Emery Bay Campground

For Montana locals seeking an authentic and breathtaking outdoor experience, Emery Bay Campground offers an idyllic destination. Situated on the shores of the expansive Hungry Horse Reservoir, within the magnificent Flathead National Forest, this campground provides a serene escape surrounded by towering mountain peaks and vast conifer forests. It's a place where the majestic beauty of Montana truly comes alive, offering ample opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking for a tranquil lakeside retreat, Emery Bay is a hidden gem that beckons adventurers from across the state.

More than just a collection of campsites, Emery Bay Campground is a gateway to the diverse recreational opportunities that characterize Western Montana. Its proximity to one of the state's largest reservoirs means endless water-based activities, while the surrounding national forest offers a network of trails and abundant wildlife. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Emery Bay Campground, delving into its precise location and accessibility, detailing the services and amenities it provides, highlighting its most appealing features, and offering essential contact information. We will conclude by emphasizing why this particular campground is perfectly suited for Montana residents, providing an accessible and enriching outdoor experience that truly captures the spirit of Big Sky Country.

Emery Bay Campground is located near Martin City, Montana, with the official address listed as Martin City, MT 59926, USA. More specifically, it resides on the east shore of the massive Hungry Horse Reservoir, within the Flathead National Forest. To reach the campground, visitors typically turn off U.S. Highway 2 at Martin City and continue south on the main road through town, which becomes East Side Reservoir Road (Forest Service Road 38). The drive to the campground is approximately 6 miles down this road. The first 2-3 miles are paved, transitioning to a gravel, dusty, and sometimes bumpy road for the remaining 3 miles. While manageable, it's advisable to drive slowly, especially with RVs or trailers, as noted by past visitors.

This strategic location places Emery Bay high in the Rocky Mountains, less than 30 miles from the Continental Divide and approximately 15 miles southwest of the West Glacier entrance into Glacier National Park. This proximity to one of the nation's most iconic natural treasures makes Emery Bay an excellent "launching point" for day trips into the park, allowing campers to experience both the tranquility of the reservoir and the grandeur of Glacier National Park. The elevation of the campground is around 3,562 feet. While the setting is undeniably wild and beautiful, providing a true sense of escape, it's important to be aware that cell service is generally non-existent within the campground, allowing for a genuine opportunity to disconnect and immerse oneself in nature. Despite the gravel road, the campground is accessible for both tents and RVs, making it a versatile option for various types of campers.

• Campsites: Emery Bay Campground offers 28 campsites in total, including standard tent and RV sites (accommodating RVs and trailers between 28 and 60 feet), and two group campsites that can each accommodate up to 75 people. Some sites offer water hookups, while others are standard nonelectric.
• Reservation System: All sites are reservable up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov. While 16 sites are reservable, a few sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, especially during quieter periods, though it's recommended to reserve, particularly during peak season.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, perfect for cooking meals outdoors and enjoying campfires (fire restrictions permitting). Some sites also include bear-proof food storage containers.
• Clean Restrooms: The campground provides clean vault toilets. Reviews frequently commend the cleanliness and maintenance of these facilities, with one even noting they "smelled nice – considering." While they are vault toilets, they are well-maintained.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available through hydrants within the campground, typically after June 15th. It's noted that water is not a fill station for RVs, so coming with a full tank is recommended.
• Boat Launch: A concrete boat ramp is available, providing easy access for launching boats and smaller watercraft onto Hungry Horse Reservoir.
• Camp Host: An on-site camp host is available to assist campers, provide information, and ensure safety. They are often highlighted in reviews for being friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, including offering bear awareness tips.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host, though some reviews suggest bringing your own as the quality can vary.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground is pet-friendly, with some restrictions that may require calling for more information.

• Stunning Natural Setting: Situated on the east shore of the vast Hungry Horse Reservoir, surrounded by towering Rocky Mountain peaks and dense conifer forests, the campground offers breathtaking scenic beauty. Many campsites provide direct lake views.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Campers consistently praise the sites for being "spread out" and offering a good degree of privacy, nestled in the trees. This creates a more secluded and enjoyable camping experience.
• Lakeside Activities: Hungry Horse Reservoir is a massive 27,750-acre body of water, popular for boating (motorized boats allowed), swimming, and fishing. Anglers can expect to catch cutthroat trout and other varieties.
• Proximity to Glacier National Park: Being just 15 miles southwest of the West Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park is a major highlight. This allows for convenient day trips to explore one of the nation's most iconic national parks.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: A number of hiking and biking trails begin near the campground, winding through the surrounding landscape and along the shoreline, offering opportunities for exploration and wildlife viewing.
• Friendly and Attentive Camp Hosts: The camp hosts consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and proactive approach to ensuring campers have a safe and enjoyable stay, including providing bear awareness information.
• Clean Facilities: Despite being vault toilets, the restrooms are remarkably clean and well-maintained, enhancing the overall comfort of the primitive camping experience.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Many visitors describe the campground as quiet, with little nighttime traffic, contributing to a truly peaceful and relaxing environment.
• Bear Country Awareness: The presence of bear-proof food containers at some sites and proactive bear awareness tips from the host highlight the genuine wild nature of the area, a unique aspect of camping in Montana.

Address: Martin City, MT 59926, USA (Located on the East Side Reservoir Road #38, approximately 6 miles south of Martin City, within the Flathead National Forest).

Phone: (406) 646-1012 (This number may connect to the Hungry Horse Ranger District or concessionaire managing the campground).

Mobile Phone: +1 406-646-1012

For reservations: 1-877-444-6777 or visit Recreation.gov. For general inquiries, the Flathead National Forest Supervisor's Office can also be contacted.

For Montana locals, Emery Bay Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's an accessible slice of their state's unparalleled natural grandeur. Its location on Hungry Horse Reservoir within the Flathead National Forest offers an authentic Big Sky Country experience, combining lakeside recreation with stunning mountain views and the wildness of grizzly bear country. This blend of beauty and adventure makes it exceptionally suitable for residents who cherish the outdoors and are accustomed to Montana's unique environment.

The spacious, private, and often lake-view campsites cater to the local desire for personal space and direct access to nature. Unlike some crowded recreational areas, Emery Bay allows Montanans to truly spread out, set up their hammocks, and immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings. The expansive Hungry Horse Reservoir provides ample opportunities for beloved local pastimes like boating, fishing for cutthroat trout, and swimming. The convenience of a boat launch directly within the campground is a significant draw for those with watercraft, making a day on the lake effortless.

Furthermore, its strategic proximity to Glacier National Park is a major advantage for Montanans. Being able to experience the world-renowned beauty of Glacier on a day trip, then retreat to the relative quiet of Emery Bay, offers the best of both worlds. The presence of diligent and friendly camp hosts, who are proactive about bear awareness and general assistance, provides a layer of security and local expertise that is highly valued. While cell service is limited, this very aspect is often seen as a benefit by locals eager to truly unplug and reconnect with their surroundings without digital distractions.

Emery Bay Campground embodies the spirit of Montana camping: beautiful, vast, and wild, yet managed to provide essential comforts. For residents seeking a truly immersive outdoor experience, complete with stunning views, abundant recreation, and a genuine sense of escape within their home state, Emery Bay Campground stands out as an ideal and highly recommended destination.

Emery Bay Campground

Martin City, MT 59926, USA