Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)
4.67116 reviewsNorth Fork Rd, Columbia Falls, MT, 59912, USA
Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)
$22.00 - $325.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
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
Campsite fees range from $22 for standard nonelectric sites to $325 for group sites (51-100 people). Additional vehicle fees apply ($5 per vehicle beyond the first). Group fees increase for larger numbers, maxing out at $300/night for 151-200 people.
About this campground
Nestled deep within Montana's Flathead National Forest, Big Creek Campground serves as your gateway to adventure, sitting just 2 miles from Glacier National Park's peaceful Camas Creek entrance. This beautifully rustic retreat offers 22 generously spaced campsites beneath towering evergreens, where you can choose between securing one of 12 reservable sites or trying your luck with 10 first-come, first-served spots. Days here unfold with the rhythmic sounds of the Flathead River, inviting anglers to cast their lines and adventurers to launch their rafts into crystal-clear waters. While modern amenities like electrical hookups won't interrupt your wilderness experience, you'll find comfort in the essentials: fresh drinking water, clean vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings perfect for evening storytelling under star-filled skies.
Big Creek Campground offers tent camping, RV camping, and a group camping area capable of accommodating large groups.
Historical SignificanceBig Creek Campground sits at the threshold of one of North America's most treasured landscapes—the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem. This remarkable region has witnessed millennia of natural and human history, from ancient Native American travel routes to the establishment of Glacier National Park. Today, the nearby Glacier Institute continues this legacy of discovery, offering illuminating educational programs and expert-led hikes that reveal the deep stories written in these mountains, helping visitors connect with the profound heritage of this wild corner of Montana.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Big Creek into an outdoor paradise, where crystal-clear Montana skies stretch endlessly above and comfortable temperatures invite all-day exploration. The refreshingly low humidity keeps you energized for hiking and river adventures, while the rare summer shower only adds to the forest's pine-scented freshness. Peak season brings near-perfect conditions for camping, though adventurous spirits should prepare for the dusty gravel roads that wind through this backcountry gem—a small price for accessing such pristine wilderness.
ElevationPerched at 3,300 feet in Montana's magnificent high country, Big Creek Campground offers the perfect alpine escape without the challenges of extreme altitude. This sweet spot elevation delivers refreshingly cool mornings that give way to warm afternoons, while spectacular mountain vistas remind you just how far you've climbed from the valleys below. The crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine and the promise of adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines and majestic firs create a natural cathedral at Big Creek, their ancient trunks rising from a forest floor kept clear by nature's own design. The North Fork of the Flathead River flows alongside the campground, its pristine waters reflecting the surrounding peaks while providing a vital corridor for the remarkable wildlife that calls this ecosystem home. Keep your camera ready and your food secured—this is genuine grizzly bear and lynx country, where lucky visitors might glimpse these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The sparse understory between the trees creates perfect sight lines for wildlife watching and allows filtered sunlight to dapple your campsite throughout the day.
Geological RegionBig Creek Campground occupies a spectacular position in northwestern Montana's Flathead National Forest, tucked into the western slopes of the Continental Divide. This dramatic landscape tells the story of ancient glaciers and geological forces that carved deep valleys and thrust mountains skyward. At 3,300 feet elevation, mature stands of pine and fir forest blanket the mountainsides, their sparse understory revealing the rugged terrain beneath. The North Fork of the Flathead River has spent millennia sculpting this valley, creating the perfect backdrop for your Montana wilderness adventure while serving as a natural boundary between civilization and the wild lands beyond.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and campsites are available.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious and accommodating even for larger tents (10-14 person tents) and RVs up to 35 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are well-spaced, offering privacy. "The sites are well spaced out from each other. I love that because you feel you actually have your space." - Osman Cruz, user review.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #4 and #5 are highlighted for their size and privacy. Site #12 is recommended for its riverfront location. Visitors suggest avoiding spots near unmaintained gravel roads due to dust.
Best CampsitesVisitors frequently recommend sites by the river, like #12, #13, and #22, for their views and proximity to water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
16 consecutive nights
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Maximum of 2 vehicles per site
- additional guests information not specified.
Groups
The group camping area can accommodate up to 200 guests and includes campfire circles and group picnic areas.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spread out, offering privacy and spaciousness. Group sites are centrally located and accommodate up to 200 guests.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 15 to September 21.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in Availability10 walk-up sites are available. These sites are first-come, first-serve, and are marked with 'W' on site maps and markers.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee if made late. No-shows forfeit the full amount. Changes made entirely outside reservation dates also incur $10 fees.
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
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Creek Campground offers a variety of activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and floating on the North Fork of the Flathead River. Across from the campground, visitors can access educational programs at the Glacier Institute's Big Creek Outdoor Education Center.
Hiking
Guided hikes are available across the campground at the Glacier Institute. Additionally, there are off-road trails for campers to explore.Fishing
Fishing opportunities abound with trout being a popular catch. "Super quiet and convenient access to the trout waters of the Flathead River. I was able to catch a couple of rainbows." - User Review by Steve M.Biking
Off-road vehicle trails are available, but details on biking paths are limited.Boating
The campground features boat ramp access and is popular for rafting, floating, and canoeing.Wildlife viewing
Deer and other wildlife are frequently seen in the campground. "Deer roamed the campgrounds and a week prior to our visit a Grizzly had visited the area." - User Review by Charlie R.Cultural and Educational Programs
Programs covering diverse natural and cultural resources are offered by the Glacier Institute's Big Creek Outdoor Education Center.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned for this campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as rafting and canoeing are popular due to river access.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings unless fire bans are imposed. Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host.
- Quiet hours are enforced between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsGrizzly bear activity has been reported. Visitors are required to store food in lockers or follow bear-safe practices. The unpaved gravel road may cause vehicle damage due to washboarding.
Active alertsNo active alerts are currently specified.
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
Closest emergency services are located in Columbia Falls, MT, approximately 19 miles south. Medical care, police stations, and ranger stations are available.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - September 21 (Peak Season).
Trash and recyclingTrash containers are provided at the campground; recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the North Fork of the Flathead River, the campground offers direct river access for fishing, rafting, and floating.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include rough gravel roads with severe washboarding and dusty conditions. Lack of showers and limited potable water for RVs are also noted.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful, with Pam frequently mentioned for her excellent service. Some visitors note issues with temporary hosts during peak periods.
Campground Map
North Fork Rd, Columbia Falls, MT, 59912, USA
Driving directionsFrom Columbia Falls, Montana, follow State Route 486 north for approximately 20 miles to the campground entrance on the right. The road is pavement for 10 miles and gravel for approximately 9 miles. An alternate route through Glacier National Park would be to enter the park through West Glacier. Take Glacier Route1 Rd/Going to the Sun Rd for 2 miles. Turn left onto Camas Rd for 11 miles. Turn left onto North Fork Rd for 2.7 miles of gravel. Campground will be on your left.
The road is pavement for 10 miles but turns into gravel for approximately 9 miles with significant washboarding, which may be bothersome for RVs and small vehicles. An alternate route through Glacier National Park includes 2.7 miles of gravel but is less rough.Nearby places
Columbia Falls (19 miles to the south, approximately 30-minute drive)
Glacier National Park (2 miles from Camas Creek entrance).
Nearby supplies
Columbia Falls (19 miles south) offers grocery stores, fuel stations, camping supplies, and other essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.7
116 reviews
Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Big Creek Campground as a peaceful and beautiful place with spacious sites and excellent hosts. Accessibility to the Flathead River and proximity to Glacier National Park are commonly praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 116 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean facilities, friendly and helpful camp hosts, large and well-spaced sites, proximity to Glacier National Park, beautiful riverfront location, and peaceful atmosphere.
Based on 116 reviewsCommon Concerns
Rough gravel road access with washboarding, no cell service, noisy generators at times, and lack of shower facilities.
Based on 116 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Use the Camas Road entrance to avoid the longer gravel roads. Bring mosquito repellent if camping in June. Firewood is available from the host, and campers should come prepared for dry camping (no...
Based on 116 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight river activities and the beauty of the campground. Fall reviews emphasize peace and quiet due to fewer visitors. Winter activities are not mentioned.
Based on 116 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Pam, the host, was amazing and really made us feel at home while we were there." - Jason W. "The campground was clean, had large campsites, and the host was friendly." - Elizabeth F. "Big Creek is a...
Based on 116 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 4: Frequently praised for spaciousness and privacy, ideal for RVs up to 35 feet. Site 9: Described as beautiful, close to the river and vault toilets. Site 12: Scenic riverfront location. Site...
Based on 116 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets and campsites received commendation. Hosts often assist campers with disabilities, as noted in several user reviews like “Cheryl went out of her way to accommodate myself and...
Based on 116 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, and users recommend locking food in the provided bear boxes to avoid attracting wildlife.
Based on 116 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025