Finlay Flats Campground

For those of us lucky enough to call Montana home, the call of the wild is a constant whisper. And when that whisper turns into a shout for a spontaneous, budget-friendly outdoor adventure, Finlay Flats Campground answers with open arms. Tucked away on the beautiful Noxon Reservoir near Trout Creek, this hidden gem offers a genuine taste of Montana's vast and serene landscapes without costing a dime. It’s a place where the grandeur of our state's natural beauty truly shines, providing a perfect backdrop for everything from a peaceful fishing trip to an energetic kayaking excursion.

Finlay Flats Campground embodies the spirit of accessible outdoor recreation that Montanans cherish. It’s not about luxury hookups or manicured lawns; it’s about the raw, unfiltered experience of camping by the water, under big sky country. Many locals seek out these less developed, free campsites for their authenticity and the freedom they offer. Finlay Flats delivers on this promise, providing a welcoming space for families, anglers, paddlers, and anyone looking to escape the everyday and immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of northwestern Montana.

Finlay Flats Campground is strategically located at 170 Finlay Flats Rd, Trout Creek, MT 59874, USA. This position places it directly on the shores of the expansive Noxon Reservoir, an impoundment of the Clark Fork River. For Montanans residing in the western part of the state, particularly around communities like Thompson Falls or Libby, Finlay Flats is a convenient drive, typically accessible via well-maintained roads. While the exact access route from Highway 200 may involve a short drive down a Forest Service road, it is generally considered manageable for most vehicles, including those towing campers. However, be aware that like many unpaved campground roads, it can be prone to dust, especially with traffic. Despite its rustic feel, the campground’s proximity to Trout Creek means essential supplies are not too far away, offering a good balance between seclusion and convenience. The direct water access is a significant advantage, making it easy to launch a boat or simply enjoy the shoreline.

• Free Camping: One of the most appealing aspects of Finlay Flats Campground is that it is free to use, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
• Forest Service Toilets: The campground provides basic "Forest Service type" vault toilets for camper convenience. Please note that there are no flush toilets or shower facilities.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, perfect for enjoying a warm campfire and cooking meals under the stars (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
• Picnic Tables: Picnic tables are available at campsites, providing a designated space for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Boat Launch: A significant amenity for water enthusiasts, the campground features a boat launch, offering easy access to the Noxon Reservoir for motorized and non-motorized watercraft.
• Roped-Off Swimming Area: For those looking to cool off, there is a designated roped-off swimming area, providing a safe space to enjoy the water, though supervision is always advised.
• No Water or Electricity Hookups: This is a primitive campground, meaning there are no water spigots or electrical hookups at individual sites. Campers should come prepared with their own water supply.

• Pretty Location on the Water: Finlay Flats boasts a picturesque setting right on the water's edge of the Noxon Reservoir. The scenic views and direct access to the water are major draws for visitors.
• Excellent for Fishing: The Noxon Reservoir is renowned for its fishing opportunities. Anglers can target a variety of species, including bass, pike, walleye, yellow perch, and sunfish, making Finlay Flats an ideal base for a fishing trip.
• Great for Kayaking: The quiet waters of the reservoir, especially during less busy times, provide an excellent environment for kayaking and canoeing, allowing paddlers to explore the shoreline and enjoy the tranquility.
• Quiet Atmosphere (Often): While it can be busy, particularly with local boaters, many visitors praise the campground for its generally quiet atmosphere, especially during weeknights.
• Abundant Wildlife (Including Wasps in August): As with many natural settings, wildlife is present. While the scenery is beautiful, visitors have noted a significant presence of wasps in August. It's advisable to be prepared for insects and to take precautions to protect food and personal space. Chipmunks are also likely present, and it's always best practice not to feed wildlife.
• Rustic and Undeveloped Charm: For those who prefer a less commercialized camping experience, Finlay Flats offers a genuine, rustic feel, allowing campers to truly connect with the natural environment.
• Spacious, Mostly Level Sites: Visitors have noted that the sites are generally spacious and mostly level, accommodating a range of camping setups from tents to larger RVs, even if there isn't much privacy between sites.

As a free Forest Service campground, Finlay Flats does not have a direct contact phone number on-site. For inquiries regarding the campground, including current conditions, fire restrictions, or general information about recreation in the area, it is best to contact the Flathead National Forest office or the Lolo National Forest office, as the Noxon Reservoir area might fall under either jurisdiction depending on the specific query or management. A general contact number for the Lolo National Forest is (406) 329-3750, and for the Flathead National Forest, it's (406) 758-5204. While these aren't direct lines to the campground, they are the best resources for public land information in this region of Montana.

Address: 170 Finlay Flats Rd, Trout Creek, MT 59874, USA

Finlay Flats Campground holds a special appeal for Montanans, embodying the essence of our state’s incredible outdoor lifestyle. Its most compelling feature, undoubtedly, is that it's free. In a state where outdoor recreation can sometimes come with a price tag, Finlay Flats provides an invaluable opportunity for spontaneous, budget-friendly adventures. This accessibility makes it a perfect escape for locals who want to frequent the outdoors without the hassle of reservations or significant expenses, fostering a deeper connection with our own backyard.

The location on the Noxon Reservoir, a significant impoundment of the Clark Fork River, is another major draw. For fishing enthusiasts, it's a paradise, offering excellent opportunities to reel in bass, pike, and other popular species. Kayakers and canoers will appreciate the calm waters, perfect for a peaceful paddle to explore the expansive shoreline. The presence of a boat launch further enhances its suitability for water-based activities, making it easy for Montanans to bring their vessels and fully enjoy the reservoir.

While Finlay Flats embraces a rustic, "Forest Service type" camping experience with basic amenities like vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, this simplicity is precisely what many locals seek. It offers a genuine, no-frills camping experience that allows for a true immersion in nature, away from crowded, overly developed sites. The lack of privacy between campsites, as noted by some, is a small trade-off for the expansive water views and the vibrant community atmosphere that can emerge among campers. Even the presence of wildlife, like the often-bold chipmunks, adds to the authentic outdoor feel, reminding us we are truly in nature’s domain (though responsible wildlife viewing is always encouraged).

For Montanans, Finlay Flats Campground represents the spirit of freedom and natural beauty that defines our state. It’s a place where you can launch your boat at dawn, spend the day fishing or paddling, enjoy a campfire under a vast Montana sky, and fall asleep to the sounds of nature, all without breaking the bank. It's a testament to the fact that some of the best experiences are found in the simplest, most natural settings, making Finlay Flats an ideal and cherished spot for any local seeking an authentic Montana outdoor adventure.

Finlay Flats Campground

170 Finlay Flats Rd, Trout Creek, MT 59874, USA