Camping & Cabins
The Flathead has 31 developed campgrounds that provide a range of services, accommodations, and access. These range from campgrounds with roads, Wi-Fi, and cell phone coverage to more primitive locations with limited services. Of the 31 campgrounds, 13 are under management by a concessionaire through a special use permit.
Read through the sections below to learn more about camping on the Flathead National Forest; specific camping and cabin sites can be accessed through the search box at the bottom of this page.
- The main camping season on the Flathead National Forest is Memorial Day through Labor Day
- All developed campgrounds and dispersed campsite are required to adhere to the Forest's Special Order for Food Storage and any other applicable alerts
- The maximum stay on the Flathead National Forest is 16 days; some campgrounds may have lower stay limits
- If you plan on camping away from a designated campsite, please research that area beforehand and follow all posted rules and regulations during your stay
- All cabins and some campgrounds may be reserved at Recreation.gov
There are currently two concessionaires that provide customer service and high-quality recreation experiences. Flathead Valley Campgrounds operate the Tally Lake, Big Creek, and Devil Creek Campgrounds, along with several sites around the Hungry Horse Reservoir. Big Sky Recreation Company runs the campgrounds at Holland Lake, Swan Lake, and Lindbergh Lake. For more information on Forest Service campgrounds managed by our concessionaires, please contact them directly.
- Flathead Valley Campgrounds: call (406) 752-7924 or visit their website
- Big Sky Recreation Company: call (406) 210-8199 or email
The Flathead National Forest has 14 cabins that are available to rent on an overnight basis. Some cabins have electricity, all have either wood or electric stoves for cooking and heating, one has indoor plumbing. Some cabins are located right on a road; others require that you hike, ski, or snowmobile in to them. Direct links to rent cabins through Recreation.gov are available within each cabin
Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere outside of a developed campground, including in some campgrounds with minimal development. Dispersed camping is free, and permitted almost everywhere on the Flathead National Forest. Camping in undeveloped areas requires you to help keep the sites in good condition.
- Groups over 75 people are not allowed.
- Dispersed camping is NOT allowed near developed recreation areas including campgrounds, trailheads and day-use areas.
- Water, restrooms, and trash cans are not provided. Pack out all your trash.
- Adhere to all food storage order, stay limits, and other posted alerts, rules, and regulations; there are specific rules & regulations when camping within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex or near the Three Forks of the Flathead River.
- Use existing fire rings. Avoid creating new fire rings. Your fire must be attended at all times and be dead out before leaving. Ensure you are aware of any campfire restrictions.
- To dispose of waste, dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep and 8-inches wide at least 200-feet away from water, camp and trails to bury feces. Cover all waste with the soil you removed, and sprinkle the disturbed ground with leaves, pine needles, or other organic debris. Urinate on rocks and avoiding vegetation if possible, and well away from water and camp.
- Do not leave toilet paper or wipes on the ground after you pee. Carry a zipper-lock plastic bag and pack out your toilet paper.
- Know and follow all seasonal closures and never go beyond gates or other barriers on roads; Motorized use is limited to roads and trails designated on the Motor Vehicle Use Map.
- Do not park or camp in front of closed gates. This prevents authorized users, including emergency responders, from accessing the road.
Emery Bay Campground
Ford Cabin
Graves Creek Campground
Handkerchief Lake
