Peck Gulch Campground

For us Montanans, the allure of our vast and beautiful outdoors is undeniable. We are drawn to places where the grandeur of nature meets the tranquility of lakeside living, creating perfect settings for escape and adventure. Peck Gulch Campground, nestled on the stunning shores of Lake Koocanusa within the expansive Kootenai National Forest, is precisely one such gem that captures the essence of Big Sky Country camping.

This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a destination where breathtaking lake views and majestic mountain backdrops become your daily scenery. Peck Gulch offers a classic campground experience, providing essential amenities that make a stay comfortable while still allowing for deep immersion in the natural environment. It's a favorite spot for those who appreciate easy access to water-based activities, combined with the peaceful solitude of a forest setting.

Many locals know and love Peck Gulch Campground for its exceptional beauty and its prime location for enjoying Lake Koocanusa. Whether you're an avid angler, a boating enthusiast, or simply seeking a picturesque spot for a picnic or a family camping trip, this campground provides a compelling opportunity to experience the best of Northwest Montana. It’s a testament to the diverse recreational opportunities that make our state a true outdoor paradise.

Peck Gulch Campground is conveniently located within the Kootenai National Forest, with an address often listed simply as Libby, MT 59923, USA. More specifically, it is situated approximately 21 miles southwest of Eureka, Montana, directly off Highway 37. This places it on the eastern side of the expansive Lake Koocanusa, a 90-mile long reservoir renowned for its clear waters and surrounding mountain scenery.

To reach Peck Gulch Campground, local users traveling from Eureka can follow Highway 37 south for about 19 miles until they see the campground entrance. A narrow, steep, and paved access road will lead you down to the site from the highway. While the road is paved, its steepness and narrowness mean that pilot vehicles are recommended for over-length units and buses, ensuring a safer descent. For those coming from the Libby area, it's a scenic drive north on Highway 37 towards Eureka.

The campground's location on Lake Koocanusa is a significant draw, offering immediate access to one of Montana's most beautiful and substantial bodies of water. The Kootenai National Forest setting means campers are surrounded by a diverse ecosystem of trees and wildlife, providing a true escape into the wild.

While the campground feels wonderfully remote and offers a genuine sense of wilderness, its proximity to Highway 37 ensures relatively easy accessibility. This balance makes it ideal for Montanans looking for both a secluded camping experience and convenient access to nearby towns for supplies or in case of emergencies. Its elevation of approximately 2,470 feet ensures pleasant summer temperatures, making it a comfortable destination during the warmer months.

Services Offered

• Campsites with Tables and Fire Rings: Peck Gulch Campground features 22 campsites, including a host site. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, ideal for outdoor cooking and enjoying a campfire. Some sites also include tent pads.
• Potable Water: Potable (drinking) water is available at the campground, a significant convenience for campers.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and accessible vault toilets are provided for visitor use, including facilities with handicapped access.
• Developed Boat Launch with Dock: A fully developed boat launch and dock are available, offering excellent access to Lake Koocanusa for motorized and non-motorized boating. The site includes paved parking areas for boat trailers.
• Campground Host: A campground host is typically on-site during the operational season, providing assistance and ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors.
• RV Accommodation: The campground can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet in length, with some sites specifically designed for larger rigs. While there are no electric hookups, the sites are suitable for self-contained RVs.
• First-Come, First-Served and Reservable Sites: While information can vary, some sources indicate that sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others suggest that sites may also be reservable, particularly through the U.S. Forest Service reservation system. It's advisable to check current reservation policies.
• Fee Required: A daily fee is required for the use of this campground. Discounts may be available for holders of Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes. Payment is often expected with cash or check.
• 14-Day Stay Limit: Consistent with National Forest regulations, a 14-day stay limit is enforced to ensure fair access for all visitors.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at the campground, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
• Designated Day-Use Area: The campground also features a large day-use parking area and picnic spots, perfect for those visiting for just a few hours.

Features / Highlights

• Stunning Lake Koocanusa Views: The campground boasts direct, epic views of the expansive and crystal-clear Lake Koocanusa, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.
• Excellent Boating and Fishing Access: With a fully developed boat launch and dock, Peck Gulch is a prime spot for all types of boating and is particularly popular as a kokanee salmon fishery. Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Brook trout are also found in the lake.
• Forested Setting with Openings: While adjacent to a large lake, the campground is surrounded by the Kootenai National Forest, offering a mix of forested terrain and open areas.
• Spacious Sites: With 22 campsites spread across 5 acres, and the ability to handle up to 75 camping units overall, the campground often provides a sense of openness and space.
• Picnic Perfect Location: Even if not camping overnight, the beautiful lakeside setting makes it a perfect spot for a picnic on the shores of Lake Koocanusa.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The diverse environment of the Kootenai National Forest and the lake attracts a variety of wildlife, offering opportunities for observation.
• Proximity to Scenic Drives: The campground is located off Highway 37, a scenic route that offers stunning views and access to other points of interest in the Kootenai National Forest.
• Managed for Visitor Enjoyment: The presence of a campground host and managed amenities indicates a commitment to providing a pleasant and well-maintained camping experience.
• Hiking Opportunities: A narrow track nature trail, Peck Gulch Nature Trail #550, climbs from the campground to the highway and back down, offering views of Lake Koocanusa through open forest, providing a good option for a quick leg stretch.

Contact Information

Address: Libby, MT 59923, USA (located on NF-37, 21 miles SW of Eureka, MT)

Phone: (406) 293-6211

Mobile Phone: +1 406-293-6211

As Peck Gulch Campground is managed by the Kootenai National Forest, the provided phone number connects you to the Kootenai National Forest Supervisor's Office, or potentially the Rexford Ranger District, which would oversee this specific area. This is the primary contact for information regarding forest conditions, fire restrictions, specific campground operating dates, and any changes to fee structures or reservation policies.

Kootenai National Forest Supervisor's Office:

Address: 31374 US Highway 2, Libby, MT 59923

Phone: (406) 293-6211

It is always advisable for local users to call ahead or check the official Kootenai National Forest website for the most up-to-date information before planning a trip, especially concerning access road conditions and any fire bans, which are common in Montana's dry summers.

For those of us who call Montana home, Peck Gulch Campground is an exceptional destination that perfectly encapsulates the allure of our state's recreational offerings. Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors that align with our appreciation for accessible outdoor adventures and stunning natural beauty.

Firstly, its prime location directly on Lake Koocanusa is a significant draw. We Montanans cherish our lakes, and Koocanusa, with its vastness and clear waters, is a true gem. Having direct access to a well-maintained boat launch means that our local boating, fishing, and watersport enthusiasts can easily get out onto the lake, maximizing their time on the water. Whether it's casting a line for kokanee salmon, cruising in a pontoon boat, or simply enjoying a refreshing swim, the lake is right there.

Secondly, while the access road can be steep, the fact that it's paved and leads to such a picturesque setting makes the journey worthwhile. It's the kind of drive that reminds us of the rugged beauty of our state, leading to a reward of breathtaking views and a tranquil camping spot. The available amenities, including potable water and vault toilets, provide a comfortable experience without sacrificing the connection to nature that we seek.

The affordability of the campground, combined with its first-come, first-served nature for many sites, aligns with the independent spirit of Montana campers. It offers flexibility for spontaneous trips and ensures that a fantastic lakeside experience is within reach for many budgets. The presence of a campground host also adds a layer of community and safety, ensuring a pleasant environment for all.

Ultimately, Peck Gulch Campground offers a balanced camping experience: it’s beautiful, functional, and provides ample opportunity for classic Montana outdoor recreation. For locals looking for epic views, great lake access, and a comfortable basecamp to explore the Kootenai National Forest, Peck Gulch is a place that truly feels like home in the heart of Big Sky Country.

Peck Gulch Campground

Libby, MT 59923, USA