Overview

Blackwell Flats campground, situated on the Kootenai River, offers visitors peace and quiet and plenty of space to enjoy the scenic surrounds.

Facilities

Blackwell Flats Campground offers 7 standard non-electric campsites near the water. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, a vault toilet, and boat ramp.

Natural Features

Libby Dam was built is 1975 for flood control and power production on the Kootenai River. Behind the dam, Lake Koocanusa stretches 90 miles, 48 miles in the USA and 42 miles in Canda. Today, the popular lake has the added benefit of providing visitors with countless year-round recreation activities.

Recreation

Water sports are the most common activity at the lake, and a boat ramp is open year-round in Souse Gulch. Recreations can also access downstream of the dam at 4 river launches. The nearby Visitor Center offers short films, informational guides, interpretive materials, and a gift shop. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, water skiing and jet skiing. Day users are likely to spot wildlife in the area with bald eagles, osprey, and most commonly, deer. A frisbee golf course is available in Souse Gulch and a second course is located downstream of the dam. A hiking and biking trail downstream of the dam will take visitors along the Kootenai River. Basketball hoops, playgrounds, corn hole boards, picnic tables and more offer plenty of space and recreation opportunities for families, groups of friends or solo visitors looking to get outside.

Nearby Attractions

The Libby Dam Visitor Center features exhibits on the history of the dam and the natural features of the area, with tours of the dam given daily during the summer.

Distance from Libby Dam to closest towns:

• Libby 20 miles

• Eureka 60 miles

• Bonners Ferry 70 miles

• Kalispell 110 miles

Important Notices

• • Campsite reservation: You are responsible for the following all regulation posted under the “Need to Know” and “Site Details” section as well as Title 36 Rules & Regulations.

  • Campsite during “Peak Season” are reservation only. There are no First Come, First Serve sites. First Come, First Serve sites are only available during “Non-Peak Season”.

  • Campsites are for camping only. Reservation for day-use activities without intending to camp is prohibited.

  • All camping equipment must be located on the campsite impact areas, or if undefined, located 10-15 ft from the fire ring and off all vegetation.

  • Site Limits:

    • 2 motorized vehicles

    • 1 Camping unit (RV, motorhome, camper, van, etc) and 2 tents or 3 tents

    • 8 people

  • Campers must have the ability to transport their RV or Travel Trailer for the duration of their stay. Guests cannot drop off or leave unmotorized trailers if they are unable to remove them without delay. 

  • Maximum Consecutive Stay Rule: You may stay up to 14 nights total at the Libby Dam project (Alexander, Dunn Creek, Blackwell and Downstream (non-reservation)) within rolling 30 days.

  • STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails and follow local guidelines for firewood. CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/rec

Available Activities

• Fishing - Fishing
• Camping - Camping
• Boating - Boating
• Hiking - Hiking
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing

Contact Information

Phone: Direct Line to Visitor Center 406-293-5577 Main Line to Vistor Center Extension 406-293-7751 x7259

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip