Swan Guard Station

Star4.44
110 reviews
Swan Lake, MT 59911
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,100 ft

Price

$70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Opens Flathead National Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Swan Guard Station
$70.00 - $70.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Swan Guard Station charges $70 per night. The station must be booked through Recreation.gov, and fees exclude discounts, taxes, or incremental...
Show more
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
406-837-7500anthony.butterfield@usda.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 110 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Swan Lake, MT 59911

Swan Guard Station

Swan Lake, MT 59911

Driving directionsFrom Bigfork take Hwy 83 south towards Swan Lake. Continue through the town of Swan Lake to mile-marker 69, just south of town. The cabin driveway is just south of the cabin rental sign. Continue down the driveway to the cabin with the porch.
The cabin is relatively accessible. The road to the cabin is plowed in winter, although renters should be prepared for winter driving conditions. Seasonal weather events may disrupt plowing or cause power outages due to its remote nature.
Nearby places
Bigfork: Approximately 25 miles
Missoula: Approximately 52 miles.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in the town of Swan Lake for essentials like groceries and fuel, with additional options available in Bigfork.

Best Time to Camp at Swan Guard Station

Each season paints the Swan Guard Station in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland, where fresh powder beckons cross-country skiers and snowshoers to explore silent, snow-laden trails. As spring melts into summer, the forest awakens with hiking opportunities and prime fishing conditions on nearby waters. Be prepared for nature's occasional reminders of your remote location—winter storms may bring temporary power outages and require careful navigation of snowy roads, adding to the authentic backcountry experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers wildlife viewing, boating and fishing; many positive summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Likely strong for scenery and migrations; fewer explicit fall reviews but setting supports it.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers skiing and wildlife but can be wet; mixed conditions reported.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Winter praised for Nordic skiing access and reliable heating in the cabin.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round but reservable dates start June 21, 2025. Facility is operational from January 1 to December 31 annually.
  • Current Alerts: Power outages are possible during weather events, and renters are advised to plan accordingly. Winter conditions may delay snow plowing services.

About Swan Guard Station

Step back in time at the Swan Guard Station, where rustic charm meets modern comfort in the heart of northwestern Montana's wilderness. This lovingly restored historic cabin welcomes up to eight guests into a unique blend of heritage and hospitality. While maintaining its authentic character, the station now features electricity, cozy propane heating, and a fully equipped kitchen that makes meal preparation a breeze. Just outside your door, you'll find thoughtfully placed outdoor amenities including a vault toilet and hand-pump water station, ensuring your stay balances adventure with essential conveniences.
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.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of seven consecutive nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

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."
HikingHiking trails are accessible nearby, such as the Bond Creek Trailhead. "Bond Creek trail, across the highway, was a challenge due to many trees down, but beautiful." Trails vary in difficulty, offering scenic views of Montana's landscapes.
FishingFishing opportunities are available at Swan Lake. User reviews frequently mention fishing as an activity. "The cabin is located just south of the town of Swan Lake, which offers opportunities for fishing, motor boating, non-motor boating, swimming, and picnicking."
SwimmingSwan Lake provides swimming opportunities, although guests need to drive to the Swan Lake day-use area, about 5 minutes away.
BikingMountain biking is available near Bond Creek Trailhead, offering varied terrain for all skill levels.
BoatingBoating options include motor and non-motorized boating at Swan Lake. "The cabin is located just south of the town of Swan Lake."
Wildlife viewingThe nearby Swan River Wildlife Refuge is ideal for bird and wildlife viewing. "Saw Western Tanagers, Kinglet, Osprey, Swans in river distance, and more."
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGrizzly bear activity is common in the area, necessitating secure storage of food and garbage. Slippery conditions on ramps and steps may occur during damp or icy weather.
Active AlertsPower outages are possible during weather events, and renters are advised to plan accordingly. Winter conditions may delay snow plowing services.

Weather at Swan Guard Station

Reviews

4.4
110 reviews
Recommended
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
Based on 110 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Swan Guard Station? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Montana

Campgrounds
Flathead National Forest
Swan Guard Station