The sound of the Yaak River runs through this campground in a literal sense: the river actually cuts through the property, placing sites on both its east and west banks. Set within Kootenai National Forest outside Troy, Montana, the campground sits near the confluence of the Yaak and Kootenai rivers, giving it a distinctly deep-woods character. Dense tree cover dominates the landscape. Solar panels are largely useless here, and cell service is nonexistent, so campers who depend on either should plan accordingly.
Jim M. describes the atmosphere as having "loads of trees and shade," and multiple reviewers point to the eastern section as the more desirable of the two sides, citing better river access. Sites are well-spaced with good privacy between them. Each site includes a fire ring with a grill top and a bear box for food storage, and vault toilets are maintained throughout the campground. One note: the bathrooms have no sinks or soap, so hand sanitizer is worth packing. A campground host is typically on site.
One recurring detail worth knowing: a freight train crosses the river nearby and passes through several times a day. Reviewers consistently describe it as audible but brief, and it does not run at night. Road noise is also present but not overwhelming, according to multiple accounts. The campground has roughly 40 sites, with water hookups available and a single water spigot near the host area. Firewood is sold on site, and cash is the expected form of payment for both the site fee and firewood.
Fishing and swimming are the primary draws on the water, and the rocky shoreline along the Yaak gives campers direct river access from many sites. Yaak Falls is within walking distance. Regarding RV access, the listed maximum length is 30 feet, but several reviewers caution that maneuvering larger rigs into the sites is genuinely difficult. Always C. notes a "deep woods feel" but recommends nothing over 25 feet based on personal experience. Tent campers and van travelers will find the layout more accommodating. Those planning a broader trip through the region can find additional campgrounds near Troy to round out an itinerary. This campground works best for tent campers, anglers, and smaller-rig travelers who want direct river access in a forested, off-grid setting.
Description
Overview
Yaak River Campground is located approximately 8 miles west of Troy, Montana and 6.5 miles east of the Idaho border on Highway 2 . This campground is located at the confluence of the Kootenai and Yaak Rivers. There are campsites on both sides of the Yaak River.
Recreation
The Yaak and Kootenai Rivers provide ample opportunity for visitors to enjoy fishing, rafting and canoeing, among other activities. Boats can be launched at a primitive boat ramp near the campground. Anglers can expect a catch of mostly whitefish and a variety of trout.Hiking and mountain biking opportunities are available on a variety of trails within the Cabinet Mountains. Kootenai Falls, the largest un-dammed waterfall in the state and an attraction of historical significance for the Kootenai Tribe, is located about 15 miles east of Yaak River Campground. It offers spectacular views, as the river drops 300 feet in just a few hundred yards. A swinging bridge is available and provides a different point of view to see the falls.
Facilities
The campground has 45 sites, including one host site, all with tables and fire rings. Most sites offer an average length of 32 feet. Vault toilets, garbage service, firewood and drinking water are available during the peak season. The campground campsites are not currently on the reservation system. The reservable group site is available for large groups up to 75 people. It is equipped with multiple tables, grills and a large campfire circle. A boat ramp located in Loop B gives access to the Kootenai River.
Natural Features
The group day use area is located on the east side (Loop A) of Yaak River Campground. Both facilities are in a heavily wooded part of the forest, with the Yaak and Kootenai Rivers running nearby. Tall grasses, shrubs and young pines cover the ground and mature evergreens offer shade overhead. The facility is situated at an elevation of about 1,900 feet, close to the Montana-Idaho border in northwestern Montana. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.
Nearby Attractions
Yaak River Campground is located along the David Thompson Historic Route, which is listed as one of the Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rocky Mountains.Ross Creek Giant Cedars, a 100-acre grove of majestic cedar trees, is about 23 miles south of the campground.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsYaak River Campground is located in Montana near Troy
Directions
From Troy, travel west on Highway 2 for approximately 7 miles. The fee station and campground hosts are located on the east side of the road, prior to crossing the Yaak River.
Address
12858 US HWY. 2
Troy, MT 59935-8750
Coordinates
48.55905 N
115.972975 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/1/26- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/1/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/1/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/1/26
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
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 44 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 2 hrs 14 min from Spokane, WA
- 2 hrs 59 min from Missoula, MT
- 3 hrs 39 min from Lewiston, ID
