Forest Service campgrounds opening for season
Flathead National Forest campgrounds began to open in early May, and all campgrounds are scheduled to be open by the Memorial Day holiday weekend, weather permitting.
The Emery Bay, Murray Bay, Devil Creek, Lid Creek, Lost Johnny Camp, Doris Point Camp and Boat, Riverside, Big Creek, Tally Lake, Holland Lake and Swan Lake campgrounds are open. The Lost Johnny Point is closed for hazard tree removal and will open Aug. 1.
These campgrounds and recreation areas are operated by Flathead Valley Campgrounds, the Flathead Forest concessioner. One change this year is that Holland Lake Campground has a day use fee of $5 per vehicle, which also applies to the boat launch site.
Season-long day-use passes are available at all campgrounds operated by Flathead Valley Campground at $30.
The Spotted Bear Campground at the south end of the Hungry Horse Reservoir is operated by the Forest Service and is open for camping. Water and other services will be available May 22.
The Flathead Forest also has 14 rental cabins. To rent a cabin or to reserve select campground sites, visit online at www.recreation.gov.
Many non-fee campgrounds can be found on the Flathead Forest, including Lindberg Lake Campground, Beaver Creek Campground, Upper Stillwater Lake and Lake View Campground.
Forest campers and visitors are reminded that all food and food-related items must be stored in a bear-resistant manner. The Flathead Forest is home to grizzly and black bears, and responsible human actions will help prevent unwanted bear encounters.
Campers are also reminded to be careful with fire. Campers are asked to never leave a fire unattended and to be sure a fire is “dead out” before leaving.
Hikers should be aware that conditions may be different than usual for this time of year on wilderness and upper-elevation trails. A combination of recent upper-elevation snow and recent heavy runoff is blocking traditional routes that hikers typically use this time of year. Some water-crossings may be unsafe to cross on foot or with stock.
The stay limit has been extended from 14 to 16 days on the Flathead Forest. Campers may camp for 16 consecutive days in one site. If they plan to camp longer, they cannot camp within a 5-mile radius of the original camp site, and a minimum of seven days is required before any group or persons from the group may reoccupy the original location.
For more information, visit online at www.fs.usda.gov/flathead or call the Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District at 406-387-3800, the Spotted Bear Ranger District at 406-758-5376, the Swan Lake Ranger District at 406-837-7500 or the Tally Lake Ranger District at 406-758-5204.