Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, MT)
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.
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.
Need to Know
CHECK OUT TIME IS 11:00 A.M. Check in is at 2:00 p.m.
If a site is not available for reservation online, it is shown as a first-come, first-served (FF) or walk-in (W) site. These sites will be identified at the campground on maps and campsite post markers with a W.
Reserved sites will be held until check out time (11am) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released.
We do not allow reservation holders to change campsites and move to a Walk-up campsite upon arrival. Most of our campsites are available for advanced reservations, and you must occupy the site you reserve.
You are allowed 2 passenger 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. Sites that are identified as double occupancy can accommodate an additional camping unit. In this situation, you will be charged for each camper.
There is now a 10 day stay limit on all Group sites, starting in 2022.
Drop Camping is illegal without a Forest Service permit. If you rent a camper it may not be delivered by the owner.
There is a food storage order in effect on the Flathead National Forest. Know how to store all attractants all the time. See your Campground Host for more information or visit:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/flathead/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5347448
Electric, water and sewer hookups are not provided. There are 2 hand pumps for filling of your water jugs.
- 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.
Click here for more information on the Flathead National Forest
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.
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.
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.
Changes & 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.
Contact Information
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 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.
Available Campsites
- Site 16, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 6, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 14, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 12, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 18, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 21, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 15, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 13, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop AREA BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 17, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 2, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 7, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 20, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 4, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 3, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 19, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 9, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 5, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 1, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 8, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 22, Loop BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
