Camping sites near Heron, Montana provide access to the Cabinet Mountains with elevations ranging from 2,200 to 8,700 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during July and August, while spring and fall can bring unpredictable weather patterns. Most dispersed camping areas in this region require high-clearance vehicles, especially after seasonal rain.
What to do
Swimming and paddling in Bull Lake: Bad Medicine Campground offers direct lake access with clear water. "Amazing views of Bull Lake. We went in late July and there were a few sites left when we arrived. The camp volunteer is super sweet! Awesome stay," notes Emily B. The lake maintains swimmable temperatures from mid-June through early September.
Explore ancient cedars: The Ross Creek Cedar Grove trail system is accessible within a short drive from several campgrounds. "Our site was next to a vault toilet - we could smell it. There was lots of noise, e.g., road, train, barking dogs, etc... In the area, check out the Kootenai Falls and swinging bridge. Beautiful aqua water rushing over the rocks. Wow! Also, Ross Creek Cedars (giant cedars) was well worth a visit," shares Nancy C.
River fishing and wildlife viewing: Bull River Campground provides excellent fishing access with limited competition during weekdays. "Stayed here for nine nights this spring, and had a great time. Excellent access to the river, small walking trails led to fishing areas, and we saw beavers, turkeys, and deer. Beware of ticks and mosquitos, but that's pretty common for this area of the state," explains Rachel M.
What campers like
Privacy and natural setting: Campers consistently rate sites with natural buffers highest. "Sam Owen is a nice place to camp for a few days, or spend some time on the water. It is surprisingly quiet for a campsite, considering it's location! Pend Oreille is a beautiful lake and is a great place for boats, kayaks, and paddle boards!" reports Celine K. about Sam Owen Campground.
Lakeside camping options: Waterfront sites provide easy water access without driving. "The lakeside campsites were perfect! We spent the week there, enjoying the water and nearby hiking. Nice spacious sites with good shade. Will definitely camp there again!" writes Melissa P. about her experience at Bad Medicine Campground.
Mountain views and solitude: Off-season camping offers significantly more privacy. "We stumbled upon this GEM after having a hard time finding campgrounds that weren't full. There are two parking areas, and you have to hike down a short hike (moderately steep hill) to get to the campsites. Campsites are marked and have picnic tables and fire pits. They are all right on the water and offer the most incredibly serene views of Pend Orielle," shares Melissa G. about Green Bay Campground.
What you should know
Water access varies seasonally: Lake levels fluctuate significantly, especially at Bull Lake. "Bad Medicine was just what the Dr ordered for us over the 4th of July! Very rural location. 30 minutes, at least, to closest store, so there weren't many people there. Excellent for doing your own fireworks. Amenities were lacking unfortunately," notes Natascha A.
Road conditions can be challenging: Many campgrounds require driving on rough forest roads. "The camp is small and very quiet. The road in is awful. Would be real hard on any low RV," reports Sonja R. about Big Eddy Campground.
Limited facilities at most sites: Most campgrounds offer basic amenities only. "This campground sits on the Bull River as it enters the Cabinet Gorge Reservoir. We were there in mid-September 2019. The fresh water spigot was still on and no one else camped there. We could hear the truck traffic on 200 and also the trains on the Montana Rail Line train tracks nearby," explains Judy T. about Kootenai National Forest Bull River Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds with amenities: Families find more comfort at developed sites. "The camping spots at Sam Owen have picnic tables and some have fire pits. There are dumpsters and water available as well. I have camped here mid-May and came for day visits during busier summer months and never felt that there were too many people or I needed a reservation," reports Celine K.
Bring wildlife viewing equipment: The area offers exceptional wildlife spotting opportunities. "We saw beavers, turkeys, and deer. Beware of ticks and mosquitos, but that's pretty common for this area of the state," shares Rachel M. about Bull River Campground.
Visit during shoulder seasons: Mid-May to mid-June or September often provides better family camping experiences. "This is a wooded campground where not much light gets in. But, it feels woodsy, no claustrophobic. We were worried about grizzlies but the camp hostess said there weren't any there. This is a USFS campground so your Senior Pass cuts the $16 camping fee in half," notes Judy T.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters for RVs: Limited level sites exist in most campgrounds. "We had a huge, level spot (#56) at the end of the campground (not all sites are so level). A little tight to get into with a 40' 5th wheel, but doable. The lake is just a very short walk away (great paddle boarding!) and though there is no cell service within the CG, there is on the far side of the swimming beach," advises Sarah at Sam Owen Campground.
Cell service considerations: Coverage is extremely limited throughout the region. "We have a 30 ft class A, with a tow. Unhooked it before attempting to find a site was necessary. Water spicket available and vault toilets. In the area, check out the Kootenai Falls and swinging bridge. Beautiful aqua water rushing over the rocks," shares Nancy C.
Generator restrictions vary: Check individual campground rules before arriving. "2020 cost is $16 + $8 extra car, half off with Federal parks pass, & it's average for a Forest Service pay campground. There's water, & you can fill a holding tank, but no power or dump," explains Dave S. about Bull River Campground.
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