Elk Island Campground
Open seasonally from mid-May through late September. First-come, first-served boat-in access only. No reservations. Campers must bring their own drinking water.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
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, South Dakota, and Idaho
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.
About
Elk Island Campground offers a unique backcountry camping experience accessible only by boat on Hungry Horse Reservoir in Flathead National Forest. Located approximately 16 miles from the town of Hungry Horse, this remote island campground provides solitude and direct access to one of Montana's most scenic reservoirs. The campground features 7 designated primitive campsites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets serve the area, but there is no potable water available, so campers must pack in all drinking water. The island location means this is strictly a tent camping destination with no vehicle or RV access possible. Recreation opportunities abound, including fishing for whitefish, bull trout, and cutthroat trout directly from the island shores. The elevated island vantage point offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks of the Flathead Range. Wildlife viewing, hiking the island, and simply enjoying the remote wilderness setting make this an ideal escape for adventurous campers seeking solitude away from developed campgrounds.
Directions
From Hungry Horse, Montana, travel south on US-2. Access Hungry Horse Reservoir via the East Side Reservoir Road (FR 38) or West Side Reservoir Road (FR 895). Launch a boat from one of the reservoir's boat ramps and navigate approximately 16 miles to Elk Island.
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 | $0 |
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 |
Community Posts
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