Following Memorial Day weekend, the Flathead National Forest opened its campgrounds across the region.
Holland Lake, Swan Lake, Emery Bay, Murray Bay, Devil Creek, Lid Creek, Lost Johnny Camp and Lost Johnny Point, Doris Point Camp and Boat, Riverside, Big Creek, and Tally Lake Campgrounds are open. These sites are operated by forest concessionaire Flathead Valley Campgrounds (flatheadvalleycampgrounds.com). One change this year requires recreationists at Holland Lake Campground to pay a day-use fee of $5 per vehicle, consistent with similar fees across the forest.
The Spotted Bear Campground is operated by the Forest Service and is open for camping. Water and other services are available. In addition to campgrounds, boat launches and day-use areas, the forest also has 14 rental cabins (recreation.gov).
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.
Forest campers and visitors are reminded that all food and food-related items must be stored in a bear-resistant manner. Campers are also reminded to be careful with fire. Never leave a fire unattended and be sure the fire is “dead out” before leaving.
The Flathead National Forest enforces a 16-day stay limit; campers may camp for 16 consecutive days in one site.
For more information, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/flathead/.