Bad Medicine Campground

For those of us who proudly call Montana home, there’s an inherent yearning for places that truly embody the "Last Best Place" spirit – somewhere wild, beautiful, and profoundly peaceful. Bad Medicine Campground, nestled on the south end of Bull Lake near Troy, MT, is precisely such a destination. Visitors describe it as "super pretty" and "beautiful," with an enchanting, "elf fantasy-like" atmosphere thanks to its moss-draped woods. This isn't just a campground; it’s an invitation to step into a tranquil, almost magical corner of the Kootenai National Forest, perfect for Montanans seeking a genuine escape into the heart of our state's natural grandeur.

Bad Medicine Campground offers a unique blend of serene lakeside beauty and immersive forest charm. It's a place where the air is fresh, the water is inviting, and the sounds of nature provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure. Whether you're drawn to the quiet contemplation of paddling across a pristine lake, the thrill of casting a line for trout, or simply the joy of being surrounded by towering trees and lush undergrowth, this campground delivers. It's designed for those who appreciate the simpler, more profound aspects of outdoor life, making it an ideal spot for families, solo adventurers, and anyone looking to truly disconnect and rejuvenate in Montana's captivating wilderness. This beloved spot perfectly captures the essence of a tranquil Montana getaway, promising memorable experiences amidst its enchanting landscapes.

Bad Medicine Campground is conveniently located approximately 25 miles south of Troy, MT 59935, USA, on Highway 56, at the southern tip of the scenic Bull Lake. This location places it squarely within the vast Kootenai National Forest, offering a truly immersive wilderness experience while remaining accessible. To reach the campground from Troy, you would typically follow Highway 2 east for about 3 miles to the junction with Highway 56, then turn south and continue for approximately 21 miles. From there, you'll turn onto Ross Creek Cedars Road 398 and follow it for about 2 miles directly to the campground. The drive itself is highly scenic, winding through dense forests and offering glimpses of Montana's rugged beauty, setting the stage for your peaceful retreat.

While the campground is a hidden gem, it’s important for visitors, particularly those with larger vehicles, to note the accessibility considerations. Reviewers advise that "THIS IS NOT A CAMPGROUND FOR LONG TRAILERS OR LARGE RVs" due to the "narrow road and sharp turns" leading into and within the campground. This suggests that while paved, the internal campground roads and approach may be challenging for very large rigs. Most campsites offer an average length of 32 feet for parking spurs, which can accommodate a variety of vehicles, but extreme caution is advised for anything beyond a moderate-sized RV or trailer. For tent campers and those with smaller RVs or travel trailers, the accessibility is excellent, allowing for a deep dive into the enchanting Kootenai National Forest without being too far from the amenities available in Troy, such as laundry, gas, ice, and stores.

Bad Medicine Campground is a well-maintained Forest Service campground offering a range of essential services to enhance your wilderness experience, blending comfort with the rustic charm of the Kootenai National Forest:

• 18 Campsites: The campground features 18 individual campsites, including one designated host site. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, providing flexibility for spontaneous trips.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for cooking meals outdoors and enjoying evening campfires (always subject to fire restrictions).
• Potable Water: Accessible potable (drinking) water is available via hand pumps, ensuring campers have access to fresh water during their stay.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are provided for convenience, offering essential restroom facilities in a natural setting.
• Paved Roads and Parking Spurs: Campground roads and individual campsite parking spurs are paved, contributing to easier navigation and setup, especially for RVs and trailers (though as noted, caution is advised for very large rigs due to road configuration).
• Developed Boat Ramp with Dock: A fully developed boat ramp with a dock is available, providing excellent access to Bull Lake for motorized and non-motorized boating.
• Day Use Picnic Sites: In addition to overnight camping, there are 6 designated picnic sites with tables and fire rings near the boat ramp, ideal for day visitors enjoying the lake.
• Campground Host: A campground host is on-site from May through September, providing assistance, information, and ensuring the smooth operation of the facility.
• Security Gate: A security gate is in place, closed from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM daily, managed by the camphost, enhancing safety and quiet hours.

Bad Medicine Campground is celebrated for several enchanting features and highlights that make it a truly memorable destination in Montana:

• Bull Lake Access: Its prime location on the south end of Bull Lake means direct access to a "very nice lake to put in on and paddle around." Visitors praise spending hours on the lake, highlighting its calm and inviting waters.
• "Elf Fantasy-Like" Ambiance: Reviewers are captivated by the campground's aesthetic, describing the moss-covered woods as "just enchanting." This creates a uniquely magical and immersive natural environment.
• Pristine and Beautiful Scenery: Consistently noted as "super pretty" and "beautiful," the campground offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding dense conifers and varied flora.
• Excellent Water Activities: Bull Lake is ideal for a variety of water sports, including boating (motorized and non-motorized), swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Abundant Fishing Opportunities: Anglers will appreciate the chance to fish for a diverse range of species, including eastern brook and rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, bull trout, largemouth bass, grayling, whitefish, and perch.
• Proximity to Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area: Located just 3 miles away, this popular attraction features a grove of 500-year-old giant western red cedars and a scenic nature trail, offering a fascinating side trip.
• Wildlife Viewing: The Kootenai National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, providing opportunities for spotting deer, elk, bears (so be bear-aware!), and various bird species.
• Peaceful and Tucked Away: Despite its amenities, the campground maintains a serene atmosphere, being "tucked away in the woods," ensuring a quiet and relaxing experience.
• Medium Usage: The campground generally experiences "medium usage," meaning it's popular but often avoids the overcrowding found at some larger or more well-known sites, especially if you arrive early to secure a first-come, first-served spot.

For more information or to inquire about your visit to Bad Medicine Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2395 W Bull Lake Rd, Troy, MT 59935, USA

Phone: (406) 295-4693

Mobile Phone: +1 406-295-4693

For the most up-to-date information on seasonal closures, fire restrictions, or specific conditions, it's always recommended to check the Kootenai National Forest website or contact the Libby Ranger District office, as they manage the campground.

Bad Medicine Campground is an exceptional choice for locals throughout Montana, perfectly encapsulating the rugged beauty and peaceful solitude that draws so many to our state's wild places. For Montanans, finding a campground that combines stunning natural beauty with a sense of escape is paramount, and Bad Medicine delivers on all fronts. Its location on the serene Bull Lake provides immediate access to cherished water activities like paddling and fishing, which are fundamental to the Montana outdoor lifestyle. The description of its woods as "elf fantasy-like" and "enchanting" truly resonates with the appreciation locals have for unique, almost magical, natural settings that differentiate Montana from other places.

While the note about accessibility for large RVs is a practical consideration for some, it inadvertently highlights why it’s so suitable for many locals: it helps preserve the more intimate and less commercialized feel. This encourages tent campers, those with smaller trailers, or those who prefer a simpler setup to experience its charm fully. The first-come, first-served availability for sites also appeals to the spontaneous spirit of Montana adventurers, allowing for last-minute decisions to chase the perfect weekend getaway.

Moreover, the proximity to the iconic Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area offers an added layer of appeal, providing an opportunity to explore ancient, towering trees that stand as living testaments to Montana’s natural heritage. Bad Medicine isn’t just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an invitation to immerse oneself in the kind of peaceful, untouched beauty that makes Montana truly the Last Best Place. It's a sanctuary for families to create lasting memories, for anglers to find their solace, and for anyone to simply breathe in the crisp, clean air and remember why we cherish our wild Montana home.

Bad Medicine Campground

2395 W Bull Lake Rd, Troy, MT 59935, USA