North Shore Campground

Welcome to North Shore Campground, a treasured, picturesque destination nestled deep in the heart of Northwest Montana. For those of us who live and breathe the Big Sky country, this site represents the ideal blend of rugged natural beauty and essential camping comfort. Located near the charming community of Trout Creek, this campground offers Montana residents a genuine, unpretentious outdoor experience, perfectly situated for accessing the stunning waters and surrounding forests of the region.

The campground is renowned for its magnificent setting on the banks of the Noxon Reservoir, which is formed by the Clark Fork River. This unique waterfront position in the vast Kootenai National Forest immediately places you in a prime location for aquatic and terrestrial adventure. Unlike some of the larger, more commercialized parks, North Shore Campground maintains a peaceful, forested atmosphere, allowing you to truly disconnect and appreciate the scale of Montana's wilderness.

As local outdoor enthusiasts know, finding a well-maintained National Forest site with direct water access can be a challenge, but North Shore Campground delivers. It's a fundamental stop for those planning to explore the legendary fishing and boating opportunities of the Clark Fork River system. Whether your goal is a quiet morning spent fishing, a day of water sports, or simply relaxing by the water, this site is a perfect, practical launch point. The setting provides cool, natural shade from the magnificent pine and fir trees, creating an inviting, traditional camping environment.

Location and Accessibility

North Shore Campground is situated in an easily accessible, yet wonderfully remote, corner of Montana, making it an excellent weekend retreat for residents of Missoula, Kalispell, and surrounding areas. The campground is located in Sanders County, within the Kootenai National Forest.

The address for this location is:
47 N Shore Rd, Trout Creek, MT 59874, USA

Accessibility is straightforward, typically requiring a brief drive north from Montana Highway 200 via North Shore Road once you reach the Trout Creek area. The campground is located approximately four miles north of the town center. The roads and campsite parking spurs within the campground are often paved, simplifying the arrival and setup process for those hauling RVs or boat trailers.

The surrounding area offers significant regional points of interest that are worth noting for trip planning:

• Cabinet Mountains Wilderness: This vast area offers challenging, spectacular hiking and backpacking for experienced adventurers.
• Noxon Reservoir: The campground's prime location on this reservoir (a broad section of the Clark Fork River) offers expansive water for various activities.
• Local Services: The nearby town of Trout Creek, just a few miles away, ensures that last-minute supplies, food service, and additional facilities like showers are readily available to campers.

This location allows for an authentic wilderness experience without being inconveniently far from essential amenities—a critical consideration for a comfortable Montana camping trip.

Services Offered

As a National Forest-area campground, North Shore provides a focused set of services and facilities designed to enhance the experience while maintaining a rustic atmosphere. The core amenities prioritize comfort, safety, and water-based recreation.

• Campsite Capacity: The site features a limited number of individual campsites, typically around 13 to 16, which helps maintain a quieter environment. These sites can usually accommodate various sizes of equipment, up to 40-foot RVs, and often include pull-through options.
• Essential Utilities: The campground provides running water (potable water) for cooking and drinking at the sites. While full RV hookups (electric/sewer) are sometimes limited or unavailable in National Forest settings, the availability of fresh water is a key feature.
• Restroom Facilities: Vault toilets are typically provided, and they are generally well-maintained. The facilities often include disabled-accessible restrooms, ensuring access for all visitors. Note that dedicated shower facilities are located a short drive away in the Trout Creek town area.
• Site Furnishings: Every campsite includes a picnic table for outdoor meals and a fire ring (or grill) for campfires and charcoal cooking, which are Montana camping staples.
• On-Site Support: A campground host is frequently on-site during the operating season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day) to assist campers and ensure adherence to safety guidelines.
• Camping Fees: A standard camping fee is required for overnight stays, reflecting the cost of maintenance and essential services. Check-in is typically on a first-come, first-served basis, although reservations may be available through the National Forest System.
• Trash Disposal: Garbage services are generally provided during the peak operating season.

Features / Highlights

The true highlight of North Shore Campground is its exceptional relationship with the Noxon Reservoir, making it a paradise for water and forest lovers alike. The features here are all about utilizing the natural environment to its fullest.

• Direct Water Access & Boat Launch: A major advantage is the fully developed boat launch with an accompanying dock and designated parking area for boat trailers. This feature is invaluable for Montanans looking to spend serious time on the water.
• Fishing Opportunities: Being on the Clark Fork River/Noxon Reservoir means excellent opportunities for fishing. Anglers can target various species right from the dock or by boat on the reservoir.
• Hiking and Nature Trail: The site features a self-guided nature trail, offering an easy way to explore the local forest environment and observe wildlife without venturing into the deep wilderness.
• Day Use Area: In addition to the overnight campsites, there are designated picnic sites near the boat ramp (some with covers), which are perfect for day use visitors looking to picnic and launch their boats.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcome at the campground, provided they are kept on a leash, ensuring the entire family—including four-legged members—can enjoy the Montana outdoors.
• Shady, Wooded Sites: Located at an elevation of approximately 2,200 feet, the campsites are well-shaded by mature trees, offering a cool and comfortable retreat even during the summer heat.

Contact Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding reservations, current conditions, or seasonal opening dates, it is recommended to contact the managing National Forest office directly.

• Address: 47 N Shore Rd, Trout Creek, MT 59874, USA
• Managing Agency: Kootenai National Forest, Cabinet Ranger District
• Relevant Office Phone: While the main campground may not have a dedicated line, the Cabinet Ranger District office can be reached at (406) 827-3533.

What is Worth Choosing this Campground

North Shore Campground is worth choosing for the Montana resident who values unparalleled waterfront access coupled with the serenity of a federally managed forest environment. It offers an authentic, yet comfortable, experience for those who prioritize water recreation. Unlike many dry or off-water campsites, this location directly places you on the Noxon Reservoir with a functional boat launch and dock.

For anglers, boaters, and paddle enthusiasts, the convenience is unmatched. You spend less time driving to the water and more time enjoying it. Furthermore, its location in the Kootenai National Forest, close to the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, serves as an incredible springboard for serious hiking and wilderness exploration. The availability of amenities like running water and well-maintained vault toilets ensures that the experience is rustic but not entirely primitive. If your ideal Montana camping trip involves a mix of mountain shade, cool reservoir waters, and the chance to spot local wildlife, North Shore Campground in Trout Creek provides a rare and valuable package that keeps local campers coming back season after season. It is a genuine piece of the Big Sky country waiting to be explored.

North Shore Campground

47 N Shore Rd, Trout Creek, MT 59874, USA