McGillivray Campground's pet-friendly sites allow dogs throughout the forested grounds within the Kootenai National Forest. The campground features well-spaced sites with level tent pads and fire rings with cooking grills that can be rotated on or off the fire. Pets must remain on leash when outside vehicles. Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Libby offer similar accommodations, including Dunn Creek Flats Campground which provides riverside camping with picnic tables and fire rings. Woodland RV Park accepts pets at their full-hookup sites and includes a small stream where dogs can wade. Fairview Ranger Station allows pets in their cabin accommodations, providing a fenced yard that adds an extra feeling of security when bears or wolves are heard at night. The fenced area helps contain pets while allowing them freedom to explore safely.
Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp provides equestrian-friendly sites with picnic tables and fire rings where pets can join their owners among large pine trees. Kootenai National Forest trails offer numerous hiking opportunities where leashed dogs can accompany campers. At Yarnell Island Campground, accessible only by boat, campers with pets should be prepared for primitive conditions and bold local wildlife that might investigate camping gear. Warm summer days at Dunn Creek allow pets to cool off in the Kootenai River, though the shoreline isn't always ideal for play. Sites at Blackwell Flats, another free Army Corps of Engineers campground, provide limited shade, so pet owners should ensure animals have access to shade and water during hot summer months. Morning dew and cooler temperatures in late August can make for comfortable camping conditions for pets before afternoons heat up.
"We stayed here off season, we pulled our trailer through a pull through site on the edge of the river."
"We were fortunate to snag a spot next to the river. During the day it was hot, but cooled off nicely when the sun dropped behind the mountains. Libby is not too far away."
$16 - $200 / night
"Water and vault toilets and garbage bins scattered throughout so each site is close to one. $16 for one vehicle and $5 for an additional. The highlight is the view of the lake."
"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."
"Tucked into the dense Kootenai Forest is a true gem off the beaten path. This was one of our favorite N F S campgrounds in Montana. The host was great. The campground well maintained."
"The turn-off from the highway wasn’t marked as a boat ramp, we just took the only road we could find that led down to the water."
"Pros: Fairly nice RV campground Right off the highway just a couple miles from town. Super clean and private bathroom/ shower. Friendly staff, level sites, easy access."
"Close to town and 10 miles away from a great hiking trail too. Would come back."
"The campground has 7 sites and is located on the West side of the Kootenai River approx 3.5 miles downstream from Libby Dam. Access from Forest Road 228. "
$75 / night
"My family and I stayed here for a week, if you’re looking to get away from it all, this is definitely the place. We can’t wait for our next vacation!"
"Behind those, there's a well made horseshoe tossing area. Gas lights provide plenty of light in the ranger station. Bring your own water and bedding."
$10 / night
"RV dump, $2, located in the entry driveway, about 150’ into the park. Non-potable and potable water available."
"This city owned gem is right off Hwy 2, just on the edge of Libby MT. This semi primitive campground for tents and RVs only has 15 first come first serve sites."
$24 - $48 / night
"I will start with the lake. Amazingly beautiful. I was so looking forward to kayaking and/or paddleboarding, but alas, it was too windy."
"Awesome in April when the snow's melted and no one else is around! Easy to park a camper/toyhauler and get out and ride. You can go to the canadian border!"
TravelerThis old Guard Station is in the perfect location. Easy to drive to and close to miles and miles of trails in the Kootenai National Forest. Plenty of beds for a full family - four upstairs and one downstairs. History galore in the building and surrounding areas. Some complaints of mice - but that’s to be expected from a building from 1908.
GuideThis USFS Cabin rental is perfect for families! The cabin is a former ranger house and is located right next to the river, with horse stalls and plenty of space for parking. Hiking trails, fishing, and great swimming holes are very close by. The cabin is along a road, but traffic isn't a concern as the USFS in the Kootenai aren't busy any time of the year. I believe you can only rent by calling the Kootenai National Forest (Troy District).
GuideLocated with Kootenai National Forest all around and GNP West entrance just an hour and a half drive, Heritage Cabin and Heritage Park Campground has been the chosen jumping off point for many explorers. Not only that, the Rooseville border crossing is roughly an hour north so it's a convenient waypoint coming from or going to our Canadian neighbor. There is a nicely stocked fuel station complete with produce, hot case and beer just about four miles away. There are so many destinations for the outdoors folk from swimming and paddleboarding to fishing and mountain biking. The campground consists of a single site which can accommodate a group of up to six people and an RV or Travel Trailer up to 24'. Potable water on site in addition to both 30 & 50amp receptacles. There is even an off leash yard for doggos to run.
At the Heritage Cabin guests share the grounds, kitchen, bath, living and dining areas with two rooms upstairs which each have a max occupancy of two people as well as an adjacent one room cabin that has a single bed. There's a fenced yard off the back porch and a large lawn area that sweeps down to a seasonal irrigation creek.
ScoutI 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.
ScoutThe 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.
ScoutArrived late with no reservation and office closed but kind cheery owner, David found a spot for us, bending the rules a bit. Our stay was lovely, couldn’t ask for more, was mostly quiet since 41 is toward back, away from road. The bathrooms/showers were seriously palatial and very tidy/clean, way better than many hotels I’ve stayed at. Also liked the dog park at the front.
RangerStayed here for 4th of July with some friends. Campground overall is fine. Big sites for rigs just close together. Have a huge dog park as well as a dump station/water fill up. Also have large laundry room which is nice. 2 bath houses with clean facilities. Also a great location - between Glacier NP & Whitefish. Knocking off a star because picnic tables are stained but not sealed (ruined a pair of sweats sitting on it) and staff was a little rude.
TravelerWe stayed here off season, we pulled our trailer through a pull through site on the edge of the river. You could walk down to the river and fish in the river, but it wasn't really a place for people or pets to play. The sites are primitive with fire rings but no power or water hookups.
The campground is pretty small, has big trash bins to avoid bears, but it didn't look like it was a problem when we were there.
There are roads on both sides of the river, one being the highway, but the river helps drown out some of the road noise. The mountains are tall on either side of the river valley and so the sun goes down a little sooner than expected, but the views from camp are nice. There is a big open area in the center of the playground for people and pets to run around.
We would definitely stay here again.
Guidethis a very pleasant rv park but it is in the middle of town and very difficult to find. lots of trees and grass but spaces are close together. if you are not looking for anything close to actual camping but close to glacier and other attractions this is the place for you. wifi available but very slow.
i only gave it three stars because the pet area was disgusting. even though dog bags were available, there was poop everywhere. the area was very small. there is as fencing and a gate but further down was wide open with no gate.
Kootenai National Forest spans over 2.2 million acres across northwestern Montana with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 7,700 feet. Campgrounds in this region typically feature vault toilets with limited cell service in more remote areas. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day while dropping to 45-55°F at night, making it important to pack layers even for summer camping trips.
Hiking with pets: Kootenai National Forest trails welcome leashed dogs with several accessible trailheads near campgrounds. At Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp, visitors can access trails surrounded by "big pretty pine trees" according to camper Tee C., who notes the campground is often uncrowded even on weekends.
Water activities: Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River provide swimming and boating opportunities. At Rexford Bench Campground, Uncle T. mentions "fabulous location with swimming and docking areas both close to the Campgrounds," making it convenient for water-loving pets and families.
Star gazing: Limited light pollution makes this area perfect for night sky viewing. Nancy C. described Dunn Creek Flats as having "large open field PERFECT for star gazing. We watched The Perseid Meteor shower. Spectacular!" The mountains block the sun early, creating optimal evening conditions for star viewing.
Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between sites. At McGillivray Campground, Mical M. notes "clean, quiet, and well leveled tent pads" with "water and vault toilets and garbage bins scattered throughout so each site is close to one."
River proximity: Several campgrounds offer direct river access. Emmett S. appreciated Dunn Creek Flats Campground because "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."
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening wildlife sightings enhance the camping experience. Mark D. mentioned at McGillivray Campground, "many deer running around at night and in the morning," while other campers note bald eagles and various birds throughout the forest.
Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters require preparation. Hannah O. at Yarnell Island Campground mentions "we hung the rest of our food out of reach on a tree branch" after noticing bold mice exploring their equipment.
Limited services: Most forest campgrounds have basic amenities only. Nancy C. notes at Blackwell Flats "there is little to no shade" and while free, campers should expect road noise and primitive conditions.
Weather fluctuations: Daily temperature swings can be significant. Randi R. observed at Dunn Creek Flats: "We came in late August and mornings were pretty Dewey and cold but the afternoons heated up a lot and the days were super nice."
Pet-accessible water spots: Some locations offer safe places for dogs to cool off. Corrie from Woodland RV Park mentions sites "on the little creek that you can wade and swim in," adding that children enjoy playing in the stream too.
Secure pet areas: Some campgrounds provide fenced areas for pets. Juice B. noted at Fairview Ranger Station the "nicely fenced in yard gives an extra feeling of security when you hear the bears or wolves at night."
Accessible hiking: Families with pets can find trails suitable for various abilities. Nancy C. recommends "for a beautiful scenic drive, continue north on 228 until you get to the bridge that crosses over the north end, take it across and head back south until it meets back up with 228."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste management. Nancy C. explains Fireman Memorial Park & Campground has "an RV dump station that can be accessed by anyone with $2," making it a convenient stop for RVers exploring multiple campgrounds.
Site leveling considerations: Some sites require extra equipment to level RVs. Angel R. from Woodland RV Park mentions "Our spot #40 had an incline we had to lower the front end of out trailer to its lowest point to get it level."
Water access planning: Not all campgrounds have hookups or potable water. At Dunn Creek Flats, Emmett S. notes "A hand pump for potable water was centrally located" which is typical of many forest campgrounds where you'll need to fill containers rather than connect hoses.
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 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Kootenai National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 82 dog-friendly camping locations near Kootenai National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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