Best Campgrounds near Stryker, MT

Several campgrounds dot the forested landscape around Stryker, Montana, offering a mix of established and dispersed camping options. The area features lakeside spots like Stillwater Lake and Upper Whitefish Campground, alongside more remote options such as Bull Lake and Red Meadow Lake. Camping areas range from basic tent sites with primitive amenities to more developed campgrounds with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The Kootenai National Forest provides much of the public land for camping in this region, with options that accommodate both tent campers and those with smaller RVs or truck campers.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the camping areas near Stryker, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through September or October, with some sites offering free camping after the main season ends. The region experiences humid conditions with heavy morning dew, particularly around the lakes and riverside camping areas. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most sites, providing a true disconnect from everyday life. Many campsites are first-come, first-served, with limited availability at popular lakefront locations. A visitor to North Dickey Lake Campground noted, "Early October and very few in campground. Vault toilets and trash available, but no water. I chose a hilltop site with a lovely tree sheltered view of the lake."

Waterfront camping represents the most sought-after experience in the Stryker area, with several campground options providing direct access to lakes and rivers. Campers consistently mention the exceptional water clarity, particularly at Upper Whitefish Lake where "the water is so clear you can see the bottom as the fish swim by." Wildlife sightings are common, with reports of eagles, moose, beaver, and occasionally mountain lions. Many camping areas feature spacious sites surrounded by trees, creating private, secluded spots even within established campgrounds. The more remote dispersed sites like those at Bull Lake and Stillwater River provide quiet riverside experiences with deep swimming pools and fishing opportunities, though reaching these locations often requires navigating narrow, rough roads that limit access to smaller vehicles or those with higher clearance.

Best Camping Sites Near Stryker, Montana (229)

    1. Stillwater Lake

    5 Reviews
    Olney, MT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "There is a boat ramp and trail head within walking distance. There is a little bit of traffic and that’s just the boaters. There is a lot of wildlife (eagles, moose mountain lion, beaver, chipmunk)."

    "This lake is never a disappointment! Easy access roads, nice boat launch, and solid camping sites."

    2. Upper Whitefish Campground

    5 Reviews
    Stryker, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 881-2371

    "We stayed at one of the lakeside spots, surrounded by trees. It was very private. The site was very large next to a stream. A picnic table & fire ring was provided."

    "When I need to disconnect from the world, be surrounded by the beauty of forests and crystal clear water, this is my sanctuary."

    3. Kootenai National Forest North Dickey Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Stryker, MT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 296-2536

    $16 / night

    "If you like to be close to the wilderness but want a campground in the middle of it, this ones for you."

    "I choose a hilltop site with a lovely tree sheltered view of the lake."

    4. Stillwater River

    2 Reviews
    Stryker, MT
    1 mile

    "Just about a mile from the highway, this site is right on the river with some nice deep pools. There are three separate fire rings with a vault toilet and picnic table."

    5. Bull Lake

    2 Reviews
    Stryker, MT
    2 miles

    "Less than five miles from the highway, this is a nice sized lake stocked with fish. There were a pair of white swans on the lake when I was there but no one else around."

    "at the end of the trail last spot at the end of the lake, fire pit had a cut log to sit on, great view, would not try to bling a trailer down there"

    6. Red Meadow Lake

    4 Reviews
    Stryker, MT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "Red Meadow Lake is a small lake with only few camping spots, very remote and peaceful. Fishing on the lake is good, summer swimming and kayaking."

    "There are 4 lakeside locations and 2 just back a bit. You can boondock here. Elevation is 5500 ish. Beautiful and first come first serve."

    7. Heritage Cabin Property

    3 Reviews
    Fortine, MT
    11 miles
    +1 (406) 882-4196

    $25 - $65 / night

    "Located with Kootenai National Forest all around and GNP West entrance just an hour and a half drive, Heritage Cabin and Heritage Park Campground has been the chosen jumping off point for many explorers"

    "Park Place in Montana has a great quiet spot to bring your camper, setup a tent, or stay in their cabin and enjoy some time away, while also having lakes and other conveniences not too far. "

    8. Bowman Lake Campground — Glacier National Park

    32 Reviews
    Polebridge, MT
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $10 - $15 / night

    "When I say off the beaten path I should really be saying unpaved path. Make sure you have good shock absorbers on your vehicle, as it is miles and miles of dirt roads to get here."

    "Cool spot to hang around for a couple days. The 3 hikes right off the campground are pretty cool with the Bowman lake trial being the easiest. Relatively busy campground while I was there."

    9. Tally Lake Campground

    9 Reviews
    Olney, MT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 752-7924

    $22 - $325 / night

    "Great little spot to spend a few days away from town."

    "Talley Lake campground is located in the Flathead National Forest west of Kalispell MT."

    10. Martin Lake

    1 Review
    Fortine, MT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 293-6211
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 229 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Stryker, MT

911 Reviews of 229 Stryker Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    West Glacier KOA Resort

    EXPENSIVE, but Kinda Worth It

    We loved this place and location. Cost makes it prohibitive as you could stay at a really nice hotel, but I’d stay there again. Food on location is convenient. It isn’t great, but after a long day of hiking nice. The grounds are beautiful. The big dog park is next level and our dogs wanted to play like kids at a playground. The landscape is the best I’ve ever seen. It’s just crazy pricey.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    Big rigs not recommended

    Pulled out Alliance Valor 32A10 down the horrible access road. Had to do a walk around after to verify no damage. Bed rails touched under my front cap a few times but luckily no damage.

    Best for overlanding vehicles. Beautiful location if you can get down the access road.

  • Kurt W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    West Glacier KOA Resort

    Late season stay

    We camped here for one night. Everything is super clean and well maintained. Beautiful spot

  • Giavanna P.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast

    Adorable camping spot

    I absolutely loved this camping spot. Staff were friendly and the lovely couple at the cafe were super helpful for advice on where to check out. Having a hot shower after hiking was bliss. There’s even a communal fire at 7pm if you feel like being social

  • Raul C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Camp off North Fork Road

    Large and open

    The area down the road was full and had limited car camping / roof top tent camping so my buddy and I moved this way and found plenty of opportunity.

  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Riverside Camping

    Very nice spot close to Glacier NP. As others have mentioned, the road getting in is very rough, but i made it up/down several times with my Promaster 2500 van with no issues, just got to be strategic about how you take the ruts. Awesome views of river. Road is a little noisy at times, but nothing to complain about. Plenty of other people camping there. Cell service was pretty good.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Emery Bay Campground

    Beautiful campground with excellent host

    We arrived mid September for 4 nights. Our site #21 is huge and private. Surrounded by large conifers with a large fiberglass topped picnic table that is easy to clean and fire pit. The vault toilets are within a short walking distance. Water spigot just across from the toilets provided lean potable water. Kevin the host is on top of his game, easy to find and very friendly and accommodating. Glacier National Park is about a 20 minute drive from there. Probably about 15 minutes from Corum and all of the essential services.


Guide to Stryker

Dispersed camping near Stryker, Montana offers numerous options within Kootenai National Forest, with sites ranging from lakeside to deep-forest settings. The region sits at approximately 3,100 feet elevation, experiencing significant temperature drops at night even in summer months. Morning temperatures typically hover in the 40-50°F range even in July, requiring proper cold-weather gear regardless of season.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Upper Whitefish Campground provides exceptional fishing access with remarkably clear waters. According to one camper, "The water so clear you can see the bottom as the fish swim by." Trout are plentiful in the area's lakes.

Kayaking and paddling: The still waters of many lakes near Stryker create perfect paddling conditions. At Stillwater Lake, a visitor noted, "Under perfect weather conditions you have a glassy surface that your boat will glide right through. In not so perfect conditions? There are banks galore in which you can hunker down and enjoy a beverage and snacks and wait for the rain to pass."

Hiking options: Several trailheads connect directly to camping areas. At Stillwater Lake, one reviewer mentioned it has "a boat ramp and trail head within walking distance," making it easy to combine camping with day hikes. Another camper at Upper Whitefish Lake noted, "So many amazing trails and back roads to explore. The lookouts are always worth the effort!"

What campers like

Privacy and seclusion: Many camping sites near Stryker, Montana provide substantial space between sites. One reviewer at Tally Lake Campground reported, "We had a beautiful site overlooking the water. Some of the roads to get to various sites require high clearance vehicle." The campground offers "good dispersal camping by the creek" and "lots of different campsites, all medium to large."

Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse wildlife visible from many campsites. A camper at Stillwater Lake mentioned, "There is a lot of wildlife (eagles, moose mountain lion, beaver, chipmunk)." These sightings occur regularly without special effort, particularly in early morning or evening hours.

Swimming spots: Several lakes offer swimming opportunities during summer months. Tally Lake provides "great cliff jumping" and one visitor shared, "The lake is amazing. Cliff jumping was a blast and the water wasn't too cold to spend the day in it." Recreational swimming areas range from developed beaches to natural swimming holes.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. At Stillwater River, a camper advised the site is "more suitable for truck camping, van, tent camping or very small trailer like 13' max due to narrow track and limited maneuvering area. High clearance required!" Plan vehicle access accordingly.

Weather patterns: The region experiences significant humidity despite being mountainous. A camper at Stillwater River noted, "It felt surprisingly humid in this area and it took a bit to dry the tents off in the morning from all the dew." Early morning condensation is common throughout the camping season.

Site availability: Most sites operate on first-come, first-served basis and fill quickly in peak season. At Bull Lake, one visitor found "a nice sized lake stocked with fish. There were a pair of white swans on the lake when I was there but no one else around." Less accessible sites typically have better availability.

Tips for camping with families

Beach access: For family camping with swimming opportunities, choose sites with gentle lake access. Tally Lake Campground offers "a group pavilion with family. Great set up near bathrooms, creek with bridge and trail to a small beach." Another reviewer mentioned, "Public swimming area is often quite busy."

Bear safety: The area has active wildlife including bears. Red Meadow Lake provides extra safety features as one visitor noted, "Most of the camping spots have fire rings and food safe boxes." Always follow proper food storage protocols with children.

Multi-activity sites: Look for campgrounds with varied activities for different age groups. One camper at Red Meadow Lake shared, "Fishing on the lake is good, summer swimming and kayaking. Perfect location for star gazing at night and the PNW Trail run close by." These diverse activity options keep families engaged throughout their stay.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Many roads and camping areas cannot accommodate larger RVs. At Martin Lake, access requires "a short hike to the lake from the trailhead," making it unsuitable for RVs but perfect for those seeking seclusion.

Limited hookups: Most dispersed sites have no hookups or facilities. A visitor to Red Meadow Lake advised, "Bring your own water and/or water filter. There can be a lot of mosquitos in the summer so be prepared!" Plan for self-contained camping.

Dump station locations: Full-service dump stations are limited near Stryker. At Tally Lake Campground, a camper noted, "There is water and a dump station available," making it a good option for beginning or ending RV trips in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Stryker, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Stryker, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 229 campgrounds and RV parks near Stryker, MT and 34 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Stryker, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stryker, MT is Stillwater Lake with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Stryker, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 free dispersed camping spots near Stryker, MT.

What parks are near Stryker, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Stryker, MT that allow camping, notably Kootenai National Forest and Glacier National Park.