Swan Lake Campground
This recreation area is located near the village of Swan Lake at the north end of the scenic Swan Valley in northwest Montana, about 17 miles southeast of Big Fork. 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 accommodates up to 100 people.
This campground is managed by a concessionaire, Big Sky Recreation Company, during the summer months. Please visit recreation.gov for more information.
General Information
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.
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. Kayak and paddle board rentals are available for $20/hour, $40/half day or 4 hrs., or $60/full day or 8 hrs.
Facilities:
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. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Firewood is generally available to purchase from the campground host.
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.
Mid May - Late September
Day use only: open sunrise to sunset
"Annual Season Pass" for access to those day use facilities located on the Flathead National Forest which are under Flathead Valley Campground (FVC) and Big Sky Recreation Company management, will be available for purchase from any of the concession facilities. This annual pass will cost $50.00, and will be available for the calendar year in which it was purchased.
Note: Two passes may be purchased for $80.00 (total) to accommodate a second family vehicle, only if the second vehicle is present. A 50% discount on all standard site fees and day use fees will be offered to holders of the Golden Age and Golden Access Passports, as well as holders of the Interagency Senior and Access Passes. Discounts will not be offered to holders of the Interagency Annual or Volunteer Pass. There will be no discount offered on group site reservations, boat rentals, dump fees, extra vehicle fees or firewood sales.
16 day stay limit. Food Storage required for human and stock food, garbage , and other attractants. Max trailer length is 50 feet.
Visit recreation.gov for all fee info.
Contact Name: Big Sky Recreation Company
Contact Phone: (406) 210-8199
Address: 200 Ranger Station Road Bigfork, MT 59911
Phone: (406) 837-7500
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.93532
Longitude: -113.85372
Directions
From Hwy 83, turn east near mile marker 72, just north of town. The campground is located across the highway from the lake.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.