Best Campgrounds near Noxon, MT

Camping options around Noxon, Montana include established campgrounds and dispersed sites nestled within the Kootenai National Forest. Bull River Campground provides tent and RV camping along the Bull River as it enters Cabinet Gorge Reservoir, while Two Rivers RV Park & Campground offers amenities like electric hookups and sewer connections. The region's primitive sites and developed facilities are primarily concentrated along waterways including the Bull River and Clark Fork River, with Engle Lake offering free dispersed camping for those seeking more remote experiences.

Seasonal operations affect campground availability in the area, with many sites open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "During my stay in mid-September, the fresh water spigot was still on and no one else camped there," noted one visitor to Bull River Campground. Most campgrounds feature basic amenities like vault toilets, while RV parks provide more extensive services including showers and water hookups. Road access varies, with some campgrounds requiring travel on unpaved forest roads. The Cabinet Mountains create a dramatic backdrop for camping in this region, though train and highway noise can occasionally be heard at sites near Highway 200 and the Montana Rail Line.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Noxon area. Bull River Campground receives positive reviews for its location along the river and reservoir, offering opportunities for fishing and paddling. Campground reviews mention the high quality of drinking water available from Forest Service spigots in this part of northwest Montana. Several visitors note the spaciousness of sites and relative privacy between camping areas. Those seeking quieter experiences may prefer Bad Medicine Campground on Bull Lake, which visitors describe as having a "woodsy" feel without being claustrophobic. The surrounding mountains provide scenic backdrops, with nearby hiking trails and fishing spots accessible from most campgrounds in the area.

Best Camping Sites Near Noxon, Montana (180)

    1. Bull River Campground

    6 Reviews
    Noxon, MT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 827-3533

    "Excellent access to the river, small walking trails led to fishing areas, and we saw beavers, turkeys, and deer. Beware of ticks and mosquitos, but that's pretty common for this area of the state."

    "Close to highway. Can fill up fast on the weekends."

    2. Bad Medicine Campground

    9 Reviews
    Heron, MT
    13 miles
    Website

    "It is close to the Ross Cedars just up the narrow road. This is a wooded campground where not much light gets in. But, it feels woodsy, no claustrophobic."

    "This is the Bull River Valley of western Montana after all."

    3. Trout Creek Motel & RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Trout Creek, MT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 827-3268

    "It's near the Idaho and Montana border. I found plenty of time to just chill while looking for a more long term spot."

    "Is a little close to highway and there are trains all night, but the whole valley is like that. Tall trees on site nice and shady. Enjoyed our stay!"

    5. Big Eddy Campground

    4 Reviews
    Heron, MT
    9 miles
    Website

    "Our campsite was situated so we had good solar reception.  Fire ring was good, as was the picnic table.  Discovered a spring just a few miles west of the campground where water was easily available. "

    6. Engle Lake Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Noxon, MT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 293-6211

    "We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed!"

    7. Bull River Guard Station

    2 Reviews
    Noxon, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 827-3533

    $75 / night

    "This old Guard Station is in the perfect location. Easy to drive to and close to miles and miles of trails in the Kootenai National Forest."

    8. Kootenai National Forest Bull River Campground

    1 Review
    Noxon, MT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 827-3533

    "We were in site #17 with a water view near the loop turn around. It is, iirc, a short loop so a truck/trailer may not make it."

    9. Two Rivers RV Park & Campground

    1 Review
    Noxon, MT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 847-2291

    "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."

    10. North Shore Campground

    2 Reviews
    Trout Creek, MT
    11 miles
    Website

    "Lots of near by hiking. Beautiful!"

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Recent Reviews near Noxon, MT

570 Reviews of 180 Noxon Campgrounds


  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    North Shore Campground

    Pretty great!

    Nice big shady spots. Pretty okay restrooms. Beautiful dock area!

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Dorr Skeels Campground

    Beautiful, but stinky

    The area was beautiful, plentiful fish, and peaceful. I’m not sure if it was because of the end of the season, but the restrooms were very smelly. I would go again, but it’s just a heads up about the stank!

  • F
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Bull River Campground

    Beautiful but the State of Montana has mismanaged to the point of absurdity

    This used to be a great place to camp, especially at the Pavilion. However, two recent camping trips were not so great. There is no water, even though there are cisterns everywhere. There is no trash pickup. Restrooms are visited and "cleaned", but there is no evidence that anything was done. There are still tons of bugs and webs. I think they just replace the TP. Last visit was at the Pavilion with a men's campout with around 20 individuals. No trash containers, no bear boxes, and no water. We brought 250 gallons of water with us and pulled up to where the fire pit was, so it would be close to the fire for safety and convenience. The day after we left the site, a ranger called and accused us of "off-roading" and not placing our food in the non-existent bear boxes. We weren't "cited," but the temperament of the management is that they want you to pay the same price for camping without a host, water, trash, bear boxes, or clean restrooms. If you wish to dry camp, there are plenty of spaces, but it is definitely dry camping. Beautiful campground with severe management issues, all blamed on"lack of funding".

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Beyond Hope Resort

    Great place

    A little pricy but worth it. So clean. Beautiful and full of wildlife. The lake is gorgeous and the hosts were wonderful. A great place to shower and do laundry.

  • BoGwen J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    By the Way Campground

    Okay in a pinch

    Your right next to freeway very noisy. The AC couldn’t drown out the traffic noise. Wore earplugs. Very nice people and a clean spot! Bonus the moose come to visit.

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    copper mountain rd dispersed

    Mountain views

    Nice spot up the road about 10 minutes. Great views. Close to the highway so a little bit of noise from the interstate. Fire ring and that’s it.

  • Reagan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Camp Coeur D Alene

    Lovely spot with showers and kayak rentals!

    Great spot to stay for a bit. They have cabins and rv spots and car/tent spots with direct lake access and kayaks/peddleboats to rent

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Thompson River Dispersed Camping and Shooting

    Low budget fun

    It was free. It provided nothing, but was close to the river. We pooped in a bag, and provided our everything. We made a made a campfire. We didn’t shoot anything, but there were a lot of shells around.

  • Kyle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Thompson River Dispersed Camping and Shooting

    Free redneck camping

    Off the side of the road, with no amenities near some pretty cool stuff. The sight is ugly, but free. Close to some good trout fishing via river. There is a pretty lame fire pit already established, and people fire their guns out here. There is no toilets, but if you’re looking for free, and absolutely zero neighbors this is your spot. Yes, I said zero neighbors!


Guide to Noxon

Camping near Noxon, Montana, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Water Sports: The area around Kootenai River Campground is perfect for fishing. One camper mentioned, "The owners care a lot about their customers. Bathrooms are clean. Showers also clean." This makes it a great spot to relax after a day on the water.
  • Hiking: Trails near Dunn Creek Flats Campground offer beautiful views. A visitor shared, "We watched The Perseid Meteor shower. Spectacular!" This campground is a great base for exploring the surrounding nature.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers enjoy spotting local wildlife. One review noted, "We were fortunate to snag a spot next to the river," highlighting the area's natural beauty.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Logan State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms are SUPER clean and heated when it's chilly out."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Thompson Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are far apart," which adds to the feeling of privacy.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground staff often receive high praise. One visitor at Kootenai River Campground said, "Owners were very accommodating and informative."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell reception. A camper at Thompson Falls State Park Campground noted, "No AT&T for us and no wifi."
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A review for Logan State Park Campground mentioned, "Unless you want to backpack into the backcountry, most places will have some road noise."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds may have limited access during certain months. For example, Sam Owen Campground is open from May 8 to September 20.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places with nearby hiking and fishing. A review for Farragut State Park highlighted, "There is a beautiful lake for water sports and plenty of activities to do in the winter."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. One camper at Wallace RV Park mentioned, "Looks to be a good pub, power and water no issues."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to have downtime for kids. A visitor at Dunn Creek Flats Campground said, "The sites are primitive with fire rings but no power or water hookups."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds may not accommodate larger RVs. A review for Sam Owen Campground warned, "Be very careful in choosing your site, the majority are not level."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, choose campgrounds that offer full hookups. A camper at Wallace RV Park noted, "Full hookups $45, bit expensive however this includes showers and toilets free."
  • Be Prepared for Road Access: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. A visitor at Green Bay Campground mentioned, "The road going down is pretty rough especially in the rain but doable without 4wd."

Camping near Noxon, Montana, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds at Noxon Reservoir?

Noxon Reservoir offers several camping options along its shoreline. Bull River Campground sits where the Bull River enters Cabinet Gorge Reservoir (part of the Noxon system) and provides water views. Two Rivers RV Park & Campground is located near Noxon with convenient reservoir access. Additional camping can be found at Marten Creek Campground and Big Eddy Campground. For those seeking more seclusion, dispersed camping options are available along forest roads that access the reservoir shoreline, particularly in the Kootenai National Forest areas surrounding the water.

What amenities are available at Noxon Reservoir campgrounds?

Campgrounds around Noxon Reservoir offer varying levels of amenities. Kootenai National Forest Bull River Campground provides fresh water spigots (typically available until mid-fall), designated campsites, and basic facilities. Birdland Bay RV Resort offers more amenities with generously spaced sites, well-maintained grounds, and proximity to fishing and kayaking on the Clark Fork River system. Public campgrounds typically include vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Some have potable water available seasonally. RV parks in the area often provide additional amenities like showers, laundry facilities, and hookups, though these are typically located a short drive from the reservoir itself.

What is the best time of year to camp at Noxon Reservoir?

The prime camping season at Noxon Reservoir runs from late spring through early fall (May through September). Summer months offer warm temperatures perfect for water activities, though this is also the busiest period. Lake Creek Campground, about 6.5 miles off the highway, provides seclusion during peak season. September is particularly pleasant with fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and campgrounds like Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park still accessible with facilities operating. By mid-September, you'll find significantly fewer campers, as noted by visitors to nearby public campgrounds. The shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) offer the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, while facilities are typically still open.