Saint Marys Lake Campground

For Montana locals seeking a truly secluded and uncrowded camping experience, Saint Marys Lake Campground near St. Ignatius offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature on tribal lands. While it might not boast the conventional picturesque views of some other popular spots, its primary appeal lies in its quietude and its strategic location for outdoor adventures, particularly for hikers aiming to conquer East Saint Marys Peak. It’s a place for those who prioritize solitude and trail access over traditional amenities and bustling atmospheres.

Saint Marys Lake Campground operates under the jurisdiction of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, meaning visitors will need to obtain a tribal recreation permit for camping. As one past visitor noted, it's a place where "you pay for camping by buying a tribal recreation permit on the reservation." Reviews consistently highlight its low-key nature: "I was here on Memorial Day weekend and only two other spots were taken, so if you want to get away from crowds this works." While the aesthetics of the reservoir may not appeal to all, with one describing it as "not pretty" and looking "like an old quarry," its primary draw is its tranquility and its direct access to the "trail for hiking East Saint Mary's Peak starts at the campsite on the north side of the dam." For hikers and those truly looking to escape the hustle, Saint Marys Lake Campground serves as a functional and peaceful base camp.

Saint Marys Lake Campground is located near the town of St. Ignatius, Montana.The address provided is St Ignatius, MT 59865, USA.This places it within the Flathead Indian Reservation, which is managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

To access the campground, visitors will typically travel on local roads from St. Ignatius, heading towards the area of Saint Marys Lake. It's important to be aware that the campground is situated on tribal land, which means specific regulations and requirements apply. The most crucial of these is the necessity of purchasing a tribal recreation permit. As one reviewer stated, "Make sure to grab your reservation permit before heading over." These permits can generally be obtained at various locations on the reservation, such as local stores or tribal offices in advance of your visit. While the entrance might feel a "sort of hidden entrance" (though this specific phrasing was from another campground's review, the sentiment of finding a less obvious spot can apply to remote, tribally managed areas), the site is generally accessible by standard vehicles, though specific road conditions might vary. Its remote nature contributes to its low visitation, making it ideal for those seeking to avoid crowds, even on popular holiday weekends like Memorial Day.

Saint Marys Lake Campground offers a very primitive and basic camping experience, emphasizing self-sufficiency:

• Outhouse: The campground has "one outhouse," providing a basic, non-flush restroom facility. Reviews suggest it is functional for sanitation needs.
• Fire Rings: There are approximately "ten fire rings spaced around the dam at weird spots for parking." These allow campers to have campfires, assuming no fire restrictions are in place.
• Tent Sites: While not explicitly defined by individual numbered sites, there is a "decent place to setup a tent" near the fire pits, indicating suitable areas for pitching tents.
• No Water Source: A critical point for campers is that the campground has "no water source." Visitors must bring all their own drinking water for the duration of their stay. This includes water for cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene.
• Tribal Recreation Permit Required: As the campground is on tribal land, camping requires the purchase of a tribal recreation permit. This permit serves as your "reservation permit" and must be obtained before heading to the campground.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: While not explicitly stated, primitive campgrounds like this generally operate on a "pack it in, pack it out" policy for trash and waste, as no garbage services are provided.

The amenities at Saint Marys Lake Campground are minimal, making it suitable for experienced campers who are prepared for a rustic experience and capable of self-management regarding water and waste. It's designed for those who appreciate simplicity and the raw experience of nature.

Saint Marys Lake Campground offers several unique features and highlights, particularly appealing to a specific type of outdoor enthusiast in Montana:

• Crowd-Free Camping: A significant highlight is its remarkable lack of crowds. Even on a busy holiday like Memorial Day weekend, only a couple of spots were taken, making it perfect "if you want to get away from crowds."
• Access to East Saint Marys Peak Trail: For hikers, this is a major draw. The "trail for hiking East Saint Mary's Peak starts at the campsite on the north side of the dam," positioning the campground as an ideal base camp for this challenging and rewarding ascent.
• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: The low visitation ensures a peaceful and quiet environment, allowing campers to truly disconnect and enjoy the solitude of the outdoors.
• Primitive Camping Experience: For those who prefer rustic, no-frills camping, this site provides a genuine back-to-basics experience with just an outhouse and fire rings.
• Tribal Land Experience: Camping on the Flathead Indian Reservation offers a unique cultural and environmental experience, contributing to a deeper understanding of the land and its management by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
• Budget-Friendly (with permit): While a tribal permit is required, the overall cost and simplicity of the camping experience can be quite economical for an outdoor getaway.
• Unique Lake Aesthetic: While described as "not pretty" by one reviewer, its "weird vibe" and resemblance to an "old quarry" might appeal to those seeking unconventional or distinctive natural settings.
• Comparison to Twin Lakes: Although one reviewer found Twin Lakes Campground "a lot nicer" aesthetically, Saint Marys Lake Campground's advantage lies specifically in its solitude and direct access to East Saint Marys Peak.

Address: St Ignatius, MT 59865, USA

Since Saint Marys Lake Campground is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation and managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, direct contact should be sought through their relevant departments. The typical "877" phone numbers for federal recreation sites generally do not apply here.

For information on tribal recreation permits and specific campground details, locals should contact the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' Natural Resources Department or the Fish, Wildlife, Recreation & Conservation Division.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Tribal Headquarters (general contact, they can direct you): +1 406-675-2700

It is highly recommended to search the official Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes website for the most up-to-date information on recreation permits, fees, and regulations before planning a visit.

Saint Marys Lake Campground is an ideal spot for Montana locals who prioritize solitude, direct trail access, and a no-frills wilderness experience over conventional amenities and bustling crowds. For residents throughout Big Sky Country, this hidden gem on tribal lands offers a unique opportunity to escape the more heavily trafficked camping areas, even during peak seasons like Memorial Day weekend. The fact that "only two other spots were taken" highlights its unparalleled quietude, making it perfect "if you want to get away from crowds."

Its most significant draw for Montanan adventurers is its direct access to the East Saint Marys Peak hiking trail. This makes it an incredibly convenient and logical base camp for those planning to tackle this rewarding summit. The requirement for a tribal recreation permit also offers locals a chance to engage respectfully with the land management practices of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse landscapes of their home state. While the lack of a water source and minimalist amenities demand self-sufficiency, these are precisely the qualities that appeal to experienced local campers who embrace the challenge of true primitive camping. For those who value peace, direct access to a significant hiking objective, and a unique camping experience on tribal land, Saint Marys Lake Campground provides an authentic and rewarding Montana outdoor adventure.

Saint Marys Lake Campground

St Ignatius, MT 59865, USA