McGillivray Campground

For Montanans seeking a true escape into the stunning natural beauty of the Kootenai National Forest, McGillivray Campground offers a serene and secluded retreat that truly embodies the spirit of Big Sky Country. Nestled on the western shore of the expansive Lake Koocanusa, this campground is a beloved destination for locals who appreciate a peaceful, treed environment with direct access to water recreation. It's a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the crystal-clear waters invite you to swim, fish, or simply relax by the shore. Whether you're planning a quiet family getaway, a productive fishing trip, or a basecamp for exploring the majestic landscape of Northwest Montana, McGillivray Campground provides an inviting and well-maintained setting for your next outdoor adventure.

McGillivray Campground is conveniently located near Libby, MT 59923, USA, making it an accessible yet secluded destination for Montana residents. To reach this hidden gem, you'll travel approximately 15 miles northeast from Libby on State Highway 37. From there, you'll turn west onto Forest Development Road 228 and continue for about 10 miles to the campground site. While it's a bit of a drive off the main highway, this "trek" contributes to the campground's peaceful and "secluded" atmosphere, allowing you to truly disconnect. The roads leading to McGillivray are generally well-maintained, with campground roads and parking spurs often paved, making it suitable for a variety of vehicles, including RVs up to 32-40 feet. Its prime location on Lake Koocanusa, a 90-mile-long reservoir formed by the Libby Dam, means you're within easy reach of one of Montana's most impressive water bodies, offering endless recreational possibilities right from your campsite. The nearest town for supplies and services is Libby, ensuring you can stock up before heading into the tranquility of the forest.

Services Offered:

• Spacious Campsites: McGillivray Campground offers 33 individual campsites and several group sites, providing ample space for tents and RVs. Reviewers frequently note the "spacious" and "well-spaced" sites.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table, perfect for outdoor meals and family gatherings.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are available at each site, allowing for traditional campfires (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Flush Toilets: A significant amenity, the campground provides "very clean" flush toilets with sinks, a comfort often appreciated by campers.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available at the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water (note: water facilities typically close during winter months).
• Trash Collection: Designated trash cans are provided for waste disposal, helping to maintain the cleanliness of the campground.
• Boat Launch/Beach Access: There's an easy walk to a fully developed boat launch and a sandy swimming beach, offering direct access to Lake Koocanusa.
• Campground Host: A "friendly host" is often on-site during the summer season, providing assistance and ensuring a pleasant stay.
• Group Sites & Pavilion: Two smaller group sites accommodate up to 25 people each, and a large group shelter/pavilion can host up to 200 people, ideal for reunions and receptions.
• Reservable Sites: Many sites are reservable through Recreation.gov, allowing you to secure your spot in advance, especially during peak season.
• Fee Campground: McGillivray is a fee campground, with daily rates for individual and group sites.

Features / Highlights:

• Lakeside Setting on Lake Koocanusa: The campground's prime location on the western shore of the massive Lake Koocanusa is its crowning jewel, offering stunning views and immediate access to the water.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Lake Koocanusa is renowned for its diverse fish species, including kokanee salmon, whitefish, and various trout (rainbow, cutthroat, bull). Fishing derbies are even held multiple times a year.
• Boating and Water Sports: With high and low water boat ramps, McGillivray is perfect for motorized and non-motorized boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the expansive lake.
• Sandy Swimming Beach: A "beautiful" sandy beach area with a gradual slope into the water provides a safe and enjoyable spot for swimming, especially for families with young children.
• Secluded and Treed Environment: Campers consistently "love this secluded treed campground" for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, noting that it was "not very busy" for some visitors.
• Cleanliness: The campground is praised for being "very clean," including the well-maintained flush restrooms, contributing to a pleasant experience.
• No Cell Service (A Feature for Some!): For those truly wanting to disconnect, the lack of cell phone service is a "good" feature for a "yearly getaway," as noted by a reviewer, promoting a digital detox.
• Proximity to Libby Dam: Located just 7 miles above Libby Dam, visitors can easily take guided tours of the dam and powerhouse, or enjoy watching osprey and bald eagles fish.
• Scenic Drives & Hiking: The campground is a great base for driving the 100-mile loop around Lake Koocanusa, with several trails (some leading to scenic waterfalls) located along the route.

Contact Information:

Address: NF-352, Libby, MT 59923, USA (Note: Primary recreation.gov address is 12557 HWY 37 LIBBY MT 59923-8212)

Phone: (406) 293-7773 (Libby Ranger District)

For campground inquiries, group site reservations, or to check current conditions and fire restrictions, it is highly recommended to contact the Libby Ranger District directly using the provided phone number. Reservations for individual sites can also be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Conclusion: Why McGillivray Campground is Suitable for Locals

For Montana locals, McGillivray Campground offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a tranquil atmosphere that makes it an ideal destination for a memorable outdoor experience. Its location on the stunning Lake Koocanusa, within the vast Kootenai National Forest, means you’re not just camping; you’re truly immersing yourself in one of our state’s most picturesque regions. The convenience of a boat launch and sandy swimming beach directly accessible from the campground makes it a dream spot for families and water enthusiasts alike.

The positive feedback from fellow Montanans, highlighting the "secluded treed campground," "level sites," "easy walk to the boat launch/beach," and the presence of a "friendly host," speaks volumes about the quality of the experience. The clean flush restrooms and potable water are welcome amenities that enhance comfort without detracting from the natural setting. While the lack of cell service might be a "bad" for some, many locals view it as a significant "good," providing a much-needed opportunity for a complete "yearly getaway" from digital distractions and fostering genuine connection with nature and loved ones.

The ability to reserve sites in advance, including spacious group areas, is also a practical advantage for Montana families and friends planning gatherings. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to catch kokanee salmon, a kayaker exploring the vast shoreline, or simply someone who enjoys relaxing in a "very clean and secluded" environment, McGillivray Campground caters to diverse preferences. It’s a perfect base for exploring nearby attractions like Libby Dam and taking scenic drives, ensuring that every day brings new opportunities for discovery.

McGillivray Campground offers a quintessential Montana camping experience: breathtaking scenery, abundant recreation, and a peaceful atmosphere that allows you to reconnect with what truly matters. It’s a place that many locals "would go back" to, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier option for your next adventure in our beautiful state.

McGillivray Campground

Libby, MT 59923, USA