Bad Medicine Campground
Open — Open year-round with managed services from May through September. Access during winter months is weather dependent. Security gate operates 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily during managed season.
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.
Flood Events & Safety Reminders
Over the past week, portions of the Kootenai National Forest have experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Ross Creek Cedar Flood Update
After the recent flood events that occurred across the Kootenai National Forest, the Ross Creek Cedars unfortunately sustained significant damage. The damage is currently being assessed.
Kootenai Flood Event & Inaccessible Areas
Portions of the Kootenai National Forest have recently experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Isabella & Lost Girl Fires- Road and Trail Closure
Due to the Isabella and Lost Girl Fires on the Cabinet Ranger District, a closure order is now in effect for a portion National Forest System Road 407, National Forest System Trail #407A, and Trail #646 (St. Paul Lake Trail).
Spruce Fire Road Closure-Updated
Due to the Spruce and Spruce Ridge Fires on the Three Rivers Ranger District, a closure order is still in effect. However, the original order has been terminated and replaced with an updated closure.
South Meadow Creek Fire Closure
Due to the South Meadow Creek Fire, a closure order is now in effect for National Forest System Roads #524 and #5961, starting at the junction of the two roads to their respective ending points.
Kootenai Rails Trail Closure
A portion of the Kootenai Rails Trail (NFS Trail #255) on the Rexford Ranger District is now temporarily closed during construction activities on the Tobacco River Bridge, which is over the trail, and to protect the public on the trail from potential debris impacts.
About
Bad Medicine Campground sits at the south end of Bull Lake in the Kootenai National Forest, approximately 25 miles south of Troy via Highway 56. The campground offers 17 campsites plus one host site, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Most sites accommodate rigs up to 32 feet in length, with paved campground roads and parking spurs providing easy access. The facility includes vault toilets and a fully developed boat ramp with dock for access to the 7-mile-long Bull Lake, known for its fishing opportunities. The campground is situated near the Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area, a temperate rainforest environment featuring giant cedars, streams, and lush vegetation. The natural wooded setting provides a serene atmosphere among dense conifers and varied flora. Six additional picnic sites with tables and fire rings are available near the boat ramp for day use only. A security gate closes at 10:00 PM and reopens at 7:00 AM daily, managed by the camp host during the operating season. Bad Medicine Campground operates under a 16-day stay limit and charges $16 per night for single sites, with a 50% discount available for holders of Interagency Senior or Access passes. Pets are welcome but must be leashed. The campground is managed from May through September, though it remains accessible year-round depending on weather conditions.
Directions
From Troy, follow Highway 2 east for 3 miles to the junction with Highway 56. Turn and follow Highway 56 for 21 miles to the south end of Bull Lake and Ross Creek Cedars Road 398. Follow Road 398 for approximately 2 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $16 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 32ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 293-6211 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Bad Medicine Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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