Big Therriault Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season due to winter conditions. The campground is managed from late June through early September but remains accessible year-round weather permitting. Access via unpaved forest roads depends on snow conditions.
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
Big Therriault Lake Campground is a remote alpine retreat located 12.5 air miles from Fortine in the Kootenai National Forest. Perched at 5,554 feet elevation, the campground offers 10 sites including one host site across 4 acres of forested land adjacent to the pristine 45-acre Big Therriault Lake. Each site features a picnic table and fire ring, with parking suitable for RVs up to 32 feet. The campground provides vault toilets and food storage boxes, but visitors must bring their own water as potable water is not available. A boat ramp accommodates small boats for lake access. The lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and cutthroat trout fishing. The Big Therriault Loop Trail offers a scenic 1-mile hike around the area. Access to the campground requires traveling improved but unpaved forest roads, with the final approach on Forest Road 7085. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility, so visitors must pack out all trash. The campground is managed from late June through early September, but remains accessible year-round depending on weather and road conditions. Pets are welcome but must be leashed, and a 16-day stay limit applies.
Directions
From Eureka, go south on US 93 for 7 miles, then east on Grave Creek Road for 14 miles, west on FR 319 for about 14 miles, then turn south onto FR 7085. Most roads are improved but unpaved.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Little Therriault Lake Campground 0.7mi
- Horse Camp 0.8mi
- PARADISE LAKE DISPERSED SITE 12 2.3mi
- WOLVERINE LAKES DISPERSED SITE 10 2.9mi
- WOLVERINE LAKES DISPERSED SITE 9 2.9mi
- Wolverine Cabin 3.0mi
- BLUEBIRD LAKE DISPERSED SITE 25 2.5mi
- BLUEBIRD LAKE DISPERSED SITE 26 2.5mi
- BLUEBIRD LAKE DISPERSED SITE 11 2.5mi
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
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 | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Big Therriault Lake Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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