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."
"Great campground for dog walks - short walk over to the swan lake boat dock and the little trail along the water. Relatively short drive over to Flathead Lake areas as well! No service on Verizon"
"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!"
$18 - $24 / 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."
$6 - $54 / 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."
GuideJust a big field, room for about 20 figs of any size. About 20 minutes from West Glacier, Columbia Falls closer has everything you'd need.
TravelerStayed for two days in site #2 . Awesome experience.
TravelerPretty campsite. The 2 miles of gravel over to Glacier Park hasn't improved any. Literally 5 mph was too fast. I hear there is 7 miles of the same stuff if you come via north fork road so I wouldn't do that. The hosts are super nice as reported elsewhere. Very remote area. Recent bear campground activity when I was there. Starlink was difficult due to talk trees without a super long 100' cord that reaches the river clearing.
TravelerI parked in a turnout across the street and walked down to this location. The road was filled with huge pot holes. The beach was crowded with several campers and other boaters that weren't camping there. It would be worth it, probably, with kids, but I'm alone with my dog and decided i want her to have more freedom, so I moved on. However, there are several other turnouts on the road, so it is worth exploring if you don't have a large vehicle.
TravelerUsed to dispersed camping so a bit different for us. Sites were good distance from each other to not feel crowded. Campground has 1 shower location on loop A so a bit inconvenient but hey at least it’s a shower. Check in was a bit confusing so we ended up just going to our site and there were no problems. Firewood only available for purchase, no scavenging for wood. Another good spot for a one night stop for us.
ScoutThe sites are just spaced out enough to feel private. In our site, we could barely see any other fires at night. It was great having easy access to the abandoned "D Loop" walking trail.
As others have said, these were some of the cleaner vault toilets we've seen.
RangerThis was much more private than Middle Fork, only 3 spots and you can only stay for 3 days
RangerLove the quick access to the river but definitely not the most private spot at all
TravelerStayed 2 nights while I visited Glacier National Park. Found an incredible spot. But if you are a car camper or tent camper there are even more amazing spots than this one, if you can believe it. Only downside is the road getting here is not great..rough and a lot of potholes. Bonus…it’s only 12 miles from the West Glacier entrance.
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.
Keep Exploring
