Big Creek Campground
00 reviewLatitude: 48.5998, Longitude: -114.1621
Big Creek Campground
$18.00 - $325.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$325.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $18 for single campsites to $325 for group sites accommodating 51-82 people. A 50% discount is available for Golden Age/Access Passport holders and Interagency Senior/Access Pass holders (standard sites only).
About this campground
Nestled 20 miles north of Columbia Falls along the scenic North Fork Road, Big Creek Campground offers an authentic Montana wilderness experience with 22 thoughtfully spaced sites. This hosted facility welcomes adventurers with essential amenities including picnic tables, vault toilets, and fire grates, while a convenient boat ramp provides direct access to river adventures. As you settle into this bear country haven, you'll appreciate the attentive camp host and the requirement for proper food storage that helps preserve both wildlife and the pristine camping experience. Your four-legged companions are welcome to join the adventure, though they'll need to stay leashed as they explore alongside you.
Big Creek Campground offers hosted campsites with combined features for tent and RV camping. Group camping options are available.
Historical SignificanceBig Creek Campground serves as a gateway to discovery, positioned perfectly near the Camas Creek entrance to the legendary Glacier National Park. Directly across from the campground, the Big Creek Outdoor Education Center invites curious minds to delve deeper into the region's rich tapestry of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Here, generations of outdoor enthusiasts have gathered to learn about the intricate relationships between the land, its wildlife, and the people who have called this corner of Montana home.
ElevationPerched at 3,300 feet above sea level, the campground offers that perfect mountain elevation where crisp morning air invigorates your senses and cool evenings invite cozy campfire gatherings under star-filled skies.
Natural Features and SceneryAlong the banks of the North Fork of the Flathead River—a federally designated Wild and Scenic waterway—Big Creek Campground immerses you in one of Montana's most spectacular river corridors. The open, grassy landscape creates a park-like setting where neighboring campers become part of the communal outdoor experience, while many sites reward early arrivals with coveted riverfront views. Watch as Big Creek merges with the North Fork right at the campground, creating a natural symphony of flowing waters that lulls you to sleep each night.
Geological RegionSet within the majestic Flathead National Forest, this campground occupies a unique position in the North Fork of the Flathead River valley. The distinctive grassy understory creates an open, welcoming landscape that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding forest, while the proximity to Glacier National Park places you at the doorstep of some of North America's most dramatic geological wonders.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeNo explicit information about site sizes.
Sites PrivacyThe grassy understory provides minimal privacy between sites. Many sites overlook the river.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days
Groups
Group sites accommodate 1-50 people for $175/night or up to 82 people for $325/night.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 15 through September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at Big Creek Campground include river-based activities like family floating and scenic enjoyment. The nearby Glacier Institute Outdoor Education Center provides cultural and educational programs.
Fishing
Fishing for cutthroat trout is possible along the North Fork of the Flathead River.Boating
The campground provides a boat ramp for river launching. The North Fork of the Flathead River is a float river suitable for canoeing and family rafting.Cultural and Educational Programs
The nearby Glacier Institute Outdoor Education Center offers programs about Glacier National Park and the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem.Winter Activities
No winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
The North Fork of the Flathead River is suitable for non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and rafting.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country; proper food storage is mandatory.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 14%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger Station at 10 Hungry Horse Drive, MT 59919. Phone: (406) 387-3800. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm (Closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesMid May - September
Trash and recyclingNo specific information available about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to the North Fork of the Flathead River.
Campground Map
Latitude: 48.5998, Longitude: -114.1621
Driving directionsIn Columbia Falls, MT, take State Rt. 486 north 20.5 miles to campground entrance on right. NOTE: State Rt. 486 turns into dirt at 12.6 miles.
State Rt. 486 includes a section of dirt road beginning at 12.6 miles. Accessibility depends on road conditions, which should be checked before travel.Nearby places
Columbia Falls: 20 miles
Nearby supplies
An RV waste station with potable water is located at the Exxon gas station 3.9 miles west of Hungry Horse, MT on US Rt. 2. Additional supplies may be available in Columbia Falls.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Big Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's proximity to Glacier National Park and its suitability for family-friendly river activities. However, some note limited privacy between campsites due to the grassy understory.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Proximity to Glacier National Park, opportunities for family floating on the river, and the availability of potable water are frequently praised.
Common Concerns
Minimal privacy between campsites and the lack of modern amenities such as flush toilets and showers are common complaints.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing adequate supplies for food storage to comply with bear-safe requirements. Using the Open Road Map from the Hungry Horse Ranger District is suggested for navigating river...
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Seasonal Insights
The campground operates seasonally from mid-May to September, with peak use typically during summer months. Users comment on the cooler temperatures and potential for snow during early or late season...
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Camper Quotes
"The North Fork of the Flathead River is an excellent family float river." "Why camp at a National Park campground when there are National Forest campgrounds nearby? Devil Creek and Big Creek...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites with river views are considered the most desirable, although they offer limited privacy due to the grassy understory.
Accessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, but no additional accessibility features are mentioned.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Last updated August 10, 2025