Blackfoot River Corridor
Open for the 2026 float season. Reservations are required and must be made by phone through the Reserve America call center at 1-855-922-6768. Sites are reservable from the third Friday in May through the third Sunday in September. Reservation dates are released in monthly rolling blocks.
Flood Watch issued September 6 at 9:51AM MDT until September 8 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of northwest and west central Montana, including the following areas, in northwest Montana, Flathead/Mission Valleys and West Glacier Region. In west central Montana, Potomac/Seeley Lake Region. * WHEN...From 3 PM MDT this afternoon through Tuesday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Thunderstorms capable of rainfall rates of 0.75" to 1.00" per hour are possible this afternoon and evening (Sept 6), which could lead to localized debris flows. This period will then be followed by prolonged moderate to heavy rainfall Monday into Tuesday morning of an additional 1 to 3 inches in the valleys, with 2 to 4 inches in the higher terrain, especially along the Continental Divide and in Glacier National Park. - https://www.weather.gov/mso/hydrology
Hydrologic Outlook issued September 5 at 10:43AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
ESFMSO What: Widespread moderate rainfall over a prolonged period of time. Storm total amounts between 1 to 3 inches for valleys and 2 to 3 inches for the mountains. There is a 10 percent chance of isolated rainfall amounts up to 4 inches along the Continental Divide. Where: Flathead and Lake Counties in northwest Montana, including Glacier National Park. Missoula county in west-central Montana. Timing: Beginning Sunday morning, continuing through Monday night. Heaviest rainfall rates anticipated Monday into Monday night. Significant rainfall totals will bring potential for rapid rises on streams and creeks, rock and debris slides and runoff issues in poor drainage areas. Those recreating in the backcountry should take caution on backcountry roadways for falling debris.
About
The Blackfoot River Corridor provides a unique wilderness camping experience along one of Montana's most celebrated rivers, immortalized in Norman Maclean's "A River Runs Through It." Eight designated float-in campsites are scattered between Russell Gates Memorial Fishing Access Site and Johnsrud Fishing Access Site, each accommodating up to 10 people. Sites include River Junction, Bear Creek Flats, Clearwater, Ninemile Prairie, Corrick's River Bend, Ponderosa Flats, Goose Rock, and Clark's Cliff. This is true dispersed camping requiring complete self-sufficiency. No amenities are provided at the sites themselves. Campers must bring portable toilet systems and pack out all human waste, use fire pans and pack out ash, and employ proper food storage due to the presence of grizzly bears in the corridor. Glass containers are prohibited at all sites. The float combines excellent whitewater with outstanding scenery and wildlife. Class II-III rapids provide technical challenge, particularly at flows below 1,000 cfs. The corridor supports diverse wildlife including elk, grizzly bears, river otters, and bald eagles. Reservations are required during the season and must be made by phone through the Reserve America call center.
Directions
Launch points are accessible from Highway 200 east of Missoula. Common put-ins include Cedar Meadow, River Junction, and Russell Gates Memorial Fishing Access Site. The corridor extends from Russell Gates downstream to Johnsrud Fishing Access Site, approximately 12-20 miles east of Bonner on Highway 200.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $18 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| BlackfootRiver@mt.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (855) 922-6768 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!