Elk Island Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates May 15 through September 30. Accessible only by boat from launch points around Hungry Horse Reservoir.
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Trail 800 Tally-Ashley will be closed for public safety during logging activities starting 9/4/2025 - 9/1/2026 unless rescinded sooner.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From September 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026, unless rescinded, the following is prohibited in the Ryan Road area:Camping or otherwise occupying a site except where designated .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
Elk Island Campground is a remote, boat-access-only campground situated on Elk Island within Hungry Horse Reservoir in Flathead National Forest. With only 7 designated campsites, this primitive campground offers an excellent escape for boaters and paddlers seeking solitude in the Rocky Mountains. The reservoir, located approximately 15 miles south of Glacier National Park's west entrance on the South Fork of the Flathead River, spans 34 miles and covers 23,800 acres. Each campsite features a picnic table and fire ring, providing the basic amenities for tent camping. The campground has vault toilets but no potable water, so visitors must bring their own drinking water. The island setting offers breathtaking views of surrounding mountain ranges and excellent fishing opportunities for whitefish, bull trout, and cutthroat trout. Activities include boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking in a pristine mountain environment.
Directions
Accessible only by boat. Elk Island is located on Hungry Horse Reservoir, 16 miles from the town of Hungry Horse. Launch from any boat ramp around the reservoir and paddle or motor to the island.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Lakeview Campground 1.6mi
- Murray Bay Campground 1.9mi
- KNIEFF DISPERSED CAMP NORTH 2.2mi
- KNIEFF DISPERSED CAMP SOUTH 2.2mi
- Riverside Campground 2.4mi
- FLOSSY BAY DISPERSED CAMP WEST SITE 3.2mi
- FLOSSY BAY DISPERSED CAMP EAST SITE 3.3mi
- FLOSSY BAY DISPERSED CAMP NORTH SITE 3.3mi
- FLOSSY BAY DISPERSED CAMP SOUTH SITE 3.3mi
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 387-3800 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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