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Swan Lake Campground
Overview
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.
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 $10/hour, $25/half day or 4 hrs., or $40/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.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | For condition information, call the Swan Lake Ranger District at (406) 837-7500. | ||||||||
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| Reservations: | This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at www.recreation.gov. | ||||||||
| Rentals & Guides: | Kayak and paddle board rentals: $10.00/hour, $25.00/half day or 4 hrs., or $40.00/full day or 8 hrs. | ||||||||
| Area Amenities: | Boat ramp, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking | ||||||||
| Fees: |
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| Open Season: | Mid May - Late September | ||||||||
| Usage: | Heavy | ||||||||
| Best Season: | June, July, August | ||||||||
| Busiest Season: | July, August | ||||||||
| Restrictions: | 16 day stay limit. Food Storage required for human and stock food, garbage , and other attractants. Max trailer length is 50 feet. | ||||||||
| Closest Towns: | Swan Lake, MT; Bigfork, MT - 14 miles | ||||||||
| Water: | Potable Water | ||||||||
| Restroom: | Vaults | ||||||||
| Passes: | "Annual Season Pass" for access to those day use facilities located on the Flathead National Forest which are under Flathead Valley Campground (FVC) management, will be available for purchase from any of the concession facilities. This annual pass will cost $35.00, and will be available for the calendar year in which it was purchased. Note: Two passes may be purchased for $55.00 to accommodate a second family vehicle, only if the second vehicle is present. FVC will offer a 50 percent discount on all standard site fees and day use fees 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. | ||||||||
| Operated By: | Big Sky Recreation Company |
General Information
Directions: From Hwy 83, turn east near mile marker 72, just north of town. The campground is located across the highway from the lake.Activities
Campground Camping
36 campsites, with Host. 50 foot maximum trailer length.
Group Camping
For detailed information on the group site at Swan Lake Campground, please go to http://www.flatheadvalleycampgrounds.com/swan_lake.html
Amenities
| Camping trailer: | |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | |
| Tent camping: | |
| Parking: | |
| Toilets: | |
| Fee charged for some activities: | |
| Boat ramp: | |
| Drinking water: |