Stoney Indian Lake Campground

For Montanans who truly embrace the wild and rugged beauty of our state, Stoney Indian Lake Campground near Browning offers an unparalleled backcountry camping experience. This is not your typical drive-up campground with amenities around every corner. Instead, it’s a destination for adventurous souls seeking deep immersion in the wilderness, rewarding intrepid hikers with stunning views and genuine solitude. Located within the magnificent Glacier National Park, this site embodies the raw, untamed essence of "Big Sky Country."

We Montanans know that some of the most breathtaking experiences require a little effort, and Stoney Indian Lake Campground perfectly exemplifies this. It’s a place where the journey is as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself. If you're looking to disconnect completely, challenge yourself with a scenic hike, and sleep under a sky ablaze with stars, all while being prepared for true wilderness conditions, then this remote gem is calling your name. It’s a perfect opportunity to see parts of Montana that few others experience, fostering a profound connection with nature.

Stoney Indian Lake Campground is located within Glacier National Park, near Browning, MT 59417, USA. It is important to note that this is a backcountry campground, meaning it is only accessible via hiking trails, and requires a backcountry permit from Glacier National Park. Its remote nature is a significant part of its appeal, offering an escape into true wilderness.

Access to the campground typically involves a "very hilly hike up regardless of where you're coming from." This suggests challenging terrain, which could be part of longer routes like the famous North Circle Trail or other multi-day backpacking trips within the park. The specific trailhead used to reach Stoney Indian Lake can vary, but common starting points might include areas within the Many Glacier or Two Medicine valleys, or even from the Chief Mountain Customs Trailhead, depending on the planned route. Visitors should consult Glacier National Park's official maps and backcountry permitting information for precise trail access and mileage. This is not a drive-up camping spot, making prior planning for hiking distance, elevation gain, and backcountry regulations absolutely essential.

As a backcountry wilderness campground within Glacier National Park, Stoney Indian Lake Campground offers very limited, primitive services, focusing on minimal impact and self-sufficiency. Campers must be prepared to be fully self-reliant.

• Campsites: While the terrain can be "quite rocky," customer reviews indicate that "each site is flat and doesn't have any pointy rocks you have to sleep on." These are typically designated, primitive tent pads or areas to minimize impact.

• Food Storage: A critical amenity in grizzly country, the campground features a "pre-installed bear box to put food in." This is vital for safely storing all food, scented items, and cooking equipment away from bears. It's noted that a "Bear Hang was dismantled onsite," emphasizing the importance of using the provided bear boxes.

• Food Prep Area: The "food prep area is quite far from the campsites," a deliberate design to keep human activity and food odors away from sleeping areas, further mitigating bear encounters. This area also offers a "great view of the lake."

• Pit Toilet: A "pit toilet" is available, albeit without a traditional shelter, providing "great views while taking care of business." This is a basic, non-flush toilet, and campers should bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

• Water Source: There is a "lake close by" where water can be obtained. However, it is absolutely crucial to "boil water for 5 minutes before drinking," or use a reliable water filter/purifier, as natural water sources in the backcountry are not safe for direct consumption.

• No Open Fires: Given its location within Glacier National Park and the high fire danger often present, it is common for backcountry campgrounds like Stoney Indian Lake to have a "No open fires" policy. Campers should assume cooking is done on backpacking stoves only. Always check current park regulations.

• Stunning Scenery and Views: This is the absolute paramount highlight. The area offers "beautiful country," "great views," and is surrounded by "magnificent mountains," "gorgeous lakes," and "remarkable waterfalls." The view from the pit toilet is even noted for its beauty, indicating the pervasive natural splendor.

• True Wilderness Immersion: For those seeking an authentic backcountry experience, Stoney Indian Lake delivers. It's remote, challenging to reach, and provides a deep sense of solitude away from the crowds found at front-country sites.

• Proximity to Stoney Indian Lake: The lake itself is a key feature, offering opportunities for a "quick dip into if you want, just be careful as the water is very cold!" This provides a refreshing respite after a long hike.

• Bear-Resistant Infrastructure: The presence of a "Bear Box" is a crucial safety feature and a highlight for peace of mind when camping in grizzly country. It demonstrates the park's commitment to both visitor safety and bear protection.

• Access to Extensive Trail System: Stoney Indian Lake Campground is part of a larger network of trails, including the renowned Stoney Indian Pass Trail. This opens up possibilities for multi-day backpacking adventures, connecting to other iconic areas of Glacier National Park.

• Unique Pit Toilet View: While a minor detail, the humorous mention of "Best Pit view of the North Circle" adds a quirky highlight, emphasizing the incredible surroundings even in the most basic of moments.

• Challenging but Rewarding Hike: The "very hilly hike up" contributes to the sense of accomplishment and ensures that those who reach the campground are truly dedicated to experiencing the wilderness.

Since Stoney Indian Lake Campground is a backcountry site within Glacier National Park, there is no direct phone number for the campground itself. All inquiries, particularly regarding backcountry permits, trail conditions, bear safety, and park regulations, should be directed to Glacier National Park's main visitor information or backcountry permit office.

• Address: Browning, MT 59417, USA (This is the general vicinity for accessing Glacier National Park's east side. Actual trailhead information will be more specific.)

• Phone: For Glacier National Park backcountry permits and general information, please refer to the official National Park Service website or call the park's main information line. (Note: Specific contact details for backcountry offices often change seasonally).

For us Montanans, Stoney Indian Lake Campground represents the epitome of a true "Big Sky Country" wilderness experience. We live in a state where rugged landscapes and genuine solitude are highly prized, and this backcountry gem within Glacier National Park delivers just that. It's ideal for locals who have already explored the more accessible areas of the park and are ready for a deeper, more challenging immersion into its raw beauty.

The "very hilly hike up" and the "rocky" yet flat campsites are part of the adventure, not drawbacks, for those of us who appreciate earning our views. The presence of a "Bear Box" is a testament to being in grizzly country, reminding us of the unique wildlife encounters our state offers, and the responsibility that comes with sharing their habitat. The "great view of the lake" from the food prep area and the "Best Pit view of the North Circle" are small, charming details that highlight the pervasive beauty of this remote location.

Furthermore, the opportunity to take a "quick dip into" the very cold lake after a long hike is a quintessential Montana experience – refreshing and invigorating. This campground is perfectly suited for experienced local backpackers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who are self-sufficient, practice Leave No Trace principles, and yearn for an unparalleled connection with the untouched wilderness that defines our state. It's a chance to see a part of Montana that truly feels wild and to create unforgettable memories far from the beaten path.

Stoney Indian Lake Campground

Browning, MT 59417, USA