Swan Lake Campground

Flathead National Forest

This recreation area is located near the village of Swan Lake at the north end of the scenic Swan Valley in northwest Montana. The campground consists of two loops. Ponderosa Loop offers open, large sites with plenty of space, while sites at Birch Loop are shaded and more clustered together. There is also a reservable group site which accomodates up to 100 people.

The campground has 38 family-sized campsites and large group site with paved parking areas, fire rings and picnic tables. Drinking water and vault toilets are available. There is no dump station at this campground but there is a fill station as you enter the park on the right just passed the Pay Kiosk.

Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Need to Know

• NEW CHECK OUT STARTING FOR 2020 SEASON: CHECK OUT TIME IS 11:00 A.M. Check in is at 2:00 p.m.

• Grizzly and black bears frequent the area so all food, beverages, and coolers must be stored inside vehicle or in approved bear-resistant containers ie. Yeti coolers. To be approved it must have a padlock. Bear proof boxes are also provided for your use.

• Although you are allowed two motorized vehicles per site, the first vehicle is included in the site fee and an extra vehicle charge of $5.00/vehicle per night will be collected at the campground.

• There are 14 first-come, first-served sites available at the campground; if a site is not available for reservation online, it is for first-come, first-served use only
• Sites 6, 8 and 14 are not recommended for tent camping

• If an Individual campsites can accommodate a second camper unit (motor home, trailer, pick-up camper) you will be charged double occupancy. Every site is allowed tents as a 2nd camping unit at no charge but understand the Extra Vehicle charge referenced above.

• Guests with individual site reservations who want to move to a different site other than the one they reserved will be charged for both sites and may incur extra fees.
• Garbage must be placed in bear-proof trash containers located throughout the campground
• Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
• Horses are not allowed in the campground
• Click here for more information about Flathead National Forest

Natural Features

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains lies the 2.4 million acre Flathead National Forest. Home to lynx, grizzly bear, and bull trout, with numerous lakes, streams and rivers to enjoy, the forest is the premiere destination for visitors looking to experience natural landscapes of the American West. Swan Lake is surrounded by dense conifer forest and the craggy, snow-covered peaks of the Swan Mountain Range.

Nearby Attractions

Glacier National Park is within an hour drive. About a mile from the campground is the Swan River National Wildlife Refuge, with a wildlife and bird observation area.

Recreation

Campers and day-use visitors have access to a boat ramp and a beach. Both power and non-motorized boating is permitted. This campground also offers Kayak, Paddleboard and Canoe rentals. Anglers can fish for several kinds of trout as well as Kokanee salmon and Northern Pike. Bike lanes wind throughout the campground.

Changes & Cancellations

Cancellations made within 14 days of arrival 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 1-877-444-6777, then followed up with a call to Cheryl at 406-752-PWAI (7924) or 406-404-4164 to get the information to the campground and to be considered for any refund.

Contact Information

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200 RANGER STATION RD BIGFORK MT 59911

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 406-752-7924 FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: 1-877-444-6777

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Bigfork, Montana, take State Route 209 east for 4.9 miles to Swan Lake/State Route 83. Turn right and go 10.9 miles to the campground sign. Turn left at the sign into the campground.

Available Campsites

• Site 001, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 026, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 027, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 036, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 008, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 039, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 011, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 023, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 012, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 010, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 033, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 021, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 018, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 003, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 022, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 038, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 006, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 014, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 032, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 019, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 004, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 037, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D1, Loop Day Use, Type Group Picnic Area
• Site 029, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 030HOST, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 017, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 005, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 034, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 016, Loop BIRC, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 013, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 020, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 035, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 002, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G1, Loop A Loop, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
• Site 024, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 028, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 015, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 025, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 007, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 031, Loop POND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 009, Loop BIRC, Type Standard Nonelectric

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