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Camping near Flathead National Forest

1,104 Reviews

Flathead National Forest features diverse camping areas ranging from developed sites to free dispersed options along rivers and lakes. Swan Lake Campground provides spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings near boat launches, while Blair Flats offers free primitive camping along the Swan River with basic amenities including vault toilets and bear boxes. Additional options include state parks around Flathead Lake and private campgrounds like Swan Lake Trading Post & Campground that provide full hookups, cabins, and yurts.

Road access varies throughout the region, with some areas requiring navigation on rough gravel roads. Most forest campgrounds remain open from late May through September, though exact dates depend on snow conditions and maintenance schedules. "If you're lucky, you'll get one of three epic campsites right on the river at the end of a mile gravel logging road," noted one camper about Blair Flats. Cell service proves spotty or nonexistent in many camping areas, especially around Swan Lake where neither Verizon nor AT&T provide reliable coverage. Campers should prepare for mosquitoes, particularly in early summer near water sources, and bear activity requires proper food storage in provided lockers or secure containers.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Flathead region. Several campgrounds provide direct access to Swan Lake, Flathead Lake, or the Swan River, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming. As one visitor mentioned, "Swan Lake Campground in the Flathead National Forest is a beautiful wooded campground with lots of wooded private campground spots." Many campsites feature shade from ponderosa pines and other conifers, providing natural cooling during summer months. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with some campers reporting hearing wolves howl in the evening. Though popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season, particularly weekends, dispersed sites like Blair Flats provide alternatives for those seeking more solitude and a primitive camping experience.

Map showing campgrounds near Flathead National Forest, MontanaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Flathead National Forest (219)

    1. Blair Flats

    15 Reviews
    Flathead National Forest, MT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "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."

    2. Swan Lake Campground

    10 Reviews
    Bigfork, MT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 752-7924

    $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."

    3. Wayfarers State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Bigfork, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 837-4196

    "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!"

    4. West Shore Unit — Flathead Lake State Park

    18 Reviews
    Lakeside, MT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 844-3044

    "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."

    5. Blue Bay Campground

    10 Reviews
    Polson, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 982-3123

    $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."

    6. Swan Lake Trading Post & Campground

    4 Reviews
    Flathead National Forest, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 272-3500

    $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."

    7. Finley Point Unit — Flathead Lake State Park

    17 Reviews
    Polson, MT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 837-3041

    $6 / 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."

    8. Yellow Bay State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Dayton, MT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 752-5501

    $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"

    9. Outback Montana RV Park & Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bigfork, MT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 837-6973

    $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."

    10. Spotted Bear

    2 Reviews
    Flathead National Forest, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5376

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Flathead National Forest

341 Photos of 219 Flathead National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Flathead National Forest

1104 Reviews of 219 Flathead National Forest Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Lid Creek Campground

    Quiet Campground

    Farther down the reservoir is this really nice campground. There are bear boxes and a good vault toilet. The road down the hill to the site was a little bumpy, but the campground road is good for all vehicles.

    No potable water or hook ups

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Wayfarers Unit — Flathead Lake State Park

    Good Location, Constant Noise

    Nice campground with space in between the tent only camping. You are right next to a bridge so you will hear boats and cars

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    West Glacier KOA Resort

    EXPENSIVE, but Kinda Worth It

    We loved this place and location. Cost makes it prohibitive as you could stay at a really nice hotel, but I’d stay there again. Food on location is convenient. It isn’t great, but after a long day of hiking nice. The grounds are beautiful. The big dog park is next level and our dogs wanted to play like kids at a playground. The landscape is the best I’ve ever seen. It’s just crazy pricey.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Cut Bank Campground — Glacier National Park

    Beautiful, but crowded

    Leaving going to the sun road headed east we camped at Cut Bank campground for two nights. Heading back into the campsite it seemed secluded until we got back there to see that half of the sites were taken and they were pretty close to one another. The campground is also at a trail head where many people go. The next morning we found ourselves waking up to people talking loudly and showing up to hike or take wedding photos. The view of the mountains were amazing.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Blair Flats

    Paradise

    We stayed here for 4 or 5 days while on our 5 week trip across the west in our campervan. We stayed at the most wonderful places and this was hands down our favorite! It was mainly just us the entire time. We stayed through the week, so the only people who came through were bikers looking for a spot to sleep. Other than that it was just us. The vault toilet was clean also! Site 1 offers sun, shade and access to the river.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    Big rigs not recommended

    Pulled out Alliance Valor 32A10 down the horrible access road. Had to do a walk around after to verify no damage. Bed rails touched under my front cap a few times but luckily no damage.

    Best for overlanding vehicles. Beautiful location if you can get down the access road.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Edgewater RV Resort & Motel

    Flathead Harbor Resort RV Luxury Condos and Cabins / Edgewater RV Resort & Motel

    Stayed 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.

  • Kurt W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    West Glacier KOA Resort

    Late season stay

    We camped here for one night. Everything is super clean and well maintained. Beautiful spot

  • Giavanna P.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast

    Adorable camping spot

    I 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

Guide to Flathead National Forest

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.

What to do:

  • Explore Glacier National Park: Just a stone's throw away, this park is a must-visit. One camper mentioned, "The campground is about 1 mile from the west entrance of Glacier Park!" at Glacier Campground.
  • Hiking and Water Activities: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers. A visitor at Holland Lake Campground said, "We had a really nice couple of mid-week nights here... lots of dirt roads and little trails for the strider bikes."
  • Fishing: The rivers and lakes around the area are great for fishing. One reviewer at Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed noted, "River is very fast for fishing, could maybe get away with fly fishing."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed, have no drinking water or electric hookups. A reviewer noted, "Need a little bit of clearance to get down here."
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds like West Glacier KOA Resort can be lively, with live music every night. One camper mentioned, "Our only complaint was that there was live music every evening."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping said, "Great spot but was crowded."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or activities for kids. A family at West Glacier KOA Resort enjoyed the "Gaga ball pit" and pool.
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. One camper at Rocky Mountain Hi Campground appreciated, "Spacing is great with trees in-between you."
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray, especially in the summer. A visitor at Holland Lake Campground advised, "Bring bug spray, the mosquitos are out."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast mentioned, "Nice big site. Easy to back in."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Rocky Mountain Hi Campground offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A camper noted, "Full hookup sites, big rig friendly."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during peak times. A visitor at West Glacier KOA Resort said, "Live music every night during peak season - so don’t stay here if you want something quiet."

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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