McGregor Lake Campground

beautiful clear water

McGregor Lake Campground is located approximately 53 miles southeast of Libby, Montana, on Highway 2 at the west end of McGregor Lake in Kootenai National Forest. This area is about halfway between Libby and Kalispell in the heart of the Thompson Chain of Lakes, a premier fishing and hunting area.

Natural Features: At an elevation of 3,900 feet, the campground is nestled among young pines at the west end of McGregor Lake in the Fisher River Area. The lake spans 1,240 acres, making it the largest lake in the Kootenai National Forest. The Fisher River Area is the watershed formed by the four forks (West, East, Silver Butte, Pleasant Valley) of the Fisher River and Wolf Creek. Within it is the Thompson Chain of Lakes, which consists of more than 20 lakes.

Recreation:  McGregor Lake is host to a prime mackinaw trout population and offers excellent opportunities for a trophy-size catch. There is a boat ramp on-site for access to the lake. Swimming and water skiing are also popular activities.  Huckleberry picking is available nearby. Hikers can walk the 2.9-mile McGregor Lake Shoreline Trail.

Facilities: The campground has 27 sites, including one host site, with tables and fire rings. Most sites offer an average length of 32 feet. Vault toilets and drinking water are available. A group site is available for large groups, offering a 120-by-140 gravel parking area. Four tent sites are located along the lake near the boat ramp. Day use picnic sites with tables and fire rings are located near the beach. McGregor Lake Campground Site Map [PDF, 161K]

Photo showing grassy area in day use site photos around the campground photo of the trail at the parking lot photo of trail sign photo of tent campsite

At a Glance

Reservations: All camp sites are on a first come, first serve basis. For the group site, reservations can be made by visiting Recreation.gov.  Reservations must be made 4 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 months in advance. 
Fees: $20.00 daily fee single site;  50% discount with US Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access Passes Group Area:  $50.00 daily fee.  Check-in/check-out 12:00 Noon
Open Season: Memorial Day
Closest Towns: Kalispell, MT
Water: Potable water
Restroom: Vault Toilets
Information Center: Dump facilities are located in Libby or Kalispell. Showers, laundry, gas, ice, store, bar and restaurant are located at Happy's Inn. The Lodge at McGregor Lake offers ice, store, bar and restaurant.

General Information

Accessibility:

 Accessible boat ramp, parking, sites, and vault toilets


Directions:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
48.03194, -114.90222
48°1'55"N, 114°54'8"W

From Libby, MT, take US Route 2 east 53 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.2 miles to campground.

An alternate route is to take US Route 2 west from Kalispell, MT, for 32 miles to campground entrance.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

RV Camping

Lake and Pond Fishing

McGregor Lake is a beautiful lake for fishing or playing.  The lake is 1522 acres in size with an average depth of 106 feet.  The deepest point in the lake is 220 feet.  Lake trout is the most common fish caught, but other species are present. The popular annual fishing derby at the Lodge at McGregor Lake takes place in February of each year.

Visit Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks web site for fishing regulations.

Ice Fishing

The annual McGregor Lake Fishing Derby at the Lodge at McGregor Lake takes place in February of each year.

Large fish and large payouts attract over 700 participants, all vying for the largest macinaw and rainbow trout.

Boating - Motorized

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Highlights

  • Be Bear Aware!
    Montana is bear country! Learn about bears and safe practices while visiting the Kootenai
  • Food Storage Order
    A food storage order signed in 2022 requires food storage practice across the Forest to reduce the potential for human-wildlife encounters
  • Know Before You Go OffSite Link

    Regardless of the activity, always be prepared! Stay informed of current conditions and follow safe practices when enjoying your National Forests

  • Leave No Trace OffSite Link

    Visitors are asked to practice Leave No Trace principles while on the Kootenai National Forests to help maintain this abundant ecosystem and sustainable recreation.

  • Weed Free Forage
    It is a violation of rule (FS) and law (State of Montana) to utilize forage or mulch materials that contain the seeds of noxious weeds

Location

 
  Latitude : 
48.03194

  Longitude : 
-114.90222

  Elevation : 
3903 feet