How much does camping cost at Swan Guard Station?

Camping fees at Swan Guard Station range from $70/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Swan Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Swan Guard Station 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 Swan Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Swan Guard Station has 13 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 Swan Guard Station?

Swan Guard Station is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Swan Guard Station?

Swan Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Swan Guard Station have?

Swan Guard Station has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Swan Guard Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Swan Guard Station. 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 Swan Guard Station?

Swan Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Swan Guard Station?

Popular activities at Swan Guard Station include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Swan Guard Station

4.44

110 reviews

Swan Lake, MT 59911

Top 16% in MTWinter

Pet FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,100 ft

Price

$70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 2% in state

Electric

Book on Flathead National Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,100 ft

Price

$70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 2% in state

Electric

Book on Flathead National Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Swan Guard Station

$70.00 - $70.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN ELECTRIC: $70.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-837-7500anthony.butterfield@usda.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Swan Guard Station

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Swan Lake, MT 59911

Swan Guard Station

Swan Lake, MT 59911

Nearby places

Bigfork: Approximately 25 miles

Missoula: Approximately 52 miles.

Weather at Swan Guard Station

Best Time to Camp at Swan Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm weather, long daylight, and full access to lake and trail recreation—expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F (18–28°C) with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C). Boating, swimming, shore and boat fishing, day hikes, and mountain biking are at their peak, and wildlife viewing is excellent along the lake and wetland edges. Crowds are moderate (Swan Lake is popular but not overcrowded); note that reservations for the station begin June 21, and late-sky Peak months: July, August, September, June

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is prime: wildlife viewing, boating, fishing and warm daytime temps; reservations open June 21.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Swan Guard Station

Swan Guard Station sits in the Flathead National Forest foothills near Swan Lake, operated by the Forest Service as a rental cabin with RV sites. The property offers electric hookups, potable water, and vault toilets alongside access to hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in the Swan Valley. Guests appreciate the cabin's amenities and easy road access, though highway noise can intrude on the backcountry feel.

Swan Guard Station offers a cabin rental, blending rustic charm with modern amenities. It is ideal for groups and families seeking a unique camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm weather, long daylight, and full access to lake and trail recreation—expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F (18–28°C) with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C). Boating, swimming, shore and boat fishing, day hikes, and mountain biking are at their peak, and wildlife viewing is excellent along the lake and wetland edges. Crowds are moderate (Swan Lake is popular but not overcrowded); note that reservations for the station begin June 21, and late-sky Peak months: July, August, September, June

Elevation3100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin sits at the southern end of Swan Lake, surrounded by dense conifer forest and the Swan River Wildlife Refuge wetlands. This is one of Montana's most biodiverse corridors. Eagles, elk, and songbirds frequent the area. Dense evergreens provide shade around the cabin, and the lake itself is a short walk away. The refuge's mix of water, forest, and meadow creates varied habitat. Trails wind through the surrounding terrain for hiking, biking, and winter skiing.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe Swan Guard Station cabin serves as the lodging accommodation for guests. It includes beds and mattresses for up to eight people, electricity, a propane heater, and an outdoor vault toilet and hand-pump water system. "The cabin is very clean, well maintained and spacious. Having electric and heat is a great bonus."

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of seven consecutive nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to eight guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, through the contact center (+877-444-6777), or in person (subject to availability).

AccessibilityThe cabin is accessible and features an outdoor ramp and porch for ease of use. "The porch, ramps, steps and roadways can be slippery when damp, or covered by snow or frost.

Site SizeThe cabin is spacious enough to accommodate eight people comfortably.

PrivacyThe cabin offers a balance of seclusion and accessibility. While it is close to the highway, many users appreciate its proximity to the wildlife refuge and trails. "The cabin is so easy to get to, but still feels isolated and private.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesConsider bringing additional cleaning supplies, insect repellent, and an axe for splitting firewood as needed. Select this site for proximity to Swan River Wildlife Refuge and ease of access to trails.

Need help booking Swan Guard Station?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Swan Guard Station offers a unique blend of rustic and modern amenities, making it suitable for various types of outdoor enthusiasts. The cabin accommodates up to eight people and includes electricity, a propane heater, and a well-equipped kitchen featuring a refrigerator, sink, cooking range, and oven. However, it lacks indoor plumbing, instead providing a vault toilet and a hand-pump water system situated outside. "The accessible cabin has beds and mattresses to accommodate up to eight people. It offers electricity, but no indoor plumbing." User reviews frequently highlight the mix of charm and functionality, with comments such as "The cabin is very clean, well maintained and spacious. Having electric and heat is a great bonus." Guests must bring bedding, food, flashlights, and other camping essentials.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Swan Guard Station provides diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and winter sports. The nearby Bond Creek Trailhead offers hiking and mountain biking, while Swan Lake supports boating, swimming, and fishing. "Bond Creek trail, across the highway, was a challenge due to many trees down, but beautiful." Seasonal activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular. "Spring skiing out the door through the wetlands was superb with fresh snow."

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at Swan Guard Station. Instead, guests can access a vault toilet located outside the cabin.

Trash & RecyclingGuests must pack out their trash, as the facility follows 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' rules. "Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' facility."

Cell CoverageUser reviews indicate minimal cell phone reception but also appreciate this as a positive aspect, enhancing the rustic and isolated experience. "No WiFi and cell service is very minimal but we like it that way!"

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

4.4

110 reviews

Recommended

Swan Guard Station is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, with an average sentiment of 4.327. Many users praise the cabin's cleanliness, location, and amenities, although proximity to the highway and occasional maintenance issues are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 110 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews frequently commend the cabin's cleanliness, accessibility, and amenities like the propane heater and stocked kitchen. "The cabin is so easy to get to, but still feels isolated and private."

Based on 110 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include highway noise, maintenance issues like broken window screens, and occasional cleanliness concerns such as dog hair or dusty surfaces. "Closer to hwy than I prefer, otherwise great...

Based on 110 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 001 in the Swan Guard Station loop receives varied reviews. Guests frequently praise its location and amenities but note issues like mice and maintenance concerns. "Great stay as usual, but...

Based on 110 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bedding, insect repellant, flashlights, and garbage bags due to the 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' rules. Users also recommend calling ahead for the lock code and preparing for winter driving...

Based on 110 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight cross-country skiing and the cozy propane heater, while summer guests appreciate wildlife viewing and water sports at Swan Lake. "Spring skiing out the door through the...

Based on 110 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cabin is so easy to get to, but still feels isolated and private." "Bond Creek trail, across the highway, was a challenge due to many trees down, but beautiful." "No WiFi and cell service is...

Based on 110 reviews

Accessibility Features

The cabin is accessible, with ramps and a porch for ease of use. "The porch, ramps, steps and roadways can be slippery when damp, or covered by snow or frost."

Based on 110 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but reviews mention issues with dog hair and guests not following rules about keeping dogs off furniture. "Loved the furnishing and to have electricity what a treat. It made a great...

Based on 110 reviews

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Go if

You want a well-equipped cabin or RV site with amenities close to lake and trail access in the Swan Valley.

Skip if

You need true backcountry quiet away from highway noise or guaranteed spotless cabin conditions.

Nearby Campgrounds

21770 Hwy 83, Swan Lake, MT 59911

Swan Lake Campground sits in the Flathead National Forest foothills near Swan Lake, Montana, operated as a mid-sized seasonal facility with tent, RV, and group sites. The campground offers flush and vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, with direct access to Swan Lake for boating, fishing, and swimming. Reviewers praise the clean facilities, spacious private sites, and friendly hosts, though some note the highway crossing to reach the lake and occasional generator noise.