Bad Medicine Campground
4.5020 reviewsBad Medicine Campground
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
First come, first served sites are available without reservations for $16 per night during the peak season.
About this campground
Nestled among towering pines at the southern shores of Bull Lake, Bad Medicine Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem in the Kootenai National Forest welcomes visitors with 18 thoughtfully positioned campsites, including a dedicated host site for added comfort and guidance. The campground's well-maintained paved roads and parking spurs wind through the forest, leading to modern amenities including fresh potable water and clean vault toilets. Water enthusiasts will appreciate the convenient paved boat ramp and dock, providing easy access to Bull Lake's crystal-clear waters for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying sunset reflections dancing across the surface.
Bad Medicine Campground offers standard camping options tailored to both tent and RV campers. All sites are paved and include basic camping facilities.
Historical SignificanceBad Medicine Campground serves as a gateway to the majestic Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological forces and centuries of human history. This region has witnessed the passage of indigenous peoples, early explorers, and settlers drawn to its abundant natural resources. The surrounding wilderness preserves not just pristine ecosystems but also the stories etched into ancient rock formations and forest paths, offering visitors a chance to connect with both natural and cultural heritage.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings ideal camping conditions to Bad Medicine, with warm, dry days perfect for outdoor adventures and cool nights that invite cozy campfire gatherings. The moderate temperatures create comfortable conditions for hiking, swimming, and exploring, while the typically dry weather means more time enjoying the outdoors and less time huddled in your tent. Early morning mists often rise from the lake, creating magical moments as the sun filters through the pine canopy.
ElevationPerched at 2,344 feet above sea level, Bad Medicine Campground enjoys a sweet spot of elevation that delivers the best of mountain camping without the extremes. This moderate altitude creates a perfect balance—high enough to escape summer's most oppressive heat, yet low enough to maintain comfortable oxygen levels and extended camping seasons. The elevation contributes to spectacular morning views as fog lifts from the lake and reveals the surrounding peaks in stages of dramatic beauty.
Natural Features and SceneryMature pines create a living cathedral above Bad Medicine Campground, their branches forming a natural canopy that filters sunlight into dappled patterns on the forest floor. The campground's prime location at Bull Lake's southern end means water views are never far away, with the lake's expanse stretching northward between forested shores. Wildlife watching opportunities abound—from osprey diving for fish to deer emerging at dusk to drink from the lake's edge. Native wildflowers dot the understory in season, while the diverse ecosystem supports everything from chattering squirrels to the occasional glimpse of more elusive forest residents.
Geological RegionThe Bull Lake area represents a fascinating chapter in the Kootenai National Forest's geological story, where ancient tectonic forces and glacial sculpting have created a landscape of remarkable diversity. The region showcases exposed rock formations that tell tales spanning millions of years, while the lake itself occupies a basin carved by massive glaciers during the last ice age. This unique geological setting has created ideal conditions for the diverse ecosystems that make the area such a compelling destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for the campsites.
Sites SizeCampsites have an average length of 32 feet.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels for individual campsites are not explicitly stated.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome sites closer to Bull Lake offer lake access and better views.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in not applicable
- first come, first served.
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
16 day limit
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are paved with parking spurs and include one central host site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23, 2025 through September 30, 2025.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first come, first served. No advanced reservations are taken.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are not applicable since this campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities at Bad Medicine Campground include fishing, boating, and day use at the picnic area. The fully developed boat ramp and dock provide convenient access to Bull Lake, making it a popular spot for water-based activities. There are no detailed mentions of guided programs or other specific recreational infrastructures.
Fishing
Fishing is available in Bull Lake, though specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided.Boating
The campground features a fully developed boat ramp with a dock, making it easy for campers to launch boats.Water Sports
Boating facilities enable water-related recreational activities, though no specifics on other water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsMention of bear activity suggests potential wildlife risks.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
96
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 11%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 to September 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, though specific details about recycling options are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Bull Lake, with access to a boat ramp and dock.
Common complaintsSome reviews indicate that hosts may have inconsistencies in enforcing rules, such as fire size and dog leash regulations.
HostA host is present, and reviews indicate mixed experiences. Some users describe the host as friendly and helpful, while others mention discrepancies in rule enforcement.
Campground Map
Campground roads and campsite parking spurs are paved.
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.5
20 reviews
Bad Medicine Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is generally praised for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Visitors have noted some issues with inconsistent host behavior and site privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, well-maintained facilities, paved roads, and spurs. The presence of a fully developed boat ramp is appreciated by many.
Based on 20 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users have noted inconsistent enforcement of rules by the campground host. Privacy between sites and views of the lake are not ideal due to tree cover.
Based on 20 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors suggest arriving early to secure the best sites as the campground is small. Bringing your own wood for chopping is advisable, and firewood might not always be available on-site.
Based on 20 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is quietest during the off-season, and peak times may see issues with inconsiderate campers. Summer is ideal for boating and fishing, while the fall offers scenic foliage views.
Based on 20 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful campground, in a breathtaking location. Not very big, keeps it from being noisy.' 2. 'The sites were large but had only a slight view of the lake in between trees.' 3. 'Great place, and...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are paved with an average length of 32 feet. Some reviewers found the lack of lake views disappointing. Sites closer to the boat ramp offer more convenience for boating enthusiasts.
Based on 20 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility concerns or praises were mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some reviewers noted inconsistency in enforcing leash rules.
Based on 20 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025