Swan Lake Campground

Star4.45
203 reviews
21770 Hwy 83, Swan Lake, MT 59911
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,117 ft

Price

$22 - $350/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Open season: May 15 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens SWAN LAKE CAMPGROUND site

Official Website
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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 Lake Campground
$22.00 - $350.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual site reservations cost $22 per camper unit per night, with an additional vehicle charge of $5 per vehicle per day. Group site fees range...
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Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$350.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(406) 210-8199
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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 203 reviews

67 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlakefriendlysites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Swan Lake Campground range from glowing praise for cleanliness and spacious sites to complaints about management and lack of amenities for tent campers."

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Campground Map

21770 Hwy 83, Swan Lake, MT 59911

Swan Lake Campground

21770 Hwy 83, Swan Lake, MT 59911

Driving directionsFrom Bigfork, Montana, take State Route 209 east for 4.9 miles to Swan Lake/State Route 83. Turn right and go 10.9 miles to the campground sign. Turn left at the sign into the campground.
The campground is accessed via paved roads, with no reported seasonal closures. The roads are suitable for most vehicles, but there is no dump station on site.
Nearby places
Bigfork, MT (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Kalispell, MT (40 miles, approximately 50 minutes)
Glacier National Park (approximately 1 hour drive).
Nearby supplies
A local gas station near Swan Lake offers basic supplies. For more extensive needs, Bigfork, MT (15 miles away) has grocery stores and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Swan Lake Campground

Summer at Swan Lake delivers the Montana mountain experience at its finest, with brilliantly clear skies stretching endlessly above and comfortable daytime temperatures that invite exploration. As evening approaches, the air takes on a refreshing crispness that makes gathering around the campfire all the more memorable. The region's characteristically low humidity and minimal summer precipitation create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, while star-filled nights offer spectacular celestial displays. Come winter, the landscape transforms into a snow-laden wonderland – beautiful to behold but challenging for camping, making late spring through early fall the sweet spot for your Swan Lake adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for lake activities and clear skies, though crowds, noise and black flies occur.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into early October; likely quieter with good weather and scenic colors.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 15 so late spring availability; variable weather and fewer services early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside May 15–Oct 6 operating season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - October 6.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: May 15 - October 6. Reservations can be made starting from June 22 each year.

About Swan Lake Campground

Nestled in the heart of northwest Montana's spectacular Swan Valley, Swan Lake Campground offers front-row access to one of the Flathead National Forest's most scenic destinations. With the craggy, snow-dusted peaks of the Swan Mountain Range rising dramatically above dense conifer forests and the pristine waters of Swan Lake at your doorstep, this 38-site campground delivers an authentic Rocky Mountain experience. The facility features two distinct camping areas: Ponderosa Loop provides spacious, open sites ideal for sun-lovers and larger groups, while Birch Loop offers shaded, more intimate sites tucked closer together for those seeking a cozier forest feel. A large group site accommodating up to 100 people makes this an excellent choice for family reunions or organized gatherings. The campground strikes a nice balance between rustic charm and practical amenities. All sites come equipped with paved parking, picnic tables, and fire rings, while drinking water and vault toilets serve the campground. While there's no dump station on-site, you'll find a fill station conveniently located at the park entrance. Bike lanes wind throughout the property, making it easy to explore on two wheels. The real draw here is the lake access—a boat ramp welcomes both motorized and non-motorized watercraft, and a beach area provides a pleasant spot to relax. For those traveling light, the campground offers kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals, plus firewood for sale, so you won't need to pack everything from home. Anglers will find plenty to keep them busy, with opportunities to catch several trout species, Kokanee salmon, and Northern Pike in Swan Lake's cold waters. Wildlife enthusiasts should venture just a mile down the road to the Swan River National Wildlife Refuge, where exceptional bird watching and wildlife observation await—this is grizzly bear and lynx country, after all, so keep your eyes open and practice proper food storage. Glacier National Park lies within an hour's drive for those seeking a world-class day trip. The campground operates with a 16-consecutive-day stay limit, offering 24 reservable sites and 14 first-come, first-served sites. Reservations require at least four days' notice for cancellations, and no-shows won't receive refunds. If you're hoping to snag one of the walk-up sites after making a reservation, be prepared to pay for both, as your reserved spot prevented others from booking online. For specific questions, contact the campground directly at (406) 210-8199.
Swan Lake Campground offers options for individual camping, group camping, and tent camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Stay Limit
16 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Swan Lake Campground provides a variety of recreational activities. "Campers and day-use visitors have access to a boat ramp and a beach. Both power and non-motorized boating is permitted." Kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals are available, although one reviewer mentioned kiosks being unstaffed at times. Fishing opportunities are plentiful, including trout, Kokanee salmon, and Northern Pike. "Anglers can fish for several kinds of trout as well as Kokanee salmon and Northern Pike." There are bike lanes and hiking trails within proximity.
FishingFishing opportunities include trout, Kokanee salmon, and Northern Pike. Reviewers generally found the fishing good, although no specifics on fishing amenities are mentioned.
BikingBike lanes run through the campground, providing opportunities for recreational biking.
BoatingBoth power and non-motorized boating is permitted. Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals are offered, though one reviewer mentioned the kiosk was unstaffed at times.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is located near Swan River National Wildlife Refuge, offering a wildlife and bird observation area.
Beach activitiesThe beach is accessible across the highway from the campground, with sandy areas for sunbathing and lake access.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife like bears and fast-moving vehicles on the road near the lake access.

Weather at Swan Lake Campground

Reviews

4.5
203 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Swan Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Swan Lake Campground range from glowing praise for cleanliness and spacious sites to complaints about management and lack of amenities for tent campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 203 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean bathrooms, large and private campsites, friendly hosts, and convenient access to the lake. "The campground was well-kept, clean, and beautiful," according to one...
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Based on 203 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include lack of showers, odor in vault toilets, unhelpful camp hosts, and the need to cross a highway to access the lake. "The vault toilets STINK," and "Crossing the road to get...
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Based on 203 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Many reviewers suggest bringing an RV or trailer as the campground lacks tent-friendly amenities. "This is not a campground I would recommend for tents," stated one user.
Based on 203 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season due to lake activities. However, some complaints about high traffic, generator noise, and black flies are noted during peak season.
Based on 203 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great, well maintained campground. Right across the street from the Swan Lake day use area." "No cell service, which was absolutely needed and warranted." "Cleanest bathrooms ever seen in a...
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Based on 203 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight sites like 024 and 038 as large and clean. "Sleeping to the sounds of the rushing river was so wonderful." Conversely, sites near vault toilets are marked as...
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Based on 203 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible amenities are praised, including paved roads and accessible campsites. "Accessible boat ramps and docks are available."
Based on 203 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, though one reviewer expressed concern about camp hosts keeping aggressive dogs locked in cars.
Based on 203 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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