Dispersed camping near Stryker, Montana provides backcountry experiences at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 5,500 feet in the Kootenai and Flathead National Forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Fall camping offers cooler temperatures and fewer visitors, though unpredictable weather patterns require adequate preparation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Stillwater Lake offers excellent fishing conditions with one camper noting, "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."
Lakeside swimming: During summer months, several lakes provide swimming options when temperatures rise. At Bull Lake, a stocked fishing lake less than five miles from the highway accommodates cooling off. One camper mentioned, "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."
Kayaking and paddling: Multiple water bodies near Stryker support non-motorized boating activities. "Gorgeous views, very non-tourist feeling and a great lake to kayak in," wrote one visitor about Stillwater Lake. The various lakes connected by the Stillwater River system create a network for extended paddling adventures.
What campers like
Private campsites: Red Meadow Lake offers secluded camping at higher elevations. A visitor shared, "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. Most of the camping spots have fire rings and food safe boxes. Perfect location for star gazing at night."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife populations including eagles, moose, and smaller mammals. One camper at Stillwater Lake reported, "There is a lot of wildlife (eagles, moose mountain lion, beaver, chipmunk). Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. You can stay up to 16 days here."
Stargazing: The remote location limits light pollution, creating ideal conditions for astronomy. As one camper at North Fork Flathead River noted, "At night, it clears out and that's when the magic happens. The stars are so bright and the Milky Way seems so close you could touch it."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads throughout the area often require careful driving. One camper at Blankenship Bridge reported, "The road coming down to the camping area was sketchy with deep potholes and ruts but we had a large SUV so we managed." Similar conditions exist across many dispersed camping areas.
Site availability: Arrive early, particularly during peak summer season. A visitor at Red Meadow Lake advised, "The road up is rough but it's worth it. We had two individuals with travel trailers and a truck camper. We sent the guy with the truck camper ahead to scope it out because we got nervous."
Weather preparation: Weather changes rapidly in this region, especially at higher elevations. "Elevation is 5500 ish. Beautiful and first come first serve," reported a Red Meadow Lake camper, where temperatures can drop significantly at night even in summer.
Tips for camping with families
Protected swimming areas: Look for lakes with gradual entry points for safer swimming with children. One camper at Middle Fork Flathead River noted, "We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle! Porta potties are dispersed throughout."
Bear safety: Theriault Lakes Horse Camp and other sites require proper food storage. A visitor advised, "Bear country so secure food storage is a must. Little Theriault Lake is within walking distance," highlighting the importance of bear awareness when camping with children.
Site selection: Choose sites that balance privacy with open play areas. At Stillwater Lake, one camper observed, "I believe there are 5 sites for campers with vehicles and you park directly next to your site. There is a beautiful campsite for backpackers/bicyclists."
Tips from RVers
Site access limitations: Many roads near Stryker restrict larger vehicles. At Ryan Road Dispersed Camping, a camper with a large rig reported, "We have a 42' trailer and thought we would give this spot a shot. There's a slightly rough dirt road to get to the camp spots. There were about 3-4 sites that could fit our RV."
Turning radius challenges: Several camping areas have limited space for turning larger vehicles. A North Fork Flathead River camper noted, "There is a dirt road about three miles with pot holes the whole way. Although everyone was still driving down it slow and fast. Definitely cant take this road with a low rider."
Advance scouting: When possible, scout locations before bringing in larger rigs. "Only a few sites can accommodate larger vehicles," observed a Ryan Road visitor, reinforcing the importance of knowing site conditions before arrival with an RV.
