The best camping near Flathead National Forest
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Flathead National Forest adventure.
80% (22 reviews)
80% (22 reviews)
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Community favorites near Flathead National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
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Stay at a public campground in Flathead National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near Flathead National Forest
99%
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❤️ Glacier Park HipCamp 🏕️
23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Coram, MT
Come enjoy peace and quiet in the beautiful meadows near our home. We are located on 40 acres that include forested trails, a large pond, two small ponds, a creek, and frequent wildlife as well as spectacular stargazing at night. All sites have a campfire ring and picnic table. We provide a unique eco-camping experience in contrast to the crowded campground/RV park, and we are only 6 miles away from the entrance to Glacier National Park!
Please let us know if you have multiple tents or vehicles as some sites may be a better choice for you than others.
No hookups are provided – dry camping only. Parking for larger vehicles/trailers is available at sites 1-6 - an open, flat meadow with the pond on the other side of the road. Tents are welcome in all sites; although, we recommend the back meadow sites (7 and up) for more secluded tent campers (especially in July) as it has less traffic and more privacy. Sites 7-20 (the back meadow sites) have parking for vehicles 26' or less in total length. All sites have access to vault toilets, and all sites are back-in sites with partial shade.
Because of the proximity to Glacier National Park and the main HWY, traffic noise and train noise can be heard at the campsites. Visitors are ask to keep their speed to a minimum to reduce dust on the dirt on Greens Road.
We are just a short bike ride away (two minutes by car) from attractions such as the Whiskey Barn, The Paul Bunyan Bar & grill, Glacier Hi-Line Ropes Course, and the Amazing Fun Center, maze, and mini golf.
It is also easy access to the Gateway to Glacier Bike path. E-bike rentals are across the street from us.
Closest Gas station is the Cenex in Coram (1.5 mi away).
Closest public (free) landfill dump is 2.2 miles toward Columbia Falls at 9626 Us HWY 2 E. Near Paul Bunyan Bar and Grill (which is also a good restaurant near us). Look for the gated entry and small sign marking Flathead Landfill.
Closest grocery is in Hungry Horse at Canyon Foods Grocery (3.5 miles away). There is a laundromat next to this grocery store.
Closest dump and water fill up for a vehicle with a holding tank is Mikes Conoco at 1645 9th st W in Columbia Falls (8.9 mi away).
Closest town with wifi, cafes, restaurants, urgent care and larger grocery stores is Columbia Falls (9 miles away).
We sell solar shower bags, sun screen, card games, cream soda, frisbees, bug spray, coffee, firewood, and more at Sam and Molly's mercantile by our house in the middle of our property.
To watch a video tour of the campground: https://youtu.be/EYYuGGWRtag
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$42
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Acres about 10 miles from Glacier
25 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Columbia Falls, MT
Enjoy a landscape connected to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks property thus providing walking access to waters edge of the Flathead River. A quick ride to Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Whitefish, or Kalispell will provide you with numerous coffee shops, restaurants, saloons, breweries, and shopping. For an afternoon of adventure bike rentals, ziplining, and water slides within minutes as well as Hungry Horse Reservoir, Glacier National Park, and Flathead Lake.
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$23
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92%
(308)
Glacier Acres Guest Ranch
10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Columbia Falls, MT
!!NEW family-style showerhouse for tenting guests!! Outdoor shower also coming soon! Once part of a sprawling ranch on the Flathead Valley floor, we've managed to capture five acres of some of the most beautiful country in Montana for your enjoyment. You will love the peaceful country setting with spectacular mountain views! We are less than 20 minutes from the west entrance of Glacier National Park, less than 30 minutes from enjoyment of Flathead Lake, and less than 15 minutes from many city amenities. Additionally, a family water park is just 5 minutes away. Come enjoy!
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$26.10
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(27)
Lost Paddle and Pole
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Columbia Falls, MT
Lost Paddle and Pole is conveniently located between Whitefish and Columbia Falls. Lost Paddle and Pole is great for a quick night while passing through, or as a base camp while exploring Glacier Park, Whitefish, and the north end of Flathead County. Please contact us to check on pet status, having fires, trailers, or other questions. Thanks, Don and Bree
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$20
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96%
(534)
The Mooseshroom
14 sites · Lodging, Tents9 acres · Coram, MT
The Mooseshroom is an awesome camping community that is just 7 miles from the west side of Glacier National Park. Community fire pits near the Commons are a short walk from whichever tent spot guests are assigned. The Commons also houses the bathrooms and inside/outside kitchen areas. There is plenty of seating, hammocks and picnic tables for guests to use as well. We also have two yurts available for booking on our property.
The Mooseshroom is a licensed business that is limited to hosting 18 guests per night. Guests should expect a quiet, peaceful camping experience with plenty of room to enjoy their surroundings.
***This property is adjacent Highway 2 and there is a fair amount of road noise. There's also a train that's fairly close. The noise kinda comes with the territory, guests are also 10 minutes from the west entrance to the park. The noise does tend to subside considerably at night, but for those bothered by this type of noise, you might consider an alternate location. Most guests are truly fine with it.
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$49
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92%
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Outback Montana RV Park & Campground
42 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Bigfork, MT
WELCOME TO OUTBACK MONTANA RV PARK!
Nestled between Woods Bay and Downtown Bigfork, Outback Montana RV Park is in a prime location for you to explore the BEAUTY that is Flathead Lake and Montana’s most spectacular national forests.
Our campsite is unique in that it is heavily forested, shaded, and outdoorsy. We’re not one of those paved glorified parking lots.
Outback is an authentic camping experience. We provide everything from 50/amp pull-thru with full water and septic, to grassroots campsites where you can sit back and enjoy the stars.
A stone's throw from Flathead Lake, our park is a short distance to several boat launches, and minutes from restaurants and activities ON THE WATER!
Come and enjoy Montana with us, we offer exceptional service and our staff is here to help with every aspect of your vacation in paradise!
OUR STORY
Established in 1976, Outback has a rich history within the Bigfork community. Home to many craftsmen, artists, ranchers, and entrepreneurs. Bigfork was originally a frontier town, and has grown into what some refer to as “The Jewel of the Flathead Valley”. Minutes away, Outback has been a vital support system for the community for over 45 years, housing guests and locals year-round.
Outback is proud to support our travelers from abroad, and introduce them to all of the colorful events and festivities that make Bigfork such a wonderful destination! Learn more about local events here.
With so many opportunities, and resources yet untapped, we are always upgrading and growing. Learning new things, and new ways to create and support experiences within this beautiful space. Join us! We are so happy to meet you along the way.
OUTBACK & BEYOND
Outback is proud to support our travelers from abroad, and introduce them to all of the colorful events and festivities that make Bigfork such a wonderful destination! From Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, boating on Flathead Lake, to running the Spartan Race, or braving the rapids in our Annual Category 4 Whitewater Festival!
Outback is your base camp for mission MONTANA
THINGS TO DO:
•FLATHEAD LAKE
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states, with over 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline.
Recreation on and around the lake includes sailing, power boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping. In the summer, roadside stands along the east shore offer a variety of locally grown cherries, apples, plums, and other fruits.
•GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Experience Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Explore Glacier National Park and discover what awaits you.
•FLY FISHING
The Flathead River system of northwestern Montana offers memorable fishing opportunities. From sites of easy access to that remote wilderness, the Flathead waters can provide diverse fishing experiences. Three main branches, the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork, eventually come together to form the main stem of the Flathead River that flows into the 28-mile-long Flathead lake. Access to the three forks and the main Flathead is readily available in places, but to effectively fish the best of the Flathead, floating is suggested. The hardest thing about fly fishing in this part of northwestern Montana is keeping your eye on your fly and not the spectacular scenery.
•BIGFORK SUMMER PLAYHOUSE
The Bigfork Summer Playhouse was founded in 1960 by Dr. Firman ‘Bo’ Brown and his wife Margery Hunter Brown as a place for University of Montana theatre students to perform in the summer.
In the early days of the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, the company ate group meals, rehearsed, and lived in the same place. There were no facilities to build scenery, nor extra storage of any kind. As a matter of fact, the building didn’t even belong to the Bigfork Summer Playhouse — it was a Community Hall owned by the Masons and the Eastern Star and seated approximately 200 people. The summer group would rent the facility and bring in the stage, risers, and seats for the audience.
We’re pleased to say that now the playhouse is a 435-seat air-conditioned theater with great fly space, a spacious lobby that contains a concession area, and wonderfully comfortable continental-style seating for hundreds of guests. Numerous spaces off-site to accommodate production needs including a dormitory facility for the actors; living quarters for the directors, technicians, and musicians; costume shop; scene shop; and rehearsal space.
•SPARTAN RACE
Spartan Race is a series of obstacle races of varying distance and difficulty ranging from 3 miles to marathon distances. They are held in the US and have been franchised to 30 countries including Canada, South Korea, Australia, and several European countries. The series includes the Spartan Sprint, the Spartan Super, the Spartan Beast, and the Spartan Ultra.
•WHITEWATER FESTIVAL
The Bigfork Whitewater Festival is celebrating 46 years of extreme whitewater action and community-oriented fun! This is the longest-running event in Bigfork and is one that the entire Flathead Valley looks forward to each year. Participants come from around the world to race. Spectators are also a huge part of this festival and come to enjoy the races and other events held in town.
•BIGFORK FESTIVAL OF ARTS
It was in May of 1978 when the idea of a Bigfork Festival of the Arts was first proposed. As so often happens in Bigfork, it started with a conversation on Electric Ave. between members of the community. The first festival was held on the first weekend in August of 1978. It was a resounding success despite the committee’s inexperience. The feedback from the community was very positive and the group agreed that it should become an annual event.
Over the years, the festival has grown steadily to its current size. In 2019, there were more than 140 booths representing a wide variety of arts and crafts by nationally and internationally recognized artists and craftsmen. Festival attendance is estimated to be more than 6,000.
•4TH OF JULY PARADE
Bigfork knows how to throw a party. And when it’s our country’s birthday, Bigfork really knows how to celebrate. The centerpiece of the celebration is the annual parade through Bigfork which begins at noon. Bring your whole family to view our great parade to celebrate the birth of our country. The 4th of July Parade in Bigfork has been voted “Best Parade in the Flathead” year after year.
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$30
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96%
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River Ranch - Private beach
4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Kalispell, MT
Beautiful 5 acres wrapped by the Stillwater River. Great fishing with a private beach. The land is surrounded by large cottonwood and willow trees. The ground has large areas of leveled wood chips that make it easy for setting up camp. There is a restroom with a bath/shower available. Located just minutes from downtown Kalispell, 15 minutes from whitefish and 30 minutes from Glacier National Park.
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$65
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Desert Mountain Oasis
3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Coram, MT
Forested camping with mountain views and only seven miles from Glacier National Park. We currently have three sites in total on our property. One site intended for RVs (with water and 30 amp hook ups) and the other two sites are intended for tent camping or place to park a more modest size camper van (no hook ups). All three sites are spaced apart from each other with trees buffering between.
We generally require campers to have their own toilet, however from June 1 thru September 4 we will have a porta potty onsite for campers to use and share.
We have immediate access to National Forest land so you can recreate from your campsite if you desire. There is a community fire pit with chairs and picnic table and BBQ when requested. There is WiFi access within 100 feet of the cabin, but not the sites. Great star gazing as well!
My wife Jesse and I live on the property with our two dogs Powder and Kintla. We live here full time and spend all of our days off recreating in the surrounding mountains and Glacier National Park. Happy to help answer any questions or offer insights as you might need!
Hope you enjoy our oasis.
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$34
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Stillwater Getaway
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Olney, MT
Family and pet friendly lakeside cabins, wall tents, and campsites. Come enjoy a true Montana experience at Stillwater Getaway, located 15 miles North of Whitefish on Lower Stillwater Lake bring your paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes to explore the lake. There is a bath house with showers and toilets and outhouses around the property as well. We have a shared Mess Hall with a full kitchen with a BBQ grill, coffee, and WiFi.
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$25
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91%
(230)
Glacier Park RV
6 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Coram, MT
Welcome to my property, just a stones throw from Glacier
Five minutes from Glacier National Park. Five minutes to grocery store. Property used to be the old Grizzly bear park that you could drive through to see the bears.
Driveway is directly across from North American RV Park. Driveway is marked Hipcamp.
Pets are allowed. Need to be leashed Please make sure you pick up after them.
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$35
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98%
(55)
⭐️Glacier RV Oasis/Mountain Views
2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Columbia Falls, MT
Huge Monthly Winter Discounts Available!
These perfect RV sites are equipped with everything you will need during your stay.
* Free Full size washer and dryer and .5 bathroom supplied with toilet paper and paper towels
* Easily back in on a level packed gravel drive that can accommodate any size RV, camper trailer, or camper van
* Electrical hookup-Site 1# 50 amp - Site #2 30 amp
* Potable water
* Septic hookup
* Free WIFI
* Private fire ring ( firewood not supplied, but available at Super 1 or Smith’s)
* Shared BBQ grill, picnic table, and horseshoe pit
* Parking for two vehicles
This property is perfect for a family reunion or a retreat!
We also have a 2 bed 2 bath home (sleeps 10), a 2 bed 1 bath home( sleeps 6) that may be available during your stay.
This property is located:
4.4 miles from Columbia Falls. Columbia Falls has everything you will need with two major grocery stores and some great restaurants.
11.2 miles from the Under the Big Sky Festival
13.1 miles from Whitefish. Whitefish has unique shopping and amazing dining options.
16.2 miles from Kalispell. Kalispell is the heart of the Flathead Valley and has multiple shopping options, restaurants, and anything else you may need!
FAMILY FUN:
Glacier National Park- 17 miles
Big Sky Waterpark -2.2 miles
Montana Vortex and House of Mystery -3.9 miles
Whitefish Mt. Resort -skiing, hiking, biking, zip line, aerial adventure- 20 miles
Teakettle River Access -3.1 miles
West Glacier Rafting Companies-15 miles
Columbia Mountain Trailhead-4.5 miles
Meadow Lake Golf Course- 6.3 miles
Flathead Lake - 23 miles
Glacier View Golf Course -18 miles
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area-43 miles
Don't Miss the Columbia Falls Farmers' Market every Thursday night May 19 - September 29 @ 5PM
This property is only 11 miles from the Under the Big Sky Festival!!
If your dates aren't available to camp, please ask me about the two houses for rent on the property!
Firewood for the firepits can be purchased on site-please call or text the number on the sign.
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$45
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Aspen Lane Hideaway
3 sites · RVs4 acres · Kalispell, MT
These are newly developed sites (2021) nested on the back of our property about 200ft from our house on a dead-end road. We have rural neighborhood vibe, with a 2 mile scenic paved walking path nearby. We have newly planted trees and shrubs, so not much afternoon shade. With the open areas sunrises and sunsets are fantastic!
Both back in sites are 40’ in length with extra vehicle parking available. Please confirm your measurements before booking. There is enough room to easily pull in and then back into your spot. Ideal for Class-A motor-homes, fifth wheels, tent trailers, travel trailers, pick-up campers and self-contained van campers. Additionally, 1 tent is allowed at each site. Because there are no bathrooms we are unable to accept TENT ONLY camping at this time.
Both campsites have full hookups including artisan well water, septic, with 50 amp electric on site #2 and 30 & 50 amp electric on site #3. Garbage receptacle is located by the east side of the greenhouse.
Plenty to see and do in the Flathead Valley. Lots of wonderful local restaurants, pubs, breweries and wineries. Tons of trails to hike, rivers to raft, lakes to boat and parks to stroll. We have a list of our favorites, don’t hesitate to ask!
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$55
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The best camping near Flathead National Forest guide
Overview
About
The Flathead National Forest is all about its geography. It lies in the heart of the Rockies, just west of the continental divide, and a pinch south of the Canadian Border. With geography like this, landscape magic is bound to occur, and it does. With over 2.4 million acres, the Flathead features three wilderness areas, impressive ski areas, commanding wild ranges, meandering streams, and raging rivers (this list could go on). Spend your days hiking, rafting, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and fishing. At night shack up in a Forest Service cabin or pitch a tent beneath the northern lights. Get the fire roaring, raise your bottle, and make a toast to the Flathead and her geographic magic!
- Flathead National Forest
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