Looking for the best pet-friendly campgrounds near Kootenai National Forest? Finding pet-friendly campgrounds in Montana is easier than ever. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a place near local attractions, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect spot for you and your pup.
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
__Fishing derbies are held multiple times each year and anglers can expect kokanee salmon, whitefish and a variety of trout.
__Fishing derbies are held multiple times each year and anglers can expect kokanee salmon, whitefish and a variety of trout.
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.
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.
$100 - $200 / night
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$24 / night
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.__
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.
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.
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.
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.
$16 / night
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.
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.
Tally Lake Campground is located on the northern shores of its namesake lake, west of Whitefish, Montana. The campground is popular with locals and tourists visiting the Flathead National Forest and offers a variety of recreation facilities and activities for the whole family. The campground has 38 rentable sites with 21 of them being reservable and 17 are for our walk-up visitors. We also have a group site, site 39 and also our Pavilion group site available for reservations. The stay limit is 16 consecutive nights.
Hiking, horseback riding and biking trails wind around the Tally Lake Campground and the lake. Wildlife like waterfowl, bald eagles and migratory birds are commonly spotted. (No horses are allowed in the campground) A dock provides access to the lake's best fishing, which includes kokanee salmon, a variety of trout and northern pike. Visitors also enjoy boating, water skiing and other water recreation on the 1,326 acres of Tally Lake. This campground also offers Kayak, Paddleboard and Canoe rentals.
Hiking, horseback riding and biking trails wind around the Tally Lake Campground and the lake. Wildlife like waterfowl, bald eagles and migratory birds are commonly spotted. (No horses are allowed in the campground) A dock provides access to the lake's best fishing, which includes kokanee salmon, a variety of trout and northern pike. Visitors also enjoy boating, water skiing and other water recreation on the 1,326 acres of Tally Lake. This campground also offers Kayak, Paddleboard and Canoe rentals.
The campground is nestled in the highlands of northwestern Montana, adjacent to Tally Lake, which is the deepest natural lake in Montana. It sits in a mature forest of Western Larch and Douglas fir trees.
The popular Whitefish Lake is about 20 miles from the campground. Visitors to the area also enjoy the Forest Service Summit Nature Center at Whitefish Mountain Resort, located about 25 miles away and accessed by the resort chairlift or the Danny On hiking trail.
Cancellations made within the 4 Day Reservation Window will be "considered" for a refund, by the concessionaire, of Camping fees only and will automatically forfeit the first nights fee. Day of Arrival cancellations must be turned in by calling Cheryl at 406-752-PWAI (7924) or 406-404-4164 to get the information to the campground Host. All Considerations will be made after your original reservation dates have passed.______ *No shows have no chance of a refund.__
$100 - $325 / night
Very nice campground. Rod, caretaker, is the best. We had a wonderful 3 days camping.
Stayed 7-7-24
Nice stop along the GDMBR. Campsite was next to the creek that flows from the lake. Words lack how beautiful the place is, but the picture help give you an idea.
Me and my friends cycle in, but I also saw several cars, bring water or filter.
It was my first time camping! Went camping with my fiance.
Pros
Cons
Recommendations
You can choose ambiance in the first loop or river front in the second loop. Just be aware that the river is noisy. It’s pack it in and pack it out so, no garbage collection. Cell reception for T Mobile is a strong 1-2 bars. No trouble streaming. One of the best forest service campgrounds. $15 a night. $7.50 with senior discount. The only major problem is that dogs are not on leashes and no one is around to enforce the leash law.
Dispersed spot in the flathead national forest. Did some group camping here. Nice and open, however it was absolutely littered with trash. Some a moose!
Super nice owner and her son. Place is clean and well kept. Right off the center of town. Great pull through sites.
We came here just after the Labor Day weekend and found it to be not very busy as we arrived early on Friday. It filled up for Saturday and Sunday nights, bit was peaceful and relaxing. We were not able to camp near the water at this time due to much of the campground being closed off for the season.
One of my favorite spots to camp! Been here a few times while bikepacking in the area. There are a few primitive campsites near the lake. Sites include two bear boxes and a vault toilet. Bring your own water and/or water filter. There can be a lot of mosquitos in the summer so be prepared!
Our friend's family has a campout here every year on Labor Day. The sites are large, and loop B has the most sites on the water. There is a boat launch and a dock, perfect for fishing. The bathrooms are SUPER clean and heated when it's chilly out. $18 for a Montana resident and $26 for out of staters. No cell service!!
Great campground wooded easy walking to boat launch and swimming. Quiet. We would go back. The lake was low for swimming in the swimming area.
Nice place in the middle of the road. Good for those looking for peace. Those in charge are kind and willing to help. Walking distance from the river, where you can enjoy a dip in it. Feeling a little wild by the woods. Some of the parking sites have nice grassy areas. The wifi is weak and unstable.
This is a campground to which I will return. David, the owner/guy in charge, is funny and kind. Debbie, the office manager, knows her stuff, is super efficient, and a kind lady. The private showers are wonderful! There are four, each with a toilet, sink, vanity and huge shower. They’re kept clean. The laundry room has three commercial washers and three dryers. There is a large table to fold. Improvements continue to be made, which is great, but it’s a super place to camp regardless!
After a short hike to the lake from the trailhead, there is one site right on the waters edge with a primitive fire ring. Advisable to store food by hanging from high tree branch to discourage bear investigations. Haven't fished this lake yet but looks like a promising spot. Because it's not the easiest to access, it's one of our favorites to visit with the doggos. With some exploring, did fine a second site at the north end of the lake although there is no established trail to it. We followed a game trail from the south end of the lake and came across a stone fire ring where the lake flows out into a shallow creek.
Just stayed a single night here. It's a first come, first serve site with no fee. We camped in the back of our truck. Our site was the farthest from the river but that was perfect with three doggos. Nice level site with fire pit, grill included, and a nice picnic table. While we weren't next to the river, we were right next to Dunn Creek. At this time of year the creek is dry but I can imagine it's lovely in the spring when the snow melts. Bear-proof trash cans were located at each site, there was a boat launch and dock as well as large boat trailer parking area featuring a basketball hoop. A hand pump for potable water was centrally located as well as a vault toilet for campers. This campground was a short distance from the highway but we didn't notice any road noise. What we did hear and see were helicopters as it is fire season and they were scooping water from the river for fire mitigation. The campground sites are spaced far apart which is nice for privacy. Will definitely stay here again.
Lovely forested campground. Had a little dip in the river.
Very cute campground, quiet, no service, right along the beautiful Yaak River and within walking distance to Yaak Falls.
It’s Saturday and no one is here but me. Picnic tables, metal fire rings with grills, vault toilets. Big pretty pine trees! I get one bar of Verizon service but it’s not very useful.
I have stayed at this new RV Resort twice and love it. The spaces are large, the bathrooms and laundry room are clean, they have a super large dog park and the views are unmatched. It is also next door to a beautiful golf course. 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.
Good RV park, it was clean and hosts are good. No pool onsite. Did not use the laundry. No shade in site 4. Mostly sunny in all spots.
No fires allowed.
T-Mobile is ok,
Small campground surrounding a busy boat launch and beach. Lots of people having lots of fun on a July Sunday. Not really away from it all. Monday is much more peaceful. Train is a reality here. Train-side sites have more privacy. Many of the sites on the other side are right on the camp road.
By far the cleanest, most well kept campground I’ve ever visited.
We were thrilled to meet the owner Nate and be the first campers at this new campground!
He did a wonderful job of keeping the site as natural as possible.
Our reservation at Glacier didn’t go through and we were scrambling for a place to park for the night. Clyde’s Camp was close to the beaten path, but quiet and clean. Hidden gem!
I always love coming to this campground. This year they have a new host and she was amazing. Grounds never looked so clean.
Bathrooms are spotless.
The RV Resort at Indian Springs Ranch in Eureka MT is a nice new campground with full hook-ups (power, water, sewer). When I was there last year there were only 30 sites completed with 65 more nearing completion. Everything was new and nice and clean.
There are great views of the near by mountains and the park is adjacent to a wonderful 18 hole championship golf course. There is a small gift shop, miles of walking trails and an off leash dog park. The staff was very friendly.
$10 gets you an night of camping. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. First come, first serve. In the winter, the bathrooms are closed but a port-o-john is provided. Woke up to a bunch of people ice fishing! Only 3 minutes from downtown. Away from it all while close to it all.
Beautiful, wooded CG on the Yaak River near the confluence with the Kootenai. The Yaak actually goes through the CG so campsites are on both sides. Deep sites with privacy. Pit toilets. Campground host there. Road/train noise but not overbearing. Stayed for two nights.
Camping near Kootenai National Forest, Montana, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.
Camping near Kootenai National Forest, Montana, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but be ready for a few quirks that come with the territory!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Kootenai National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Kootenai National Forest is Dunn Creek Flats Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Kootenai National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 77 dog-friendly camping locations near Kootenai National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
