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You want a lakefront base camp for boating and fishing with well-maintained facilities and room to spread out.
Mcgillivray Campground (Mt)
4.4674 reviews12557 HWY 37, LIBBY, MT 59923-8212, USA
SwimmingGreat for GroupsSummer Destination
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Quick Facts
2,520 ftPrice
$50/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
33 campsites
Season
Open May 22 to Septe...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsReal-Time Availability
Select a month, then check for open campsites
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
Quick Facts
2,520 ftPrice
$50/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
33 campsites
Season
Open May 22 to Septe...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsMcgillivray Campground (Mt)
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
McGillivray Campground & Recreation Area-STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...
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Group Site Fee$200.00
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12557 HWY 37, LIBBY, MT 59923-8212, USA
Mcgillivray Campground (Mt)
12557 HWY 37, LIBBY, MT 59923-8212, USA
Nearby places
Libby: 15 miles northeast
Eureka: null
Troy: null
Weather at Mcgillivray Campground (Mt)
About Mcgillivray Campground (Mt)
RV details
Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist
Skip if
You need cell service or on-site firewood sales for evening campfires.
From the U.S. Forest Service
Reference information about Mcgillivray Campground (Mt) sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
Overview
<p>The McGillivray Campground has 33 total campsites and provides three opportunities for group rental camping. The group shelter will accommodate up to 200 people making it great for reunions and receptions. The two smaller group sites will accommodate up to 25 people each and are both located within the campground. Both group sites are ideal for campers to share an area with friends and family. In addition to the group sites there are 4 other single sites on the reservation list. The sites all provide recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, boating and swimming. <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd904411.pdf">Campground Map [PDF, 184K]</a></p><p><strong>Natural Features: </strong>The campground is located on the western shore of Lake Koocanusa in northwest Montana, at an elevation of about 2,520 feet. It is nestled in a heavily forested area with dense vegetation on the forest floor. The adjacent 46,500-acre reservoir has over 127 miles of shoreline and is formed by the 422' tall Libby Dam on the Kootenai River, which stretches about 90 miles and into Canada. Osprey often fish around Libby Dam at sunset, making for enjoyable viewing opportunities. Bald eagles can be seen hunting kokanee in the river and lake during the fall. A variety of wildlife also makes its home in the area</p><p><strong>Recreation: </strong>Fishing, boating and swimming are popular activities. A swim beach, boat ramp and fish cleaning stations are located about a quarter-mile from the site, along a paved pathway. Fishing derbies are held multiple times each year and anglers can expect kokanee salmon, whitefish and a variety of trout.</p><p><strong>Group Facilities: </strong>The large, accessible shelter is equipped with a rock fireplace and multiple tables. Two Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided nearby. Two large cooking grills, horseshoe pits, path to beach area, fire ring and a 1-acre meadow adjoin the site. A large paved parking lot is available for large parties. The site is gated for security of rental parties and it is recommended that the gate is swung closed. Electrical hookups are available, however reservationists must supply a generator. Firewood is provided for the shelter. The two group sites within the campground provide parking for up to five RVs. Three tent pads, three picnic tables, fire ring, trail access and large cooking grill adjoin the sites. The sites are non-electric and firewood is not provided. <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd904412.pdf">McGillivray Campground Site Map [PDF, 203K]</a></p><p><strong>Nearby Attractions: </strong>The Kootenai River, below Libby Dam, is a blue ribbon fishery. Guided tours of the dam and powerhouse are offered at the visitor center throughout the summer season. Visitors enjoy driving the 100-mile loop around the reservoir. Several trails, including some that lead to scenic waterfalls, are located along the route</p>
About the campground
The elevation is 2,500 ft. The campground is located on Koocanusa (koo-ca-nusa) Reservoir, but no sites actually have a view of the reservoir. The reservoir is also referred to as a lake. The campground is heavily wooded in mixed woods with a thick understory. Sites are spacious and secluded. A fish cleaning station is provided at the boat ramp. Libby Dam is nearby where tours are given. Check out the Libby Dam Website (www.nws.usace.army.mil/opdiv/libby/libby1.htm). Also, consider driving around the lake (100-mile loop) as a day trip for some scenic vistas, waterfall trails, rock climbers and wildlife viewing. Osprey can often be seen fishing just below the Dam around sunset.
Seasons & access
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Facilities
Koocanusa Reservoir is 46,500 acres and is about 90 miles long. The beach is grass and sand. Hiking: No Fishing: Kokanee salmon, Whitefish, Rainbow and Brown trout
Water activities
Koocanusa Reservoir is 46,500 acres and is about 90 miles long. The beach is grass and sand.
RV information
The parking aprons are paved. There is a waste station at Big Bend RV Park (private) located on State Rt. 37 just west of Forest Rt. 228 - $5 fee.
Directions
In Libby, MT, take State Rt. 37 north 15 miles to McGillivray Recreation Area sign (Forest Rt. 228). Turn left at sign onto Rt. 228 and go 10.2 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.5 miles to the campground.
- National Forest
- Kootenai National Forest
- Ranger District
- Libby
- Elevation
- 2500
- Rate
- $10 per day
- Maximum Stay
- 14
- Open Season
- Memorial Day
