Just past Bigfork in the Flathead National Forest is Swan Lake – a small lake surrounded by dense forest below the peaks of the Swan Mountain Range.
The Swan Lake Campground has two loops. Ponderosa Loop features large open campsites. Birch Loop offers shaded campsites clustered together, allowing campers to get to know their neighbors. The campground also has group camping and picnic areas to accommodate up to 100 people.
Some sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis while others can be reserved.
Day-use visitors as well as campers can use the boat ramp and beach located within the campground. Fishing in Swan Lake commonly yields trout, kokanee salmon and northern pike. Bike trails wind throughout the campground and kayaks and paddleboards are available for rental.
The Swan River National Wildlife Refuge, an area perfect to observe wildlife and birds, is located a mile from the campground. The small lakeside town of Swan Lake is located on the north end of Swan Valley, just a few miles from the campground. The nearest town otherwise is Bigfork with Glacier National Park about an hour drive away.
For more information on the Swan Lake Campground visit www.fs.usda.gov.