Warm temperatures are expected to return this week just in time for the opening of several campgrounds throughout the Flathead National Forest.
Campgrounds at Big Creek, Emery Bay, Holland Lake, Swan Lake, and Tally Lake will open to the public Friday, May 11, along with the Doris Point Boat Launch, according to the Forest Service. Other sites will open later in the month. The Doris Creek and Lost Johnny Campgrounds are scheduled to open May 18. Depending on weather conditions, the Lid Creek Campground is scheduled to open May 24.
The Forest Services is reminding campers and visitors that by law all food and food-related items must be stored in a bear-resistant manner. Campers are also reminded to be careful with fire and make sure all fires are “dead out” before leaving.
Most campsites are first-come first-serve but some can be reserved beforehand. This year reservations can be made online. Or call 1-877-444-6777.
Big Creek Campground is about 20 miles north of Columbia Falls along the North Fork of the Flathead River. There are 22 campsites and a group site. The fee is $13 per night and there’s an additional fee for the group site. The day-use area, which includes a boat launch, has a day-use fee of $4 per vehicle, or a season for $30. For more information contact the Hungry Horse-Glacier View District at 387-3800.
Emery Bay Campground is on the east shore of the Hungry Horse Reservoir off Road 38, approximately six miles from Martin City. There are 26 campsites and two group sites. Amenities include a boat ramp and water. Single units are $13 per night. For more information contact the Hungry Horse-Glacier View District at 387-3800.
Holland Lake Campground is about an hour and a half southeast of Bigfork, about 10 miles south of Condon on Montana Highway 83. There are 27 sites available and 13 individual campsites. The fee is $15 per night. A group site is also available for reservation. For more information contact the Swan Lake District Office at 837-7500.
Swan Lake Campground is directly south of the community of Swan Lake, approximately 15 miles southeast of Bigfork on Highway 83. The campground offers 36 family-sized campsites and a group site. Eleven of the family sites and the group site are available by reservation. The remaining camp sites are available on a first-come first-serve basis. The fee is $15 per night. There is a $25 fee for the group site plus a $15 fee for vehicle at the group site. The day-use area, across the highway from the campground, includes a boat launch, beach and a day-use group site that can be reserved. The day-use fee is $4 per vehicle, or a season pass for $30.
Tally Lake Campground is about 12 miles west of Whitefish, and offers a wide variety of recreation facilities and activities. The campground has 40 campsites and a boat launch, open air pavilion, beach area, picnic site and water. A camp host is on site during the summer months. The site has parking for 50 vehicles, a double vault toilet, picnic tables, fire grill, group fire ring, horse pit, volleyball court and nature trail. There are several trails nearby and two trails within the campground. One group site and the pavilion can be reserved.
Doris Point Boat Launch is about eight miles south of Hungry Horse on the West Side Hungry Horse Reservoir Road. The site features a two-lane boat ramp with a dock, parking for approximately 70 vehicles with trailers, two vault toilets and a day-use picnic area. The day-use fee is $4 per vehicle or a season pass is available for $30. For more information contact the Hungry Horse-Glacier View District at 387-3800.