Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)

Star4.64
219 reviews
North Fork Rd, Columbia Falls, MT, 59912, USA

Quick Facts

3,300 ft

Price

$22 - $325/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Flathead National Forest site

Official Website
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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
Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)
$22.00 - $325.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite fees range from $22 for standard nonelectric sites to $325 for group sites (51-100 people). Additional vehicle fees apply ($5 per vehicle...
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Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$325.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(406) 752-7924
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What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 219 reviews

59 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlocationfriendly

Some mention

dusty

"User reviews highlight Big Creek Campground as a peaceful and beautiful place with spacious sites and excellent hosts. Accessibility to the Flathead River and proximity to Glacier National Park are commonly praised."

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Campground Map

North Fork Rd, Columbia Falls, MT, 59912, USA

Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)

North Fork Rd, Columbia Falls, MT, 59912, USA

Driving directionsFrom Columbia Falls, Montana, follow State Route 486 north for approximately 20 miles to the campground entrance on the right. The road is pavement for 10 miles and gravel for approximately 9 miles. An alternate route through Glacier National Park would be to enter the park through West Glacier. Take Glacier Route1 Rd/Going to the Sun Rd for 2 miles. Turn left onto Camas Rd for 11 miles. Turn left onto North Fork Rd for 2.7 miles of gravel. Campground will be on your left.
The road is pavement for 10 miles but turns into gravel for approximately 9 miles with significant washboarding, which may be bothersome for RVs and small vehicles. An alternate route through Glacier National Park includes 2.7 miles of gravel but is less rough.
Nearby places
Columbia Falls (19 miles to the south, approximately 30-minute drive)
Glacier National Park (2 miles from Camas Creek entrance).
Nearby supplies
Columbia Falls (19 miles south) offers grocery stores, fuel stations, camping supplies, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)

Summer transforms Big Creek into an outdoor paradise, where crystal-clear Montana skies stretch endlessly above and comfortable temperatures invite all-day exploration. The refreshingly low humidity keeps you energized for hiking and river adventures, while the rare summer shower only adds to the forest's pine-scented freshness. Peak season brings near-perfect conditions for camping, though adventurous spirits should prepare for the dusty gravel roads that wind through this backcountry gem—a small price for accessing such pristine wilderness.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 22% in MT

Peak season for river activities, warm days, and glowing reviews praising summer experiences.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter, peaceful fall visits highlighted in reviews; foliage and solitude increase appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 15 — late spring accessible but shortened season limits spring offerings.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 15–Sep 21; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - September 21 (Peak Season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 15 to September 21.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are currently specified.

About Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)

Nestled deep within Montana's Flathead National Forest, Big Creek Campground serves as your gateway to adventure, sitting just 2 miles from Glacier National Park's peaceful Camas Creek entrance. This beautifully rustic retreat offers 22 generously spaced campsites beneath towering evergreens, where you can choose between securing one of 12 reservable sites or trying your luck with 10 first-come, first-served spots. Days here unfold with the rhythmic sounds of the Flathead River, inviting anglers to cast their lines and adventurers to launch their rafts into crystal-clear waters. While modern amenities like electrical hookups won't interrupt your wilderness experience, you'll find comfort in the essentials: fresh drinking water, clean vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings perfect for evening storytelling under star-filled skies.
Big Creek Campground offers tent camping, RV camping, and a group camping area capable of accommodating large groups.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
16 consecutive nights

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Big Creek Campground offers a variety of activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and floating on the North Fork of the Flathead River. Across from the campground, visitors can access educational programs at the Glacier Institute's Big Creek Outdoor Education Center.
HikingGuided hikes are available across the campground at the Glacier Institute. Additionally, there are off-road trails for campers to explore.
FishingFishing opportunities abound with trout being a popular catch. "Super quiet and convenient access to the trout waters of the Flathead River. I was able to catch a couple of rainbows." - User Review by Steve M.
BikingOff-road vehicle trails are available, but details on biking paths are limited.
BoatingThe campground features boat ramp access and is popular for rafting, floating, and canoeing.
Wildlife viewingDeer and other wildlife are frequently seen in the campground. "Deer roamed the campgrounds and a week prior to our visit a Grizzly had visited the area." - User Review by Charlie R.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsPrograms covering diverse natural and cultural resources are offered by the Glacier Institute's Big Creek Outdoor Education Center.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGrizzly bear activity has been reported. Visitors are required to store food in lockers or follow bear-safe practices. The unpaved gravel road may cause vehicle damage due to washboarding.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are currently specified.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided due to bear activity. Visitors are advised to store all attractants securely.

Weather at Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)

Reviews

4.6
219 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Big Creek Campground as a peaceful and beautiful place with spacious sites and excellent hosts. Accessibility to the Flathead River and proximity to Glacier National Park are commonly praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 219 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, friendly and helpful camp hosts, large and well-spaced sites, proximity to Glacier National Park, beautiful riverfront location, and peaceful atmosphere.
Based on 219 reviews

Common Concerns

Rough gravel road access with washboarding, no cell service, noisy generators at times, and lack of shower facilities.
Based on 219 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Use the Camas Road entrance to avoid the longer gravel roads. Bring mosquito repellent if camping in June. Firewood is available from the host, and campers should come prepared for dry camping (no...
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Based on 219 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight river activities and the beauty of the campground. Fall reviews emphasize peace and quiet due to fewer visitors. Winter activities are not mentioned.
Based on 219 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Pam, the host, was amazing and really made us feel at home while we were there." - Jason W. "The campground was clean, had large campsites, and the host was friendly." - Elizabeth F. "Big Creek is a...
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Based on 219 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 4: Frequently praised for spaciousness and privacy, ideal for RVs up to 35 feet. Site 9: Described as beautiful, close to the river and vault toilets. Site 12: Scenic riverfront location. Site...
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Based on 219 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets and campsites received commendation. Hosts often assist campers with disabilities, as noted in several user reviews like “Cheryl went out of her way to accommodate myself and...
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Based on 219 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and users recommend locking food in the provided bear boxes to avoid attracting wildlife.
Based on 219 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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