How much does camping cost at Upper Stillwater Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Upper Stillwater Lake Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Upper Stillwater Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Upper Stillwater Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. "Upper Stillwater Lake Campground has 5 designated campsites." Walk-up availability is likely but not explicitly confirmed.

What is the best time to visit Upper Stillwater Lake Campground?

Upper Stillwater Lake Campground is open null. 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 Upper Stillwater Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Upper Stillwater Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Upper Stillwater Lake Campground: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Upper Stillwater Lake Campground have?

Upper Stillwater Lake Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Upper Stillwater Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Upper Stillwater 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 Upper Stillwater Lake Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Upper Stillwater Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Upper Stillwater Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Upper Stillwater Lake Campground

4.13

24 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Montana

Quick Facts

3,209 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,209 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Stillwater Lake Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

No paid 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

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

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

406-758-5208null

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Upper Stillwater Lake Campground

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

Campground Map

Upper Stillwater Lake Campground

48.6032, -114.6568

Nearby places

Whitefish is 23 miles away from the campground. No other nearby cities explicitly mentioned.

Nearby supplies

null

Weather at Upper Stillwater Lake Campground

Current alert: "Not plowed in winter."

Best Time to Camp at Upper Stillwater Lake Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable weather and full lake access. Expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. Boating and fishing peak during long summer days with low precipitation, though the five primitive sites keep crowds minimal except holiday weekends. Late summer can bring fire restrictions and smoke from regional fires. The campground stays open year-round, but winter snow may challenge access.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers reliable weather, full lake access and peak boating/fishing opportunities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Not plowed in winter.

About Upper Stillwater Lake Campground

Upper Stillwater Lake Campground sits near Olney in Flathead National Forest at 3,209 feet elevation. The campground has just five primitive tent sites where the Stillwater River flows into Upper Stillwater Lake. A gravel boat launch provides lake access. Expect vault toilets, picnic tables, and nearby hiking trails, but limited availability means you'll want a backup plan.

Upper Stillwater Lake Campground is a primitive site with 5 designated campsites. It caters to tent camping and provides minimal facilities.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable weather and full lake access. Expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. Boating and fishing peak during long summer days with low precipitation, though the five primitive sites keep crowds minimal except holiday weekends. Late summer can bring fire restrictions and smoke from regional fires. The campground stays open year-round, but winter snow may challenge access.

ElevationNestled in the mountainous terrain of northwest Montana, the campground sits at a comfortable elevation that provides relief from summer heat while remaining accessible throughout most of the year.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the point where the Stillwater River enters Upper Stillwater Lake, a glacially carved body of water surrounded by lodgepole pine, western larch, and Douglas fir. The lake reflects the forested ridges rising from its shores. The surrounding terrain shows the combined effects of ancient volcanic activity and glacial scouring across northwest Montana's mineral-rich soils. Wildlife includes deer and osprey. Morning fog often lifts off the water's surface.

Geological RegionSituated within the magnificent Flathead National Forest, Upper Stillwater Lake Campground rests in a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and flowing water. The campground occupies a special place where the Stillwater River has carved its path through the forested valleys, creating the beautiful Upper Stillwater Lake in its wake. This freshwater ecosystem is cradled by the diverse geology of northwest Montana, where volcanic activity and glacial forces have combined over millennia to create a terrain of stunning variety. The surrounding forest showcases the region's characteristic mix of lodgepole pine, western larch, and Douglas fir, thriving in the mineral-rich soils that tell the story of the area's dynamic geological past.

Scenic Views"Several hiking trails nearby and the Stillwater River borders the campground." Scenic views are likely centered on the river and forested surroundings.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of lodging or hotel-style accommodations in the source materials.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are detailed in the source content.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

16 day stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Group camping details are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFive designated primitive sites with a vault toilet, gravel boat launch, and day-use parking area. One review mentions only four spots available.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityUpper Stillwater Lake Campground has 5 designated campsites." Walk-up availability is likely but not explicitly confirmed.

Cancellation Policynull

Site SizeNo specific details on campsite sizes were provided.

PrivacyThere is no detailed information on the privacy level of the campsites.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Upper Stillwater Lake Campground offers minimal amenities as it is a primitive camping site. The campground includes a gravel boat launch and day parking facilities. Restrooms and picnic tables are available on-site, but there is no potable water. The campground allows horse/pack animals as indicated in the official details.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides access to a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating. The Stillwater River and nearby hiking trails add to the recreational opportunities. Picnicking and both motorized and non-motorized boating are also available.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water available. Seasonal weather hazards include snow in winter.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire Policynull

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesTally Lake Ranger Station / Supervisor's Office Address: 650 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell, MT 59901. Phone: (406) 758-5208.

Trash & RecyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities, including locations and pickup schedules, is mentioned.

Water FeaturesUpper Stillwater Lake borders the campground. A gravel boat launch is provided.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability was not discussed in the source materials.

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 Upper Stillwater 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

4.1

24 reviews

Satisfactory

Upper Stillwater Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the campground's small size and the presence of hiking trails. For example, a user mentioned 'Only 4 spots to camp. Trail was good.' This suggests limited camping spots and a focus on nearby hiking.

Review Summaries

Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback emphasizes the presence of hiking trails and the natural setting surrounding the campground.

Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

No explicit complaints are provided in the user reviews, aside from the observation that there are only a few camping spots.

Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

A review mentions that there are 'only 4 spots to camp,' suggesting limited availability. Specific site numbers or preferences are not provided.

Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user-provided tips or recommendations are available in the source data.

Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open year-round, but winter access may be challenging as it is not plowed, which could impact usability during snowy conditions.

Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Only 4 spots to camp. Trail was good.' - User review

Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-related reviews are included.

Based on 24 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews or comments about pets are available.

Based on 24 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.

Go if

Anglers and boaters who can arrive early on a weekday. The gravel launch handles both motorized and non-motorized boats, summer days run long, and at $0/night you're getting lakeside forest at 3,200 feet for free.

Skip if

Arriving without a backup plan on a holiday weekend is a real gamble. Only four or five sites, no potable water, and no reservations mean you could drive out to Olney and find it full before you unpack.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.0

(13)

Red Meadow Lake Campground

Red Meadow Lake Campground, Flathead National Forest, MT

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.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Eureka Ranger Station, 949 US Hwy 93 N, Eureka, MT, 59917, USA

North Dickey Lake sits in the Kootenai National Forest foothills near Eureka, operated by the Eureka Ranger Station. This small campground offers direct lake access for swimming, boating, and fishing, with tent and RV sites set among forested terrain. Reviewers praise the clean facilities, spacious sites, and attentive hosts, though Highway 93 traffic and occasional train noise carry through the area.

$16.00 - $16.00 / night

Less Visited

3.6

(12)

Moose Lake Campground

10 Hungry Horse Drive, MT 59919

Moose Lake Campground sits at 5,663 feet in Flathead National Forest near Columbia Falls, offering three primitive tent sites for campers seeking genuine isolation. The campground has a vault toilet but no drinking water. Reviews consistently praise the remote setting and wildlife sightings, though the access road is long and bumpy.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.4

(295)

Tally Lake Campground

TALLY LAKE ROAD, WHITEFISH, MT 59937, USA

Tally Lake Campground sits in the Flathead National Forest foothills near Whitefish, offering access to Montana's deepest natural lake. Managed by the Forest Service, this mid-sized campground draws campers who want swimming, boating, and fishing on a glacial lake with mountain views. Reviewers praise clean, spacious sites and helpful hosts, though mosquitoes and dusty access roads are common complaints.

$22.00 - $150.00 / night

Less Visited

4.1

(45)

Star Meadows Guard Station

5250 Star Meadows Road, Whitefish, Montana, 59937

Star Meadows Guard Station sits in mid-elevation forest near Whitefish, operated by the Tally Lake Ranger District within Flathead National Forest. The property includes a heated guard station and separate bunkhouse, accommodating groups seeking backcountry solitude with modern conveniences like a full kitchen and potable water. Winter brings the deepest quiet and best conditions for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife tracking, though the cabin also serves hikers, anglers, and mountain bikers during warmer months.

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

8975 HWY 2 E BOX 190340

Ninko Cabin sits in mid-elevation forest within Flathead National Forest near Hungry Horse, Montana. Operated by the Forest Service, this single rental cabin offers an isolated winter retreat with a woodstove for heat, propane cooking, and vault toilets. Guests come for backcountry skiing, wildlife viewing, and hiking in a primitive setting where three-night stays are the maximum.

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Frequently Visited

3.6

(101)

Whitefish Lake State Park

1615 West Lakeshore Drive, Whitefish, Montana, 59937, United States

Whitefish Lake State Park sits on the shores of its namesake lake, a few miles from the town of Whitefish in northwestern Montana. The campground has tent and RV sites under a canopy of Douglas fir, western larch, and ponderosa pine. Fees run $3-6 per night. One unavoidable reality: train tracks border the park, and passing freight trains run all night.

$3.00 - $6.00 / night

0.0

(3)

Grave Creek Campground

Kootenai National Forest

Grave Creek Campground sits in the quiet forests near Fortine, Montana, at 3,061 feet elevation. The campground has just four RV sites (accommodating rigs up to 20 feet), each with a picnic table and fire ring. Reviewers have had the place entirely to themselves, enjoying memorable solitude and natural beauty.

Sylvia Lake Campground

Flathead National Forest

Sylvia Lake Campground sits in the Flathead National Forest near Whitefish, offering three primitive sites at a quiet mountain lake stocked with native grayling and cutthroat trout. This tiny Forest Service campground attracts families and anglers seeking a low-key lakeside experience with vault toilets, fire rings, and a rope swing. The unimproved access road and minimal facilities keep crowds manageable despite the lake's appeal for fishing, swimming, and small-boat launching.

10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box190340

Hornet Lookout sits in the Flathead National Forest near Hungry Horse, operated by the Glacier View Ranger District as a rentable fire lookout cabin. Guests hike one mile to reach the mid-elevation lookout, where they find vault toilets, fire rings, and sweeping views over wildflower meadows and beargrass. The lookout operates seasonally during summer months with a three-day stay limit, drawing visitors for hiking and wildlife viewing in a quiet alpine setting.

1 campsites

Reservable

32.332 km

$40.00 - $40.00 / night

P.O. Box 190340, 10 Hungry Horse Dr., HUNGRY HORSE, MT 59919, USA

Ben Rover Cabin sits in the Flathead National Forest foothills near Columbia Falls, operated by the U.S. Forest Service with a three-night maximum stay. This rustic rental offers river proximity, vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings for visitors seeking a backcountry lodging experience. Guests use the cabin as a base for hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in the Livingston Range country.

1 campsites

Reservable

33.441 km

$65.00 - $65.00 / night

10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box 190340, HUNGRY HORSE, MT, 59919, USA

Schnaus Cabin sits in the Flathead National Forest foothills near Hungry Horse, operated by the Forest Service with a three-day stay limit. This premium rental offers vault toilets, fire rings, and a balcony with views toward Glacier National Park's mountains. Guests use the cabin as a base for hiking, fishing, boating on nearby waters, and wildlife viewing during the summer operating season.

1 campsites

Reservable

34.325 km

$65.00 - $65.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

Less Visited

5.0

(7)

Van Lake Campground And Day Use

/ Turn east off of HWY 83 MM 54.6 onto Van Lake rd #9882

Van Lake Campground sits on the shores of its namesake lake in Flathead National Forest, about 25 miles from Bigfork. The six primitive tent sites offer no-fee camping at 3,701 feet elevation. Reviewers consistently mention the quiet and the lack of crowds, with many reporting they had the place to themselves.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

3.6

(12)

Moose Lake Campground

10 Hungry Horse Drive, MT 59919

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

4.3

(34)

Muchwater Dispersed Campground And Recreation Area

Lolo National Forest

Muchwater Dispersed Campground sits above the Clark Fork River in Lolo National Forest with 15 dispersed sites for tents and RVs. The campground has vault toilets and fire rings but no water, so you'll need to bring everything. It's rated 4.6 out of 5 stars, though reviews warn about train noise and litter issues in some areas.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.4

(295)

Tally Lake Campground

TALLY LAKE ROAD, WHITEFISH, MT 59937, USA

$22.00 - $150.00 / night

Campgrounds

Flathead National Forest

Upper Stillwater Lake Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Upper Stillwater Lake Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Upper Stillwater Lake Campground has 5 designated campsites, restroom, gravel boat launch, and day parking. The area has several hiking trails near by and the Stillwater River borders the campground.</p>

Open Season: May