Within Flathead National Forest, Spotted Bear provides 13 drive-in sites accommodating RVs up to 32 feet, though access requires navigating rough roads to reach this remote location. The campground sits on flat terrain with scattered small trees offering limited shade, while bear boxes at each site reflect the active wildlife presence that includes deer, eagles, and elk.
Sites accommodate groups of 8-12 people with multiple tents, and the nearby Spotted Bear Ranger Station offers additional facilities and trail access via a swinging footbridge. River access supports fishing and rafting on the Flathead River, with an overlook where the Spotted Bear River joins the main waterway. The Forest Service manages this seasonal campground from mid-May through September, making it suitable for campers comfortable with pet-friendly sites around Flathead National Forest and seeking a quieter base for backcountry exploration.
Description
This is a fee campground for $10 per night (no fee 9/30 - 5/15) located 55 miles south of the town of Hungry Horse on the gravel East Side Reservoir Road #38. The campground is located at an elevation of 3,800 feet and is maintained from May 15 through September 30. Spotted Bear Campground is situated next to the Spotted Bear and South Fork Flathead Rivers just off the East Side Reservoir Road #38. The 13 unit campground is set back from the road and most of the campsites are located above the river. The site is located in a second growth stand of trees. It is a high use site that often has open campsites mid week. It often is used as a base for huckleberry picking or fishing in the summer. The South Fork Flathead River can be accessed by walking or driving ¼ mile to the Spotted Bear Ranger Station, and then crossing the footbridge across the river, that accesses the sandy beach and river. Campsites can accommodate tents and trailers up to 32 feet in length. All campsites have tables and metal fire rings. There are accessible vault toilets. There is no potable water after 9/30 - 5/15. Stonot allowed in the campground. No garbage service 9/30 - 5/15. The site is operated on a first come, first served basis. There is a food storage order in effect on all national forest land that requires that human and stock food, garbage, and other attractants be kept unavailable to bears. Your stay may not exceed 14 days. This is a remote location and there is no cell phone service in the area. The closest public phone is located 1/4 mile south at the Spotted Bear Ranger Station. Phone, gas, and food are located 55 miles north in the town of Hungry Horse. Spotted Bear campsite Drinking water access - No potable water 9/30 - 5/15.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSpotted Bear is located in Montana
Directions
From Hungry Horse, MT, take US Rt. 2 east 0.6 miles to East Side Hungry Horse Reservoir sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.1 miles to "Y" intersection. Bear right and go 53.8 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.
Coordinates
47.92600078 N
113.52800055 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 5 hrs 16 min from Missoula, MT
- 6 hrs 3 min from Great Falls, MT
- 6 hrs 22 min from Helena, MT
- 6 hrs 46 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
