Upper Stillwater Lake Campground

4.48

24 reviews

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,209 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Tally Lake Ranger Station site

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

Opens Tally Lake Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Stillwater Lake Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

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

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USFS

Provider

406-758-5208null

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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 24 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Upper Stillwater Lake Campground

48.6032, -114.6568

Driving directionsLocated 23 miles from Whitefish. Take Highway 93 northwest toward Eureka, Montana, go 22 miles, turn left at the Stillwater CG Lake site sign. Follow the signs to the campground, which is 1 mile from the highway.

"Open year-round. Not plowed in winter." Users should note that the campground has no plowing services, so road access may be limited during heavy snow periods.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Upper Stillwater Lake Campground

Upper Stillwater Lake transforms with the seasons, offering year-round access to those willing to embrace Montana's dynamic weather. Summer arrives as the perfect canvas for camping adventures, with warm days and minimal precipitation creating ideal conditions for lakeside relaxation and riverside exploration. As autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, crisp nights remind visitors to pack extra layers. Winter blankets the campground in snow, creating a serene wonderland that may challenge access but rewards the intrepid with unmatched solitude and pristine beauty. Spring brings renewal as wildflowers emerge and the river swells with snowmelt, signaling the return of prime camping season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is described as ideal for camping; boating, kayaking and hiking are available then.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open year-round; fall likely offers solitude and scenic foliage though specifics aren't provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Seasonal transitions likely affect access; spring conditions (mud/snowmelt) not detailed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but 'not plowed in winter,' making access and amenities limited in snow.

Planning Tips

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

About Upper Stillwater Lake Campground

Tucked away near the charming town of Olney, Upper Stillwater Lake Campground offers an authentic Montana wilderness experience for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. This intimate, primitive campground features just five designated campsites, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings. The gentle sounds of the Stillwater River provide a natural soundtrack as it flows along the campground's edge, while a gravel boat launch invites anglers and paddlers to explore the pristine waters of Upper Stillwater Lake. Basic amenities include vault toilets and day-use parking, while nearby hiking trails beckon adventurers to discover the hidden treasures of this peaceful corner of northwest Montana.

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

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsUpper Stillwater Lake transforms with the seasons, offering year-round access to those willing to embrace Montana's dynamic weather. Summer arrives as the perfect canvas for camping adventures, with warm days and minimal precipitation creating ideal conditions for lakeside relaxation and riverside exploration. As autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, crisp nights remind visitors to pack extra layers. Winter blankets the campground in snow, creating a serene wonderland that may challenge access but rewards the intrepid with unmatched solitude and pristine beauty. Spring brings renewal as wildflowers emerge and the river swells with snowmelt, signaling the return of prime camping season.

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 SceneryWhere the crystal-clear waters of the Stillwater River meet the serene expanse of Upper Stillwater Lake, this campground serves as a gateway to the wild beauty of Flathead National Forest. Towering conifers create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The lake stretches before you like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding peaks and endless Montana sky. Morning mists rise from the water's surface while osprey circle overhead, and the evening brings a symphony of wildlife sounds as deer emerge from the forest edges to drink at the river's edge. This convergence of forest, river, and lake ecosystems creates a rich tapestry of natural wonders waiting to be explored.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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 layout5 designated campsites, restroom, gravel boat launch, and day parking.

Reservation Platformsnull

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

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityAccessibility options for campers with disabilities are not detailed in the source materials.

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

Picnic tables

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.

HikingThe official description mentions that several hiking trails are located nearby, but specific details about trail lengths, difficulty levels, or popularity are not provided.

FishingFishing is explicitly mentioned as an activity available at the campground. However, details on fish species or the quality of fishing are not included.

BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating activities are supported at the campground. A gravel boat launch is available, although further details about docking or boat types are not provided.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

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

Active Alerts"Not plowed 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.

Camp Hostnull

Weather at Upper Stillwater Lake Campground

Reviews

4.5

24 reviews

Recommended

Upper Stillwater Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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