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.
"Also was a place for a tent by the river and two other dispersed sites, again suited for overnight, as there are no facilities."
"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."
"It’s free. close to the lake. The bathroom was pretty clean. Good for being a car access spot."
"While somewhat hard to get to (roughly 20 miles on a winding gravel/dirt road following Hungry Horse Reservoir) this was one of my favorite spots to camp during the entirety of my cross country road trip"
"The road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue."
"We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it!"
"In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."
"This free camping area has unbelievable breathtaking views especially at sunrise/sunset! The stars are also extremely visible since you’re staying on the rocks right along the river."
"If you have a small overlanding camper, 4WD, or a text/van, this secluded spot just past the recreation area is STUNNING. 270 views of the reservoir."
"Pit toilet, well maintained, and walkable from all spots in the area."
"Rolled in around 8pm and easily found a spot for a car and multiple tents toward the beginning of the road, before we reached the dropped pin."
"This was a great campsite really close to the West Glacier entrance. The road is easily accessible by most cars. There’s around 10 designated camp site of different sizes."
"This is side of road parking on National forest dirt road. Lots of pull offs every 1/4 mile or so. I took one right by creek. Creek full of small trout. Traffic is minimal."
"Absolutely beautiful view if you go to the coordinates. There’s around 7 spots up to where the coordinates lead to."
"What a great place to dry camp. Reasonable daily fee of 22.00. Great camp host Anna. Has a boat ramp on Hungry Horse Lake. Several deer frequent regularly."
"Easy access to the river. Ability to have some privacy from other sites. Pit toilet that was fine for a pit toilet. Stayed there sept 9-12, 2020."
"I’m in a camper van and had no issues accessing the site. Dirt road, but very passable leading here. Large 30+’ motorhomes here, too. Bathroom onsite, too."
"The GPS coordinates for this place are slightly off. Look for Hungry Horse Rd and follow it 4 miles until you reach the Hungry Horse Reservoir Dam."
"37 miles from Hungry Horse to this location, almost 25 of the unpaved and some of the road is really rough and extremely narrow, much of it along steep Cliffs but when you take 895 around the reservoir"
GuideIn this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 16 day stay limit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0llxG33OdoQ
Free Camping Near Glacier National Park- North Fork Road, Canyon Creek and McGinnis Creek Dispersed
GPS Point for North Fork Road Dispersed Camping
48.499334,-114.131517
Natural Spring for drinking water etc. 48.447581,-114.165680
Conoco Station($5 Dump and Water) 48.371583,-114.203917
Bonus Content GPS Info Canyon Creek Dispersed 48.463612,-114.167320
McGinnis Creek Dispersed(start of road with North Fork Road Instersection) 48.52.3474,-114.128642
McGinnis Creek Large Boondocking Area from Video 48.531014,-114.157493
GuideIn this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. This time we focus on the Middle Fork Flathead River(Blankenship Bridge) and Glacier Rim River Access Locations. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8kY0x0BoY&t=27
GuideIn this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana. This time we focus on the Middle Fork Flathead River(Blankenship Bridge) and Glacier Rim River Access Locations. All locations are located in the Flathead National Forest and there is a 3 day stay limit at Middle Fork and 16 day stay limit at Glacier Rim.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO8kY0x0BoY&t=27
GuideFire pits. Easy access to the river. Ability to have some privacy from other sites. Pit toilet that was fine for a pit toilet. Stayed there sept 9-12, 2020. Right next to the to river and it’s babbling mini rapids. Standard bumpy gravel road access to Glacier national park. Also easy access to the Flathead national forest. Not too crowded while we were there. Couple RVs in the main lot area, ran generators for brief moments at reasonable times. One night only one other tent there. Another there were 5 or 6. A short walk from parking to sites but no big deal. Left our stuff each day while we went to explore glacier and came back to no problems. Limited wood in the area to burn but you can find it - especially if you have a saw/axe.
GuideDispersed spot in the flathead national forest. Did some group camping here. Nice and open, however it was absolutely littered with trash. Some a moose!
GuideThe road is nice gravel for most of the way in, but the last 500 ft to the shore is a very bumpy dirt road so trailers might have an issue. But that road leads you to a open expanse of rocks next to the rivers edge you can camp on or drive back a bit into a sparsely wooded area. Primitive camping because it’s free, no amenities. But there is a lot of drift wood to use as fire wood and many perfect fire pits made from the rocky ground.
TravelerI’m in a camper van and had no issues accessing the site. Dirt road, but very passable leading here. Large 30+’ motorhomes here, too. Bathroom onsite, too. Have a site that backed right up to the river.
GuideThis was our favorite spot that we camped at on our 2 week trip out west. The road to the beach is quite rough. We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance. The beach spots are packed, but plenty of space and lots of rafters having themselves a good time, so if thats your scene go for it! We kept on going past the main beach to the tree covered area and found our slice of heaven. Less crowded but still with river access. We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle! Porta potties are dispersed throughout.
TravelerThe other reviews here are accurate. Access road is ok when dry, otherwise 4wd is probably required. Spacious area for all types of camping, tents, schoolies, Sprinters, cars. Great river side location. Friendly people.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Flathead National Forest in Montana, where nature's tranquility meets the freedom of the great outdoors. With a variety of spots to choose from, you can enjoy stunning views, peaceful surroundings, and the chance to connect with nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there dispersed camping available near Flathead Lake?
Yes, dispersed camping is available near Flathead Lake, though not directly on its shores as most lakefront property is developed or private. The best free camping options are found in the surrounding Flathead National Forest. North Fork Flathead River dispersed camping offers river-adjacent sites that are accessible to larger vehicles, including 30+ foot motorhomes, with basic amenities like vault toilets. Teakettle River Access provides a good starting point—park at the access area and walk south along the riverbank to find suitable camping spots on public land. These areas provide beautiful mountain views and water access while being within driving distance of Flathead Lake attractions.
Where are the best areas for dispersed camping in Flathead National Forest?
Flathead National Forest offers excellent dispersed camping opportunities, particularly along river corridors. McGinnis Creek provides free boondocking with a 16-day stay limit and serves as a great basecamp for exploring Glacier National Park. For those seeking more seclusion, Big Creek Road offers open spaces suitable for group camping in a forested setting. Many dispersed sites throughout the forest feature fire rings and easy river access. Most areas are accessible via gravel roads, though some require high-clearance vehicles. Remember that all dispersed camping in Flathead National Forest requires self-sufficiency, as amenities are minimal to non-existent, and proper waste disposal is essential.
Can I camp along the Middle Fork Flathead River?
Yes, camping is permitted along the Middle Fork Flathead River with several excellent dispersed sites available. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed offers spacious camping areas suitable for various setups from tents to vans. The sites feature beautiful riverside locations with stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset, and excellent stargazing opportunities. Access requires navigating bumpy dirt roads for the final stretch—high clearance vehicles and 4WD are recommended, particularly in wet conditions. The camping areas include both rocky beach spots popular with rafters and more secluded wooded areas. No reservations are required, but sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and can fill up during peak summer months.
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