unwind in nature. The river access is a big hit, making it easy to cool off or cast a line. Just be mindful of ticks and mosquitoes, as they can be a nuisance in warmer months.

If you're up for some adventure, the nearby Kootenai National Forest offers a wealth of hiking trails and stunning scenery. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Bull River Campground provides a welcoming atmosphere for campers looking to connect with nature.

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Location

Bull River Campground is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

48.02943252 N
115.84216955 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 17, 2025

Beautiful but the State of Montana has mismanaged to the point of absurdity

This used to be a great place to camp, especially at the Pavilion. However, two recent camping trips were not so great. There is no water, even though there are cisterns everywhere. There is no trash pickup. Restrooms are visited and "cleaned", but there is no evidence that anything was done. There are still tons of bugs and webs. I think they just replace the TP. Last visit was at the Pavilion with a men's campout with around 20 individuals. No trash containers, no bear boxes, and no water. We brought 250 gallons of water with us and pulled up to where the fire pit was, so it would be close to the fire for safety and convenience. The day after we left the site, a ranger called and accused us of "off-roading" and not placing our food in the non-existent bear boxes. We weren't "cited," but the temperament of the management is that they want you to pay the same price for camping without a host, water, trash, bear boxes, or clean restrooms. If you wish to dry camp, there are plenty of spaces, but it is definitely dry camping. Beautiful campground with severe management issues, all blamed on"lack of funding".

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2020

Average USFS pay campground

2020 cost is $16 + $8 extra car, half off with Federal parks pass, & it's average for a Forest Service pay campground. There's water, & you can fill a holding tank, but no power or dump. The lower loops are very close together & less shade. The upper loop has more shade, bigger sites, but sound rises from below. You can hear the conversations and generators of your lower neighbors. Our site was next to a vault toilet - we could smell it. There was lots of noise, e.g., road, train, barking dogs, etc. The 2020 camp hosts were very intrusive. They stopped us in the middle of the road while they inspected our front license plate (we aren't required to have one), then interrogated us, without masks, about where we were from, what we were doing & how many dogs we had. We have a nice RV and look like average middle class folks. Maybe it was because we were in a Class B Van, but our van cost more than most class As. This is a self-pay campground so unless I need firewood I don't need to be forced to stop & be questioned by a volunteer. While we drove through looking at sites one host tailed us on foot through the CG. Five minutes after we began to set up they showed up, not wearing masks, wanting money. I didn't think volunteers were supposed to handle any money. We'd already paid at the iron ranger pay station & they seemed disappointed to not get the money directly from us. Then, within a minute, they returned, not wearing masks, & fussed because we hadn't gotten the tag on our campsite post yet - we were still setting up & hadn't had time yet. They weren't social distancing & we thought they were very peculiar and intimidating.

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2019

Great spot!

Stayed here for nine nights this spring, and had a great time. Excellent access to the river, small walking trails led to fishing areas, and we saw beavers, turkeys, and deer. Beware of ticks and mosquitos, but that's pretty common for this area of the state.

  • Review photo of Bull River Campground by Rachel M., June 15, 2019
  • Review photo of Bull River Campground by Rachel M., June 15, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2018

Nice place

Lots of pretty spots. Closet to river. Has great swimming place and boat access. Close to highway. Can fill up fast on the weekends.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Apr. 26, 2018

A Forest Gem

Spent a night here just as fire season became bad - the campground was safe and welcoming. The park has awesome river access.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Bull River Campground by Lindsey A., April 26, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2016

Bull River

Beautiful camp areas, tons of hiking around the area such as Pillick ridge, and great swimming ando fishing in the bull river.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bull River Campground located in the Kootenai National Forest?

Bull River Campground is situated in the Kootenai National Forest near Noxon, Montana. The campground is positioned alongside the Bull River, offering scenic waterfront sites. Located close to a highway for easy access, the campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding forest areas, including nearby hiking trails like Pillick Ridge. The proximity to both the river and road makes it a convenient yet picturesque camping destination in northwestern Montana.

What amenities and facilities are available at Bull River Campground?

Bull River Campground offers basic amenities including potable water (though availability may vary seasonally), vault toilets, and designated camping sites. The standard fee is $16 per night with an additional $8 charge for extra vehicles, and discounts are available with a Federal parks pass. The campground has multiple loops - the upper loop provides more shade and larger sites, while the lower loops have sites positioned closer together with less shade. No electrical hookups or dump stations are available. The campground features a pavilion area and various water access points.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy near Bull River Campground?

Bull River Campground offers excellent recreational opportunities centered around the river. Visitors can enjoy swimming in designated river areas, fishing from access points reached via small walking trails, and boating with convenient boat access. Hiking is popular, with trails like Pillick Ridge nearby. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound - campers have spotted beavers, turkeys, and deer in the area. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding Kootenai National Forest, offering a mix of water and land-based activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

When is the best time to visit Bull River Campground and are reservations required?

The best time to visit Bull River Campground is late spring through early fall when weather conditions are most favorable. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system, which means sites can fill up quickly, especially on weekends during peak summer months. Spring visits offer good wildlife viewing opportunities but come prepared for ticks and mosquitoes. Summer provides ideal conditions for swimming and river activities. Be aware that late summer might coincide with fire season in the region, potentially affecting camping conditions. Always check for current forest conditions before your trip.