Spring Creek Campground

Hello, fellow Montana adventurers! Are you searching for that perfect, no-frills camping spot where you can truly unplug and embrace the tranquility of our state's natural beauty? Look no further than Spring Creek Campground in Olney, Montana. This gem, nestled within the vast expanse of the Flathead National Forest, offers a more rustic and intimate camping experience that many local Montanans cherish. It's an ideal choice for those who prefer the simplicity of tent or van camping over crowded RV parks, providing a quiet and shaded retreat just a stone's throw from a small, peaceful creek.

Spring Creek Campground is known for its serene atmosphere and natural setting. It’s a place where you can set up your hammock between abundant trees, gather around a fire ring under the Montana sky, and truly relax. While it's conveniently close to a major highway, the campground's layout and natural surroundings help maintain a sense of calm, allowing you to enjoy the sounds of nature. This spot truly embodies the essence of "getting away from it all" without venturing too far into the deep backcountry.

For Montanans who appreciate affordability and a first-come, first-served approach to camping, Spring Creek Campground presents a fantastic opportunity. It's perfect for a quick weekend escape or a peaceful overnight stop during a longer journey through our stunning state. If you’re ready to trade city noise for the gentle murmur of a creek and starry nights, read on to discover more about what Spring Creek Campground in Olney has to offer.

Spring Creek Campground is located in Olney, MT 59927, USA. It's situated within the Stillwater State Forest (though other sources mention Flathead National Forest), in the northwest region of Montana, often referred to as Glacier Country. Its proximity to U.S. Highway 93 makes it a relatively accessible option for travelers heading through the area.

Specifically, it's about 8 miles north of the small community of Olney on US Highway 93. While conveniently close to the highway, visitor reviews suggest that the access road leading into the campground, while gravel, is generally easy to drive. However, some sections might require a bit of attention, and for those with taller vehicles, there might be some low-hanging branches, so bringing clippers or a handsaw is a thoughtful suggestion from past campers to clear paths. The campground is best suited for tents or vans, with a few larger sites available across a small bridge, though it is not generally recommended for anything particularly tall or large RVs. There are a couple of nice sites straight down into the main area, with a few more spacious options further in. The camp's design, laid out along a road with sites on each side, means some sites are more private than others, but generally offer decent spacing within the wooded environment.

• Campsites: Spring Creek Campground typically offers around 4-6 established campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, providing basic necessities for camping.

• Pit Toilets: For sanitation, there is at least one pit toilet (outhouse) available within the campground. Reviews often note that while it may not be the cleanest at times, it is generally usable and stocked with toilet paper.

• No Running Water/Potable Water: It is important to note that this is an undeveloped campground in terms of water services. There is no running water or potable drinking water available on site. Campers must bring their own supply of drinking water.

• No Electricity or Wi-Fi: As an off-grid, primitive campground, there are no electrical hookups or Wi-Fi services available. This contributes to the rustic and disconnected experience.

• Tent and Van Appropriate: The campground is primarily suitable for tent camping and small to medium-sized vans or car campers. Larger RVs are generally not recommended due to access road conditions and site limitations.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are typically allowed within the campground, though standard rules for leashing and cleaning up after them apply to ensure a good experience for all visitors.

• Fee-Based (Seasonal): While it was once a free campground, Spring Creek Campground now operates on a fee basis during peak season (typically May 1 to October 31 or November 1), costing around $10 per night. Payments are usually made at a self-serve fee station.

• First-Come, First-Served: This campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not available. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during popular times, to secure a spot.

• Quiet and Serene Atmosphere: Despite being relatively close to the highway, the campground is often described as quiet, with minimal highway noise reported, allowing for a peaceful camping experience.

• Shaded Sites: The campground is situated among abundant trees, primarily Ponderosa pines and cottonwoods, which provide plenty of shade for campsites, ideal for hot summer days.

• Small Creek Access: A small creek runs near or through the campground, offering a pleasant natural feature. There's often a path leading down to the creek, which is described as cute and clean.

• Spacious Tent Sites: The sites are generally well-spaced, offering a degree of privacy, particularly the larger ones located across the bridge.

• Wildlife Sightings: Being within the Flathead National Forest, the area offers opportunities to spot local wildlife and birds, enhancing the natural immersion.

• Affordable Camping: Even with the new fee, it remains a very affordable camping option in Montana, particularly for those seeking a rustic experience.

• Opportunities for Hammocks: The presence of numerous trees makes it a great spot for hanging hammocks and relaxing amidst nature.

• Basic Cell Service: Some visitors have reported spotty AT&T LTE cell service, which can be a small convenience for quick checks while still largely disconnecting.

Address: Olney, MT 59927, USA

Phone: (406) 758-5208 (Flathead National Forest Supervisor's Office or Tally Lake Ranger Station, which oversees this area, would be the primary contact for current conditions and fees.)

Mobile Phone: +1 406-758-5208

For Montana locals, Spring Creek Campground in Olney represents a cherished type of outdoor escape: authentic, affordable, and deeply connected to the natural landscape we call home. In a state renowned for its vast wilderness, finding a small, unpretentious campground like this is a true gem. It caters perfectly to Montanans who prefer simplicity and a genuine back-to-basics camping experience, valuing quiet solitude over commercial amenities.

Its suitability for tent and van camping makes it accessible to a wide range of local outdoor enthusiasts, from solo adventurers to small families, who appreciate the ability to easily set up camp and enjoy the immediate natural surroundings. The ample shade provided by the abundant trees, along with the calming presence of the small creek, creates an ideal environment for relaxation and de-stressing from daily life.

Furthermore, the first-come, first-served policy and modest fee make it a flexible and budget-friendly option for spontaneous weekend trips or a reliable overnight stop during exploration of Western Montana. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the forest, gather around a campfire, and experience the quiet beauty of a Montana night. Spring Creek Campground is more than just a place to stay; it’s an invitation for Montanans to rediscover the simple yet profound joys of our state's wild, untamed spirit, right in our own backyard.

Spring Creek Campground

Olney, MT 59927, USA