Bad Medicine Campground

Star4.22
57 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,344 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bad Medicine Campground
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
First come, first served sites are available without reservations for $16 per night during the peak season.
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 57 reviews

53 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwell-maintained

"The campground is generally praised for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Visitors have noted some issues with inconsistent host behavior and site privacy."

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Campground Map

Bad Medicine Campground

48.1543, -115.8695

Campground roads and campsite parking spurs are paved.
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Bad Medicine Campground

Summer brings ideal camping conditions to Bad Medicine, with warm, dry days perfect for outdoor adventures and cool nights that invite cozy campfire gatherings. The moderate temperatures create comfortable conditions for hiking, swimming, and exploring, while the typically dry weather means more time enjoying the outdoors and less time huddled in your tent. Early morning mists often rise from the lake, creating magical moments as the sun filters through the pine canopy.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer described as ideal: warm days, cool nights; peak season for boating and fishing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall noted for scenic foliage and quieter visits, though some facilities may be seasonal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23 (late spring) so only late-spring camping available; limited seasonality.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Sept 30 window; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 to September 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025 through September 30, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Bad Medicine Campground

Nestled among towering pines at the southern shores of Bull Lake, Bad Medicine Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem in the Kootenai National Forest welcomes visitors with 18 thoughtfully positioned campsites, including a dedicated host site for added comfort and guidance. The campground's well-maintained paved roads and parking spurs wind through the forest, leading to modern amenities including fresh potable water and clean vault toilets. Water enthusiasts will appreciate the convenient paved boat ramp and dock, providing easy access to Bull Lake's crystal-clear waters for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying sunset reflections dancing across the surface.
Bad Medicine Campground offers standard camping options tailored to both tent and RV campers. All sites are paved and include basic camping facilities.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in not applicable
  • first come, first served.
Check-out
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Stay Limit
16 day limit

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at Bad Medicine Campground include fishing, boating, and day use at the picnic area. The fully developed boat ramp and dock provide convenient access to Bull Lake, making it a popular spot for water-based activities. There are no detailed mentions of guided programs or other specific recreational infrastructures.
FishingFishing is available in Bull Lake, though specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided.
BoatingThe campground features a fully developed boat ramp with a dock, making it easy for campers to launch boats.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMention of bear activity suggests potential wildlife risks.
Active Alertsnull
Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant food storage lockers are available, and their use is encouraged due to local wildlife activity.

Weather at Bad Medicine Campground

Reviews

4.2
57 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Bad Medicine Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is generally praised for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Visitors have noted some issues with inconsistent host behavior and site privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, well-maintained facilities, paved roads, and spurs. The presence of a fully developed boat ramp is appreciated by many.
Based on 57 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users have noted inconsistent enforcement of rules by the campground host. Privacy between sites and views of the lake are not ideal due to tree cover.
Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest arriving early to secure the best sites as the campground is small. Bringing your own wood for chopping is advisable, and firewood might not always be available on-site.
Based on 57 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is quietest during the off-season, and peak times may see issues with inconsiderate campers. Summer is ideal for boating and fishing, while the fall offers scenic foliage views.
Based on 57 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful campground, in a breathtaking location. Not very big, keeps it from being noisy.' 2. 'The sites were large but had only a slight view of the lake in between trees.' 3. 'Great place, and...
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Based on 57 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are paved with an average length of 32 feet. Some reviewers found the lack of lake views disappointing. Sites closer to the boat ramp offer more convenience for boating enthusiasts.
Based on 57 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility concerns or praises were mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 57 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some reviewers noted inconsistency in enforcing leash rules.
Based on 57 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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