Camping in the Kootenai National Forest opened over Memorial Day weekend, and the campground on the north side of Dickey Lake is a perfect place to dust off the camping gear in preparation for summer.
The campground offers 25 sites with access to water, restrooms, tables and fire rings. There is a small fee for camping. A boat dock for easy fishing or recreation access is adjacent to a large, roped-off swimming area (no life guard on duty) and grassy beach. Changing stations are provided near the swimming access.
Beyond camping, the clean water lake is a gorgeous destination ideal for picnicking or day hikes. There is the Dickey Creek Trail, which is seldom used and follows an old access road up the open valley of Dickey Creek. The trail does disappear near the foot of the headwall below the lake and the hiking is quite advanced.
For a much easier hike, follow the Dickey Lake overlook trail for a half mile and to take in the lake’s full splendor.
If seclusion is what you’re looking for, follow a rather bumpy road around the southern side of the lake to discover a small grassy lawn. Keep an eye out for loons and the occasional bald eagle that frequent the area.
How to get there: From downtown Whitefish, go north on U.S. Highway 93 for 35 miles. Highway 93 borders the north side of the lake. Turn south just past the lake. The campground entrance is on the left.