10651-2 PONY CREEK DISPERSED CAMPING AREA
Open — Open year-round for dispersed camping on a first-come, first-served basis. Winter access may be limited by snow and road conditions. Maximum stay is 16 days.
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions
Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathe
Current Avalanche Danger and Forecast
Avalanche Danger: Know before you go! Avalanche Forecasts at Flathead Avalanche Center
Trail 800 Tally-Ashely Closure
4.4 miles of National Forest System Trail 800 Tally-Ashley will be closed for public safety during logging activities starting 9/4/2025 - 9/1/2026 unless rescinded sooner.
Ryan Creek Occupancy and Use Order
From September 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026, unless rescinded, the following is prohibited in the Ryan Road area:Camping or otherwise occupying a site except where designated .
Logan Creek Hoke Creek Closure
NFS Road 1625 is closed between milepost 2.84 and 5.08 for public safety due to road substrate slumping. This closed segment is from the junction with Rd #9881 at milepost 2.84 to the end of Rd #1625 starting 8/13/2025 - 8/12/2027 unless rescinded sooner.
Water Vessel Prohibitions
Violating State water vessel safety and operation laws and regulations is prohibited on all Flathead National Forest waterways.
About
Pony Creek Dispersed Camping Area is located within the 2.4-million-acre Flathead National Forest in Lake County, Montana. As a dispersed camping area, it offers free primitive camping without developed facilities or services. The area is situated in northwest Montana's Rocky Mountains, south of Glacier National Park and the Canadian border. Dispersed camping in Flathead National Forest allows visitors to camp outside of developed campgrounds, providing solitude and a backcountry experience. Campers must be completely self-sufficient, as there are no amenities such as water, restrooms, or trash service. All visitors are required to pack out their trash and follow the forest's food storage order to minimize bear conflicts, as this is grizzly bear habitat. The maximum stay limit is 16 days, and campers must use existing fire rings when available and ensure fires are completely extinguished. Winter access may be limited by snow conditions and road closures. The area requires visitors to practice proper dispersed camping etiquette, including camping at least 200 feet from water sources, using catholes for waste disposal, and adhering to all posted regulations and seasonal closures.
Directions
The Pony Creek Dispersed Camping Area is near Bigfork, Montana, within Flathead National Forest. From Bigfork, take local forest roads as signed, navigating unpaved routes commonly used for dispersed camping in the region. There are no official signs or marked sites, so arrive prepared to be self-sufficient and use established clearings when possible.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 758-5208 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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