Big Creek Campground

For us Montanans, Big Sky Country offers an unparalleled playground of natural wonders, and among its most cherished jewels is Glacier National Park. When planning an unforgettable escape to this iconic wilderness, finding the right basecamp is crucial. Big Creek Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), stands out as an exceptional choice, blending convenience with an authentic wild Montana experience. Located just outside Glacier's western boundary, this campground is a true testament to well-managed public lands, offering both accessibility and the raw beauty we cherish.

Big Creek Campground isn't just a place to pitch your tent or park your RV; it's a vibrant hub situated right next to the beautiful North Fork of the Flathead River. It's a place where you can wake up to the sounds of nature, with the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park visible in the distance. The emphasis here is on providing a comfortable yet genuine outdoor experience, complete with knowledgeable hosts and well-maintained facilities, all while reminding you that you are indeed in the heart of prime bear country – a thrilling, albeit responsible, aspect of Montana living.

Whether you're a seasoned backpacker heading into Glacier, a family looking for a memorable camping trip, or an angler seeking the perfect catch, Big Creek Campground offers a welcoming and well-appointed setting. It truly is "pretty much everything you could want" for a Montana camping adventure, providing the perfect blend of managed comfort and wild surroundings that we locals appreciate.

Big Creek Campground is strategically located on N Fork Rd, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, USA. This places it approximately 19 miles north of Columbia Falls and just 2 miles from the Camas Creek entrance to Glacier National Park's western side. This proximity to Glacier National Park is undoubtedly one of its most significant advantages, making it an ideal staging point for exploring one of Montana's most famous natural treasures.

The campground is nestled along the North Fork of the Flathead River, which forms the western boundary of Glacier National Park. The North Fork Road (County Road #486), while mostly gravel, is generally passable by car during the summer months, leading directly to the campground. Visitors should be prepared for some rough patches and dust, especially when driving faster. As one reviewer aptly puts it, driving below the posted 10 mph speed limit, perhaps even at 5 mph or slower, helps manage the dust and enhances the peaceful atmosphere for all campers.

From this location, Montanans have easy access to:

• Glacier National Park: Being only 2 miles from an entrance means less travel time to incredible hiking trails, scenic drives, and iconic viewpoints. This proximity is invaluable for day trips into the park.

• North Fork Flathead River: The campground’s riverside location provides immediate access to the beautiful North Fork for fishing, rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. It's a popular spot for those looking to float a scenic section of the river.

• Columbia Falls: The nearby town of Columbia Falls offers essential services, including grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants, ensuring campers can easily resupply.

• Flathead Valley: The broader Flathead Valley, with towns like Whitefish and Kalispell, and the vast Flathead Lake, are all within a reasonable driving distance, offering additional recreational and cultural opportunities.

• Campsites for RVs and Tents: Big Creek Campground features 22 individual campsites, accommodating both tents and RVs (up to 40 feet recommended trailer length). Each site is spacious and level, with gravel pads, making them suitable for various camping setups.

• Site Amenities: Every campsite comes equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill grate, perfect for cooking campfire meals and enjoying evenings under the stars.

• Food Storage Lockers: Crucially, given that the campground is in active bear country, food storage lockers are provided throughout the campground, helping campers safely secure attractants from wildlife. Proper food storage is mandatory.

• Potable Water: Accessible drinking water is available via two hand pumps located within the campground. While convenient for filling water jugs, visitors should note that these are generally not for filling RV fresh water tanks, so coming with full water tanks is recommended for RV users.

• Vault Toilets: Multiple clean, well-stocked vault toilets are available throughout the campground, maintained to a high standard by the USFS.

• Boat Ramp: A concrete boat launch is available for day use, providing convenient access to the North Fork of the Flathead River for rafting, fishing, and other water activities. Parking for approximately 30 vehicles is provided at the day-use area.

• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood is typically available for purchase from the on-site camp host, making it easier for campers to enjoy a campfire without bringing their own wood.

• Group Sites: Several group sites are available, accommodating anywhere from 1 to 200 people, making it an excellent option for larger gatherings or organized trips. These group sites also include campfire circles and group picnic areas.

• Reservable and Walk-Up Sites: The campground offers a mix of 50% reservable campsites and 50% walk-up (first-come, first-served) campsites, providing flexibility for different planning styles. Reservations can often be made up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov.

• Stunning Natural Setting: Big Creek Campground lies within the expansive Flathead National Forest, characterized by mature pine and fir trees, offering a forested ambiance. The campground's proximity to the beautiful North Fork of the Flathead River enhances its scenic appeal.

• Direct River Access: The North Fork of the Flathead River runs directly alongside the campground, providing easy access for fishing, floating, rafting, and canoeing. Trout are a popular catch.

• Proximity to Glacier National Park: Being just 2 miles from Glacier National Park's Camas Creek entrance is a significant highlight, offering convenient access to one of the world's most spectacular natural areas for hiking, sightseeing, and wildlife viewing.

• Wonderful and Knowledgeable Camp Hosts: Visitors consistently praise the on-site hosts for being "wonderful, attentive, and knowledgeable." Their presence adds a layer of safety, assistance, and local insight, ensuring a pleasant stay.

• Spacious and Level Sites: The campsites are noted for being spacious and level, with gravel pads, making them comfortable for both RVs and tents. This allows for easy setup and a more enjoyable camping experience.

• Clean and Well-Stocked Toilets: The "clean, well-stocked pit-toilets" are a highlight for a USFS campground, reflecting good maintenance and a commitment to visitor comfort.

• Bear Country Awareness: While requiring vigilance for proper food storage, the fact that it is "in the middle of bear country" is part of the authentic Montana wilderness experience for many, offering a chance to see incredible wildlife (from a safe distance).

• Family-Friendly Environment: The combination of spacious sites, recreational opportunities on the river, and proximity to Glacier National Park makes it an excellent choice for families seeking outdoor adventures.

• Photography and Wildlife Viewing: The "fairly clear view into Glacier National Park" from certain spots, combined with the presence of wildlife, provides ample opportunities for photography and nature observation.

Address: N Fork Rd, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, USA

Phone: (406) 646-1012 (This number may connect to a central reservation or management line. For specific campground inquiries or current conditions, it's often best to contact the Flathead National Forest - Glacier View Ranger District).

Mobile Phone: +1 406-646-1012

For reservations, especially for the 50% reservable sites, it is recommended to use Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. For direct inquiries regarding the campground or current conditions, contacting the Flathead National Forest’s Glacier View Ranger Station at (406) 387-3800 may provide the most up-to-date information.

For us Montanans, Big Creek Campground is truly a gem that captures the essence of our state's incredible outdoor offerings. Its management by the USFS ensures a high standard of cleanliness and helpfulness, with "wonderful, attentive, and knowledgeable" on-site hosts who understand the local landscape. We value campgrounds that provide direct access to our cherished natural resources, and Big Creek's position alongside the beautiful North Fork of the Flathead River is simply ideal for fishing, rafting, or simply enjoying the tranquil sounds of running water.

The blend of 50% reservable and 50% walk-up sites offers flexibility, accommodating both our planners and our spontaneous adventurers. Each "spacious, level site with gravel pads" provides the comfort and convenience we seek, whether we're in an RV or a tent. The presence of potable water and consistently "clean, well-stocked pit-toilets" are practical amenities that make a significant difference in the quality of a wilderness camping experience.

But what truly makes Big Creek Campground exceptional for us locals is its unparalleled proximity to Glacier National Park. Being just 2 miles from an entrance means more time exploring its breathtaking trails and iconic vistas, and less time driving. It’s a perfect base for truly immersing ourselves in one of Montana's greatest treasures. While the reminders of being in "bear country" are a vital part of the experience, they reinforce the wild, authentic nature of this incredible place. For an outdoor escape that combines comfort, accessibility, and the wild heart of Montana, Big Creek Campground is undeniably a top choice for any local looking to make the most of our Big Sky backyard.

Big Creek Campground

N Fork Rd, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, USA