Cedar Creek Campground

Nestled within the breathtaking beauty of the Flathead National Forest, just a stone's throw from the charming town of Bigfork, Cedar Creek Campground offers an quintessential Montana camping experience. For locals throughout the Treasure State, this inviting campground provides a serene and accessible retreat, boasting the soothing sounds of Cedar Creek flowing directly through its heart. It’s the kind of place where you can truly unwind, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the pristine wilderness that Montana is famous for.

Cedar Creek Campground is highly regarded for its picturesque setting and its practical amenities that cater to both tent campers and those with RVs or trailers. Visitors frequently commend it as a "great spot to set up camp on the creek," highlighting the immediate access to the calming waters. The thoughtful design, including "easy turn around for trailer too," ensures that even those with larger setups can navigate and settle in comfortably. With the added security of "bear boxes" and the convenience of "pit toilet" facilities, Cedar Creek Campground blends rustic charm with essential provisions, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts in Montana looking for a peaceful and well-equipped base camp.

Cedar Creek Campground is ideally situated in a prime location in Northwest Montana, offering both easy access and a feeling of seclusion.The address is 22585 Fatty Creek Rd, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA.This places it within the vast and diverse Flathead National Forest, renowned for its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and myriad recreational opportunities.

To reach Cedar Creek Campground, you'll head towards Bigfork, a popular destination on the northeastern shore of Flathead Lake. From Bigfork, the campground is easily accessible via Fatty Creek Road. The drive itself is scenic, leading you deeper into the forest environment and away from the busier lakeside areas, yet remains convenient for resupplying in town. The "easy turn around for trailer too" indicates that the internal roads and campsite layouts are designed to accommodate vehicles of varying sizes, making it a stress-free arrival for those towing campers or RVs. Its proximity to Bigfork means that while you're immersed in nature, you're never too far from local amenities, charming shops, and restaurants, offering the best of both worlds for Montana residents looking to experience the great outdoors without being completely isolated. This balance of accessibility and natural beauty makes Cedar Creek Campground a highly desirable location for a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation for locals.

Cedar Creek Campground provides essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and secure rustic camping experience:

• Campsites: The campground offers individual campsites suitable for both tent camping and accommodating small to medium-sized RVs and trailers. Reviewers specifically mention the "easy turn around for trailer," indicating good maneuverability within the campground.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and other outdoor activities.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are available at each site, allowing campers to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a campfire. It is always imperative for campers to check current fire restrictions and adhere to all fire safety guidelines, especially in forested areas.
• Bear Boxes: A crucial amenity in bear country, "bear boxes" are provided at campsites. These secure, bear-resistant food storage lockers ensure that food and scented items are safely stored away from wildlife, promoting both camper safety and wildlife protection.
• Pit Toilets: The campground is equipped with "pit toilet" facilities, offering basic, non-flush restrooms for camper convenience. These are typically well-maintained to provide a reasonably clean experience.
• Creek Access: A major highlight is Cedar Creek flowing directly through the campground, offering immediate access to the water for various activities.
• First-Come, First-Served: While specific information isn't always widely published, many smaller Forest Service campgrounds in Montana operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are required. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.

It is important for visitors to note that like many national forest campgrounds, Cedar Creek typically does not offer amenities such as potable water hookups, dump stations, or electrical hookups. Campers should plan to bring their own supply of drinking water and be prepared for a rustic experience. There are generally no garbage services, so visitors must adhere to a "pack it in, pack it out" policy to maintain the pristine environment.

Cedar Creek Campground boasts several key features and highlights that make it a standout choice for Montana locals seeking an authentic outdoor experience:

• Creekside Camping: The most significant highlight is the presence of Cedar Creek flowing directly "through" or "on the creek," providing a picturesque and soothing backdrop. The sound of the flowing water is a major draw for relaxation and enjoyment.
• Accessibility for Trailers: As noted by a visitor, the campground offers "easy turn around for trailer too," making it surprisingly user-friendly for those with RVs, pop-ups, or travel trailers, which is not always the case in more rustic forest campgrounds.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: The provision of "bear boxes" demonstrates a commitment to camper safety and wildlife protection, providing peace of mind for visitors in bear habitat.
• Quiet and Serene Atmosphere: While not explicitly stated in the reviews, the nature of a creek-side forest camp in this region typically lends itself to a quiet and peaceful environment, ideal for relaxation and escaping noise.
• Proximity to Bigfork: Being near Bigfork means campers have easy access to a charming town with shops, restaurants, and other amenities, allowing for a blend of wilderness immersion and convenient resupply options.
• Fishing Opportunities: The presence of Cedar Creek likely offers opportunities for creek fishing, a popular activity for many Montana outdoor enthusiasts.
• Beautiful Forest Setting: Surrounded by the mature trees of the Flathead National Forest, the campground provides a stunning natural environment perfect for enjoying the outdoors, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
• Suitable for Various Camping Styles: The layout and amenities cater to both traditional tent campers seeking a back-to-basics experience and those who prefer the comforts of an RV while still being immersed in nature.

Address: 22585 Fatty Creek Rd, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA

For current conditions, specific opening and closing dates, or any regulations, it is best to contact the Flathead National Forest directly, as they manage Cedar Creek Campground.

Flathead National Forest Supervisor's Office: +1 406-758-5204

Alternatively, the Swan Lake Ranger District would be the local managing office for this specific area.

Swan Lake Ranger District: +1 406-837-5081

Cedar Creek Campground stands out as an exceptional choice for Montana locals for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its prime location near Bigfork offers the perfect balance: it's close enough to a vibrant town for convenience and exploration, yet far enough into the Flathead National Forest to provide a true sense of wilderness escape. This accessibility, combined with the "easy turn around for trailer too," makes it a practical option for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a planned family vacation, regardless of whether you're bringing a tent or an RV.

Secondly, the defining feature of Cedar Creek flowing directly through the campground provides an immediate and continuous connection to nature. The soothing sounds of the creek are inherently relaxing, making it an ideal spot for unwinding after a long week. This natural ambiance, coupled with the security provided by "bear boxes" and the convenience of "pit toilet" facilities, ensures a comfortable and safe experience for all campers. These amenities, while basic, are precisely what many Montanans seek: functional provisions that allow for an authentic outdoor experience without excessive development.

For Montana residents, Cedar Creek Campground embodies the spirit of Big Sky Country camping – beautiful, accessible, and equipped for respectful enjoyment of the wild. It’s a place where you can introduce children to the joys of nature, cast a line in the creek, or simply sit back and absorb the peaceful forest atmosphere. It offers a genuine slice of Montana's natural beauty that is both attainable and deeply rewarding, fostering a stronger connection to the landscapes that make our state so unique.

Cedar Creek Campground

22585 Fatty Creek Rd, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA