Connie H.
Ranger
RangerRound Meadow Trails Camp
There is no actual campground or “camping spots” located here. No overnight camping allowed in the parking lot. There is a vault toilet available here and was actually very clean when we stopped.
Camping near Fortine, MT
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Fortine, Montana offers campgrounds ranging from sites with electric hookups, drinking water, and showers to free, primitive tent camping accessible only by trail. Campgrounds like Heritage Cabin Property provide full amenities, while rustic options such as Martin Lake offer no-cost tent camping for those seeking seclusion. The area features several lake-based camping destinations including North Dickey Lake Campground, Rock Lake, and Big Therriault Lake Campground, most operating seasonally from late spring through early fall. Campgrounds in this northwestern Montana region typically accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some sites also offering cabin rentals.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the Fortine area, with many campgrounds requiring travel on unpaved forest roads. As one camper noted about a nearby site, "The road to the lake is long, winding, often rutted and dusty, BUT the lake beckons to be explored." Summer wildfires can affect air quality and access, particularly during July and August. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, though some primitive sites remain accessible year-round. Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent at most locations, with campers reporting "ZERO cell service, even with a WeBoost" at Upper Whitefish Campground. Bear activity necessitates proper food storage at all sites.
Campers consistently praise the tranquility and natural beauty of the area's forested sites. The proximity to both Glacier National Park (approximately 90 minutes away) and the Canadian border (about one hour north) makes Fortine a strategic basecamp for regional exploration. Lakeside camping receives particularly high ratings, with visitors appreciating the fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. While amenities vary widely, most campgrounds provide vault toilets and picnic tables, with only a few offering drinking water. The area's dark skies, mountain views, and relative seclusion represent its primary appeal rather than developed facilities.
Best Campgrounds near Fortine (209)
1. Heritage Cabin Property
"Located with Kootenai National Forest all around and GNP West entrance just an hour and a half drive, Heritage Cabin and Heritage Park Campground has been the chosen jumping off point for many explorers"
"Park Place in Montana has a great quiet spot to bring your camper, setup a tent, or stay in their cabin and enjoy some time away, while also having lakes and other conveniences not too far. "
from $25 - $65 / night
Check Availability2. Rexford Bench Campground
"I will start with the lake. Amazingly beautiful. I was so looking forward to kayaking and/or paddleboarding, but alas, it was too windy."
"Awesome in April when the snow's melted and no one else is around! Easy to park a camper/toyhauler and get out and ride. You can go to the canadian border!"
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability3. Kootenai National Forest North Dickey Lake Campground
"If you like to be close to the wilderness but want a campground in the middle of it, this ones for you."
"I choose a hilltop site with a lovely tree sheltered view of the lake."
from $16 / night
Check Availability4. Rock Lake
"If it has been or is going to rain - I would recommend 4 wheel drive. There are only two official spots - right above the lake. One pit toilet. No running water."
"We ventured up to Rock Lake campground with our 25’ RV in late September, not sure what to expect. Turns out there are only two primitive sites, fairly well separated from each other."
5. Stillwater River
"Just about a mile from the highway, this site is right on the river with some nice deep pools. There are three separate fire rings with a vault toilet and picnic table."
6. Big Therriault Lake Campground
"Absolutely gorgeous lake nestled in the surrounding mountains. Campsites are large with good shade. Lake is picturesque. Peaceful with a full sky of stars every night. Best camping!"
"The sites are nice and close to the lake and there's plenty of trees offering shade and privacy. The fire pits are great having a primitive grill."
7. Grave Creek Campground
"Lot’s of deer walking around, very safe , locals are very friendly."
8. The RV Resort at Indian Springs Montana
"They also feature a playground, volleyball, community fire pit and trails close by. If you are traveling to northwestern Montana you won't be disappointed."
"When I was there last year there were only 30 sites completed with 65 more nearing completion. Everything was new and nice and clean. "
from $25 - $85 / night
Check Availability9. Bull Lake
"Less than five miles from the highway, this is a nice sized lake stocked with fish. There were a pair of white swans on the lake when I was there but no one else around."
"at the end of the trail last spot at the end of the lake, fire pit had a cut log to sit on, great view, would not try to bling a trailer down there"
10. Stillwater Lake
"There is a boat ramp and trail head within walking distance. There is a little bit of traffic and that’s just the boaters. There is a lot of wildlife (eagles, moose mountain lion, beaver, chipmunk)."
"This lake is never a disappointment! Easy access roads, nice boat launch, and solid camping sites."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 54 min from Missoula, MT
- 3 hrs 28 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 3 hrs 58 min from Great Falls, MT
- 3 hrs 58 min from Spokane, WA
Recent Camping Photos near Fortine, MT
242 Photos of 209 Fortine Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Kootenai National Forest North Dickey Lake Campground
Tobacco River CampgroundD
Camp 32
Red Meadow Lake
Upper Whitefish CampgroundR
Koocanusa Resort and MarinaM
Mcgillivray Campground (MT)M
Kintla Lake Campground — Glacier National Park
Yarnell Island Campground
Tally Lake Campground
Quartz Creek Campground — Glacier National Park
Bowman Lake Campground — Glacier National ParkB
Recent Reviews near Fortine, MT
964 Reviews of 209 Fortine Campgrounds
Hayley F.
TravelerApgar Campground — Glacier National Park
Perfect spot for RV camping in Glacier
We camped in October so there was no access to water. No electricity for the campsites, but for $20 by Glacier it was perfect. 5 min from the visitor center. Sites are pull thru but pretty un-level so bring lots of stuff to level. We camped with our 27ft. travel trailer and was perfect.
Aaron S.RangerMoose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast
The Ultimate West Glacier Basecamp (With Starlink & Scenic Loop Tips)
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are planning an epic trip to explore Glacier National Park, your choice of home base can make or break your trip logistics. We stayed four nights at Moose Creek RV Resort in West Glacier, Montana, and it served as the ultimate launchpad for exploring every corner of this iconic national park.
Location & West Glacier Access
When visiting Glacier, proximity to the park gates is everything. Moose Creek is super close and remarkably convenient to the West Glacier entrance, allowing you to beat the morning rush onto Going-to-the-Sun Road without spending hours in transit beforehand. (Still arrive early at park entrance!)
Campground Vibe, Grounds & Amenities
The park has that authentic, rustic Montana feel while providing all the modern comforts you need after long days on the trail:
- The Setting: The resort is tucked into a dense forest of tall pine trees on all sides, offering a serene, quiet, and shaded environment that feels completely immersed in nature.
- Facilities & Resupply: The campground is spotless and well-maintained. The laundry facilities were very clean and a huge help halfway through a long road trip.
- Camp Store & Morning Perks: Having a solid on-site convenience store stocked with essentials was great, and having hot breakfast options available right on the property made fueling up for early morning park excursions effortless.
- Staff: The team here was exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the surrounding area.
Starlink Performance Under the Pines
For RVers who work remotely or rely on satellite internet like we do, camping under heavy pine canopies can often be a connectivity nightmare. However, even with dense pine trees surrounding our site, our Starlink dish locked onto signal and worked reliably throughout our entire four-night stay—a massive plus for staying connected in the Montana backcountry.
Glacier Park Routes & A Must-Do Tow-Vehicle Loop
During our four days, we were able to make the jaw-dropping drive across the Going-to-the-Sun Road twice round-trip, plus an additional one-way trek on our final day.
For your tow vehicle or passenger car, here is a scenic driving loop you should not miss:
- The Route: Take Going-to-the-Sun Road all the way east to Saint Mary. Head south along Highway 89 to Kiowa, then cut onto Montana Highway 49 up and over the pass down to Highway 2. From there, take Highway 2 west along the southern boundary of the park all the way back to West Glacier.
- CRITICAL Big-Rig Warning: Do NOT attempt Highway 49 in a motorhome, fifth wheel, or large trailer. It is extremely steep, narrow, and winding. It is strictly meant for your unhitched tow vehicle or car.
- The Payoff: With your truck or car, it is an unforgettable drive. There are virtually no crowds, the panoramic mountain vistas are stunning, and we even spotted a bear hanging out right along the side of the road!
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Moose Creek RV Resort is everything a national park gateway camp should be: clean, quiet, scenic, and packed with practical amenities that make traveling easy. Whether you are looking for reliable Starlink connectivity under the pines or quick access to the best drives in North America, this park delivers. We highly recommend it to anyone heading into Big Sky Country!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
- Barb T.
GuideWest Glacier KOA Resort
Not a fan of KOAs but this one is the cleanest
We usually use KOAs for full hook ups, showers and laundry this KOA is probably the nicest and cleanest one I have been in. There are trees which most are in flat fields. I think 4 or 5 pools which are heated because it is now October and kids were in the pool. It has a nice store. The ice cream shop and restaurant are closed. The thing I like is it has grass between sites so my dogs can pee. It also has 2 dog runs a walking path it is outstanding if you like clamping to the fullest. It also has many cottages. Some sites also have their own patio and gas grills. The ladies in the office are the nicest people. I would stay again.
- KKarin G.Guide
Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park
One of the best places for access to Glacier NP
We stayed in site A27 for 5 nights. The site was great other than the auto headlights as we were across from the only 2 showers in the campground. There was plenty of room for our 17’ trailer and truck and a large tent area and sitting area. Deer came through often and the squirrels were entertaining. We could walk to the visitor center and village. The time of year was great. GoingToTheSun road was fine warning but we had to arrive at Logan Pass at 7 pm to get parking. Great paths all attorneys and access to the lake. It was a good first experience.
- Barb T.Guide
Whitefish Lake State Park Campground
Very small campground
You won't fit a full sized camper in there. Mostly for small travel trailers and tents. Also its kind of in town not my idea of camping.
Amy W.
LegendRed Top Campground
Tiny but large
Tiny tiny campground. 2 spots maybe? But the spots are large in size.
Bonus points for being free and having a clean pit toilet!
Nothing too exciting about this soot otherwise. A little sun getting through the trees
- Amy W.Legend
Kootenai National Forest Whitetail Campground
Right on the road
When I say right on the road. It is right on the road. I was worried about my dogs being loose.
A few pit toilets. Rubbish bins locked for the season. All the sites are very nice looking. Site 1 is next to the river access. The water is definitely deep enough for swimming when its warmer out. Site 1 also looked to have the most sun exposure
- Amy W.Legend
Yaak Falls Campground
A one night stop kinda place
Its a nice site. You can smell the pit toilets from all the sites unfortunately. There is some noise from the road that you can hear. Wasnt too bad throughout the night thankfully. You are right by the river that has a small waterfall area you can walk to.
Not really any bug issues either. No cell signal. No sky sight for the starlink
Guide to Fortine
Camping opportunities near Fortine, Montana range from lakeside sites to forest hideaways within Kootenai National Forest. This northwestern Montana region sits at elevations between 3,000-4,000 feet and experiences relatively mild summers with temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter access becomes limited as many forest roads remain unplowed and temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Big Therriault Lake Campground offers excellent fishing in a mountain setting. As one camper noted, "Wonderful camping with a lot wildlife around. Keep an eye out and camping location clean due to the bears will visit you if not."
Water recreation: At Stillwater Lake, visitors enjoy multiple water activities. "This lake is never a disappointment! Easy access roads, nice boat launch, and solid camping sites. If your looking for a nice days paddle or a weekend away Stillwater Lake, Stillwater River and the surrounding smaller lakes, Hole in the Wall and Finger Lake; have you covered."
Hiking nearby: Multiple trail systems connect campsites to wilderness areas. At Stillwater Lake, campers appreciate that there are "Lovely trails nearby with lake access." The area provides numerous day hiking opportunities within short driving distance of most campgrounds.
What campers like
Stargazing: Many campers mention the clear night skies in this less-populated region. At Bull Lake, visitors enjoy "a nice sized lake stocked with fish. There were a pair of white swans on the lake when I was there but no one else around."
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife populations. As one camper at Big Therriault Lake shared, "Absolutely gorgeous lake nestled in the surrounding mountains. Campsites are large with good shade. Lake is picturesque. Peaceful with a full sky of stars every night."
Solitude: Less crowded than nearby Glacier National Park, many sites offer genuine seclusion. At Rock Lake, visitors report, "We only stayed here for a night, but it was my favorite campsite on our trip. The setting is beautiful, and while feeling remote there still is cell coverage."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campsites require traveling unpaved routes. A camper at Tobacco River Campground warns, "The park itself is in a fabulous location for activities such as fishing, tubing, kayaking, etc., but the roads are so heavily rotted that it makes it very difficult for any vehicle to navigate the entrance."
Bear safety: Proper food storage is mandatory across all campsites. A camper at Big Therriault Lake confirms "Bear proof cans are provided at each site and there is a hand pump water spigot for potable water."
Seasonal limitations: Most established campgrounds operate from Memorial Day through September. At North Dickey Lake Campground, "Camping is free after September 25, but no water or wifi. Very quiet and peaceful."
Weather variability: Summer temperatures can fluctuate significantly. One camper advises, "If you go early in the summer, bring your rain gear and cool weather clothes. Summer always seems to come after July 4th in these parts."
Tips for camping with families
Lake swimming: Several locations offer safe swimming areas for children. At Rexford Bench Campground, "There is plenty of boat parking and a large launch area. The campground itself is not directly on the water, but very very close."
Accessible sites: Some campgrounds provide easier access for families with young children. At Rexford Bench, "Long, wide, level back in sites. Lots of RV's at this campground. Sites are nicely spaced out and was quiet at night."
Insect preparation: Bring mosquito protection, especially for evening activities. One camper notes, "There are a lot of mosquitoes at dusk and dawn this time of year."
Wildlife education: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters with proper guidelines. A camper recommends, "Don't leave kids unattended. High grizzly population in the fall."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds have limited large-rig access. At Bull Lake, "There were a pair of white swans on the lake when I was there but no one else around. A large parking area, could accommodate a travel trailer or two in addition to a couple tent sites with fire rings."
Off-season advantages: RVers often find better availability after Labor Day. At North Dickey Lake, "Early Oct and very few in campground. Vault toilets and trash available, but no water. There is traffic noise, but otherwise quite nice."
Dump station locations: Limited services mean planning ahead. At Rexford Bench Campground, there's "A dump station. And really nice bathrooms with flush toilets."
Power options: Most of the best places to camp near Fortine, Montana lack hookups. A camper advises, "No services but water is available at spigots."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Fortine, MT?
What camping is available near Fortine, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Fortine, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 209 campgrounds and RV parks near Fortine, MT and 30 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Fortine, MT?
Which is the most popular campground near Fortine, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fortine, MT is Heritage Cabin Property with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fortine, MT?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fortine, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 free dispersed camping spots near Fortine, MT.
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