Lolo National Forest contains over 2 million acres of terrain ranging from 2,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation, with deep canyons and steep mountainous slopes. Many camping areas sit along rivers and creeks, creating sound barriers that help mask highway noise. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 45-55°F at night.
What to do
River activities: Fish creek access sites throughout the forest provide excellent fishing opportunities. At Big Pine Campground, campers enjoy quick river access. "Great riverside campground. First come first serve and free with a pit toilet," confirms one visitor. For swimming, Lolo National Forest Recreation Area offers multiple river-adjacent sites where "beautiful and forested with privacy and plenty of space to setup 5 tents. Didn't have any issues with bugs or mosquitos despite being by the river in August."
Hiking nearby: Most forest campgrounds have trail access within short driving distance. From Kreis Pond Campground, the Sleeping Woman trail provides challenging terrain with significant rewards. One camper notes, "Neat, fun area especially with the Sleeping Woman hike so close. Once you drive up the mountain, the trailhead is off to the left and it's a heavy incline to the top so be prepared with lots of water and an awesome view at the end. 360 view of the Missoula Valley, Bitteroot Mountain Range, Flathead in the distance and Mission Mountains as well."
Scenic driving routes: Forest roads connect multiple camping areas, offering excellent wildlife viewing. The 15-minute drive to St. Regis from Muchwater Recreation Area passes through scenic forest terrain. "Easy 15 min drive to St. Regis, supplies and tourists traps aplenty," notes one camper, while another observed moose activity: "There was a young lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas provide substantial buffer zones between campsites. At Muchwater Recreation Area, "Dispersed. Pet friendly. Quiet. Plenty of space between you and other campers. A river right by you." Another camper confirms "This place is incredible! Stunning views, several sites to choose from, some have access to the river. The road conditions are wonderful—towed a 20 ft trailer."
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, many established campgrounds maintain serviceable restrooms. Quartz Flats Campground offers "flush toilets, clean sites, not on top of each other. You can scan the QR code and pay easily." Another visitor appreciated that "each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Check in was easy. The campground is clean and people are quiet."
Sound barriers: Natural features help mask road and train noise at many sites. At Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping, "It's tucked in a valley, so no awesome views. This is a spot for ease and convenience." While some sites have nearby trains, the experience varies: "The river was so soothing to hear. Didn't go in due to the current being so strong. The train didn't really bother me. Kinda cool seeing it across the river bend."
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Access to remote sites requires preparation, especially for larger vehicles. At Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping, "We have a 27 foot RV towed with a truck that has a 8ft bed. Initially we missed the turn and had nowhere to turn around since this is on the side of a mountain." Plan turnarounds carefully as "any vehicle (cars too) can get to the 3 or 4 sites. Turn around may be iffy. Depending on your skills and the size."
Limited or no amenities: Most dispersed sites lack basic services. "No water or trash" at Muchwater Recreation Area, while one camper at Kreis Pond Campground advises: "Bring water treatment methods." Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier.
Wildlife considerations: Bear activity requires proper food storage across all camping areas. Kreis Pond visitors reported "bear prints, definitely lock up foods." At Petty Creek Road, one camper noticed "something is eating big game out here so lock up your food." Moose sightings occur regularly at several riverside sites.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: On-site recreation keeps children engaged. Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA offers extensive options as "a really fun spot a little ways off busy Hwy. 93. You got your mini golf, outdoor go carts, paddle boats, arcade, donkey petting, pizza and all level of camp sites." Another visitor confirms it "has it all. Lots of fun for the kids with mini golf, bikes, paddle boats, and arcade games."
Protected swimming areas: Safer water access points exist throughout the forest. At Kreis Pond, "there's only about 5 spots and summer will be crowded when it's hot and awesome weather! Bring tubes to float around the water and hammock to hang around." The pond offers calmer waters than rivers but be aware that it's "small and prone to very dense algae blooms."
Dog-friendly campgrounds: Most Lolo National Forest campgrounds allow pets with standard leash policies. Quartz Flats staff are "friendly at check-in and even had a special treat for my pups to enjoy and complementary doggy bags." For water-loving dogs, River Edge Resort provides "amazing views and surprisingly quiet for being right off the highway."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: Limited level spaces exist for larger vehicles. At Jim & Mary's RV Park, "Sites are all level with gravel. There are picnic tables. Reasonable and discounts accepted. Not far off of the highway." One visitor noted "we got the last site of the day and were so pleased with our overnight stay. Such nice people and beautifully kept grounds."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites remain limited across the forest. At Polson-Flathead Lake KOA, "The RV sites were nice and spacious and level with their own patio and chairs." For travelers needing electricity, water and sewer, Jim & Mary's offers "pull thru and back in spots. Good amount of space between sites."
Seasonal considerations: Many forest campgrounds close during winter months. River Edge Resort remains "open all year" while most dispersed sites become inaccessible after snowfall. Summer bookings often require advance planning as "Glacier can get really packed between about the 4th of July and the end of summer."
