Searching for the best camping near Lolo National Forest, MT? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lolo National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.
$10 / night
"Nice little lake, was there in fall so not busy. Wooded and sites are along the lake, but views aren’t fantastic. Saw bear prints, definitely lock up foods. Bring water treatment methods."
"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."
"We boated around and actually bought some fish! I guess that’s what happens when you go with people who have the right equipment and frequent this area often."
$35 - $130 / night
"Nice large tent sites. They also have a geodesic dome you can rent. Website was not set up yet."
"On my drive up I did not see any established distributed campsites. However there are some turn offs that you could park at. This area would probably not be ideal for RVs."
"Not the best in terms of views, but worth the drive to get out of the city."
LegendCLICK 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.
GuideLove this spot in LOLO National Forest! There are fire rings at most sites and some have picnic tables. Not a ton of sites, 1 drive in one for a van or small trailer and the others are tent. I’m sure you might be able to park by vault toilet though if your in a van. It is near the hwy kinda, but we didn’t hear much traffic, but it was also still snowy and not amazing weather when we went in the end of April 2021. The site we stayed in walked down to the lake and had great views. The road is a dirt/mud road with some bad spots. We didn’t have a problem but did take it slow. I also had to move a tree out of the road because one had fallen and was blocking the way. Bear country - bring spray and other protectors. Lock your food there is a bear vault at the campsite we stayed at
TravelerPulled off i-90 for a stop, plenty of campsites available. Able to reserve online thru recreation.gov as well as first come first serve. saw maybe 4 other cars. Only downside is proximity to freeway and loud train. Would go off multiple times throughout the night waking us up every time. Well maintained, plenty of restrooms they were closed though but a bear box and dumpster were available for trash/food storage.
GuideGreat place to stay. First come first stay 8 day max stay. Vault toilets, picnic table, sites are spread out. $18 dollars per day
GuideThis is a free campground. There are five sites with generous spacing. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. There is a privy and one bear box in the middle of the circle. This campground doesn't really accommodate large RVs, but it's great for tent camping. Although it sits along the river, it doesn't really have great river access. The campground is no more than 10 minutes from Thompson falls, so it's easy to get to town if you need to.
Traveler$20 a night for a spot right on the crystal clear water. Native land & no alcohol. Fire ring with grill attachment and a picnic table. There’s electric/water sites not on the water and I believe the ones right on the lake are not. Dogs allowed. Spacious spots, some with a decent amount of privacy. Bathrooms.
GuideSites Right along the river. A few sites are in a cul de sac style and would be great for group camping. The other two are fairly secluded. No water. No garbage. There is a Vaulted toilet. Each site has fire ring and a picnic table.
LegendThe campground offers many lakeside campsites complete with picnic table and fire rings. There were 3 yurts for those interested. all vehicles, including camping vehicles, park alongside road; there are few, if any, pull-in sites. There is room for a tent or two in the sIte. Most of the lakeside sites also have a small amount of slope.
The camp hosts were absolutely fantastic! There is firewood and ice for sale at the park. Polson is about 20-30 mInutes away and has grocery stores, etc. If you go to Polson, check out The Cove Deli for some really great ice-cream.
The showers were really awkward, but did the job. They take $ coins (available from host if needed) and quarters.
If you aren’t bringing your own boat, Boat Rentals and Rides is only 2 miles down the road. We rented 2 glass bottom kayaks. Warning: lake conditions change suddenly and we saw the waves blow in 2 dIfferent directions durIng the 2 days we were there. There were no bear boxes at the sites, only one by the bathroom.
GuideAt least 20 lake front dry tent sites, second row back from the lake is tent sites or small rigs with power. There are swimming docks, a boat launch, sunning lawn and a newly added concession stand. The water shallow for a long distance of beautiful colorful rocks (like Lake McDonald) and perfect for swimming of all ages. Camp crowd was quiet and well behaved perhaps because no alcohol is allowed? Great stop on the way to Glacier National Park. Why not 5 stars? Bathrooms and campsites were dirty, potable water is hard to get.
Tent camping near Lolo National Forest in Montana offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lolo National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lolo National Forest is Kreis Pond Campground with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lolo National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Lolo National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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