Best Tent Camping near Kootenai National Forest in Montana

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Kootenai National Forest? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Kootenai National Forest, MT (30)

Showing results 1-10 of 30 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Kootenai National Forest

254 Reviews of 30 Kootenai National Forest Campgrounds


  • Teri H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Park
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Riverside Park

    No longer allows overnight camping.

    The town of Eureka closed this park to overnight camping as they had trouble with people over staying there welcome.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Valley Campground
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Pleasant Valley Campground

    Perfect stop for primitive

    Stayed early October and only 1 other camper. Glad it was open, as information is limited and most areas close Sept 15th or Oct 1 and close gates for access. Basic sites, vault toilet. Underused, but great for horses with fence, etc. Only one other car camper. Beautiful stars at night!

  • Lee F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Lake Campground
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Smith Lake Campground

    Quiet, clean

    A real gem of a find! Although the campsites are not lakefront, it's only a short walk to the day use area with a fishing dock, boat launch and dock, and a nice public area. Although the lake isn't particularly large, the people we saw fishing were catching. There appears to be 8 sites, one of which is outside of the gate which may be locked after the end of September. At least half of the sites have a nice sized tent area. Most people were tenting when we were there. We arrived at 2pm on a Wednesday and had 4 sites to choose from

  • Emmett S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bull Lake
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Bull Lake

    Quiet and secluded

    Less than five miles from the highway, this is a nice sized lake stocked with fish. There were a pair of white swans on the lake when I was there but no one else around. A large parking area, could accommodate a travel trailer or two in addition to a couple tent sites with fire rings. One picnic table with a fire pit and rock fire rings at the tent sites. There are two access roads, the first is more appropriate for van, truck or hike in to tent site. Not a lot of turn around room, wouldn't bring a trailer in. Second turn off goes to a much larger area, multiple sites and boat launch access to the lake.

  • Emmett S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater River
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Stillwater River

    Beautiful Riverside Rustic

    Just about a mile from the highway, this site is right on the river with some nice deep pools. There are three separate fire rings with a vault toilet and picnic table. It's a short drive in but more suitable for truck camping, van, tent camping or very small trailer like 13' max due to narrow track and limited maneuvering area. High clearance required!

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Dorr Skeels Campground
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Dorr Skeels Campground

    Odd spots but great location

    There are a handful of tent sites here. Several are on a hill next to each other beside the parking lot. 4 sites sit right along the lake. Great spot if camping near lake is your interest, however, lacks privacy as sites are directly beside each other. Awkward sites.

  • Christopher W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Whitefish Campground
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Upper Whitefish Campground

    WOW-What a Beautiful Place

    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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Horses Welcome | Hot Shower | Close to Everything
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Horses Welcome | Hot Shower | Close to Everything

    Quiet and peaceful

    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.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yaak River Campground
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Yaak River Campground

    First time camping 🏕 Had a good time

    It was my first time camping! Went camping with my fiance.

    Pros

    • The check in process is easy. Just make sure you have cash
    • lots of trees to hang a hammock
    • fire rings with grill top
    • bear boxes for your food
    • the sound of the river makes you fall asleep!

    Cons

    • No sink in the bathrooms.
    • No internet service. Dead zone.

    Recommendations

    • Definitely recommend bringing cash to pay for your site and firewood.
    • bring hand sanitizer since there aren't sinks or soap
    • There's a DG about 20 minutes away in Idaho to grab snack goodies c:
  • Paul G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Campground
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Meadow Creek Campground

    Great campground

    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.

  • Haley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Creek Road
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Big Creek Road

    Large, quiet dispersed spot

    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!

  • Chevy 3.
    Camper-submitted photo from The Hemlocks RV and Lodging
    Mar. 23, 2024

    The Hemlocks RV and Lodging

    good times

    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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitefish RV Park
    Sep. 28, 2023

    Whitefish RV Park

    Whitefish RV

    Super nice owner and her son. Place is clean and well kept. Right off the center of town. Great pull through sites.

  • Emily T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ashley Lake South Campground
    Sep. 22, 2023

    Ashley Lake South Campground

    Good spot if lucky

    There are only about 6-7 spots, first come first serve, and it's on a real rough road to get there. It's a perfect location for easy water access, but also seems like it could be a popular spot for teenagers and parties so there is no real quiet hour enforcement. Pit toilet in the center of the campground.

  • Jeffrey G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rexford Bench Campground
    Sep. 12, 2023

    Rexford Bench Campground

    Nice place

    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.

  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Logan State Park Campground
    Sep. 5, 2023

    Logan State Park Campground

    Beautiful views

    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!!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Loon Lake Campground
    Sep. 3, 2023

    Loon Lake Campground

    Scary (but) good

    There is a vault toilet, but it is not the best kept one. There are enough space for a few campers. A long gravel road to get to the camping. Lots of wildlife. We were all alone and had a large animal outside our car at night

  • Ti Y.
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Rivers RV Park & Campground
    Aug. 22, 2023

    Two Rivers RV Park & Campground

    Nice & quite

    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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from LaSalle RV Park
    Aug. 16, 2023

    LaSalle RV Park

    I am spoiled!

    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!

  • Emmett S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Martin Lake
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Martin Lake

    Secluded and serene

    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.

  • Emmett S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dunn Creek Flats Campground
    Aug. 13, 2023

    Dunn Creek Flats Campground

    Right on the river

    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.

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yaak River Campground
    Aug. 8, 2023

    Yaak River Campground

    Cute hidden campground

    Very cute campground, quiet, no service, right along the beautiful Yaak River and within walking distance to Yaak Falls.



Guide to Kootenai National Forest

Tent camping near Kootenai National Forest in Montana offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to different preferences and needs.

Tent campers should check out Martin Lake

  • Experience the tranquility of Martin Lake, where a short hike leads you to a secluded site right by the water's edge, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
  • This campground allows fires, making it ideal for cozy evenings under the stars, though be sure to bring your own firewood.
  • With no established trails, adventurous campers can explore and discover hidden spots around the lake, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of exploration.

Local activities to enjoy while camping

  • At Yarnell Island Campground, you can paddle over to the islands and enjoy swimming in the warm waters, with stunning views of the night sky.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will find promising spots at Martin Lake, where the serene environment is perfect for casting a line.
  • The nearby Whitetail Campground offers access to the river, making it a great place for relaxing afternoons by the water.

Tips for tent camping near Kootenai National Forest

  • Be prepared for primitive conditions at Yarnell Island Campground, as there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.
  • When camping at Island Lake, keep in mind that it’s not meant to be a designated campsite, so respect the area and avoid camping on the island itself.
  • Always store food securely to deter wildlife, especially in areas like Martin Lake, where bears may be present.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kootenai National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kootenai National Forest is Yarnell Island Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Kootenai National Forest?

    TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Kootenai National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.