Flathead National Forest encompasses 2.4 million acres of diverse terrain in northwestern Montana, with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 8,700 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day while dropping to 40-50°F at night. Many forest campgrounds remain open from May through September, with several private RV parks near the forest boundaries offering year-round accommodations for larger vehicles.
What to do
Fishing at Hungry Horse Reservoir: The 34-mile-long reservoir adjacent to Flathead National Forest offers excellent fishing opportunities. Lid Creek Campground provides easy access to the water. "The lake, Salish Mountains and Montana's big sky are all front and center here. Lid Creek is 15 miles off U.S. 2 on a very winding but paved road," notes one visitor to Lid Creek Campground.
Explore Bigfork: This small town near the forest boundary offers shops and dining options within walking distance of camping areas. "Lake Flathead; the historic downtown of Bigfork is cute, but small and not much going on. We got some ice cream. We did find a great running trail (Swan River Nature Trail) nearby that was 2 miles one way- flat and smooth gravel," reports a camper at Outback Montana RV Park.
Pontoon boat rentals: Several marinas around Flathead Lake offer daily boat rentals at reasonable rates. "We rented a pontoon boat from the rv park and explored the lake. The boat rental for a whole day is equivalent to a 4 hour rental near Spokane. Great prices," according to a visitor at Rollins RV Park.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Many campgrounds in the area maintain natural settings with trees providing privacy between sites. "Our pull through spot, as are most spots, is tremendous. Whitefish and Glacier are about 45-60 minutes away, but unlike parks closer to Glacier, there is no 2 week limit here," explains a camper at Pine Meadows RV Resort.
Clean facilities: Even the basic campgrounds maintain clean restrooms and common areas. "Bathrooms are great, even though you pay for hot water. There is an area for dry camping that is very secluded where we saw deer and enjoyed walking our dogs," notes a visitor to Outback Montana RV Park.
Community atmosphere: Some RV parks offer social activities during peak season. "They had live music on the lawn the night we arrived, a Wednesday," mentions a camper at Mountain Meadow RV Park and Cabins, while another adds, "There is space for walking around and grass for children's games and just sitting in front of the view of the forest."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Bears are common in this region. "There are definitely bears in the area. Keep pets close by and please store food in the storage boxes," warns a visitor to Lid Creek Campground. Many campgrounds provide bear-proof food storage containers.
Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain can make setting up difficult. "Our site was not very level front to back and side to side, and though we got close, we couldn't get fully level," reports one RVer at Mountain Meadow RV Park.
Variable road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful navigation. "The road down to the campground is gravel, lots of tight turns but generally in good shape; we did just fine towing our 30 ft travel trailer. Double-check the campsite length when you reserve - some sites are very short," cautions a camper at Lid Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "One of the best things about the park is the great playground for kids. Our kids loved it!" shares a visitor at Rollins RV Park about their family-friendly amenities.
Swimming opportunities: Flathead Lake provides safe swimming areas for children. "The campground has its beach, but you have to drive to it," notes a camper at Rollins RV Park, while another mentions "We were close to Polson and Lakeside, where there are great beaches."
Wildlife viewing: Kids can spot local wildlife right from some campgrounds. "The campground is quiet and heavily wooded," notes a visitor at Columbia Falls RV Park, while another camper mentions seeing deer wandering through their site during early morning hours.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing: Plan your campground approach carefully, especially for larger rigs. "Getting into our site was a bit challenging. For all of those who are looking for a back-in challenge, this is your spot! We had to go in the out which was uphill and then back in between pine trees," explains one RV owner at Lid Creek Campground.
Spacing considerations: Site dimensions vary significantly between parks. "If you want a big quiet spot in the woods, this is the place. We have a 45' 5th wheel, and our pull through spot is tremendous," reports a visitor to Pine Meadows RV Resort, contrasting with more densely packed options elsewhere.
Utility requirements: Water availability differs between campgrounds. "There is NO WATER available at the campground so bring your own or you'll be frustrated," warns a camper at Clyde's Camp, while another visitor appreciates that "He did a wonderful job of keeping the site as natural as possible."
