Picnicking
The Kootenai has multiple locations perfect for one day adventures. Whether you're looking for picnic tables or group sites in one of the developed campgrounds, or smaller, remote sites, the Forest has many options, which are listed on Day Use and Picnic Sites Brochure [PDF, 505K]
As a visitor to the Kootenai National Forest you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the forest and the natural environment,
to ensure the health and safety of visitors, and to promote a pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreation experience for all visitors.
- Throw all garbage and litter in containers provided, or take it with you.
- Obey all traffic signs.
- Do not carve, chop, cut, or damage any live trees.
- Obey restrictions on fires. Fires may be limited or restricted at certain times of the year.
- Use picnic sites, swimming areas, and other day use areas only between the hours of 6 am to 10 pm.
- Fireworks are not allowed at any time on National Forest System Lands.
- Pets must be restrained in developed recreation sites.
Search for Picnicking Opportunities
Bull River Campground and Group Site
The Bull River Campground is located approximately 11 miles east of the Idaho border in Montana on Hwy 200. The campground is located in a natural wooded area at the confluence of the Bull River…
McGillivray Campground and Group Sites
The McGillivray Campground has 33 total campsites and provides three opportunities for group rental camping. The group shelter will accommodate up to 200 people making it great for reunions and…
Peck Gulch Campground
The Peck Gulch Campground is located 21 miles southwest of Eureka off Hwy 37. The campground has 22 campsites including one host site, with tables, fire rings and some with tent pads and able to…
Rexford Bench Campground
Rexford Bench Campground is the most highly developed campground within the Kootenai National Forest. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing and swimming on Lake Koocanusa, and hiking in…
Ross Creek Cedars
The Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area is located 29 miles south of Troy off Hwy 56 on Ross Creek Rd 398. The scenic area is 100 acres in size and is home to cedar trees 1,000 years old. A 0.9 mile long…
South Dickey Lake Group Picnic Area
South Dickey Lake is a popular group picnic area on the shores of beautiful Dickey Lake. It provides access to a grassy swimming beach, as well as a boat ramp and a variety of water-related…
Timberlane Campground
Timberlane Campground is located along a forest creek and in an area thick with towering trees. Several hiking trails exist in the area. The campground may accommodate up to 200 people and is great…
Tobacco Plains Picnic Area
The Tobacco Plains picnic area is located approximately 9 miles northwest of Eureka on Lake Koocanusa. Amenities include a vault toilet and boat ramp that accommodates smaller boats.
Triangle Pond
Triangle Pond is located along the Noxon Reservoir and road 2229. This location is a day use site only. Amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings, swimming area and beach. There…