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Places to Camp near Kootenai National Forest

273 Reviews

Kootenai National Forest, MT is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Kootenai National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Kootenai National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Kootenai National Forest, MT (124)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Dunn Creek Flats Campground
  2. Camper-submitted photo from Mcgillivray Campground (MT)

    2.

    Mcgillivray Campground (MT)

    3 Reviews
    4 Photos
    8 Saves
    Libby, Montana

    Overview

    McGillivray Campground has 33 total campsites and provides reservation opportunities for two group sites within the campground loops and a large group shelter located within the facility . The two smaller group sites in the campground will accommodate up to 25 people each. The group shelter will accommodate up to 200 people making it great for reunions and receptions. A high and low water boat ramp, swim beach and picnic area are also available at McGillivray Campground

    Recreation

    __Fishing derbies are held multiple times each year and anglers can expect kokanee salmon, whitefish and a variety of trout.

    Facilities

    The large group shelter (site 1) is equipped with a rock fireplace and multiple tables. Two Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided nearby. Two large cooking grills, horseshoe pits, path to beach area, fire ring and a 1-acre meadow adjoin the site. A large paved parking lot is available for large parties. The site is gated for security of rental parties and it is recommended that the gate is swung closed. Electrical outlets are available within the shelter, however reservationists must provide their own generator. Firewood is provided for the shelter.__ The two group sites (site 7 and site 23) within the campground provide parking for up to five RVs. Each site has three tent pads, three picnic tables, fire ring, and a large cooking grill are within the sites. All sites at this campground have no electricity and firewood is not provided.

    Natural Features

    The McGillivary is located on the western shore of Lake Koocanusa in northwest Montana, at an elevation of about 2,520 feet. It is nestled in a heavily forested area with dense vegetation on the forest floor. The adjacent 46,500-acre reservoir has over 127 miles of shoreline and is formed by the 422' tall Libby Dam on the Kootenai River, which stretches about 90 miles and into Canada. Osprey often fish around Libby Dam at sunset, making for enjoyable viewing opportunities. Bald eagles can be seen hunting kokanee in the river and lake during the fall. A variety of wildlife also makes its home in the area.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Kootenai River, below Libby Dam, is a blue ribbon fishery. Guided tours of the dam and powerhouse are offered at the visitor center throughout the summer season. Visitors enjoy driving the 100-mile loop around the reservoir. Several trails, including some that lead to scenic waterfalls, are located along the route.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $100 - $200 / night

  3. Camper-submitted photo from Rexford Bench Campground

    3.

    Rexford Bench Campground

    8 Reviews
    38 Photos
    28 Saves
    Rexford, Montana

    Overview

    Rexford Bench Recreation Area is the most highly developed camp area within the Kootenai National Forest. Rexford Bench Campground has 54 sites, 30 are first come-first serve and 24 can be reserved. Kamloops Terrace has 20 sites and additional overflow parking. A high and low water boat ramp is available. A day use area with swimming beach completes this popular area. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing and swimming on Lake Koocanusa, and hiking in the surrounding forest. Beautiful sandstone formations can be viewed not far from the campground, and osprey and eagles can often be seen fishing in the reservoir.

    Recreation

    Fishing, boating and swimming are popular activities. Fishing derbies are held several times each year and anglers can expect a catch of kokanee salmon, whitefish and a variety of trout, among others. A variety of hiking trails begins in the campground, including a relatively short interpretive trail that loops around the campground, and the Hoodoo Trail, that leads to impressive sandstone formations that jut out from an inlet along the lake. The Hoodoos can also be seen via boat. Several paths lead from the campground to the adjacent beach, boat ramp and overflow parking area.

    Facilities

    The campground offers dozens of accessible, single-family sites for tent and RV camping. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A large overflow parking area is available for boat trailers and RVs. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible flush toilets and drinking water are provided, but utility hookups are not available. Campground roads and campsite spurs are paved. A campground host is on-site.

    Natural Features

    The campground is located on an arm of Lake Koocanusa in northwest Montana near the Canadian border. The 46,500-acre reservoir has over 127 miles of shoreline and is formed by 422' Libby Dam on the Kootenai River, which stretches about 90 miles and into Canada. It is a large campground, situated in a ponderosa pine forest at an elevation of 2,470 feet. Osprey often fish around Libby Dam at sunset, making for enjoyable viewing opportunities. Bald eagles can be seen hunting kokanee in the river and lake during the fall. A variety of wildlife also makes its home in the area.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Kootenai River, below Libby Dam, is a blue ribbon fishery. Guided tours of the dam and powerhouse are offered at the visitor center throughout the summer. Visitors also enjoy driving the 100-mile loop around the reservoir. Several trails, including some that lead to scenic waterfalls, are located along the route.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $24 / night

  4. Camper-submitted photo from Yaak River Campground

    4.

    Yaak River Campground

    11 Reviews
    30 Photos
    33 Saves
    Troy, Montana

    Overview

    Yaak River Campground is located approximately 8 miles west of Troy, Montana and 6.5 miles east of the Idaho border on Highway 2 . This campground is located at the confluence of the Kootenai and Yaak Rivers. There are campsites on both sides of the Yaak River.__

    Recreation

    The Yaak and Kootenai Rivers provide ample opportunity for visitors to enjoy fishing, rafting and canoeing, among other activities. Boats can be launched at a primitive boat ramp near the campground. Anglers can expect a catch of mostly whitefish and a variety of trout.Hiking and mountain biking opportunities are available on a variety of trails within the Cabinet Mountains. Kootenai Falls, the largest un-dammed waterfall in the state and an attraction of historical significance for the Kootenai Tribe, is located about 15 miles east of Yaak River Campground. It offers spectacular views, as the river drops 300 feet in just a few hundred yards. A swinging bridge is available and provides a different point of view to see the falls.

    Facilities

    The campground has 45 sites, including one host site, all with tables and fire rings. Most sites offer an average length of 32 feet. Vault toilets, garbage service, firewood and drinking water are available during the peak season. The campground campsites are not currently on the reservation system. The reservable group site is available for large groups up to 75 people. It is equipped with multiple tables, grills and a large campfire circle.________ A boat ramp located in Loop B gives access to the Kootenai River.

    Natural Features

    The group day use area is located on the east side (Loop A) of Yaak River Campground. Both facilities are in a heavily wooded part of the forest, with the Yaak and Kootenai Rivers running nearby. Tall grasses, shrubs and young pines cover the ground and mature evergreens offer shade overhead. The facility is situated at an elevation of about 1,900 feet, close to the Montana-Idaho border in northwestern Montana. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.

    Nearby Attractions

    Yaak River Campground is located along the David Thompson Historic Route, which is listed as one of the Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rocky Mountains.Ross Creek Giant Cedars, a 100-acre grove of majestic cedar trees, is about 23 miles south of the campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins

    $16 / night

  5. Camper-submitted photo from Kootenai River Campground

    5.

    Kootenai River Campground

    8 Reviews
    8 Photos
    45 Saves
    Troy, Montana

    Come stay with us on the beautiful Kootenai River in northwest Montana. RV site, tent sites and cabins are available in a scenic wooded location along the Kootenai River just two miles west of Troy, Montana on US Hwy 2.

    Improvements are made each year, including the addition of WiFi and a newly remodeled restroom/shower house in 2015. Some of the upgrades from previous seasons include a new well for greater water pressure, a solar water pre-heater to ensure hot showers, new fire rings and bbq grills, new picnic tables and new towels and linens in the cabins. We will be selling beer, wine, and cigarettes by 4th of July weekend

    Located in scenic western Montana, the campground is surrounded by the Kootenai National Forest and bounded by the Kootenai River. A wide variety of outdoor recreational activities are available in the Kootenai including fishing, hiking, backpacking, and hunting. The Kootenai is one of Montana's treasures, with extensive beauty and recreation without the crowds found near the national parks. Book your next vacation or come visit friends and family today! We look forward to your visit.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
  6. Camper-submitted photo from Barron Creek Boating Site

    6.

    Barron Creek Boating Site

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    9 Saves
    Kootenai National Forest, Montana

    The Barron Creek Boating Site is approximately 25 miles northeast of Libby on FDR road 228. This camping area has seven sites. The 3 sites in the open area have fire rings and vault toilet nearby and are able to accomodate up to a 40' rv. The 4 sites in the boat dock parking area have a vault toilet nearby. Campground road and boat ramp are paved, parking spurs and loops are of native material. Amenities include vault toilets, and a fully developed boat ramp with dock.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Toilets
  7. Camper-submitted photo from Woodland RV Park

    7.

    Woodland RV Park

    3 Reviews
    10 Photos
    3 Saves
    Libby, Montana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
  8. Camper-submitted photo from Koocanusa Resort and Marina

    8.

    Koocanusa Resort and Marina

    3 Reviews
    12 Photos
    9 Saves
    Kootenai National Forest, Montana

    Located 23 miles north of Libby, Montana U.S.A and 57 miles south of the Canadian Border at Port Roosevelt outside of Eureka, Montana. Come see this beautiful resort set in the Kootenai National Forest. Surrounded by National Forest property this resort offers lake side cabins, RV sites, marina, laundry facilities, fully stocked store, gift shop, bar and restaurant. Nothing is built on the water. Cabins and RV Sites are back from the water, and we site above the water.

    Lake Koocanusa has a water span of 95 miles. Reaching from Libby dam to north of Cranbrook British Columbia, Canada.

    There are 50 miles of water in Canada and 45 miles in Montana. You will find this beautiful resort 5 miles north of Libby Dam sitting right on the waters edge. Come enjoy fishing for Kamloops, Rainbow Trout, White Fish, Ling cod, and Kokanee Salmon.

    Here the sun in the summer does not set until 10 pm and the sunrises at 5am, this will have you out on the lake and fishing before the first cup of coffee.

    Please note due to Bear Laws, we no longer have trash cans around the park and cabin areas. We have put in a central trash building where you are to bring your trash and we will dispose of it. There is to be no trash left outside at any campers or tent sites or cabins unattended at anytime.

    Please understand we are not the enforcement of this law,the KNFS law enforcement is.

    Fines or warnings are your responsibility and have nothing to do with us.This is Forest Service Property.

    • Electric Hookups
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market
  9. Camper-submitted photo from McGillivray
  10. Camper-submitted photo from Yarnell Island Campground

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273 Reviews of 124 Kootenai National Forest Campgrounds