158 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dixon, Montana provides a range of camping options within the Flathead Lake region and surrounding national forest lands. Muchwater Recreation Area offers dispersed camping with river access, while Jocko Hollow Campground provides more developed sites with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and cabin accommodations. The area supports both tent and RV camping, with several campgrounds offering mixed-use sites that accommodate various camping styles. Kreis Pond Campground, located near Huson, features tent and RV sites with picnic tables and toilet facilities in a natural setting that allows both drive-in and walk-in access.
"We got a nice spot next to the river. It was really relaxing," noted one visitor about camping in the region. Seasonal considerations affect campground availability, with many established sites operating from May through October. Polson-Flathead Lake KOA and Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA typically open from mid-April to mid-September. Winter camping options are limited, though some dispersed areas remain accessible year-round. Road conditions vary significantly, with dispersed sites often requiring higher clearance vehicles. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly at more remote locations. Most campgrounds implement 14-day stay limits, and fire restrictions are common during dry summer months.
Campers consistently mention water access as a primary draw to the area's campgrounds. Muchwater Dispersed Campground provides riverside camping, though reviews note a steep drop to access the water. A camper observed that "the train runs often across the river and will disrupt your night unless you live in Montana then you're already used to it." Wildlife sightings are common, with moose and other animals occasionally visiting campsites. Flathead Lake access points receive high ratings for swimming and boating opportunities. Visitors appreciate the spacing between sites at many campgrounds, with several reviews highlighting the privacy and natural setting. Campgrounds closer to Missoula offer more amenities but tend to have more highway noise, while remote sites provide greater solitude with fewer facilities.
"Beautiful spot with great views of Flathead Lake. The RV sites were nice and spacious and level with their own patio and chairs. They also offer cabins and tent sites."
"The pics say it all so close to glacier national Park without the glacier prices don't miss this one. Also the lake looks like Caribbean"
from $10 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Wonderful little campground located just south of Whitefish Montana on highway 93. This KOA has a lot to offer from cabins to RV parking and several tent camping locations."
"our site was nice and tucked off in the trees on the edge, but near the showers. they also provide free breakfast in the morning. newish washers/dryers were great too since we were starting a two week"
"This campground is nice and small and tucked away so that you can explore the woods and wilderness around it. It is very well kept and a great value for the price."
"Not something I feel they should be judged for, they were concerned about my kids and asked them to keep away from the left side because of that."
"Bring tubes to float around the water and hammock to hang around. Neat, fun area especially with the Sleeping Woman hike so close."
"7 well spaced campsites all around the pond. Truly enjoyable stay. Clean toilet facilities. Be prepared for several miles of dusty, gravel, washboard road."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Lots of shade to keep cool during the hot Montana summer. We wish we would have stayed a few more nights."
"The pull through sites on the outer edge do not but others inside do. The laundry and bathhouse was very nice and clean. 2.00 per load to wash."
"3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there."
"and do a 180° turn ok to exit. We stayed one night 9/23/24 and had the place to ourselves. Nice rock fire pits."
"Great friendly and clean place to stay in Missoula Montana!"
"This KOA is conveniently located for a quick overnight stop. We were passing through Montana and needed a full hookup site to rest and recharge before another long day of driving."
from $75 - $192 / night
Check Availability"Stunning views, several sites to choose from, some have access to the river. The road conditions are wonderful—towed a 20 ft trailer. Some spots are more open to use Starlink."
"It’s a nicely maintained gravel road to the campsites and there are two tracks that give you access to the river. I didn’t get any Verizon service here, however."
"We were in a site along the outside, and our site was rather short, it fit our 174BH, but there was not much room to spare and we had to back it all the way in. "
"Large dog play area, and hiking trails Close to the interstate, but road noise isn’t bad."
from $40 - $150 / night
Check Availability
LegendWe chose this KOA for its proximity to downtown Missoula. There is an REI right around the corner. It is a very large campground but empty in early September. Our space is an “extra parking” space so nobody would be next to us if it were busy. Feels older but has the tent camping, cabins, pools, hot tubs one expects from a KOA Holiday. Bathrooms dated but clean. A bit smelly due to poor ventilation.
GuideNice little spot on the lower creek side. Clean toilet. Roadside noise quiets doe at night.
ScoutNice to be in the Forest, this spot has some reasonable privacy and a nice view out the back of the van of forest
TravelerNew Management is excellent. Fire rings, clean bathroom, laundry, frisbee golf, river access.
TravelerI'm a camp host at Finley Point Unit,Flathead Lake State Park. I can honestly say this is the most beautiful setting I've camped in. The campground is kept clean, the employees and the camp hosts ( including me) are friendly. I haven't seen one unhappy camper in 2 months. I highly recommend a stay at this park. One little tip. reserve in advance, the campground fills up fast.
GuideSites are dusty towards the end but the access to the river makes up for it.
LegendFairly peaceful here. I think it would be difficult to bring a trailer bigger than about 35 feet in here as the campground Road loop has some pretty tight corners around trees. Our spot was fairly easy to get into. Nice big area behind the trailer for setting up chairs and it had a picnic table with a camping. Wonderful 2 mile nature walk around the park down by the lake. We went down the road a few miles to the lodge and rented canoes for a couple hours. There are water spickets available for freshwater and several pit toilets. We paid $34 a night for nonMontana residents.
GuideThis free campsite has absolutely gorgeous views and sits right along a beautiful river—definitely bring a kayak if you want to get out on the water! Keep in mind that there is a little ambient noise, as it is located close to the highway on one side and a railway track on the other. Overall, it is a stunning and convenient free location that is well worth a stop!
GuideTent campers traveling as a family of 6. Friendly camp hosts Lisa and Judy were attentive and enjoyable to chat with. Facilities are all new or newly restored. Clean vault toilet, clean flush toilet restroom with sink. Docks were new and well maintained. Perfect for launching boats and swimming and fishing. Rocky shore was fun for the little to play. Older kids fish and swam off dock. Wish our stay was longer. 2 days was not enough. Close to grab fresh cherries from nearby produce stands. Papa’s gas and general store has everything you may have forgotten or may need. Highlight of our road trip so far! Will be back.
Camping near Dixon, Montana provides several options for overnight stays at dispersed and established sites between Missoula and Flathead Lake. The region sits in the Clark Fork River valley at approximately 2,700 feet elevation, where summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F during peak camping season. Winter camping locations remain limited, with daytime temperatures often staying below freezing from December through February.
Fishing access: 6 miles. Multiple camping areas near Dixon offer river access for anglers. At Muchwater Recreation Area, campers can find spots with direct river access, though some terrain challenges exist. "There's a river nearby that's great for fishing or swimming. The campgrounds has fire pits ready to go and well maintained," notes John F. about this dispersed camping area.
Mountain scenery: 20-40 minutes. Visitors camping near Dixon can enjoy views of multiple mountain ranges. "The pics say it all so close to glacier national Park without the glacier prices don't miss this one. Also the lake looks like Caribbean," shares Bambi K. about Polson-Flathead Lake KOA, referring to the stunning water color.
Local hiking: under 5 miles. The Dixon area offers trails for hikers seeking mountain views. "Neat, fun area especially with the Sleeping Woman hike so close. Once you drive up the mountain, the trailhead is off to the left and it's a heavy incline to the top so be prepared with lots of water and an awesome view at the end," explains Kirsten R. about trails near Kreis Pond Campground.
Natural surroundings: wooded sites. Many campsites around Dixon feature forest settings with adequate spacing. At Lolo National Forest Recreation Area, campers appreciate the natural environment. "Arrived very late in the dark on Friday night coming back from Canada, and found an amazing site next to the river which drowned out all surrounding noise. Beautiful and forested with privacy and plenty of space to setup 5 tents," reports Luke L.
Privacy between sites: varies by location. Campgrounds offer different levels of site separation. "So gorgeous! Tent camped along the river! Very spaced out campsites, nice for lots of privacy and quiet!" Julia R. mentions about their experience at Lolo National Forest Recreation Area.
Water features: direct access. Campers consistently mention water proximity as a significant benefit. "We got the site closest to the road and it was not so bad, I was camping in my car anyway. The spot seemed pretty level. The trees were gorgeous," shares Lauren M. about Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping, a free camping option.
Seasonal availability: May-October. Most campgrounds in the Dixon area operate during summer months with limited winter access. "Muchwater Recreation Area has earned a top spot for my camping areas. There's plenty of space between you and your neighbor. And it's dog friendly. Oh and the hiking is pretty good too," John F. mentions.
Road conditions: variable access. Access to some camping areas requires traveling unpaved roads. "Road is in great shape. All the sights are great," notes Jason C. about roads in Lolo National Forest Recreation Area.
Wildlife considerations: proper storage required. The Dixon camping region hosts various wildlife requiring food security measures. "Something is eating big game out here so lock up your food. Wayyyy better than sleeping in a parking lot," warns Jacob R. about Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping.
Noise factors: highway and trains. Certain campgrounds experience road and railway noise. "The river was so soothing to hear. Didn't go in due to the current being so strong. The train didn't really bother me. Kinda cool seeing it across the river bend," explains brendan about Muchwater Recreation Area.
Kid-friendly activities: recreation options. Several campgrounds offer specialized activities for children. "This is a really fun spot a little ways off busy Hwy. 93. You got your mini golf, outdoor go carts, paddle boats, arcade, donkey petting, pizza and all level of camp sites," explains Bjorn S. about Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA.
Safety considerations: water access. River access points often require supervision. "Beautiful spot with great views of Flathead Lake. The RV sites were nice and spacious and level with their own patio and chairs. They also offer cabins and tent sites. Some tent sites have water and electric," shares Angela G. about Polson-Flathead Lake KOA.
Bathroom facilities: varies by location. Camping options range from primitive to full facilities. "The campground has all the amenities that they have in Billings. I think some of the other reviews do not paint a quality picture of this place from a child's eye. This is my daughters favorite place," writes Craig L. about Missoula KOA Holiday.
Site size variations: 20-50 feet. RV campgrounds offer various site dimensions. "Plenty of space, both large and small sites. Room for a 30' in a couple of the sites. 3 bars Tmobile. Some sites on the water with a short steep slope down," notes Josh S. about sites at Lolo National Forest Recreation Area.
Hookup availability: limited options. RV hookups exist at select campgrounds but not at dispersed sites. "Very clean facilities, friendly owners, and a nice fire pit," states Annie V. about Diamond S RV Park near Ronan.
Setup challenges: leveling considerations. Some camping areas have uneven terrain. "Level sites, stayed in #6 right by office. Sites fairly close together. Nice pet walk area. Showers clean. Full hookups. Solid, clean, well kept place to stay," explains Mark M. about his RV experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fishing opportunities are available at Dixon Reservoir?
Dixon Reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Similar to Harpers Lake, which provides easy river access for fishing, Dixon Reservoir is known for its variety of fish species. The reservoir is typically stocked with trout, and you might also find bass and other native species. The best fishing spots are along the shoreline and from small watercraft. Spring and early summer generally offer the best fishing conditions, though fall can also be productive. For a more secluded fishing experience similar to what's found at Chief Looking Glass Campground, try the quieter coves and inlets of Dixon Reservoir.
Are there any entrance fees or camping permits required at Dixon Reservoir?
Dixon Reservoir typically requires modest entrance and camping fees. Similar to Muchwater Recreation Area, expect to pay around $12-15 per night for standard campsites. Some campgrounds in the region, like Yellow Bay State Park Campground, may offer discounted camping fees if you possess a valid Montana fishing license. Entrance fees for day use are generally separate from overnight camping fees. For dispersed camping options, verify current regulations as some areas may require backcountry permits. Payment methods vary by location, with most sites accepting cash at self-service pay stations. Reservations are typically not required, with most campsites operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where is Dixon Reservoir located and how do I access the campgrounds?
Dixon Reservoir is located in Montana's scenic western region. For access, take a similar approach to reaching Lolo Creek Campground, which requires careful attention to GPS coordinates as some mapping services may lead to incorrect locations. The reservoir is accessible via well-maintained roads similar to those leading to Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA, just a few minutes from the main highway. Campgrounds around Dixon Reservoir typically feature drive-in access with designated parking areas. Look for clear signage directing you to the recreation areas and camping facilities. Most campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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