Within Flathead National Forest, Emery Bay Campground sits along Hungry Horse Reservoir, accessible via dirt roads that require patience and dust tolerance. The US Forest Service manages this hillside facility with sites arranged in rings that climb away from the water, where the outer ring near the shoreline catches consistent breezes.
The approach involves navigating gravel roads that reviewers consistently describe as rough, dusty, and full of potholes. Gary N. notes the "water spigot just across from the toilets provided lean potable water," while several campers mention vault toilets that stay surprisingly clean throughout the season. Site sizes vary considerably, with some accommodating RVs up to 99 feet and others better suited for smaller rigs. Sites 1 through 8 sit closest to the campground road, creating dust and noise issues for some visitors.
Swimming and fishing dominate the activity roster here, with teenagers frequently using the area near the boat ramp for swimming during busy summer days. The reservoir supports kayaking and boating, though some sites share bear lockers, reducing individual storage space. Water hookups serve RV campers, while a dump station handles waste needs. Campfires are permitted with firewood available for purchase.
The campground operates from mid-May through mid-September, with reservations available through the standard Forest Service system. Cell service remains spotty throughout most of the facility, though some areas allow basic phone calls and text messaging. The location provides access to Glacier National Park within 20 minutes, making it a staging area for park visitors when interior campgrounds fill up.
Campers comfortable with dusty access roads and basic amenities will find Emery Bay works well for extended stays focused on water activities and park exploration.
Description
Overview
Emery Bay Campground is located on the Hungry Horse Reservoir, high in the Rocky Mountains, less than 30 miles from the Continental Divide, surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Visitors can expect a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, exploring and big game hunting. This Campground has 26 sites, 16 of which are reservable and 10 are walk-up sites. The stay limit is 16 consecutive days.
Recreation
Boating is popular on the 27,750-acre reservoir, and a native boat ramp for smaller watercraft is available. Swimming and fishing are also popular pastimes, and anglers can expect a catch of cutthroat trout and other varieties.
Facilities
The campground offers 26 campsites, including some first come, first serve, available for tent and RV camping. Two group campsites are also available and can accommodate up to 75 guests on each separate loop. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets are provided. Also drinking water is provided after June 15th. Water is not a fill station so please come with your RV water full. An on-site host is available to answer any questions about the campground and surrounding areas.
Natural Features
The campground is situated along the massive Hungry Horse Reservoir, which was dammed to provide hydroelectric power and flood control to the area. It is the 10th highest dam in the United States and provides a stunning backdrop.
Nearby Attractions
Emery Bay Campground is just 15 miles southwest of the West Glacier entrance into Glacier National Park.
Charges & Cancellations
No cancellations can be made within 4 days of your arrival date through recreation.gov. You must wait for your reservation dates to pass then call Cheryl at 406-752-PWAI (7924) or 406-404-4164 to turn in a Refund Request. Refunds can then be considered, by the concessionaire, of Camping fees only. You will automatically forfeit the first nights fee. Any cancellations within 4 days of your arrival must be turned to Cheryl also, to get the information to the campground Host. Otherwise your site will be held for you and there will be no chance for a refund. All Considerations can only be made after your original reservation dates have passed.*No shows have no chance of a refund.
Fee Info
To make reservations by phone please call: 1-877-444-6777 Individual Site Reservations: $22.00 per camper unit per night. Group Site Reservation (G1): 1 - 51 people - $175/night 51 - 75 people - $300/night Two motorized vehicles may be parked 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 & DirectionsEmery Bay Campground is located in Montana near Martin City
Directions
From Martin City, Montana, turn off Highway 2 and continue on the main road through the town heading south. This road becomes East Side Reservoir Road. Continue for about 6 miles into the campground.
Address
EAST SIDE RESERVOIR RD #38
Martin city, MT 59926
Coordinates
48.3325 N
113.9494444 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/30/26- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/5/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/30/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/5/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 32 min from Missoula, MT
- 3 hrs 20 min from Great Falls, MT
- 3 hrs 38 min from Helena, MT
- 4 hrs 3 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
