Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Kalispell, MT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Kalispell is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Kalispell and user-submitted reviews.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"
"This site is tucked away between the road and the river. It's super peaceful and there weren't many people around (some stayed in their car, and there was one other tent pitched by the river)."
"I was at the first campsite on the right, less than a quarter mile walk down to the pit toilets and river."
"You can park in the tea kettle river access and walk south along the rivers bank to access large areas of public land for free camping. There are toilets and trash bins available at the river access."
"In this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."
"This is dispersed camping with no amenities, but it makes up for that with the views. Pack in, pack out, LNT, and be bear aware!"
"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."
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
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.
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.
GuideVery clean, open space, next to the river. Had clean toilets, big rig safe. Dry camping/dispersed camping. Beautiful views! 😍
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Kalispell, Montana, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for camping enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities can I expect at dispersed camping sites near Kalispell?
Dispersed camping sites near Kalispell are primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Some locations like Teakettle River Access offer basic facilities including vault toilets and trash bins. At Stillwater River, you'll find fire rings and a vault toilet with picnic table. Most dispersed sites have no potable water, electricity, or shower facilities, so come prepared with sufficient supplies. Many locations offer proximity to rivers or lakes for water recreation and fishing opportunities. Cell service is generally limited throughout the area. Prepare to be self-sufficient with water, waste disposal systems, and power needs. Established fire rings are common at popular sites, but you may need to bring your own portable toilet for locations without facilities.
Do I need permits for dispersed camping around Kalispell?
No permits are typically required for dispersed camping in the Flathead National Forest near Kalispell, but there are important regulations to follow. Most areas, including Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping and Glacier Rim River Access 10363, enforce a 16-day stay limit. Always practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. Fire restrictions may apply during dry summer months, so check current conditions with the Forest Service before your trip. While permits aren't needed, some areas might have seasonal closures for wildlife protection or resource management. Remember to camp at least 100 feet from water sources and use existing fire rings when available.
When is the best season for dispersed camping in the Kalispell area?
The prime dispersed camping season around Kalispell runs from late spring (May) through early fall (September). Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed is most accessible from June through September when roads are dry and water levels are manageable. At Bull Lake, summer months offer ideal fishing and swimming conditions. Late July through August typically provides the most reliable weather, though this coincides with peak visitation. Spring camping (May-June) offers fewer crowds but potentially muddy roads and higher river levels. Fall (September-early October) brings beautiful colors and fewer people, but prepare for cooler nights. Winter camping is possible but requires specialized gear and experience with snow travel, as many access roads become impassable.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kalispell, Montana?
The Flathead National Forest surrounding Kalispell offers numerous free dispersed camping opportunities. McGinnis Creek provides excellent boondocking with a 16-day stay limit. Another popular option is North fork Flathead River dispersed camping, which features riverside sites accessible to various vehicle types including larger RVs. Both locations offer proximity to Glacier National Park. Additional free camping can be found along forest service roads throughout the area. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early during peak season is recommended. Look for established fire rings as indicators of designated camping areas.
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