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.
"Be prepared for a colder night because of your proximity to the water. The only negative thing about this campsite were the masses of mosquitoes and other bugs."
"Lovely little campsite next to the water. A little buggy but not too bad. Campsites we’re clean, had a fire pit and nice flat tent area, pit toilet on site too which was a nice surprise."
$22 - $250 / night
"Very large camp spot in Montana, lots of space and seclusion. Necessities available and camp spots scattered around the lake, good fishing, hiking and wild life observing. Kayaking most common here."
"Super accessible bathrooms that were nearby and clean. The hosts did an outstanding job of managing this campground. They never stopped to snoop on us or get nosey."
"I love living in Montana and being able to hike some of the best spots ever. Flathead is also an amazing spot, so really any campground in the area is good in my opinion."
"Very close to the beautiful town of Bigfork and great amenities, yet it feels tucked away. Right on Flathead lake, can’t beat the views!"
$20 / night
"West Shore State Park was a beautiful way to spend an afternoon after kayaking to Wild Horse Horse Island State Park nearby. The water was clear and the dogs throughly enjoyed splashing around."
"On Flathead Lake with views of the lake. Choose loop B if you want electric. Loop A doesn't have electric and is closer to the highway. Good trails to the lake."
$10 - $90 / night
"My site is right on the lake with lake access. It’s a short walk to water, trash, and bathrooms (not all in the same location)."
"This is a private, tribal run campground about half way up the eastern shore of Flathead Lake."
$20 - $40 / night
"Our trip to Swan Lake Trading Post & Campground started out by reserving the campground through The Dyrts's new reservation system."
"There's also very limited wifi on the porch just outside the bathrooms/showers. The campground has a great vibe and everyone is very friendly."
$50 / night
"It’s about 3 miles of the main road around Flathead lake , nestled in a beautiful lakeside neighborhood."
"There are a select few sites yards away from the water, each with a bit of beach. The biting bugs were minimal, but the swarms of other bugs were impressive, and the fish obviously loved them."
$9 - $28 / night
"You are surrounded by beautiful mountains, crystal clear water and a place where you can do a lot of great outdoor activities!"
"I absolutely love Montana the yellow Bay Area keeps me coming back I live in beautiful Idaho however Montana just has something different to offer and I I'm always looking for excuses to go back to Montana"
$18 - $140 / night
"It was the cheapest option around the Flathead we could find and we were not disappointed! It was perfect for our needs that week."
"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 rangers are really helpful with trails and additional camping ideas."
LegendStayed in a cabin for a couple nights and had a great stay! You can hear a bit of road noise due to being in town and near the main road, but everything else was great: clean, showers, laundry facilities, near groceries/restaurants, pet-friendly, etc.
ScoutWe camped here for one night. Everything is super clean and well maintained. Beautiful spot
TravelerI absolutely loved this camping spot. Staff were friendly and the lovely couple at the cafe were super helpful for advice on where to check out. Having a hot shower after hiking was bliss. There’s even a communal fire at 7pm if you feel like being social
GuideEmbarrassing to say that I’m pushing 50 and this is my first time visiting Holland Lake. OMG! This place is gorgeous. I have taken some strolls on nearby paths and there are so many hidden gems of lakeside spots to enjoy the scenery. It is a very mellow weekend and wx has been cool and rainy. I could spend weeks here. I’m on the Bayview loop and they’ve locked up the bathrooms and put porta potties instead. Sign says it closed for the season in a few days 10/7. The other loops they’ve kept the bathrooms open oddly enough. I was not expecting to get service but T-Mobile I have 1 bar and sometimes I get 5G. Around the lake I’ve seen 3 bars of service. There are zero complaints. Quite a few spots show reserved and nobody showed up likely b/c of the wx but that’s still garbage to hold up a spot out of selfish greed. I’m so glad I came and I am so excited to visit with my family in the summer. There are a decent amount of walk up sites that imo should be reservable for $100nt they are so epic.
ScoutThe area down the road was full and had limited car camping / roof top tent camping so my buddy and I moved this way and found plenty of opportunity.
TravelerVery nice spot close to Glacier NP. As others have mentioned, the road getting in is very rough, but i made it up/down several times with my Promaster 2500 van with no issues, just got to be strategic about how you take the ruts. Awesome views of river. Road is a little noisy at times, but nothing to complain about. Plenty of other people camping there. Cell service was pretty good.
TravelerVery popular spot but enough space to spread out with amazing views.
ScoutBeautiful sights and very clean. Internet and phone service is very weak.
RangerAcesss logging road in good shape. Narrow in places . Fire ring at the edge of the embankment. Tight place to turn around. Can hear a creek deep in the gorge. Only saw one other person. Vegetation is very dry. Nice open view for camping. Most of the road cuts through tall trees. Good cell service . No services just a fire ring and cell reception.
Camping near Flathead National Forest, Montana, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are several campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique charm.
Camping near Flathead National Forest, Montana, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Flathead National Forest campgrounds?
Amenities at Flathead National Forest campgrounds vary by location. Tally Lake Campground features approximately 40 camping sites and a public boat launch, though access is via an unpaved, rutted road. At Lost Johnny Point Campground, you'll find more primitive facilities, accessible via a 4-mile drive after crossing Hungry Horse Reservoir. Many dispersed camping areas like North Fork Flathead River sites offer basic amenities such as fire pits and pit toilets. For those seeking developed facilities, some forest campgrounds provide water access, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Dispersed camping locations typically have minimal amenities but offer greater privacy and immersion in nature, with most enforcing a 16-day stay limit.
Where are the best campgrounds in Flathead National Forest?
Flathead National Forest offers excellent camping options for those seeking seclusion from Glacier National Park crowds. Murray Bay Campground (MT) is highly recommended for its waterfront location and secluded setting, though it requires navigating 20 miles of rough dirt road. For dispersed camping, McGinnis Creek provides free boondocking with a 16-day stay limit near Glacier National Park. Other notable options include Tally Lake Campground west of Kalispell with approximately 40 sites and a public boat launch, North Fork Flathead River for riverside camping with fire pits, and Lost Johnny Point Campground, which offers a more adventurous experience accessible via Hungry Horse Reservoir.
How close are Flathead National Forest campgrounds to Flathead Lake?
Flathead National Forest campgrounds vary in proximity to Flathead Lake. Swan Lake Campground near Bigfork is among the closer options, located approximately 15-20 miles from the northeast shore of Flathead Lake. For those wanting lakeside camping directly on Flathead Lake, Wayfarers State Park Campground near Bigfork offers a closer alternative just outside the national forest. Most Flathead National Forest campgrounds are situated further north, closer to Glacier National Park, typically 30-45 minutes from Flathead Lake. The distance allows campers to enjoy both the forest's seclusion and day trips to the lake, offering a good balance between forest immersion and lake recreation.
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