Searching for a place to camp with your dog near Kootenai National Forest? Find the best information on pet-friendly campgrounds near Kootenai National Forest, including sites, reviews, and tips. 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
This remote cabin was built in 1908 and served as an administration building for the Wolf Creek District of the Blackfeet National Forest. The Blackfeet NF was dissolved in 1935 becoming part of the Kootenai & Flathead NF. Fairview was used as a remote work station until 1980. In 2011 major work was done to restore the cabin and put it on the rental system. The cabin is open year-round and is accessible by car.
Opportunities abound from this location. Hiking, fishing, floating, hunting, scenic and historical driving tours are just some of the activities to be enjoyed.
The Fairview Ranger Station is situated near Wolf Creek at an elevation of 2,995 feet within the Salish Mountain Range of the Rocky Mountains in the Kootenai National Forest. Wolf Creek and its many tributaries provide habitat for a variety of trout and big game animals. Wolf Creek has been an important route through history as a trail for the Kootenai Indians, early prospectors and railroads.
$75 / night
Scout
The town of Eureka closed this park to overnight camping as they had trouble with people over staying there welcome.
Ranger
We did not stay overnight, but it's a beautiful spot, with 360 degree views. It's quiet and peaceful. The road up to the lookout is pretty rough and wouldn't recommend it in a car. There's a lovely hiking trail from the parking area as well which leads to even more spectacular views. Recommended for a day trip or overnight!
Scout
Camping is free after September 25, but no water or wifi. Very quiet and peaceful.
Traveler
Modern and beautiful campground. Close to all the wonders of Idaho's panhandle. They have several back in and pull through sites with more on the way. Choice of full hookups, or water and electric. Their showers are emaculant and luxurious. Wife refused to use ours. They have luxury cabins and covered wagon glamping. Very family and senior friendly. Reasonably priced, can't loose booking here.
Scout
Very nice campground. Rod, caretaker, is the best. We had a wonderful 3 days camping.
Guide
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.
Guide
I stayed at Whispering Pines for three nights in a July heatwave. It was a work trip, and I tried to book a hotel but was offended at the high prices in the Flathead, so I opted to take my teardrop and camp.
This place was great. It is a really nice place with plenty of space, a very clean porta-potty and an outdoor shower. No electric hookups, but there is great cell reception and it’s only 10 minutes from downtown Kalispell.
The price was reasonable, compared to nightly hotel room rates, but for camping, anything over $35 a night really should have power. But, all things considered, this place does what it does really well, and that’s fine. Bottom line: if you are looking for a clean, quiet place to camp in Kalispell, give this place a try. Proximity to Whitefish, Glacier NP is excellent.
TravelerI couldn’t book through Dyrt in app on the date. I called and booked with Munro on busy 4th weekend and got it done. A very nice stay on very loud 4th weekend of fireworks at Bonners Ferry(to be expected). Campsite with fire ring, wooded, picnic table was awesome. Bathhouse and facilities were very clean. Wood, icecream, laundry detergent, and more for sale at office/bathhouse. Definitely, stay again.
Scout
It was my first time camping! Went camping with my fiance.
Pros
Cons
Recommendations
Scout
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.
Guide
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!
Scout
Johnie and his staff are over the top to accommodate. We stayed in the cabin and it was clean, warm, comfortable. Located central to sights in Idaho as well as Montana. We will be back next year. Guided fishing tours available as well as great food.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! Elysium Woods was recognized by Business Insider as the best glamping in Idaho for 2020! Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!
Guide
Super nice owner and her son. Place is clean and well kept. Right off the center of town. Great pull through sites.
ScoutThank you for a great stay. The shower can’t be beat!
Scout
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.
Guide
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!
Legend
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!!
Traveler
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.
Traveler
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.
Traveler
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!
Guide
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.
Guide
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.
TravelerLovely forested campground. Had a little dip in the river.
LegendVery cute campground, quiet, no service, right along the beautiful Yaak River and within walking distance to Yaak Falls.
Legend
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.
ScoutCharles and family are amazing! The spot is gorgeous and convenient. Can’t wait to come back.
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.
