The camping season in Northwest Montana is set to begin, with the Flathead National Forest announcing the opening of its 31 developed campgrounds. These campgrounds provide various services and accommodations to enhance the outdoor experience in the region.
Holland Lake Campground has introduced portable restrooms for the Bay Loop area this season, substituting the typical flushing restrooms due to an inoperable wastewater system. Additionally, the campground’s RV dump station will be closed, but campers will still have access to potable water. Other areas serviced by vault toilets will continue to operate without changes.
Swan Lake, Holland Lake, and Lindbergh Lake campgrounds are already open for the season on a first-come, first-served basis. Normal reservation services for Holland Lake and Swan Lake will commence on May 17. Lindbergh Lake, however, will not offer reservations and will operate solely on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the camping season.
The opening of Devil Creek Campground as told in a KPAX report, will be delayed until June 1 due to ongoing construction activities. This later start is intended to ensure all facilities meet safety standards and provide the best possible experience for visitors.
At Tally Lake Campground, while open as usual, there are ongoing construction efforts focusing on the campground’s water system. The expected completion of these upgrades is by July. During this period, there will be no water availability for visitors, and some camping sites may be temporarily affected.
Forest officials emphasized the importance of planning for those intending to camp outside designated campsites. Campers should familiarize themselves with their chosen area and adhere to all posted rules and regulations to preserve the natural environment and ensure safety.
Across the Flathead National Forest, camping remains predominantly first-come, first-served. This policy applies to all developed campgrounds as well as dispersed camping sites throughout the forest area.
The forest management also highlighted the stay limitations at dispersed sites, which is set at a maximum of 16 days. Some highly frequented sites, particularly those near bodies of water, may have shorter limits which are clearly posted on-site to inform visitors.
As the season progresses, forest officials urge visitors to respect the natural surroundings and fellow campers by following all guidelines and maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of the camping areas.
For those planning a trip to the Flathead National Forest, it is advisable to check the latest updates on campground statuses and service availability directly through the forest’s official channels or website.
With these preparations and updates, Flathead National Forest is ready to welcome campers to its scenic and diverse campgrounds, promising another season of memorable outdoor adventures in Montana’s rugged landscapes.
Featured image by The Forest Service – Flathead National Forest via facebook.com/discovertheflathead