Spotted Bear Campground
01 review52 miles south of the intersection between US Highway 2 and FS Road 38 Hungry Horse, MT 59919
Spotted Bear Campground
$5.00 - $13.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$13.00
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
Single campsite fee is $13 per night. Additional vehicle fee is $5 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsites physically occupied by them. Fees apply from May 15 to September 30; no fee from September 30 to May 15.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Flathead National Forest, Spotted Bear Campground beckons adventurers to a pristine wilderness gateway where the Spotted Bear and South Fork Flathead Rivers converge. This beloved seasonal retreat draws outdoor enthusiasts from near and far with its legendary fishing holes, wild huckleberry patches ripe for picking, and direct access to the legendary Bob Marshall Wilderness. Here, where the forest meets the river, camping takes on a timeless quality that keeps visitors returning year after year.
Spotted Bear Campground primarily caters to tent and trailer camping. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and accommodates trailers up to 32 feet in length. Group sites and cabin lodging are not available.
Weather and SeasonsSpring arrives with a whisper in May, opening the camping season as wildflowers begin to dot the forest floor. Summer days are pure Montana magic, with temperatures climbing to a perfect 75°F—ideal for riverside adventures—while evenings cool to a crisp 40°F, perfect for campfire stories under star-studded skies. As autumn approaches, the forest transforms into a golden tapestry before winter's arrival brings deep snows and sub-freezing temperatures that close the mountain roads, leaving this paradise to rest until spring's return.
ElevationPerched at 3,700 feet above sea level, the campground sits in that sweet spot where mountain air is crisp and clear, yet still comfortable for camping. This elevation creates the perfect climate for both the towering conifers that shelter the sites and the wild huckleberries that thrive in the understory.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of Douglas fir and Western larch creates a natural sanctuary around each campsite, their towering forms filtering sunlight into gentle, dappled patterns on the forest floor. This magnificent second-growth forest provides intimate privacy while maintaining those coveted glimpses of the sparkling rivers below. From various vantage points throughout the campground, the rugged peaks of the Bob Marshall Wilderness rise on the horizon, a constant reminder of the vast wild country that lies just beyond.
Geological RegionThis remarkable campground occupies a forested bench above the confluence of two pristine rivers, where centuries of geological forces have carved a perfect camping haven. The thick stands of Douglas fir and Western larch tell the story of forest regeneration, while the nearby South Fork Flathead and Spotted Bear Rivers continue their ancient work of shaping the valley. The Bob Marshall Wilderness looms majestically in view, its million-plus acres of protected wilderness serving as one of the last great untouched ecosystems in the lower 48 states.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available, but the campground itself does not explicitly mention other accessibility features.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate tents and trailers up to 32 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are set back from the road and situated in a second-growth stand of trees, offering some level of privacy.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the river provide better views. Mid-week visitation increases the likelihood of finding open campsites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is available 24 hours.
Check-out
Check-out is available 24 hours.
Stay Limit
16-day stay limit for reservations.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy per single site is not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout13 campsites set back from the road in a loop structure; most sites are above the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 15 to December 1. Services are provided from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsVisit https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes or call 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityOperates on a first-come, first-served basis. High-use site with open campsites often available mid-week.
Cancellation PolicyReservation fees may apply; reservation cancelation policies not explicitly listed.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Spotted Bear Campground offers a range of outdoor activities suitable for families and nature enthusiasts. Popular pursuits include hiking, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife observation. The campground is adjacent to the South Fork Flathead River and Spotted Bear River, providing excellent opportunities for fishing and river exploration. Trails in the vicinity cater to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
Hiking
Several hiking trails are accessible from the campground, including Spotted Bear Lake Trail (2 miles), Meadow Creek Gorge Trail (10 miles), and Spotted Bear Lookout (7 miles). These trails support foot, horse, and mountain bike travel, offering varied terrain and scenic views.Fishing
Fishing is a major draw at the campground, with opportunities to catch cutthroat trout and whitefish in the South Fork Flathead River and Spotted Bear River.Biking
Mountain bike trails intertwined with hiking paths provide moderate biking options for enthusiasts.Wildlife viewing
The vicinity near the Bob Marshall Wilderness offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities, including grizzly bears. Campers are advised to practice safe food storage.Winter Activities
During the winter months, limited access is available due to road closures. Snow-based activities are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are not available based on the information provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Metal fire rings provided at all campsites; campfires are permitted.
Hazards
General hazardsLocated in grizzly bear country; safe food storage is mandatory. Road access can be rough, with potential hazards including flat tires and mechanical issues due to prolonged gravel road travel.
Weather forecast
89
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 14%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
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
Spotted Bear Ranger Station - 0.25 miles south; Hungry Horse - 55 miles north
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingTrash services are not provided between September 30 and May 15. Campers are responsible for packing out their waste during these periods.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the South Fork Flathead and Spotted Bear Rivers, with easy beach access via a footbridge near the ranger station.
Common complaintsLong and rough gravel road; no potable water or garbage services during winter; remoteness may be a challenge for some campers.
HostHosts Karen and Terry are praised for their knowledge and charm.
Campground Map
52 miles south of the intersection between US Highway 2 and FS Road 38 Hungry Horse, MT 59919
Driving directionsFrom Hungry Horse, MT, take US Rt. 2 east 0.6 miles to East Side Hungry Horse Reservoir sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.1 miles to 'Y' intersection. Bear right and go 53.8 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground. NOTE: After 0.7 miles (following the 'Y' intersection), the road becomes dirt and rough.
Access requires a long and rough drive on gravel roads. The East Side Reservoir Road #38 becomes dirt and rough after 0.7 miles past the 'Y' intersection. Seasonal closures apply: Road #38 is closed for winter wildlife between mileposts 37 and 53 from December 1 to May 14.Nearby places
Hungry Horse, MT - 55 miles north (approximately 1.5-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Diamond R Guest Ranch (across the road) - Offers gas (most of the time) and meals to the public
Hungry Horse - 55 miles north for gas, food, and phone services.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Spotted Bear Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Spotted Bear Campground as a charming and peaceful retreat, particularly appreciated for its proximity to rivers, scenic views, and accessibility to outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. The campground hosts are often praised for their knowledge and hospitality.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects mentioned by users include the campground's quiet setting, nearby lookout points on the river, and easy access to trails and the ranger station's swinging bridge. The beautiful...
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Common Concerns
Common complaints include the dusty roads leading to the campground and the lack of cell phone service. Some reviewers also note the need for campers to bring adequate supplies due to the remote...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing a spare tire and tools for the rough road to the campground, as well as sufficient food and water supplies. Familiarity with bear-safe food storage practices is advised.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that mid-week visits offer better chances of finding open campsites, and the summer months are ideal for huckleberry picking and fishing. Winter visits are less common due to road...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The camp hosts Karen and Terry are knowledgeable and charming." "The site has a beautiful lookout point right on the river and there is easy access to the forest service station, swinging bridge and...
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Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specify particular campsites or numbers.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews address accessibility features specifically.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews explicitly mention experiences with pets or pet policies.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025