Dispersed camping opportunities near Olney, Montana sit at approximately 3,300 feet elevation in the Flathead National Forest region. The area experiences cool nights even in summer months, with temperatures often dropping into the 40s after sunset. Road conditions accessing these pet-friendly camping areas vary significantly with spring thaws and summer rainfall creating challenging driving conditions on forest service roads leading to prime camping locations.
What to do
**Wildlife watching: Early mornings offer prime opportunities at Middle Fork Flathead River, where campers report diverse wildlife sightings. "We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle!" says Lynsey M., highlighting the accessible river viewing areas that attract various wildlife.
**Paddling excursions: Flathead River system provides accessible water recreation from multiple campgrounds. "This lake is never a disappointment! Easy access roads, nice boat launch, and solid camping sites. If your looking for a nice days paddle or a weekend away Stillwater Lake, Stillwater River and the surrounding smaller lakes, Hole in the Wall and Finger Lake; have you covered," notes Denyel B. about their experience at multiple connected waterways.
**Train spotting: For families with train enthusiasts, the rail line near Whitefish Lake State Park offers regular sightings. "Fun for the kids to see from the lake at 3pm," mentions Henry H., though noting the nighttime noise factor for sleeping campers.
**Cliff jumping: Adventure seekers find thrilling opportunities at Tally Lake Campground. "Great cliff jumping!" says Talia H., with Melissa P. adding "Cliff jumping was a blast and the water wasn't too cold to spend the day in it."
What campers like
**Natural water features: Streams and creeks throughout the camping areas provide both scenery and recreation. At Upper Whitefish Campground, "We stayed at one of the lakeside spots, surrounded by trees. It was very private. The site was very large next to a stream," reports Jennifer S., describing the integration of water features with campsites.
**Night sky viewing: Clear skies away from city lights create stellar astronomy opportunities. "The stars are so bright and the Milky Way seems so close you could touch it," describes Denyel B. about evening views at North Fork Flathead River.
**Convenient access: Location relative to popular destinations ranks high for campers. "This campground is only one mile from the entrance to Glacier NP which makes it a good base camp when exploring and day hiking in the park," explains Heidi C. regarding Glacier Campground's strategic positioning.
**River relaxation: Direct water access from campsites rates highly. "Massive lot right on the river," highlights Durango A. about Middle Fork Flathead River sites, while others mention the calming effects of falling asleep to river sounds at waterfront campsites.
What you should know
**Road conditions: Unpaved access roads present challenges throughout the region. "The road to the beach is quite rough. We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance," warns Lynsey M. about Middle Fork Flathead River, with similar reports at most dispersed sites.
**Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require appropriate gear and planning. "Be prepared for all types of weather, we saw it all during our 4 days in late May," reports Rod D. from Fish Creek Campground.
**Bear awareness: Multiple campgrounds report bear activity requiring proper precautions. "Wildlife frequent this campground and do not feed them. Be Bear Aware, and always carry your bear spray, and flashlight especially at night," advises Mai K., with several campgrounds requiring proper food storage.
**Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. "Very limited or no cell service exists throughout the area, making emergency veterinary access challenging," with Jennifer S. reporting "There is ZERO cell service, even with a WeBoost" at Upper Whitefish Campground.
Tips for camping with families
**Train noise management: For campsites near train tracks, come prepared with noise solutions. "Dear God above, the train...it runs right next to the campground at all hours. Fun for the kids to see from the lake at 3pm, hell for a family tent camping at 3am," warns Henry H. about Whitefish Lake State Park, suggesting noise-canceling options for light sleepers.
**Group facilities: Some campgrounds offer specialized group amenities. "Stayed at the group pavilion with family. Great set up near bathrooms, creek with bridge and trail to a small beach. Short drive and hike to some cliffs to jump off of. Short walk to public beach with rentals," shares Christina F. about Tally Lake facilities.
**Pet-friendly swimming spots: Many water access points accommodate dogs of varying swimming abilities. "The perfect spot for dogs! Right on a clear river... Dog friendly and safe," notes Faye N. about Blankenship Bridge camping area.
**Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with built-in recreation options. "There's good dispersal camping by the creek (towards the north shore campsites) and lots of different campsites, all medium to large... Boat rentals on lake, friendly camphost," describes Bjorn S. about family-oriented features at Tally Lake.
Tips from RVers
**Site selection: Many campgrounds have specific sites better suited for RVs. "To my surprise, I was actually digging the pull-in sites because it offered more room to a site. RVs or vehicle combination longer then 21 feet or 8 feet wide with the mirrors are allowed in this campground," explains Mai K. about Fish Creek Campground layout considerations.
**Ground clearance: Access roads to prime camping spots require appropriate vehicles. "Deep rutted muddy holes filled with water to get to site. Sketchy low trees and narrow road. Decided not to risk it in my van," cautions David R. about Blankenship Bridge, where numerous reviewers mention road challenges.
**Hookup availability: Plan for limited or no services at most sites. "All the camp sites have Electric, and water hookups. Some have sewage as well. There is a dump station, and propane fill up on site. It's $25 to dump," notes Marcus K., describing the relatively rare full-service options available at Glacier Campground.
**Leveling considerations: Terrain at many sites requires leveling equipment. "Some sites are nice and level but others have a heavy slope," warns Angela G. about Whitefish Lake State Park, with similar terrain challenges reported at numerous locations in the Olney area.
