Flathead National Forest campgrounds are opening throughout the valley following the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
The sites include Holland Lake, Swan Lake, Emery Bay, Murray Bay, Devil Creek, Lid Creek, Lost Johnny Camp, Doris Point Camp and Boat, Riverside, Big Creek, and Tally Lake Campgrounds are open.
Lost Johnny Point will be open Aug. 1. It is closed for comprehensive hazard tree removal.
These campgrounds and recreation areas are operated by the forest concessionaire Flathead Valley Campgrounds. The one change this year that recreationists will want to be aware of is that Holland Lake Campground has a day use fee of five dollars per vehicle, consistent with day use fees across the forest. This fee also applies to the boat launch at the Holland Site. Season long day use passes are available at all campgrounds operated by Flathead Valley Campground, the cost is $30.
The Spotted Bear Campground is operated by the Forest Service and is open for camping. Water and other services will be available May 22. In addition to campgrounds, boat launches and day-use areas, the forest also has 14 rental cabins. To rent a cabin or to reserve select campground sites, visit here.
Many non-fee campgrounds can be found on the forest as well, such as Lindberg Lake Campground on Swan Lake Ranger District, Beaver Creek Campground at Spotted Bear Ranger District, Upper Stillwater Lake on Tally Lake Ranger District, and Lake View Campground on Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District.
The stay limit has been extended from 14 to 16 days on most forests in the region. The Flathead National Forest will enforce the new 16-day stay limit; campers may camp for 16 consecutive days in one site, if they plan to camp longer, they cannot camp within a 5-mile radius of the original campsite and a minimum of seven days is required before any group or persons from the group may reoccupy the original location.
Forest campers and visitors are reminded that all food and food-related items must be stored in a bear-resistant manner. The Flathead National Forest is home to grizzly and black bears, and responsible human actions will help with unwanted bear encounters. Campers are also reminded to be careful with fire, according to forest officials.
Forest managers remind campers to never leave a fire unattended and be sure the fire is “dead out” before leaving. If you plan to hike, be aware that conditions may be different than usual for this time of year on wilderness and upper-elevation trails. A combination of recent upper-elevation snow and recent heavy runoff is blocking traditional routes that hikers often use this time of year. Some water-crossings may be unsafe to cross on foot or with stock.
For more information about campgrounds, fees and food storage regulations on the Flathead National Forest, visit the agency’s website.
For the latest information on conditions and openings contact your local Forest Service office:
Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District – (406) 387-3800
Spotted Bear Ranger District – (406) 758-5376
Swan Lake Ranger District – (406) 837-7500
Tally Lake Ranger District – (406) 758-5204