Red Meadow Lake Campground

Star4.70
13 reviews
Red Meadow Lake Campground, Flathead National Forest, MT
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Seasonal access; ope...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Flathead National Forest site

Official Website
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Red Meadow Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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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USFS
Provider
(406) 387-3800
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What Campers Say

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 13 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

Some mention

mosquitoesdusty

"Reviews of Red Meadow Lake Campground are mixed. Positive aspects include its remote location and scenic views, while negative feedback highlights insect issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Red Meadow Lake Campground, Flathead National Forest, MT

Red Meadow Lake Campground

Red Meadow Lake Campground, Flathead National Forest, MT

Driving directionsTravel 41 miles north of Columbia Falls on County Road 486, then 11 miles west on Forest Service Road 115 or from the west through Stillwater State Forest.
Long dusty bumpy roads. Seasonal access — opening date varies. For condition information, contact Hungry Horse-Glacier View RD at (406) 387-3800.
Nearby places
Columbia Falls: 41 miles north
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Columbia Falls, located 41 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Red Meadow Lake Campground

Summer transforms Red Meadow Lake into an outdoor paradise, with long days of sunshine and refreshingly cool mountain air creating perfect conditions for hiking, fishing, and stargazing. The dry climate ensures plenty of blue-sky days throughout the camping season. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to warm afternoons, painting the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and oranges. Winter blankets the area in snow, closing road access but creating a serene wonderland for those who venture in on skis or snowshoes during the shoulder seasons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer offers long days and activities but insect/horsefly reports reduce comfort.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall likely offers cooler, scenic conditions with fewer insects; access may vary.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring access can be variable; wildflowers and quieter conditions later in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal access noted; winter availability and services not described.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Seasonal access; opening date varies. Contact ranger station for details.

About Red Meadow Lake Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Flathead National Forest, Red Meadow Lake Campground offers an intimate mountain retreat with just six secluded campsites. This hidden gem sits alongside the crystal-clear waters of Red Meadow Lake, where morning mist dances across the surface and the only sounds are birdsong and gentle lapping waves. While the campground provides essential vault toilets and inviting day-use picnic areas perfect for lakeside lunches, its rustic charm means you'll need to pack your own drinking water for this authentic wilderness experience.
Red Meadow Lake Campground provides 6 campsites suitable for tent or small vehicle camping. No facilities for RV hookups, glamping, or cabin rentals are mentioned.
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Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
16-day stay limit per visit enforced.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The primary activities available at Red Meadow Lake Campground include fishing and picnicking. Visitors engage in lake and pond fishing. Hunting and shooting are also listed as recreational opportunities.
FishingLake and pond fishing is available. A user review highlights the popularity of fly fishing in the area.
SwimmingSwimming is referenced in user reviews. Lee Emery noted, 'Our poor dogs got ate up. Yet, they enjoyed swimming!'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUsers reported issues with mosquitoes and horse flies during warmer months. Wildlife such as bears may also pose a risk, necessitating the food storage order.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Red Meadow Lake Campground

Reviews

4.7
13 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Red Meadow Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Red Meadow Lake Campground are mixed. Positive aspects include its remote location and scenic views, while negative feedback highlights insect issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the scenic and remote location. Jennifer Jarrell wrote, 'Great to be away from the crowds.'
Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes and horse flies were significant issues, as noted by Lee Emery: 'The mosquitoes and horse flies literally chased us out and almost used a whole can of bug spray.'
Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future visitors might consider bringing insect repellent due to the prevalence of mosquitoes and horse flies.
Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In summer, insect activity appears to peak, leading to discomfort for some campers. During other times, accessibility might be limited due to varying access openings.
Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great to be away from the crowds.' - Jennifer Jarrell 2. 'The mosquitoes and horse flies literally chased us out.' - Lee Emery
Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsites are highlighted in the reviews.
Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews addressing campground accessibility were noted.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not explicitly mentioned in policies, but Lee Emery mentioned, 'Our poor dogs got ate up,' indicating that dogs were present during their visit.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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