Kreis Pond Campground offers seven intimate sites around a small pond in Huson, Montana, at about 3,200 feet elevation. The surrounding pine forest provides natural shade and privacy between sites, with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F during summer days and dropping to 45-55°F at night. Campsites accommodate both traditional camping and upscale glamping options, with direct access to recreational activities in the surrounding Lolo National Forest.
What to do
Hike Sleeping Woman Trail: The trail starts near Kreis Pond Campground and offers challenging terrain with significant elevation gain. "Nice little lake, was there in fall so not busy. Wooded and sites are along the lake, but views aren't fantastic. Saw bear prints, definitely lock up foods," notes one visitor who enjoyed the fall hiking season.
Soak in hot springs: Just 45 minutes from Huson, Lolo Hot Springs RV Park & Campground provides access to natural mineral pools across the street from their camping area. A recent guest shared, "We ended up booking here on the 4th and 5th of July and had a great time camping along the river, going to the hot springs across the street and walking the area." The mineral baths are maintained at approximately 106°F while the outdoor pool runs cooler at 86°F.
Fish Clark Fork River: Several camping options near Huson provide river access for fishing. A visitor to Sloway Campground mentioned, "We enjoyed sitting in our space watching the river flow and, the anglers and the trains go by." The Clark Fork River is known for rainbow trout, brown trout, and mountain whitefish.
What campers like
Riverfront camping sites: Many campers appreciate sites with direct water access. At Lolo Hot Springs RV Park, a visitor noted, "Site seven also seemed really large compared to other as there was a large tree between the next site where we tied up a hammock." Riverfront sites typically fill up first during peak season.
Secluded forest camping: The forested sites provide privacy between campsites. One camper at Lee Creek Campground shared, "This campground is often busy but it is large enough to enjoy some silence and solitude. Trails meander town to the nearby creek, and the facilities are well maintained."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area around Huson offers chances to spot native wildlife. "I have camped @ Sloway for many years. The setting on the Clark Fork River is fantastic, especially for the 4-5 campsites that have river frontage," wrote one regular visitor who enjoys the natural setting and wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Train noise affects some campgrounds: Several campsites in the area are impacted by nearby train tracks. One reviewer of Sloway Campground warned, "The bigger noise maker is the train that runs on the other side of the Clark Fork River. There are two road crossings across from the campground, and the trains are required to blow their horns when approaching these crossings."
Road conditions vary: Access roads to glamping locations near Huson can be challenging. A Kreis Pond visitor confirmed, "Be prepared for several miles of dusty, gravel, washboard road."
Bear awareness required: The Montana wilderness around Huson hosts bears and other wildlife. A camper mentioned, "Saw bear prints, definitely lock up foods. Bring water treatment methods." All food items should be stored in vehicles or bear-proof containers at night.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with activities: Missoula KOA Holiday provides numerous amenities for children. "Playground, pool, mini golf, clean showers, restrooms and laundry! It was great!" reported one satisfied parent. The KOA also rents bikes for children and hosts ice cream socials Wednesday through Saturday.
Look for water features: Kids enjoy cooling off in the summer heat. "This place is an oasis... My daughters favorite place. From the bike rental to the playground, putt putt golf, swimming pool," shared a father who visited with his 5-year-old daughter.
Consider glamping options for comfort: Glamping close to Huson, Montana offers more comfortable accommodations for families with young children. Traditional cabins and yurts provide shelter while maintaining a camping atmosphere. A parent noted about the teepees at Beavertail Hill State Park, "The tipis were a lot of fun to sleep in! The river trail was beautiful to walk."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions before booking: Some RV sites may be too small for larger vehicles. A visitor to Missoula KOA explained, "We paid for a deluxe extra wide site. We have a 27ft Class C with a drivers side slide. Not a tiny RV but by no means large. When being directed to our site I was asked to move over so our tires weren't near the grass. They were near the grass on both sides."
Consider seasonal availability: Many campgrounds near Huson operate seasonally. Cascade Campground typically opens May through September, while others like Beavertail Hill State Park run May 1 to October 31. Kreis Pond remains open from May through December, making it one of the few glamping options available in late fall.
Reserve early for holiday weekends: Popular glamping sites near Huson fill quickly during holidays. "We don't usually do RV parks but didn't want to fight for camp spots during the 4th of July long weekend," noted a Lolo Hot Springs visitor who planned ahead to secure a prime riverfront site.
