How much does camping cost at Murray Bay Campground?

Camping fees at Murray Bay Campground range from $18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Murray Bay Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Murray Bay Campground 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 Murray Bay Campground before I book?

Yes! Murray Bay Campground has 6 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 Murray Bay Campground?

Murray Bay Campground is open May 22 to September 16. 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 Murray Bay Campground?

Murray Bay Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Murray Bay Campground have?

Murray Bay Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Murray Bay Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Murray Bay Campground. 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 Murray Bay Campground?

Murray Bay Campground 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 Murray Bay Campground?

Popular activities at Murray Bay Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Murray Bay Campground (Mt)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Murray Bay Campground?

Fire policies at Murray Bay Campground: 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.

4.25

75 reviews

PO Box 37, West Yellowstone, MT, 59758, USA

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Glacier National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,576 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

May 23 - September 1...

Cell

Unknown

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

3,576 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

May 23 - September 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Flathead National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Murray Bay Campground (Mt)

$18.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $18.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$18.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO Box 37, West Yellowstone, MT, 59758, USA

Murray Bay Campground (Mt)

PO Box 37, West Yellowstone, MT, 59758, USA

Nearby places

Martin City (22 miles, approximately 40-50 minutes), Hungry Horse (approximately 45-60 minutes), West Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park (31 miles).

Weather at Murray Bay Campground (Mt)

Current alerts(7)

Drop Camping is illegal without a Forest Service permit. If you rent a camper it may not be delivered by the owner.
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.
Reserved sites will be held until check out time (11am) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released.
There is a food storage order in effect on the Flathead National Forest. Know how to store all attractants all the time. See your Campground Host for more information or visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/flathead/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5347448

Best Time to Camp at Murray Bay Campground (Mt)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest weather and fullest access to Hungry Horse Reservoir — expect warm, dry days (highs typically 70–85°F) and cool nights (40–55°F), ideal for boating, swimming, fishing and long hikes. Water recreation is at its peak: the reservoir is warm enough for swimming and launches are fully usable, while trailheads are snow-free and wildlife is active along the shorelines. Expect busy holiday weekends and steady weekday visitation, so reserve a site in advance for best results. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is peak: warm days, swimming, boat launches operational and trails accessible for visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 16. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 23 - September 14 (peak season).

About Murray Bay Campground (Mt)

Murray Bay Campground sits on the shore of Hungry Horse Reservoir in Flathead National Forest, 20 miles southeast of Glacier National Park. Operated by the Forest Service, this small foothills campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with direct water access for boating, fishing, and swimming. The setting is forested and quiet, with clean vault toilets and well-spaced sites maintained by attentive hosts.

This campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, with a variety of sites available. It also features group camping options, making it versatile for different camping needs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the clearest weather and fullest access to Hungry Horse Reservoir — expect warm, dry days (highs typically 70–85°F) and cool nights (40–55°F), ideal for boating, swimming, fishing and long hikes. Water recreation is at its peak: the reservoir is warm enough for swimming and launches are fully usable, while trailheads are snow-free and wildlife is active along the shorelines. Expect busy holiday weekends and steady weekday visitation, so reserve a site in advance for best results. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3576 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground faces Hungry Horse Reservoir at 3,576 feet elevation, with mountain peaks rising on all sides. Morning mist often blankets the water's surface. Eagles and osprey hunt overhead, and deer wander through campsites at dusk. Black bears are present. One visitor reported a bear passing through camp at night. The reservoir's calm waters reflect the surrounding peaks, and clear nights bring expansive star views. The setting feels remote despite the proximity to the dam that created this 34-mile reservoir.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; camping is limited to designated sites for tents and RVs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Stay Limit

16 consecutive nights per visit, 32 nights total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits not detailed, but campsites can accommodate two motorized vehicles.

Groups

Group sites are available. One user described the group site (#15) as "wonderful" with "amazing views," offering pull-through parking and level ground, though no designated tent area.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov, through phone numbers (1-877-444-6777), or in person.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available. Specific details about campsite accessibility were not provided.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious. One user noted, "The campsites are a great size but definitely more geared toward trailers than tents.

PrivacySites are spaced far apart for privacy. One user said, "Campsites were spaced far enough apart.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #9 is tent-friendly but has fire pits on uneven ground. Site #15 is ideal for groups with pull-through parking. Waterfront sites are highly recommended but fill quickly.

Best CampsitesSite 15 gets mentioned frequently for views and layout. Sites 9, 10, and 12 work well for tents and smaller setups. Some sites sit close to vault toilets, which a few reviewers found problematic. Spacing between sites is generally good. One camper noted they were "far enough apart" for privacy.

Need help booking Murray Bay Campground (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

Murray Bay Campground offers a variety of basic amenities and features suitable for tent and RV campers. Each of the 20 sites is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with grills. The campground also includes accessible vault toilets and drinking water from hand pumps, though it is explicitly stated that these pumps are not for filling RVs, so visitors are advised to arrive with full tanks. "Campground roads and parking spurs are gravel." An on-site host provides assistance, and the campground is praised for its clean facilities and well-maintained sites.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Murray Bay Campground can enjoy a broad range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. The campground's proximity to the Hungry Horse Reservoir offers easy access to water-based activities, while the surrounding forest provides opportunities for hiking and exploration. Several user reviews highlight the peaceful setting and abundant nature activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are provided at each campsite to ensure safety and compliance with wildlife regulations.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingSpecific trash and recycling facilities were not described, but users are reminded to follow food storage guidelines to avoid attracting wildlife.

Cell CoverageReviews do not mention cell phone service, and no official data confirms availability.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

75 reviews

Satisfactory

Murray Bay Campground (Mt) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Murray Bay Campground is highly praised for its stunning views, clean facilities, and peaceful atmosphere. However, the 22 miles of gravel road to reach the campground is a frequent source of complaints. The on-site hosts receive consistent praise for their friendliness and maintenance of the campground.

Review Summaries

Based on 75 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 75 reviews.

Site #15Loved
Site #15 is often highlighted as an excellent group site with great views.
Site #8Loved
Site #8 is praised for wildlife viewing.
Site #9Mentioned
Site #9 is noted for being more tent-friendly, while Site #10 is close to a vault toilet, which some found unpleasant.

What Campers Love

Users frequently mention the beauty of the location, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the friendliness of the campground hosts. Quotes include: "Bathrooms very clean!" and "Best campground on...

Based on 75 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints relate to the 22-mile gravel road leading to the campground, described as dusty and filled with potholes. Several users advised against bringing trailers due to the...

Based on 75 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Many users recommend bringing bug spray due to mosquitoes and ensuring vehicles are prepared for the long gravel road. One user emphasized the importance of following bear safety guidelines: "A bear...

Based on 75 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is quieter after major holidays, such as Memorial Day. Several users recommend visiting during the summer months when the weather and water activities are most...

Based on 75 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "This place will hold a special place in my heart and can't wait to be back!" - Alexis V. 2. "One of the most beautiful Campgrounds I've ever been to." - Ingrid M. 3. "The water access is...

Based on 75 reviews

Accessibility Features

One review mentioned accessible vault toilets, but no further details about overall accessibility features were provided.

Based on 75 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and one user appreciated the rules around attractant storage to ensure pet safety.

Based on 75 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want lakefront recreation near Glacier, value clean facilities and helpful hosts, and have a vehicle that handles washboard gravel.

Skip if

You need paved access, electric hookups, or want to avoid generator noise and vault toilet proximity at certain sites.

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4.0

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Riverside Campground (Mt)

10 Hungry Horse Rd, Hungry Horse, MT, USA

Riverside Campground sits in the Flathead National Forest foothills near Hungry Horse, offering three lakeside sites managed by the Forest Service. The tiny campground draws visitors for its quiet, water-access setting and attentive host, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers fish, swim, boat, and hike from a base that accommodates tents, RVs, and primitive setups.