Camping opportunities near Rexford, Montana center around the Kootenai National Forest and surrounding waterways. The area sits at approximately 2,585 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak season. Winter camping options remain limited with most campgrounds closing after Labor Day due to snowfall that can reach 60+ inches annually. Access roads to several campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles during spring runoff.
What to do
Fishing at multiple waterways: The Yaak River offers excellent trout fishing opportunities at Yaak Falls Campground. According to Jenny H., "Just a pit toilet and small campsites punctuate this FF jewel. In late July 2020 I arrived about noon and quickly rinsed off in the surprisingly clear bottom of the falls."
Hiking mountain trails: Forest Service trails near Big Therriault Lake Campground provide access to wilderness areas. Melissa P. describes it as "Paradise for camping. The road in is a little tough. When you get to the campground, you realize it was worth it. Absolutely gorgeous lake nestled in the surrounding mountains."
Swimming in natural pools: Natural swimming areas form along the Yaak River during summer months. Shaun W. notes, "Sweet swimming hole down the creek with some really good fishing too. You can walk up to the falls either on a trail or along the river on the slate rock."
What campers like
Pristine lake access: Little Therriault Lake Campground provides direct lakefront camping with mountain views. Melissa P. calls it a "Stunning campground. Small campground with sites right on the lake. Gorgeous lake. Stunning views."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept toilet facilities despite remote locations. Mical M. from Whitetail Campground states, "Very quiet and beautiful spot. Our site had a nice open meadow and was right next to access to the river. We spent the afternoon with our chairs on the riverbank and dangling our feet in the water. One of the cleanest vault toilets I have been in!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campgrounds near Rexford offer chances to see diverse wildlife. Brian N. mentions at Big Therriault Lake, "I've been camping at this locations for several years now, mostly in the fall. Wonderful camping with a lot wildlife around. Keep an eye out and camping location clean due to the bears will visit you if not."
What you should know
Train noise impacts some campgrounds: Whitefish Lake State Park experiences significant train noise. Emily F. warns, "Trains pass through regularly, all night long. It was so close that our tent shook! It was impossible to sleep more than a few minutes at a time, as we could only sleep between train passings."
Bear safety precautions required: Food storage protocols must be followed at all campgrounds. Emmett S. notes Big Therriault Lake has "bear proof cans provided at each site and there is a hand pump water spigot for potable water. It's always been clean and well kept when we've visited."
Road conditions vary significantly: Some campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. Brian N. describes Tuchuck campground: "The road is well marked but does pass thru several locations that have been covered with rock slides due to recent forest fires. Road is single track in spots but does pass thru several remote locations."
Tips for camping with families
Tent pads at Whitetail Campground: The level spaces work well for family tents. Teagan N. mentions, "Clean bathrooms and water close by. The tent pads are level and usually rock free. The park keeps the campgrounds clean and accessible."
Yurt options for glamping close to Rexford, Montana: Whitetail Campground offers yurt rentals as alternatives to tent camping. Haylea A. explains, "11 camp spots, pit toilets and 1 yurt. The yurt was $25/night with reservation and the tent spots where $7. Easy access to the water."
Quiet swimming areas: Smaller campgrounds provide safer water access for children. Myles S. says about Yaak Falls, "The short walk to the river makes for great swimming and picture taking. There is some highway noise but it is not a heavily used road."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations at campgrounds: Many sites cannot accommodate larger rigs. Cindy from Yaak River Campground cautions, "Nicely wooded campground right on the river but we couldn't stay there. We have a 20ft camper and there was no way that I could back up into any spot that I saw. Looks like it would be nice for a van camper or tent but not ideal for anything longer than that."
Full hookup options at Kootenai River: For premium glamping near Rexford, Montana, Kootenai River Campground provides developed sites. Patrick B. notes, "A very nice small campground. About 2/3 of the sites are full hookups. Rest water and electric. Tent sites. They have a path you can walk down right to the Kootanie river with chairs and picnic tables to sit on."
Campsite spacing varies: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. Always C. observes about Yaak River Campground, "This campground has camping on both sides of the Yaak river. I would not recommend anything over 25 ft but that's me. Deep woods feel with all the trees and shade. Solar would be a challenge. 40 or so sites water spigot available."
