Red Meadow Lake Campground
02 reviewsRed Meadow Lake Campground, Flathead National Forest, MT
Quick Facts
5,500 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Seasonal access; ope...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
5,500 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Seasonal access; ope...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider(406) 387-3800
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 2 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."
Fees & Passes at Red Meadow Lake Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 16-day stay limit per visit enforced.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Flathead National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Weather and SeasonsSummer 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.
ElevationPerched at 5,500 feet above sea level, Red Meadow Lake Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer heat. The alpine elevation brings cool, pine-scented breezes even on the warmest days, while nights invite cozy campfires and spectacular stargazing in the thin, clear mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryRed Meadow Lake sparkles like a sapphire jewel in its forest setting, reflecting towering evergreens and distant peaks in its pristine waters. The surrounding alpine landscape creates a natural amphitheater of beauty, where wildflower meadows burst with color in summer and ancient pines provide shade and shelter. From your campsite, watch eagles soar overhead while deer quietly graze along the shoreline at dusk, creating moments of pure wilderness magic.
Geological RegionRed Meadow Lake Campground rests within the majestic Flathead National Forest, where millions of years of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning beauty. At 5,500 feet, this alpine lake environment showcases the raw power of ancient glaciers that carved out the basin now filled with crystal-clear mountain water. The surrounding peaks and ridges tell the story of the Northern Rockies, creating a dramatic backdrop for your outdoor adventures in this pristine corner of Montana's wilderness.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information provided about accessibility features at this campground.
Sites SizeNo descriptions of campsite sizes are provided in the official materials.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information on campsite privacy is available.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
16-day stay limit per visit enforced.
Groups
Group camping is not described for this location.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal access; opening date varies. Contact ranger station for details.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, as no reservations are accepted.
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.
Fishing
Lake and pond fishing is available. A user review highlights the popularity of fly fishing in the area.Swimming
Swimming is referenced in user reviews. Lee Emery noted, 'Our poor dogs got ate up. Yet, they enjoyed swimming!'Winter Activities
Winter-specific recreational activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like paddleboarding might be implied by user comments, but details are not provided.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsUsers reported issues with mosquitoes and horse flies during warmer months. Wildlife such as bears may also pose a risk, necessitating the food storage order.
Weather at Red Meadow Lake Campground
31
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 91%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 12.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger Station (10 Hungry Horse Drive, MT 59919, Phone: (406) 387-3800) is the primary contact for emergencies.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities at this campground.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Red Meadow Lake.
Common complaints"Long dusty bumpy roads" (Jennifer Jarrell, 2022-08-04). "Mosquitoes and horse flies literally chased us out" (Lee Emery, 2023-07-11).
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
Red Meadow Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the scenic and remote location. Jennifer Jarrell wrote, 'Great to be away from the crowds.'
Based on 2 reviewsCommon 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 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Future visitors might consider bringing insect repellent due to the prevalence of mosquitoes and horse flies.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal 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 2 reviewsCamper 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 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific campsites are highlighted in the reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews addressing campground accessibility were noted.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-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 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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