McGillivray Campground (MT)

Campground · Montana · 39 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Kootenai National Forest (NF) · Open Access

39
Bookable sites
40 ft
Max rig length
up to 200
People per site
1
Accessible site
2,493 ft
Elevation
McGillivray Campground (Group Site)

Overview

McGillivray Campground has 33 total campsites and provides reservation opportunities for two group sites within the campground loops and a large group shelter located within the facility . The two smaller group sites in the campground will accommodate up to 25 people each. The group shelter will accommodate up to 200 people making it great for reunions and receptions.
A high and low water boat ramp, swim beach and picnic area are also available at McGillivray Campground

Recreation

 Fishing derbies are held multiple times each year and anglers can expect kokanee salmon, whitefish and a variety of trout.

Facilities

  • The large group shelter (site 1) is equipped with a rock fireplace and multiple tables. Two Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided nearby. Two large cooking grills, horseshoe pits, path to beach area, fire ring and a 1-acre meadow adjoin the site.
    A large paved parking lot is available for large parties. The site is gated for security of rental parties and it is recommended that the gate is swung closed. Electrical outlets are available within the shelter, however reservationists must provide their own generator. Firewood is provided for the shelter. 
  • The two group sites (site 7 and site 23) within the campground provide parking for up to five RVs. Each site has three tent pads, three picnic tables, fire ring, and a large cooking grill are within the sites. All sites at this campground have no electricity and firewood is not provided.

Natural Features

The McGillivary is located on the western shore of Lake Koocanusa in northwest Montana, at an elevation of about 2,520 feet. It is nestled in a heavily forested area with dense vegetation on the forest floor. The adjacent 46,500-acre reservoir has over 127 miles of shoreline and is formed by the 422' tall Libby Dam on the Kootenai River, which stretches about 90 miles and into Canada. Osprey often fish around Libby Dam at sunset, making for enjoyable viewing opportunities. Bald eagles can be seen hunting kokanee in the river and lake during the fall. A variety of wildlife also makes its home in the area.

Nearby Attractions

The Kootenai River, below Libby Dam, is a blue ribbon fishery. Guided tours of the dam and powerhouse are offered at the visitor center throughout the summer season.

Visitors enjoy driving the 100-mile loop around the reservoir. Several trails, including some that lead to scenic waterfalls, are located along the route.

The facts

  • Season: Memorial Day — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 39 bookable sites
  • 1 accessible site
  • Vehicles up to 40 ft
  • Up to 200 people per site
  • Loops: Group Pavilion, Loop A, Loop B

Site types

  • 31 Standard Nonelectric
  • 5 Tent Only Nonelectric
  • 2 Group Standard Nonelectric
  • 1 Group Shelter Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups.

Book on Recreation.gov

39 campsites at McGillivray Campground (MT)

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeAccessMax rigPeople
Group Site 1Group PavilionGroup Shelter NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In—200♿ 🐾
17Loop AStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
18Loop AStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
19Loop AStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
20Loop AStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
21Loop AStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
22Loop AStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
23 - Group SiteLoop AGroup Standard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft25 🐾
24Loop AStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
25Loop AStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
26Loop AStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
27Loop AStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
28Loop AStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
29Loop AStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
30Loop AStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
31Loop AStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
32Loop AStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
33Loop AStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
Tent 1Loop ATent Only Nonelectric—PavedSlightHike In—4 🐾
Tent 2Loop ATent Only Nonelectric—PavedSlightHike In—4 🐾
Tent 3Loop ATent Only Nonelectric—PavedSlightHike In—4 🐾
Tent 4Loop ATent Only Nonelectric—PavedSlightHike In—4 🐾
Tent 5Loop ATent Only Nonelectric—PavedSlightHike In—4 🐾
1Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
10Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
11Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
12Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
13Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
14Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
15Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
16 (Camphost Site)Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
2Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
3Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
4Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
5Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
6Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
7 - Group SiteLoop BGroup Standard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft25 🐾
8Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾
9Loop BStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedSlightDrive In40 ft8 🐾

Getting there

From Libby, travel 15 miles northeast on State Highway 37. Turn west on Forest Development Road 228 and continue for about 10 miles to the site.

48.48333, -115.30000 · 48°28'60.0"N 115°17'60.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 85°F in Aug, down to 34°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F354049586875858574574234
Low °F222226323946504942342823
Precip in1.51.11.11.21.82.40.80.71.11.71.81.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about McGillivray Campground (MT)

Can you reserve a site at McGillivray Campground (MT)?
Yes, McGillivray Campground (MT) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does McGillivray Campground (MT) have?
39 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at McGillivray Campground (MT)?
40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at McGillivray Campground (MT)?
Yes, pets are allowed at McGillivray Campground (MT).
Are campfires allowed at McGillivray Campground (MT)?
Campfires are allowed at McGillivray Campground (MT). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

McGillivray Campground (MT) also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by McGillivray Campground (MT)'s operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • $16.00 daily fee per single site; 50% discount with US Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access Passes
  • Group Camp sites (site 7/site 23): $50.00 daily fee per group camping site. Up to 25 people. Check-in/check-out 12:00 Noon
  • Group Pavilion (site 01): 1-100 people $100.00 per night; 101- max people $200.00 per night. Check-in/check-out 12:00 Noon

Accessibility:

  • Accessible picnic area, picnic shelters, sites and vault toilets

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near McGillivray Campground (MT)

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.