Can You Camp In Flathead National Forest?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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is allowed throughout the Flathead National Forest, including the wilderness areas

. The Bob Marshall, Great Bear, and Mission Mountains Wildernesses comprise nearly half of the Forest's total land area. Please follow posted rules and regulations wherever you camp and recreate.

Can I camp anywhere in Montana?


You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days

. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area and you can not return to your original campsite for 7 days. Please use existing fire rings and avoid creating new fire rings.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Flathead National Forest?


Dispersed camping is free, and permitted almost everywhere on the Flathead National Forest

. Camping in undeveloped areas requires you to help keep the sites in good condition.

Can you camp on public land in Montana?


Camping is allowed on much of Montana's State Trust Lands

. As long as the land you plan to camp on is accessible from some kind of publicly-owned road or navigable waterway, you're generally cleared for camping. A “General Recreation License” must be purchased ahead of time.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Glacier National Park?

While

there is no dispersed camping inside Glacier National Park

, there is plenty of it just outside of its western border inside Flathead National Forest. There are numerous forest roads where dispersed camping is allowed. You can find hundreds of previously-used campsites all of which are free.

Is Flathead Lake in Flathead National Forest?

The 2.4-million-acre Flathead National Forest is in Northwest Montana near the Canadian border. It's

adjacent to other big open spaces like Flathead Lake

and Glacier National Park.

Can you sleep in your car in Glacier National Park?


You can sleep in your car if you wish- assuming it's not a convertible!

Does Glacier National Park have RV camping?


Glacier National Park is an amazing spot to go RV camping

. The mountain air, the inspiring views, the amazing starlit nights, it's truly a paradise. However, inside the park, only primitive camping is allowed—that means no full hookups for RVs. Not to mention, most sites within the park are first-come, first-serve.

How long is Hungry Horse Reservoir?

The Hungry Horse Reservoir is fed by the South Fork of the Flathead River. The Hungry Horse Dam, where the reservoir begins is located 3 miles south of Hungry Horse, MT. The reservoir is

34 miles

long and has about 170 miles of shoreline.

Can I camp on BLM land in Montana?

There are no designated long-term camping areas in Montana, North Dakota or South Dakota; the maximum stay is 16 days.

Camping is permitted on BLM lands that have not been developed as a camp site

. You must have legal access to the area and travel on existing roads and trails. The maximum stay is also 16 days.

Can I camp anywhere in Lolo National Forest?


There are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest

. Most of them are not currently on this web site. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities, please contact the ranger district offices. There are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest.

Do you need a permit to camp in Montana?

The good news for campers is much of BLM camping Montana is free. When researching BLM campgrounds, make sure to note any fees associated with the location. While many areas allow free camping,

some BLM campgrounds require paid permits

.

Can you Boondock in Montana?


Boondocking in Montana allows you to enjoy this state's vast open spaces at a reasonable cost since you will be camping for free

. You can choose to explore Glacier National Park, play on the Missouri River, or ride horses at the iconic Rocking Z Ranch.

What is a BLM campground?

In comparison with national conservation areas and developed campgrounds, BLMs are

undeveloped public lands that offer disperse camping options for those seeking solitude

. Offering a variety of RVing and camping sites, BLMs can be either fully-developed parks to legit boondocking and dry camping experiences.

What is the meaning of Boondocking?

Sometimes referred to as “dry camping,” boondocking is

any time you camp in your RV without water, sewer, or electrical connections

. That can take the form of parking your rig deep in the backcountry or pulling over at a highway rest stop.

Can you tent camp in Glacier National Park?


A maximum of two tents per site is permitted

. Group sites for 9-24 campers are available at Apgar, Many Glacier, St. Mary, and Two Medicine. Check with a park ranger or campground host prior to using.

Are bear canisters required in Glacier National Park?

To be used in the Glacier Bay backcountry,

personal bear-resistant food canisters must be on the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee's certified products list

.

Do you need a permit to enter Glacier National Park?

In an effort to manage crowds during the peak travel season, the National Park Service is continuing the entrance permit system for Glacier and Rocky Mountain National Parks in 2022.

These permits must be purchased in advance, and they are required even if you have a national parks pass

.

Are dogs allowed in Flathead National Forest?

Flathead, Kootenai, and Lewis and Clark National Forests are all within easy striking distance. And

all the trails in all the national forests are pet friendly

! In fact, dogs are allowed to be off-leash in most areas of the national forests.

Is Flathead National Forest part of Glacier National Park?

… where the journeys are as amazing as the destinations! In the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Montana,

just south of the Canadian border and Glacier National Park

, lies the 2.4-million acre Flathead National Forest.

Is Flathead National Forest in Glacier National Park?


The forest lies primarily in Flathead County, south of Glacier National Park

. The forest covers 2,404,935 acres (3,758 sq mi; 9,732 km

2

) of which about 1 million acres (4,000 km

2

) is designated wilderness. It is named after the Flathead Native Americans who live in the area.

Can I carry a pistol in Glacier National Park?

As of February 22, 2010,

a federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park

. Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances.

Can you camp anywhere in Glacier National Park?

Camping in Glacier National Park is

permitted only in designated campgrounds

. Glacier's 13 campgrounds provide more than 1000 campsites, with most available on a first-come, first serve basis.

Is alcohol allowed in Glacier National Park?

The minimum drinking age in Montana and Glacier is 21. There is “zero tolerance” for underage drinking, driving under the influence, open containers, drug possession and use, public intoxication, and the sale or distribution of alcohol to minors.

The legal blood alcohol limit is . 08

(.

What is the longest RV allowed in national parks?

Almost 98% of National Park campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to

19 feet

long. You will still have a large number of options if your RV is up to 25 feet since more than 90% of parks permit that length. On average, national parks will allow RVs with a maximum length of 27 feet.

Can you Boondock at Yellowstone?


Yes, boondocking is allowed in Yellowstone National Park

. However, boondocking is limited to just tent camping only, and only in specific areas of the park. Yellowstone also requires campers to obtain permits. These boondocking permits require advance reservations.

How much does it cost to camp in Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park Camping Reservations

You can make reservations up to six months in advance for Fish Creek and St. Mary, and up to 12 months in advance for group sites at Apgar. During the summer season, camping fees range

between $10 and $65 per night

.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.