How much does camping cost at Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)?

Camping fees at Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt) range from $22/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt) first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt) before I book?

Yes! Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt) has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)?

Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt) is open May 15 to September 26. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)?

Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)?

Fire policies at Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt): Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt) have?

Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt) has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt). Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)?

Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)?

Popular activities at Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt) include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)

4.60

219 reviews

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

Featured in:Primitive Camping Montana#1 Family-Friendly Campgrounds Montana#3 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Montana#3 +3 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,300 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Flathead National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,300 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Flathead National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)

$22.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$22.00

Group Site Fee$325.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(406) 752-7924 FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: 1-877-444-6777

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)

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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

Nearby places

Columbia Falls (19 miles to the south, approximately 30-minute drive)

Glacier National Park (2 miles from Camas Creek entrance).

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.

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

Current alerts(9)

Click here for more information on the Flathead National Forest
Drop Camping is illegal without a Forest Service permit. If you rent a camper it may not be delivered by the owner.
Electric, water and sewer hookups are not provided. There are 2 hand pumps for filling of your water jugs.
If a site is not available for reservation online, it is shown as a first-come, first-served (FF) or walk-in (W) site. These sites will be identified at the campground on maps and campsite post markers with a W.

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

Best season: summer. Summer provides the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to Big Creek Campground and nearby Glacier National Park (daytime highs typically 65–80°F, nighttime lows 35–50°F). This is when hiking, fishing, boating, and river-based activities are at their peak, trails are snow-free, and services/roads are open; expect the busiest weekends in July–August so reserve a site if possible. Low humidity and long daylight hours make it ideal for multi-hour hikes, wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk, and Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer (May–Sept) is peak season: warm days, river activities, guided hikes and abundant positive reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 15 to September 21.

About Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)

Big Creek Campground sits in the Flathead National Forest foothills near Columbia Falls, Montana, a short drive from Glacier National Park. Operated by the Flathead National Forest, this small campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites along a scenic river corridor. Campers come for fishing, hiking, biking, boating, and wildlife viewing in a quiet forest setting with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Big Creek Campground offers tent camping, RV camping, and a group camping area capable of accommodating large groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer provides the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to Big Creek Campground and nearby Glacier National Park (daytime highs typically 65–80°F, nighttime lows 35–50°F). This is when hiking, fishing, boating, and river-based activities are at their peak, trails are snow-free, and services/roads are open; expect the busiest weekends in July–August so reserve a site if possible. Low humidity and long daylight hours make it ideal for multi-hour hikes, wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk, and Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMature pine and fir forest blankets the western slopes of the Continental Divide here, with sparse understory revealing the rugged terrain beneath. The North Fork of the Flathead River flows alongside camp, its corridor supporting grizzly bears and lynx. Filtered sunlight reaches through the tall conifers to create open sight lines between well-spaced sites. This is the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem, where ancient glaciers carved the valley and the river continues sculpting it today.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or cabins are available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms covering diverse natural and cultural resources are offered by the Glacier Institute's Big Creek Outdoor Education Center.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Stay Limit

16 consecutive nights

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 2 vehicles per site
additional guests information not specified.

Groups

The group camping area can accommodate up to 200 guests and includes campfire circles and group picnic areas.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and campsites are available.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and accommodating even for larger tents (10-14 person tents) and RVs up to 35 feet.

PrivacyThe sites are well-spaced, offering privacy. "The sites are well spaced out from each other. I love that because you feel you actually have your space." - Osman Cruz, user review.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #4 and #5 are highlighted for their size and privacy. Site #12 is recommended for its riverfront location. Visitors suggest avoiding spots near unmaintained gravel roads due to dust.

Best CampsitesSites 12, 13, and 22 sit closest to the river with better views and water access. Reviewers specifically call out the spacing between sites as genuinely private, even for camps with 10-14 person tents or RVs up to 35 feet.

Need help booking Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Big Creek Campground offers accessible individual campsites for tent and RV camping. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings with grills. Drinking water is available via two hand pumps, but campers are advised to come with their RV water tanks pre-filled as the pumps are not suitable for RV filling. Accessible vault toilets are provided. There is no Wi-Fi, cell service, or hookups for electricity, water, or sewer. Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

219 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 219 reviews.

Site 4Loved
Site 4: Frequently praised for spaciousness and privacy, ideal for RVs up to 35 feet.
Site 9Loved
Site 9: Described as beautiful, close to the river and vault toilets.
Site 12Loved
Site 12: Scenic riverfront location.
Site 22Loved
Site 22: Secluded and peaceful.

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...

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...

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...

Based on 219 reviews