Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Lolo National Forest

Do not follow maps directions to this spot. Click the one a little south east next to the river titled “Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area”. This is the right location. Good spot.

A nice off the road spot in the Lolo National Forest. Pretty quiet and a nice view of an open field from the campground. Just off South Fork Lolo Creek Trail Road before the South Fork Lolo Creek Trailhead. There was enough room to fit our 23' long Sprinter Van.

There are boulders that prevent vehicle from driving into the field which is good. A few unofficial stone fire pits people have created and we did see a few gun shell casings around the campground which is kinda expected of a place like this. The campsite overall was quiet and beautiful. There is a stream/creek that runs just 50ft from where you would camp/park.

https://www.camppaxson.org/app/

*Must rent entire facility*

"Camp Paxson sits on the shores of Seeley Lake, one of a chain of five lakes nestled between the Swan Mountain Range and the Mission Mountain Range in Western Montana. It is a 15-acre peninsula of land that Salish, Blackfeet, and Crow tribes cared for, hunted, and fished for centuries prior to European colonization and we recognize their time-honored traditions and connections rooted in the earth. While the history of the land reaches centuries back, the buildings on this Forest Service landmark are just 80 years old. Camp Paxson originally consisted of a tent camp with six small frame structures. By the 1930s, a larger facility was needed. The Depression-era Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps began building the current facility in 1939, and the bathhouses and cabins were completed in 1940. Because of its unique architecture and as an example of the contributions of the WPA and CCC during the Depression years, Camp Paxson was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The camp was originally used by a variety of groups including the Boy Scouts and the Forest Service for their Smokejumper training housing. Camp Paxson is a Lolo National Forest Service site administered by the Camp Paxson Preservation Project, a non-profit organization that operates with the mission to preserve and improve historic Camp Paxson and to advance the public’s appreciation of this cultural and natural resource both locally and regionally through expanded appropriate use. The facility is used by schools, churches, weddings, family reunions, and other gatherings of large groups.

CLICK HERE for FULL Ranger Review Video

When traveling through Montana there is a portion of the state which suddenly opens up in such an inviting way as the National Forest and Mountains start to give you the first glimpse of the upcoming PNW environment.   Tall trees welcome you and on a cool fall day the crisp air produces  a beautiful fog over the mountains.

Campground Review:

As I entered into this section of the 2 million acre LOLO National Forest I initially pulled into a rest area to make lunch only to realize that the exit point for the rest area was actually also the shared entry point for the Quartz Flat Campground.

The immediate sense of comfort abounded as large campsites became visible as I drove down the entry and the opening of the 2 loops welcomed me in with open arms.   Sites were well shaded and had ample ground to spread out and get comfortable for a stay from a day to 14 days at only $10 a night or $5 for those with the Senior Access pass.

I was very surprised when I noticed that Loop C was designed for smaller RVs, Vans and Tent campers and Loop A was designed for larger units which required pull through entry.    There was attention to detail for any possible traveler, something which commonly is not considered in design of National Forest campsites.

But far beyond the size this started to reveal to me that it was not your typical campsite on National Forest land for many other reasons.    There were both vault toilets and flush toilets at the location scattered throughout camp and drinking water spigots available at central points.

For tent campers the forest bed offered a lush and soft pad for set up and with sites being quite large there was a tranquility which came from camping here.  All sites were equipped with fire rings and tables but a select few were the location of bear boxes.    After leaving Yellowstone where each site had a bear box this was bit confusing to me as to why there were limited bear boxes but this did not deter me.

Additionally there is a dump station and trash collection at the Loop C entry point, very uncommon for these type of sites.   There also was a trail which began on the C Loop and traversed 1/2 a mile with information available at the main road with free brochures.

Departing this loop, I thought I had seen it all, but boy was I wrong!!  There was an entire other campground on the opposite side of the highway, accessible by a tunnel which passed under the highway itself.  This campground near mirrored that of the A & C Loops however appeared a bit closer to the highway.

TIPS:

• If you are visiting this campground make sure you bring everything with you, there is no store nearby for a quick stop.

• Check dates of closure for this campground.   When I arrived there were signs posted at the pay kiosk of closure beginning September 16th.    

For More Information About LOLO National Forest CLICK HERE

Product Review:

Upon occasion I am given the opportunity as a Dyrt Ranger to try out some amazing new products along my adventures.   For this trip I was able to try out the Acai Berry Liquid IV, a unique product which offers hydration multiplication for those who are needing a little pick me up.

How Does It Work?

Hydration multipliers work in a very interesting way.   Through adding a concentrated amount of electrolytes to your regular water they are able to make a single water hydrate your body as much as 3 waters of the same size.     The CTT technology used by Liquid IV is unique to the brand  and allows glucose and sodium to move differently in the body.  

In simple terms, if you don't drink enough water regularly, if you add Liquid IV to your intake, it allows your body to feel like it actually is getting enough water.

How Do I Use It?

Use is simple!! Servings are prepackaged and can be added to water of any temperature.    Simply tear the top, scissors not needed, and pour then shake!  I personally like adding it to hot tea in addition to plain water for a little punch of flavor.

How Does It Taste?

The Acai Berry flavor is a light flavor additive which allows you a subtle punch of flavor,   Unlike many drink additives it does not have a chalky taste and when it is fully dissolved you have no textural discrepancy from a standard water.   It just tastes like something other than water...lol

Does It Really Work?

I have been trying Liquid IV for a few weeks and have noticed a definite difference when using it versos not using it.    The product allows your body to not feel the signs of fatigue on a strenuous hike and allows you to stay hydrated, preventing muscle cramps, profuse sweating and heat related fatigue.

When using on a standard day of light activity your body just feels more energized, despite not being an energy supplement.    

I would recommend using this product for your day to day, especially if you struggle with consuming the recommended amount of water regularly.   For those who participate in strenuous athletic activity this is a game changer much better than Gatorade or Powerade.

Te lake is beautiful and the sites are really close to the lake. Better privacy than is typical. Pets allowed and the store is close.

This hike into the lakes is not for the faint of heart, but the most breath taking views of Montana at its finest. There are plenty of Brook trout and huckleberries to eat at each trail and lake. There is also a lot of wild life, including mountain goats, moose, deer, and elk. Please make sure when bringing pets that they know not to chase these animals and always look at fire reports before heading into this area.

Private campground. Level sites, stayed in #6 right by office. Sites fairly close together. Nice pet walk area. Showers clean. Full hookups. Solid, clean, well kept place to stay.

I was a bit apprehensive when the sign read, “RV park, casino” (restaurant, motel).....but! This place is nice. Sites are close, so prepare to be friendly. Highway is close by as well, so you will hear some traffic noise. A train occasionally runs slowly across the river. Campground nicley maintained. But, the lawnmower is out there everyday!!! Loud and unneeded. Shower and Laundry available. Nice quiet road to walk pets. And beautiful view of river and mountainside.

Finley point is a unit of Flathead Lake State Park, and has both tent camping as well as RV camping. There are RV spots practically right on the water, as well as tent spots. There’s also boat-in camping available, but you much sleep on your boat as there is no place for a tent next to the boat slips. The rangers do evening programs on the weekends, which are awesome. It’s a fabualous place to swim, paddle board, and spend time with family! Pets are allowed on leashes. There is not electric hookups or showers.

This is 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 - ‘dry’ non-water sites around $50-60/night, glamping yurt-like structures (more expensive) and cabins (higher wallet sucking). The dry sites are in a pretty forest area a bit off from all the shiny, gigantic RVs (this is Whitefish after all), so that’s a nice touch. This is a light-hearted, full service and colorful spot, though scenically not an ‘A’ in this gorgeous of a state and not all that budget friendly if your idea of a good time doesn’t involve pinball or Skittles.

Ahhhh. Finley point. 3rd trip here. I haven’t been here in 9 years and expected it to be the same. Sadly I was mistaken. BIg changes here. It’s not the quiet place It used to be. We arrived around 4pm only to find our parking space taken by day users. Disappointed that at a reserved site this was allowed. It was pure chaos boaters everywhere, people all over and very noisy. If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing spot, don’t come here! The view is as nice as ever and tent area by the water is nice. Vault toilets wIth hand sanitIzer, dont see this often, and no showers. Pet friendly with stations for doggie clean up bags.

Beautiful spot a little ways south down petty creek road, stayed here one night after rock climbing at Alberton. Fire rings and accessible by cat

We loved this place ! This is a peaceful, very well taken care of CG . It’s about 3 miles of the main road around Flathead lake , nestled in a beautiful lakeside neighborhood. The road to the CG is well paved & dotted with lovely lake homes , orchards & a few fresh produce stands if the season is right. Everyone’s yards were chocked FULL of deer!! They were everywhere! I never get sick of seeing deer & this was no exception. They were thick as thieves & a fun sight to see! Nothing like a ton of deer to welcome you on your travels . Once at the CG we were greeted by a friendly ranger , given some nifty area maps / info & kindly guided to our site. Our site was fantastic. Site 5 in an upper loop. It was up on an overlook & had a fantastic view of the lake thru a few beautiful pines. The site was paved, level & super easy to back into with a travel trailer. We sprung for an electric site. There’s a picnic table & fire ring too. There aren’t many trees between sites but they are well spaced & situated so that you aren’t staring into your neighbors site full on. Once we got settled in we took a stroll & followed a little path leading from the upper sites down to the water front sites & boat slips & beach. There’s a designated beach area where there are rv sites & tent sites available. While I wanted to be lakeside, these sites are a little bit busier & bustling due to the beach area & boaters. It’s to be expected at a CG with such a big boat launch area. It got a little busy during the day but it completely tolerable, & we cherish our peace & quiet ! If you just walk down a small strip of shoreline from the designated beach area, there is an area of small shore that’s quieter & less populated. The tent sites in this area looked very cool. Overall we found this CG to be lovely. It was actually pretty quiet despite some minor boat activity & beach noise. Somehow it all just blended into the background buzz. Everyone seemed to be respectful of the area & just wanted to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The grounds are well kept & the hosts are hard at work staying on top of things . And all the hosts were very nice . This park is also very pet friendly! There are cute little statins set up , fully stocked with poops bags & Flathead Lake personalized leaves . Such a thoughtful touch! We loved this place so much , we stayed two days , left for a night , then ended up coming back for another 2 days !

We stopped here on our way out of Montana (our home state). A winter storm rolled in and made the pass impassable. This is a FREE RV park with electric hookups…no water, cable, or dumping station, but again, FREE. The snow was hitting hard and having electricity was a lifesaver. There is a really good restaurant and bar here as well as a truck stop and gas station. We have a Class A and the spots were plenty big. Lots of dog walking areas too. Perfect in an emergency and great for a short stay. No long terms and is first come first serve.

Thompson SP, Montana

Very quiet, remote and sandy. Did an overnight here after a KOA so you can imagine the differences! There is a “garage” set up as the park office. When I asked the host where the main visitor center was she looked at me like I was crazy. She said “ This is the park office, it’s a State Park!” So I didn’t ask anything else. The sites are fairly close together but spread along the sides of the road loops and there are no other campsites around you. The dogs located a mouthy squirrel so they were entertained and there were wild growing huckleberries (a popular thing round these parts) throughout the campground. No electric, community water sites throughout , pit toilets and the hosts had firewood for sale. The river was a short walk through the trees from our site . Beautiful clear water, sand and rocks. Good place to unplug for weekend.