Loon Lake Campground
Open — Open year-round first-come, first-served. The campground is actively managed from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but remains accessible outside this period depending on weather and road conditions. No fees or reservations.
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
Loon Lake Campground is a small, rustic campground nestled in the Kootenai National Forest approximately 20 miles northwest of Libby, Montana, at an elevation of 3,624 feet. The campground features just 4 campsites, two of which have tent pads, making it an intimate destination for campers seeking solitude and a natural forest experience. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, and the campground can accommodate RVs up to 20 feet in length on gravel and native material roads and parking spurs. The campground provides basic amenities including a vault toilet, but visitors must bring their own water as none is available on-site. An undeveloped boat access allows for small watercraft to launch onto Loon Lake, which offers fishing opportunities for anglers. The remote location and small size ensure a peaceful camping experience surrounded by larch and fir forest. The campground is managed from Memorial Day through Labor Day but remains accessible year-round, weather permitting. No fees are charged, and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors should be prepared for primitive conditions and pack out all trash. Access requires travel on Forest Service roads, and winter conditions may limit accessibility.
Directions
From Libby, follow Highway 37 north to Pipe Creek Road (Forest Road 567) and turn right. Follow Pipe Creek Road for 17 miles, then turn left onto Seventeen Mile Road (Forest Road 471) and continue for approximately 3 miles. The campground will be on your left.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | 20ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 293-6211 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Loon Lake Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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