How much does camping cost at Swan Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Swan Lake Campground are $22 - $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Swan Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Swan Lake Campground 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 Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Swan Lake Campground has 7 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 Lake Campground?

Swan Lake Campground is open May 15 to September 30. 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 Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Swan Lake Campground have?

Swan Lake Campground has 38 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Swan Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Swan Lake Campground. 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 Lake Campground?

Swan Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Swan Lake Campground?

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

Swan Lake Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Swan Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Swan Lake Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.41

203 reviews

21770 Hwy 83, Swan Lake, MT 59911

B+Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Montana#1 Best Campgrounds Montana

Quick Facts

3,117 ft

Price

$22 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Open season: May 15 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on SWAN LAKE CAMPGROUND Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,117 ft

Price

$22 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Open season: May 15 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on SWAN LAKE CAMPGROUND Official Website

Get Directions

Swan Lake Campground

$22.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double Occupancy S&P: $44.00; GROUP PICNIC AREA: $75.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $22.00; Single Occupancy S&P: $22.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $22.00....

Standard Site Fee$22.00

Group Site Fee$350.00

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

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-752-7924 FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: 1-877-444-6777

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Swan Lake Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

21770 Hwy 83, Swan Lake, MT 59911

Swan Lake Campground

21770 Hwy 83, Swan Lake, MT 59911

Nearby places

Bigfork, MT (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes)

Kalispell, MT (40 miles, approximately 50 minutes)

Glacier National Park (approximately 1 hour drive).

Weather at Swan Lake Campground

Current alerts(11)

Camping fee is per camping unit. A camping unit is an RV, motorhome, camper, tent, mobile camping unit, etc. Many spots can accomodate more than one camping unit.
Changes and Cancellations If I book this reservation today, what are my options to change or cancel? Please remember that reservations at these facilities prevent other visitors from using these sites. Planned changes to your stay should be made as far in advance as possible.
Click here for more information about Flathead National Forest
Drop Camping is illegal without a Forest Service permit. If you rent a camper it may not be delivered by the owner.

Best Time to Camp at Swan Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers long, warm days (typically 70–85°F daytime with cool nights in the 40s–50s) and the fullest use of Swan Lake — prime boating and trout fishing, easy access to trailheads, and excellent wildlife viewing against snow-dusted peaks. Water activities, biking on quiet forest roads, and evening campfires make this the most active and scenic time, though mid-July–August brings moderate crowds. Be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms, possible smoke from regional wildfires, and a Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer (70–85°F) is prime season for boating, trout fishing and trail access; most popular time.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 30. 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

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.

Swan Lake Campground offers options for individual camping, group camping, and tent camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers long, warm days (typically 70–85°F daytime with cool nights in the 40s–50s) and the fullest use of Swan Lake — prime boating and trout fishing, easy access to trailheads, and excellent wildlife viewing against snow-dusted peaks. Water activities, biking on quiet forest roads, and evening campfires make this the most active and scenic time, though mid-July–August brings moderate crowds. Be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms, possible smoke from regional wildfires, and a Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3117 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Swan Mountain Range rises directly behind the campground, peaks still carrying snow into summer. Dense conifer forests of pine, fir, and larch surround the sites, with morning mist common over Swan Lake. The area supports lynx, grizzly bears, and native bull trout in the lake. Birch Loop sits deeper in the trees. Ponderosa Loop opens toward the water but requires crossing Highway 83 to reach the lake itself, a detail several campers found inconvenient.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available; however, the campground does offer group sites and standard campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the sources.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Stay Limit

16 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 people per site for individual sites
group site accommodates up to 100 people.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 100 people. Rates vary depending on group size: $150 per night for 1-25 people, up to $350 per night for 76-100 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityAccessible amenities include boat ramps, dock, campsites, parking areas, picnic tables, and vault toilets. The campground is designed to be ADA-compliant.

Site SizeFamily-sized campsites in two loops (Ponderosa Loop: open, large sites; Birch Loop: shaded, clustered sites) and a reservable large group site.

PrivacyCampsites offer good privacy, particularly on Birch Loop. "The sites are large enough that you have neighbors but you can’t really hear or see them," according to one user.

Total Campsites38 campsites

Recommended SitesBirch Loop sites are ideal for privacy and shade. Ponderosa Loop sites offer space and easy maneuverability for RVs.

Best CampsitesSite 15 in Birch Loop gets mentioned for lake proximity and privacy. Group site G1, at the back of the campground, is rated highly for space. Birch Loop generally offers better privacy. "The sites are large enough that you have neighbors but you can't really hear or see them," one camper noted about that area.

Need help booking Swan Lake Campground?

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

The amenities at Swan Lake Campground cater to various types of campers but are more suited for RV users due to certain limitations for tent campers. "The campground has 38 family-sized campsites and large group site with paved parking areas, fire rings and picnic tables. Drinking water and vault toilets are available." Accessible facilities include boat ramps, dock, campsites, and picnic areas. Firewood can be purchased on-site for $6 per bundle, as mentioned by user reviews. However, there are no showers at the campground, which several user reviews highlight as a drawback: "No showers on site. I knew this from the camp information, BUT I figured there would be options in a nearby town. There is not."

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Swan Lake Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Boat ramp, permits for power and non-motorized craft, and onsite rentals make boating a major draw.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Near Swan River NWR; area supports lynx, grizzly sightings and good birding opportunities.

Water Sports4.0/5

Kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals available; non-motorized boating permitted on the lake.

Swimming3.0/5

Swimming areas and sandy beach available but located across the highway from the campground.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are present but not elaborated on in detail in the sources.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is unavailable within the campground; however, some users mentioned reception a mile up the road.

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 Swan Lake Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.4

203 reviews

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Swan Lake Campground

$22.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double Occupancy S&P: $44.00; GROUP PICNIC AREA: $75.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $22.00; Single Occupancy S&P: $22.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $22.00....

Standard Site Fee$22.00

Group Site Fee$350.00