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.
Spar Lake Road #384 Road Closed to Motorized Vehicles
A closure order is now in effect for motorized vehicles on the Three Rivers Ranger District for Forest Service Road #384 (Spar Lake). The closure is to provide for public safety until crews make appropriate repairs to road damage caused by the December 2025 flood event.
Rexford Bench Campground Road & Boat Launch Closure
A temporary closure order is now in effect on the Rexford Ranger District for Rexford Bench Campground Road #7940 and boat launch. The closure is to provide for public safety and safe construction operations while the boat ramp asphalt is replaced with concrete.
Upper Young Creek Road #7202 Closure
A closure order is now in effect on the Rexford Ranger District for Forest Service Road #7202 (Upper Young Creek Road). The closure is to provide for public safety due to a washout making the road impassable.
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).
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 |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!