Flathead National Forest Campgrounds Start Opening
Release Date: May 1, 2014
Food Storage Order Active on Entire Forest
KALISPELL, MT. – Flathead National Forest (FNF) campgrounds start opening in early May and all campgrounds, weather permitting, are scheduled to be open for your enjoyment by the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend. Holland Lake, Swan Lake and Tally Lake Campgrounds will open to the public Friday, May 9, 2014. Big Creek Campground is scheduled to open May 15. Emery Bay, Murray Bay, Doris Creek, Lost Johnny, Devil Creek, Lid Creek and Riverside Campgrounds and associated boat launches are all scheduled to open Friday, May 23. All openings are dependent on weather conditions.
These campgrounds and recreation areas are operated by the forest concessionaire Barta Enterprises Inc., known locally as Flathead Valley Campgrounds. There are a few changes this year that recreationists will want to be aware of. Campground fees will be charged per camping unit such as an RV, a vehicle with tent, a camper or a trailer. A five dollar fee will be charged for each additional vehicle. Starting July 1, 2014, there will be a five dollar fee at the Holland Lake Day Use Area consistent with day use fees across the forest. The day use area at the Swan Lake Campground can no longer be reserved and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
The Spotted Bear Campground is operated by the Forest Service and will open for primitive camping starting May 15 if road conditions permit access. Water and services will be available May 23. In addition to campgrounds, boat launches and day-use areas, the forest also has 14 rental cabins. To rent a cabin or to reserve select campground sites please go to http://www.recreation.gov.
Forest campers and visitors are reminded that by law all food and food-related items must be stored in a bear-resistant manner. The Flathead National Forest is home to grizzly and black bears, and responsible human actions will help with unwanted bear encounters. Campers are also reminded to be careful with fire. Never leave a fire unattended and be sure the fire is “dead out” before leaving. If you plan to hike, be aware that conditions may be different than usual for this time of year on wilderness and upper-elevation trails. A combination of recent upper-elevation snow and recent heavy runoff is blocking traditional routes that hikers often use this time of year. Some water-crossings may be unsafe to cross on foot or with stock.
For more information about campgrounds, fees and food storage regulations on the Flathead National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/flathead/. For the latest information on conditions and openings contact your local Forest Service office:
Glacier View/Hungry Horse Ranger District - (406) 387-3800
Spotted Bear Ranger District - (406) 758-5376
Swan Lake Ranger District - (406) 837-7500
Tally Lake Ranger District – (406) 758-5204
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Attachment: 2014 Flathead National Forest Campground Map and Information