Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, MT)

Campground · 23 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Flathead National Forest (NF) · Open Access

23
Bookable sites
48 ft
Max rig length
up to 100
People per site
3,313 ft
Elevation
Big Creek entrance
Photo: Flatheadvalleycampgrounds.com · Recreation.gov

Overview

Big Creek Campground lies in the expansive Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana, 2 miles south of the Northwest entrance to Glacier National Park. Visitors can enjoy access to the Flathead River as well as the countless other recreational opportunities provided by the surrounding forests.

Big Creek Campground has 22 campsites, 12 of which are reservable and 10 are walk-up, first come, first serve sites.  

The stay limit is 16 consecutive nights.

Recreation

Visitors enjoy the ample fishing and floating opportunities provided by the river. Trout are a popular catch amid the calm flow of the water. Boating is also an excellent pastime, as the river is perfect for floating, rafting and canoeing.

Across from the campground is the Glacier Institute's Big Creek Outdoor Education Center, which provides learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Programs offered include seminars and guided hikes, which point out the diverse natural and cultural resources of the Glacier National Park and the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem.

Facilities

The campground offers several accessible individual campsites for tent and RV camping. Each has convenient access to the river and is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills.

A group camping area is nestled in the middle of the campground and can accommodate up to 200 guests. Campfire circles and group picnic areas are also available.

Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. The water is in 2 locations and are hand pumps. They are not for filling your RV so please come with your water full.

Natural Features

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, west of the continental divide and just south of the Canadian border, lies the 2.4 million acre Flathead National Forest.

Home to lynx, grizzly bear, and bull trout and with numerous lakes, streams, and rivers to enjoy, the forest is a premiere destination for visitors.

The campground sits along the North Fork of the Flathead River, which begins in Canada and joins a couple other forks before depositing into Flathead Lake. It is a forested area of mature pine and fir trees that provide a sparse understory at an elevation of 3,300 feet.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (406) 752-7924.

Nearby Attractions

Big Creek Campground is just 2 miles from the Camas Creek entrance to the Glacier National Park. Columbia Falls, along the North Fork of the Flathead River, is located 19 miles south of the campground.

Charges & Cancellations

 Cancellations made within the 4 Day Reservation Window will be "considered" for a refund, by the concessionaire, of Camping fees only and will automatically forfeit the first nights fee. Day of Arrival cancellations must be turned in by calling Cheryl at 406-752-PWAI (7924) or 406-404-4164 to get the information to the campground Host. All Considerations will be made after your original reservation dates have passed.   

*No shows have no chance of a refund. 

The facts

  • Season: Mid May – September 25, 2023 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 23 bookable sites
  • Vehicles up to 48 ft
  • Up to 100 people per site
  • Loops: AREA BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND

Site types

  • 22 Standard Nonelectric
  • 1 Group Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

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

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

Book on Recreation.gov

23 campsites at Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, MT)

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeWaterMax rigPeople
001AREA BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDGroup Standard NonelectricBack InGravel——48 ft100 🐾
1BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
10BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
11BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
12BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
13BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
14BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
15BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
16BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
17BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
18BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
19BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
2BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight—32 ft8 🐾
20BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
21BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
22BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
3BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
4BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
5BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
6BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront39 ft8 🐾
7BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
8BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
9BIG CREEK CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront—8 🐾

Getting there

From Columbia Falls, Montana, follow State Route 486 north for approximately 20 miles to the campground entrance on the right. The road is pavement for 10 miles and gravel for approximately 9 miles. An alternate route through Glacier National Park would be to enter the park through West Glacier. Take Glacier Route1 Rd/Going to the Sun Rd for 2 miles. Turn left onto Camas Rd for 11 miles. Turn left onto North Fork Rd for 2.7 miles of gravel. Campground will be on your left.

48.59898, -114.16366 · 48°35'56.3"N 114°9'49.2"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 80°F in Jul, down to 29°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F303443536470807968523729
Low °F191925313945504841332620
Precip in3.52.22.62.12.63.81.41.22.03.03.23.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

To make reservations by phone: Call 1-877-444-6777 The rate for group site 001: 1-50 people - $175/night 51 - 100 people - $325/night Although you are allowed 2 motorized vehicles per site, the first vehicle is included in the site fee, the second vehicle is charged $5.00 upon arrival at the campground.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, MT)

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

Also listed by

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

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • Table of Campground Fees Single Site Double Site Extra Vehicle Day Use $18 $36 $5 $5 Fees for the reservable group site are available on the Recreation.gov website.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, MT)

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-12.

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