Fire Island Campground

For Montana locals who truly crave an escape from the ordinary and a deeper immersion into the state's wild beauty, Fire Island Campground offers an unparalleled experience. This isn't your typical drive-up campsite; it's a unique boat-in only destination situated on the expansive Hungry Horse Reservoir, providing a level of seclusion and tranquility that's hard to find elsewhere. Imagine paddling across serene waters to reach your secluded haven, surrounded by towering pines and the sounds of nature.

Fire Island Campground is known for its primitive charm, catering to those who appreciate a no-frills, Leave No Trace approach to camping. With only four developed campsites, it maintains an uncrowded atmosphere, even during peak seasons like the Fourth of July weekend. This makes it an ideal spot for Montanans seeking genuine peace and quiet, away from the hum of generators and large crowds. It's a place where you can truly disconnect, enjoy the beauty of the reservoir, and perhaps even spot some local wildlife. The experience of reaching the island by water adds an adventurous element, making your stay at Fire Island Campground a truly memorable Montana outdoor adventure.

Fire Island Campground is uniquely located within Montana, specifically on Hungry Horse Reservoir, approximately 16 miles from the town of Hungry Horse. Its address is simply listed as Montana, USA, emphasizing its wild and somewhat remote nature within the Flathead National Forest. What sets this campground apart is its accessibility: it is a boat-access-only campground.

To reach Fire Island Campground, campers must paddle or motor across the waters of Hungry Horse Reservoir. A common starting point is Lid Creek Campground, from which it's about "a half an hour or so of consistent paddling by kayak." Another entry point mentioned by visitors is Doris Point, which might involve a longer paddle of around "three hours." This boat-in requirement immediately filters out casual visitors, contributing to the campground's uncrowded and peaceful environment. While motor-boaters do frequent the reservoir during the day, making some noise with their engines and music, the nights on Fire Island are consistently reported as "very quiet and peaceful." This unique mode of access is part of the adventure and ensures that those who make the journey are truly seeking a more authentic and secluded camping experience in Montana's stunning wilderness. Navigating the reservoir requires awareness of weather conditions and water safety.

• Developed Campsites: Fire Island Campground offers four developed campsites. These sites are strategically placed, often facing the east-north-east side, which provides protection from wind and waves on the reservoir.
• Picnic Tables: Each developed campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Fire Pits/Rings: Campers will find fire pits or rings at each site, allowing for campfires (subject to local fire restrictions) and cooking over an open flame.
• Metal Food Storage Boxes (Bear Boxes): A crucial amenity in bear country, each campsite or a nearby central area includes a metal food storage box (bear box). These are designed to securely store food and scented items away from wildlife, adhering to proper bear-aware practices. Some boxes may have two lockers to accommodate more campers.
• Primitive Outhouses: The campground provides primitive outhouses for restroom facilities. Reviews indicate these are generally in "surprisingly good shape," though cleanliness can depend on recent use and maintenance schedules.
• No Potable Water: It is essential for visitors to note that there is no potable (drinking) water provided at Fire Island Campground. Campers must pack in all their water supply for drinking, cooking, and hygiene needs.
• No Garbage Disposal: Adhering to Leave No Trace principles, there is no trash collection service provided. Campers are expected to pack out all their garbage and waste from the island.
• No Hookups: As a primitive, boat-in campground, there are no electric, water, or sewage hookups available.
• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are taken.

• Boat-In Access: The defining feature of Fire Island is its boat-in only access, which guarantees a more secluded and private camping experience. It’s perfect for kayakers, canoeists, and small boat owners seeking adventure.
• Secluded Campsites: With only four developed sites, the campground rarely feels crowded, even on popular weekends. This offers a true sense of wilderness solitude that is highly prized by many Montana campers.
• Protection from Wind and Waves: The campsites are thoughtfully located on the east-north-east side of the island, offering natural protection from the prevailing winds and waves on Hungry Horse Reservoir, ensuring a more comfortable stay.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: The provision of metal bear boxes at the campsites is a significant highlight, allowing campers to securely store their food and scented items, promoting safety in bear country.
• Huckleberry Picking: Visitors have noted the presence of huckleberries along paths on the island, offering a delightful foraging opportunity during the right season.
• Quiet Nights: Despite day-use motor-boating on the reservoir, the nights at Fire Island Campground are consistently reported as "very quiet and peaceful," allowing for restful sleep under the Montana stars.
• Scenic Views: The island offers beautiful views of Hungry Horse Reservoir and the surrounding Flathead National Forest, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping trip.
• "Kinda Get Signal" at Lookout Point: For those who need occasional connectivity, there's a lookout point where some cell signal can be intermittently accessed, offering a small bridge back to civilization if needed.
• Primitive and Rustic Experience: Fire Island is ideal for those who prefer a more primitive camping style, embracing self-sufficiency and a deeper connection to the untamed wilderness.
• Fishing and Paddling: The direct access to Hungry Horse Reservoir provides excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding in a vast and beautiful setting.

Address: Montana, USA (General location on Hungry Horse Reservoir, Flathead National Forest)

Fire Island Campground is managed by the USDA Forest Service, specifically under the Flathead National Forest, Hungry Horse/Glacier View Ranger District. Since it is a primitive, boat-in site, there isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on conditions, access, fire restrictions, bear activity, or any specific inquiries regarding Fire Island Campground or Hungry Horse Reservoir, it is best to contact the relevant Ranger District.

Hungry Horse/Glacier View Ranger District (Flathead National Forest)

Phone: (406) 387-3800

It is highly recommended to call this office before planning your trip, especially to inquire about current reservoir conditions, water levels, any safety advisories, and the status of the primitive facilities.

For Montana locals, Fire Island Campground on Hungry Horse Reservoir represents a unique and incredibly rewarding opportunity to experience the state's iconic wilderness in its purest form. This isn't just another campsite; it's an adventure from the moment you launch your boat or kayak, paddling to a secluded island haven. This boat-in only access, while requiring a bit more effort, is precisely what makes it so appealing to those who cherish true solitude and an uncrowded outdoor experience, especially during busy times like the Fourth of July weekend.

The primitive nature of the campground, with its basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and outhouses, combined with the essential bear-resistant food storage, speaks directly to the self-sufficient spirit often found in Montana outdoors enthusiasts. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect from the daily grind and immerse yourself in the natural rhythms of the reservoir and forest. Fishing, paddling, huckleberry picking, and simply enjoying the quiet nights under a vast Montana sky become the highlights of your stay.

Fire Island offers a distinct alternative to more accessible, often busier campgrounds. It caters to those who are comfortable with packing in all their water and packing out all their trash, embracing the Leave No Trace ethic that is so vital in preserving Montana's wild places. For locals who love to explore, seek adventure, and find peace in unspoiled natural settings, Fire Island Campground provides an unforgettable, quintessential Montana camping experience, fostering a deep connection to the land they call home.

Fire Island Campground

Montana, USA