Nestled between the Cabinet Mountains and the Kootenai National Forest, Noxon, Montana sits at an elevation of 2,185 feet along the Clark Fork River. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures reaching 85°F and cold winters dropping to 20°F. Camping near Noxon offers access to diverse waterways including the Bull River and Cabinet Gorge Reservoir, creating multiple options for pet friendly camping experiences.
What to do
Water activities nearby: Bull River Campground provides excellent access to swimming spots. "Beautiful camp areas... and great swimming and fishing in the bull river," notes Corinne G. The campground sits where Bull River enters Cabinet Gorge Reservoir, creating diverse water recreation options.
Hiking with pets: The terrain around Engle Lake Dispersed Camping offers challenging yet rewarding trails. According to Arielle W., "We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed!" The area connects to Engle Peak summit which provides 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountains.
Fishing opportunities: Devils Elbow campground provides riverside fishing access. Samantha B. reports it's "Close to amazing fly fishing and has firewood available for cheap with bathrooms!" While David G. notes fishing isn't always easy: "Great fishing steps away, but catch the catch and release west slope cutthroat aren't so easy to catch."
What campers like
Riverside campsites: Campers appreciate the waterfront locations available at most Noxon area campgrounds. "This campground sits on the Bull River as it enters the Cabinet Gorge Reservoir," writes Judy T. about Kootenai National Forest Bull River Campground. "We were in site #17 with a water view near the loop turn around."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers frequent wildlife encounters. Rachel M. stayed at Bull River Campground for nine nights and reports they "saw beavers, turkeys, and deer." The Cabinet Mountains wilderness provides natural habitat for diverse wildlife populations.
Private, quiet camping spots: Big Hank Campground receives praise for site privacy. Jana H. notes, "The campsites in this campground are all private. There are lots of big trees between campgrounds so you have plenty of privacy from your neighbors." This makes it ideal for pet friendly camping near Noxon, Montana when seeking quieter options.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area have limited operational seasons. Two Rivers RV Park operates from April 1 to November 15, while Kootenai National Forest Bull River Campground is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This creates limited winter camping options.
Weather challenges: Early season camping comes with specific challenges. Rachel M. warns, "Beware of ticks and mosquitos, but that's pretty common for this area of the state." Spring and early summer require appropriate insect protection for both humans and pets.
Facility limitations: Trout Creek Motel & RV Park offers year-round accommodation, but internet connectivity issues exist. Ti Y. reports, "The wifi is weak and unstable." Most dispersed camping areas lack amenities like toilets and potable water, requiring self-sufficiency.
Wildlife precautions: When camping with pets near Noxon, wildlife encounters require preparation. Arielle W. advises, "When we were here, there were a lot of Elk and Moose foot-traffic... bring a bear canister and place it 100-300 feet from your tent."
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Bull River Pavilion accommodates larger family gatherings. Kyle M. notes, "The camp area is pretty full even in the off season, because it is absolutely beautiful." Devils Elbow also features group facilities as Megan K. describes: "Their group site is HUGE! So if you have a family reunion this place would provide a lot of enjoyment."
Kid-friendly swimming: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas appropriate for children. Matthew D. describes Devils Elbow as having "nice swimming for the kids and quiet." This provides safe water recreation options during summer months.
Historic educational opportunities: The Bull River Guard Station offers a unique cabin camping experience with historical significance. Evelyn M. explains, "History galore in the building and surrounding areas. Some complaints of mice - but that's to be expected from a building from 1908." This historic cabin sleeps multiple people: "Plenty of beds for a full family - four upstairs and one downstairs."
Tips from RVers
RV site specifications: For larger rigs, campground selection matters. Eric D. recommends Trout Creek Motel & RV Park, noting "Long, pull through RV sites that are over 80 feet long." This makes it suitable for larger recreational vehicles seeking pet friendly camping options near Noxon.
Site privacy considerations: RVers report varying degrees of site privacy. Dave S. observed at Bull River Campground: "The lower loops are very close together & less shade. The upper loop has more shade, bigger sites, but sound rises from below." This helps when selecting optimal sites for RVs with pets.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have access limitations. Judy T. notes about Bull River Campground: "It is, iirc, a short loop so a truck/trailer may not make it." Kris M. mentions at Trout Creek: "Bridge was under construction and could not get to north shore so stayed here... Nice level gravel site."
