Spotted Bear is located near Flathead, MT, surrounded by forested terrain and mountain views. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit in spring and fall to highs in the 80s during summer. Campers can explore nearby attractions like the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Flathead National Forest.

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.

Spotted Bear

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Flathead National Forest, MT has a lot to offer. Flathead National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Flathead National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.

Flathead National Forest

The Best Camping Near Flathead National Forest, Montana

We like small, out of the way, campgrounds and this is my husband's favorite in Montana. Campsites are large, quiet, and well looked after by the host. The bathroom facilities were cleaned often by the friendly host. This is a quiet campground that is very close to the ranger station. The campsite was a back in and we stayed in site #6. There were several tents also staying at the campground. There was scat in the site that we believe was elk. Saw several types of birds. If you like quiet, this is the place. Some hiking in the area and lots of beautiful scenery near the campground.

Spotted No Bear

There are 13 sites here, each with lots of room(most sites were occupied by groups of 8-12 people, and 2-4 tents). The big draw is river access for fishing. The campground is flat with small thin trees providing some shade. There are bear boxes at each site as well as picnic tables and fire pits. There are two pit toilets in the campground and a few more available down the road at the Spotted Bear Ranger Station. Lots of wildlife here, including a doe and two fawns and a nesting pair of bald eagles. There is a pretty overlook of the Spotted Bear river flowing into the Flathead River(but be careful because the eagles nest is in that area and they are rather protective). There is river access for putting your raft in the Flathead, but I didn’t see where it was. Over at the ranger station there is a trailhead and a cool swinging foot bridge. The rangers are really helpful with trails and additional camping ideas.

Photos of Spotted Bear

Real photos from real campers