Upper Whitefish Campground

For Montanans, the call to the wild often leads to serene lakes tucked away in the state's vast forests. Upper Whitefish Campground, located in Olney, is one such cherished destination. Nestled within the Stillwater State Forest, this campground offers a quintessential Montana outdoor experience, perfect for those seeking peace, natural beauty, and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s a favorite spot for many locals, known for its tranquil lake and abundant wildlife.

Upper Whitefish Campground is a testament to the allure of simpler camping. While it may require a vehicle with good ground clearance to navigate the access road, the reward is a beautiful lakeside setting that caters to both tent campers and those with smaller RVs or pop-up campers. Visitors consistently praise the campground for its quiet atmosphere and the picturesque beauty of Upper Whitefish Lake, an 80-acre gem ideal for non-motorized and smaller motorized watercraft. It’s a place where you can launch a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard with ease, or simply enjoy some peaceful fishing.

One of the most exciting aspects for many is the opportunity for wildlife viewing. Recent trips have yielded sightings of deer and elk, making it a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. The campground’s rustic charm and the absence of cell service encourage a true immersion in nature, fostering a sense of sanctuary. As one satisfied camper noted, it’s "one of my favorite places to go camp," offering a great little lake and plenty of privacy among its diverse campsites. The community's appreciation for this spot is clear, with locals recommending the journey for its rewarding destination.

Upper Whitefish Campground is situated in the Stillwater State Forest, near Olney, Montana, with the address listed as Olney, MT 59927, USA. This places it in the scenic northwestern region of Montana, about 23 miles from the city of Whitefish.

Access to the campground requires navigating some unpaved sections. Directions typically involve taking Highway 93 northwest from Whitefish towards Eureka, approximately 22 miles, then turning left at the Stillwater Campground Lake site sign. From there, visitors follow signs for about 1 mile to reach the campground. Reviewers consistently recommend taking a vehicle with "good ground clearance" due to rough spots on the road leading up to the campground. While a 4x4 vehicle might be suggested in some accounts for summer access, a high-clearance vehicle is generally advisable for a smoother journey.

Despite the rustic nature of the access road, the campground itself is laid out to accommodate a variety of camping units. Some sites are "more suited for bigger campers or motor homes," while others are "better for tents or smaller pop up style campers," indicating a thoughtful design for diverse needs. The remote yet accessible location makes it a prime spot for Montanans seeking a true escape into the forest without being entirely cut off from nearby towns for supplies.

• Primitive Campsites: The campground offers 15 tent and trailer sites, providing a rustic camping experience.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings: Fire rings are available at each site, ideal for campfires (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
• Vault Toilets: Two vault toilets are provided for visitor convenience.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: A bear-resistant food storage container is available on-site, crucial for safety in bear country.
• Gravel Boat Launch: A gravel boat launch is available for smaller watercraft, providing direct access to Upper Whitefish Lake.
• Day Use Area: A designated day-use area is also present.
• No Potable Water: There is no source of potable drinking water at the campground. Visitors must pack in all the water they will need.
• No Utility Hookups: The campground does not offer any electric, water, or sewer hookups at individual sites, making it a dry camping experience.
• No Cell Service: Expect little to no cell phone reception, encouraging a digital detox.
• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not typically accepted.
• Pets Allowed: Pets are permitted but must be on a leash or under voice control.
• Pack-It-In/Pack-It-Out: The campground operates on a pack-it-in/pack-it-out principle, meaning visitors are responsible for removing all their trash.
• Required License: A Montana Conservation License ($10 per person, $20 per family) is required for any recreational activities on this state land.
• Donation Appreciated: A donation of $5.00 per night is appreciated to help maintain the site.

• Beautiful Lakeside Setting: Located directly on the 80-acre Upper Whitefish Lake, offering stunning views and easy water access.
• Excellent for Small Watercraft: The lake is ideal for smaller fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, providing calm waters for recreation.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: Campers frequently report seeing deer and elk, along with other forest animals, making it a prime spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Varied Campsite Sizes: Offers a mix of sites suitable for both larger RVs/motorhomes and smaller tents/pop-up campers, catering to diverse needs.
• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful escape from crowds and noise, allowing for true relaxation and immersion in nature.
• Off-Grid Experience: The lack of cell service encourages a complete digital detox, perfect for unwinding.
• Fishing Opportunities: The lake is home to various fish species, making it a good spot for anglers.
• Shaded Sites: Surrounded by a beautiful forest, many sites offer natural shade.
• Proximity to Trails: The area has several hiking trails nearby, and a gravel road biking route extends from Whitefish to Upper Whitefish Lake.
• Bear Country Awareness: Equipped with bear-resistant food storage, highlighting the importance of proper food storage in this wild environment.
• Affordable Option: As a state forest campground, it offers a cost-effective camping experience.

Address: Olney, MT 59927, USA (specifically within the Stillwater State Forest)

Phone: (406) 881-2371

This phone number likely connects to the Stillwater State Forest office or a related local forest service contact responsible for the area. For the most current information regarding campground conditions, road accessibility, fire restrictions, and required licenses, it is highly recommended to call this number directly or check the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website, as Upper Whitefish Lake Campground is managed by the Stillwater State Forest.

For Montanans, Upper Whitefish Campground embodies the very essence of a beloved local escape. Its rustic charm, coupled with the breathtaking natural beauty of Upper Whitefish Lake and the surrounding Stillwater State Forest, creates an ideal setting for anyone looking to truly experience Montana's outdoors. This campground is perfectly suited for locals who appreciate a more traditional, less-developed camping experience.

The variety of campsite sizes, accommodating everything from tents to larger RVs, means it's accessible to a broad range of campers within the community. The opportunity for abundant wildlife viewing, including deer and elk, adds an exciting dimension, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world that defines Montana. For those with smaller boats, kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards, the lake offers a serene and uncrowded environment for water activities, a luxury not always found at more popular, larger lakes.

Perhaps one of the most appealing features for many locals is the "no service" aspect – the lack of cell reception. In an increasingly connected world, Upper Whitefish Campground provides a genuine opportunity to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with family, friends, or simply the peaceful solitude of nature. While the access road may require a vehicle with good ground clearance, this minor challenge is a small price to pay for the seclusion and natural rewards that await. The requirement of a Montana Conservation License aligns with the local ethos of supporting and preserving the state's natural resources. Upper Whitefish Campground is truly a local treasure, offering an authentic, peaceful, and wild Montana camping experience that keeps residents coming back year after year.

Upper Whitefish Campground

Olney, MT 59927, USA