Bull River Campground, Kootenai National Forest

For Montana locals who yearn for the quintessential Big Sky Country camping experience, Bull River Campground, nestled within the magnificent Kootenai National Forest, offers a truly special retreat. Located right on the banks of the scenic Bull River, with the added bonus of its confluence with the larger Clark Fork River nearby, this campground provides a picturesque backdrop for relaxation, recreation, and reconnecting with nature. It’s a place where the sounds of the river and the sights of diverse wildlife become the soundtrack to your perfect getaway.

Bull River Campground is celebrated for its natural beauty and the serene atmosphere it provides. Imagine waking up to the gentle flow of the river, enjoying your morning coffee while watching bald eagles dive for fish, and spending your days immersed in the tranquility of the Montana wilderness. While it offers essential amenities for comfort, it retains a rustic charm that appeals to those who appreciate an authentic outdoor experience without excessive distractions.

We understand that Montanans value genuine outdoor experiences, and Bull River Campground delivers precisely that. It’s a versatile spot, perfect for families seeking a peaceful base camp, anglers looking for prime fishing spots, or anyone simply wanting to unwind by the water. Despite being easily accessible, it maintains a secluded feel, allowing you to fully embrace the natural wonders of the Kootenai National Forest. It truly is a wonderful campground, a place where lasting memories are made amidst Montana’s stunning landscapes.

Bull River Campground is conveniently located on MT-200, near Noxon, MT 59853, USA, approximately 11 miles east of the Montana/Idaho border. Situated within the vast Kootenai National Forest, its prime location is at the confluence of the Bull River and the larger Clark Fork River, offering exceptional riverside access and views.

Reaching Bull River Campground is straightforward for most vehicles. From Trout Creek, Montana, you can travel northwest to mile marker 11.2 on Highway 200, located just 0.7 miles east of the junction with Highway 56. The campground is directly accessible from this well-maintained state highway. While there might be "a little bit of traffic noise from the MT 200," as noted by a reviewer, it is generally considered "not horrible" and does not significantly detract from the overall peacefulness of the setting.

The accessibility of Bull River Campground makes it a convenient option for local Montanans. It's close enough to nearby towns like Noxon and Trout Creek (which offers services such as dump facilities, showers, laundry, gas, ice, and stores) for resupply, yet far enough into the forest to provide a genuine wilderness feel. Its position along a major highway also makes it a practical stop for those traveling through northwestern Montana, serving as an excellent base camp for exploring the wider Kootenai National Forest region. The fully developed boat launch with a dock further enhances its accessibility for those looking to get out on the water.

Bull River Campground is equipped with a good balance of essential services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, catering to both individual campers and groups.

• Campsites: The campground features 26 sites, including one host site. These sites are designed to accommodate a variety of camping setups, including tents, trailers, and RVs up to 40 feet in length. Two of the sites are convenient pull-throughs. Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire ring equipped with a grill, perfect for cooking and gathering.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available throughout the campground from communal spigots, ensuring campers have access to fresh water during their stay.
• Flush and Vault Toilets: The campground offers both flush toilets and vault toilets, providing modern restroom facilities alongside more traditional options, contributing to overall comfort.
• Developed Boat Launch and Dock: A fully developed boat launch with an accompanying dock provides excellent access to the Bull River and Clark Fork River, making it easy for campers to launch boats, kayaks, or canoes.
• Reservable Group Site/Pavilion: The Bull River Pavilion is available for daily and overnight rental, catering to larger groups of 1 to 100 people. This reservable group site includes space for up to 5 camping vehicles and approximately 7 single vehicles, making it ideal for family reunions, scout groups, or other organized gatherings. Reservations for the pavilion can be made through Recreation.gov or by contacting the Ranger Station.
• Camp Host On-Site: The presence of a camp host helps with campground management, provides local information, and assists campers with any needs during their stay.
• Trash Collection: While not explicitly detailed, generally, developed Forest Service campgrounds like Bull River have designated trash receptacles. However, practicing "pack it in, pack it out" is always encouraged for minimal impact.
• No Showers: As noted by reviewers, showers are not available at the campground itself, but can be found in nearby Trout Creek.

Bull River Campground offers a variety of features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Montana.

• Stunning Riverside Location: A primary highlight is its direct location "right on the river," offering "gorgeous camp grounds on the Bull River" and beautiful views of the water. Its position at the confluence of the Bull River and the Clark Fork River provides diverse water access and scenery.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The riverside setting attracts a variety of wildlife. Visitors have reported "beautiful view of the water and wildlife," including the thrilling sight of "a pair of bald eagles diving for fish." Beaver, deer, and turkeys are also commonly seen.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The Bull River and Clark Fork River are known for their fishing opportunities, making the campground a popular spot for anglers. The developed boat launch facilitates easy access for fishing boats.
• Boating and Floating: The fully developed boat launch and the meandering flow of the Bull River offer excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and other non-motorized water activities.
• Hiking Trails: While specific named trails directly from the campground might be short fishing access paths (like the Bull River Campground Fishing Access Trail #996), the broader Kootenai National Forest offers over 1,400 miles of trails, including options in the nearby Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, providing ample hiking and backpacking opportunities.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite being near a highway, the campground is often described as "perfect" and "relaxing," with any traffic noise being minimal, allowing for a tranquil escape.
• Group Camping Options: The reservable Bull River Pavilion provides an excellent facility for large groups, making it easier to host gatherings in a natural setting.
• Forest Immersion: The campground is situated in a natural wooded area with impressive forests featuring Douglas fir and cedar trees, providing shade and a classic Montana forest ambiance.

For reservations, current conditions, or more information about Bull River Campground, Kootenai National Forest, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1091-1121 MT-200, Noxon, MT 59853, USA (within Kootenai National Forest)

Phone: (406) 293-6211 (This is the general Kootenai National Forest Supervisor's Office number, which can direct inquiries.)

Mobile Phone: +1 406-293-6211 (Same as above, typically a main forest service line.)

For specific campground inquiries or to reserve the group pavilion, it is often best to contact the Cabinet Ranger District office directly at (406) 827-3533.

For campsite availability and reservations (especially for the group pavilion), it is highly recommended to visit the national reservation system: Recreation.gov. You can search for "Bull River Campground and Group Site" to check availability and book your stay. Always check for current alerts regarding conditions, fire restrictions, or any closures before your visit.

For Montana locals, Bull River Campground in the Kootenai National Forest offers an ideal blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities that resonate deeply with the Big Sky Country spirit. Its direct location on the Bull River, near its confluence with the Clark Fork, provides an immediate connection to water-based activities that many Montanans cherish, from excellent fishing to leisurely floats. The sheer joy of watching bald eagles hunt for fish right from your campsite speaks to the authentic wildlife encounters that are a hallmark of our state's wilderness.

The campground strikes a perfect balance: it's conveniently located on Highway 200, making it easy to reach from various parts of western Montana, yet it maintains a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. Any minimal traffic noise is quickly forgotten amidst the tranquil sounds of the river and the rustling trees. For families and groups, the availability of a reservable pavilion and spacious sites ensures that local gatherings can be comfortably hosted in a stunning natural setting.

While it embraces a slightly rustic feel with no showers on-site, this often appeals to Montanans who prefer a more traditional camping experience, knowing that essential services are available just a short drive away in Trout Creek. Bull River Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a place where Montana traditions are continued, where outdoor passions are indulged, and where the incredible beauty of the Kootenai National Forest can be fully appreciated. It's a genuine slice of Montana's outdoor paradise, perfect for making lasting memories with friends and family.

Bull River Campground, Kootenai National Forest

1091-1121 MT-200, Noxon, MT 59853, USA