Tent camping near Noxon, Montana offers primitive wilderness experiences in the Cabinet Mountains with limited cellular connectivity throughout the region. The surrounding Kootenai National Forest includes multiple dispersed camping options along river corridors and mountain lakes, with elevations ranging from 2,200 feet near the Clark Fork River to over 4,000 feet at higher mountain campgrounds. Most primitive campsites remain snow-free from late May through mid-October, with July and August being the most accessible months for high-elevation camping.
What to do
Fishing local waterways: Lake Creek Campground provides excellent fishing access with "great" conditions according to visitor Sunshine S., who notes "local residents who are happy to show you about" the best fishing spots in the area.
Hiking mountain trails: Scotchmans Peak offers challenging hiking with significant elevation gain. Camper Shariah T. describes it as "a very very difficult hike, which makes camping here even more rewarding" with the camping area located "in the last wooded section of the hike" leaving "the last 3/4 mile of the hike ahead of you."
Water activities: Green Bay Campground provides excellent water recreation options. Camper Michelle B. shares that they "brought our kayaks into the water in the sunny part of the day" and the site has "prime access" to cliff jumping spots.
What campers like
Seclusion and quiet: Campers at Lake Creek Campground appreciate the remoteness. Darrin L. explains: "I stayed in the dispersed area for 4 nights and really enjoyed the seclusion here. The campsite is about 6.5 miles off the highway which feels pretty far once you get there."
Waterfront locations: Maiden Rock Campground offers boat-in access sites with direct water access. Visitor Libby N. notes there are "3 bouy-tethers for boats" available and "multiple sites" along the shoreline.
Wildlife viewing: At Lake Elsie Campground, campers frequently encounter wildlife. Natalie J. reports: "multiple bears went through the campground in the evening and came back at around 3am. Be careful with your food and be smart."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many primitive campsites require driving on rough forest roads. At Lake Elsie Campground, Samuel H. advises: "The road up is rough, potholes, it does get better about halfway up. Expect at least 30 minutes to get up after you hit the gravel, and that's pushing it pretty hard."
Bear safety: Bear activity is common at most campsites around Noxon. Lake Creek Campground has bear boxes at most sites, but site #2 appears to lack this amenity according to recent campers.
Seasonal availability: Most primitive campgrounds open after Memorial Day and close around Labor Day. Early and late season visitors should check snow conditions, as Lake Elsie visitor Saphrenne R. cautions "the road sometimes still has a good foot of snow until about Mid-June."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible lakes: Breakwater Campground offers tent sites along a tributary of the Coeur d'Alene River. Lane P. notes "there is great tent camping and fly fishing" though "there is limited vehicle access to most spots."
Weekday visits: For Green Bay Campground, William N. recommends: "Our stay at the Green Bay campground was perfect. We arrived on a Wednesday and had the place nearly to our selves. This was a perfect place to camp with a family or with friends. Make sure to arrive early in the week if you want a camp site."
Dealing with insects: Yellow jackets can be problematic in summer months. Green Bay Campground visitor Melissa G. reports: "our only complaint was that there were a lot of yellow jackets- A LOT. But they weren't too aggressive. Despite being frequently swarmed by them, neither of us got stung while we were there."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near Noxon have minimal site improvements. At Bull River Pavilion, tent-only sites feature basic amenities with limited RV access.
Water availability: RVers should bring all needed water supplies. Lake Elsie Campground visitor Jessica C. explains: "There is a outhouse bathroom but you are on your own otherwise!"
Narrow access roads: Forest roads to primitive campsites often restrict larger RVs. Lake Elsie Campground reviews warn the road is "NARROW, WINDY, AND STEEP. not at all trailer or big rig friendly."
