How much does camping cost at Red Meadow Lake Campground?

Camping at Red Meadow Lake Campground is free. Confirm current rules and whether separate reservation, entrance, parking, or amenity fees apply.

Is Red Meadow Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Red Meadow Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served, as no reservations are accepted.

Can I see photos of campsites at Red Meadow Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Red Meadow Lake Campground has 4 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 Red Meadow Lake Campground?

Red Meadow Lake Campground is open Seasonal access; opening date varies. Contact ranger station for details.. 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 Red Meadow Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Red Meadow Lake Campground have?

Red Meadow Lake Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Red Meadow Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Red Meadow Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Red Meadow Lake Campground?

Red Meadow Lake Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Red Meadow Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Red Meadow Lake Campground include Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Red Meadow Lake Campground

4.00

13 reviews

Red Meadow Lake Campground, Flathead National Forest, MT

Summer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping Montana

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Seasonal access; ope...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Seasonal access; ope...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Red Meadow Lake Campground

Free

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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USFS

Provider

(406) 387-3800

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Red Meadow Lake Campground, Flathead National Forest, MT

Red Meadow Lake Campground

Red Meadow Lake Campground, Flathead National Forest, MT

Nearby places

Columbia Falls: 41 miles north

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely in Columbia Falls, located 41 miles away.

Weather at Red Meadow Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Red Meadow Lake Campground

Summer is the reliable access window, with daytime temperatures typically running 60–75°F and nights dropping into the 30s–40s. Days are mostly dry and sunny with long daylight hours for fishing and hiking. The small site count means weekends fill despite the rough road. Snow closes trails and roads outside summer, though winter adventurers can ski or snowshoe in. Fire restrictions may apply during high summer. Pack layers for the temperature swing between day and night.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Likely very scenic with fewer insects and cooler temps; access timing varies.

Planning Tips

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

About Red Meadow Lake Campground

Red Meadow Lake Campground sits at 5,500 feet in Flathead National Forest near Columbia Falls, offering six primitive tent sites along an alpine lake. The campground has vault toilets and picnic tables but no potable water. Access requires driving long, dusty forest roads, and summer brings serious mosquito and horsefly pressure that has driven some campers out early.

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 is the reliable access window, with daytime temperatures typically running 60–75°F and nights dropping into the 30s–40s. Days are mostly dry and sunny with long daylight hours for fishing and hiking. The small site count means weekends fill despite the rough road. Snow closes trails and roads outside summer, though winter adventurers can ski or snowshoe in. Fire restrictions may apply during high summer. Pack layers for the temperature swing between day and night.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies a glacially carved basin filled by Red Meadow Lake, whose clear water reflects the surrounding Northern Rockies peaks and ridges. Evergreen forest rings the lake, and the 5,500-foot elevation puts you in genuine alpine terrain. The remote setting delivers solitude and views, though the same conditions that make it scenic also support thriving insect populations during peak summer.

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.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of the lake and surrounding alpine forest are highlights of the campground.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, as no reservations are accepted.

Site SizeNo descriptions of campsite sizes are provided in the official materials.

PrivacyNo specific information on campsite privacy is available.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Amenities available

Bring your own drinking water, a vault toilet is available.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Red Meadow Lake Campground

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.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming3.0/5

Water Sports2.0/5

No kayaking details; small alpine lake may allow informal paddling.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, elevated setting implies dark skies and good stargazing potential.

Photography4.0/5Clear lake reflecting Northern Rockies peaks; scenic vistas ideal for photos.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

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.

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

Rate Red Meadow Lake Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.0

13 reviews

Satisfactory

Red Meadow Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsites are highlighted in the reviews.

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Red Meadow Lake Campground

Free

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

(406) 387-3800

Go if

Fly fishers and solitude-seekers who can time a fall visit avoid the worst mosquito and horsefly window. Six sites fill fast on summer weekends despite 41 miles of rough forest road from Columbia Falls, so arriving mid-week improves your odds.

Skip if

Forget the bug spray and show up in July. Reviewers have been chased out early by mosquito and horsefly swarms, and there's no potable water on site, so hauling your own supply for even a short stay is non-negotiable.

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