McGillivary beach area

Mcgillivray Campground

Closed

Closed for the season. Typically operates from late May through mid-September, weather permitting. Individual sites are available first-come, first-served and by reservation. 16-day stay limit applies.

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.

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.

Ross Creek Cedars Road Closure & Storm Damage Update

The Ross Creek Cedars sustained significant damage during the December 2025 flood events. Heavy rains, flooding, landslide, and debris flows that occurred in December 2025 created unstable conditions along NFS Road #398. Significant erosion undercut sections of the road, limiting access to foot and…

Rexford Bench Boat Launch Closure

Progress continues on the Rexford Bench boat launch upgrade, replacing the existing asphalt with concrete. Construction operations are expected to continue into mid-May, so a closure order will remain in place for the boat launch and lower parking area for public and worker safety. The Peck Gulch…

Big Creek Closure-Peregrine Falcon Nesting Area

A closure order is in now effect for the Big Creek Area on the Rexford Ranger District, which is a known area for peregrine falcon nesting. Peregrine falcons are particularly sensitive to disturbance and activity above their nest or rock climbing in its vicinity. Disturbance during the nesting…

Timberlane Campground Closure

A closure order is now in effect for the Timberlane Campground on the Libby Ranger District, while it undergoes much-needed improvements. The purpose of this order is for public safety during reconstruction and improvement operations in the campgroundAs you start making your summer plans and…

Libby Spring Road Closures

Spring road closures are now in effect on certain Libby Ranger District roads. All motorized vehicles over 10,000 GVW are prohibited from using or being operated on the designated roads. The purpose of this restriction is to prevent damage to road surface and base due to thawing action or excess…

Spar Lake Road #384 Road Closed to Motorized Vehicles

A closure order is now in effect for motorized vehicles on the Three Rivers Ranger District for Forest Service Road #384 (Spar Lake). The closure is to provide for public safety until crews make appropriate repairs to road damage caused by the December 2025 flood event. The road is closed starting…

Upper Young Creek Road #7202 Closure

A closure order is now in effect on the Rexford Ranger District for Forest Service Road #7202 (Upper Young Creek Road). The closure is to provide for public safety due to a washout making the road impassable. The road is currently closed at milepost 3.5 to 3.6, just north of its junction with NFS…

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. The rapid increase in rainfall on top of snow in the higher elevations has resulted in localized flooding and increased the risk of…

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. The rapid increase in rainfall on top of snow in the higher elevations has resulted in localized flooding and increased the risk of landslides, debris…

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). The purpose of this Order is for public and firefighter safety due to…

About

McGillivray Campground is located on the western shore of Lake Koocanusa in northwest Montana at an elevation of 2,520 feet. The campground features 33 individual campsites, two group sites that accommodate up to 25 people each, and a large group shelter with capacity for 200 people, making it ideal for reunions and receptions. The facility is nestled in a heavily forested area with dense vegetation. Lake Koocanusa is a 46,500-acre reservoir with over 127 miles of shoreline, formed by the 422-foot tall Libby Dam on the Kootenai River. The reservoir stretches approximately 90 miles into Canada. McGillivray provides both high and low water boat ramps to accommodate varying lake levels, along with a designated swim beach and extensive picnic areas. Fishing derbies are held multiple times each year, with anglers targeting kokanee salmon, whitefish, rainbow trout, bull trout, and westslope cutthroat trout. The area offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Osprey frequently fish around Libby Dam at sunset, and bald eagles can be observed hunting kokanee in the river and lake during fall. The Kootenai River below Libby Dam is designated as a blue ribbon fishery. Visitors often enjoy the 100-mile scenic loop drive around the reservoir, with several trails leading to waterfalls along the route. The campground is located approximately 7 miles above Libby Dam.

Directions

From Libby, travel 15 miles northeast on State Highway 37. Turn west on Forest Development Road 228 and continue for about 10 miles to the site.

Amenities

Water Yes
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 $16 - $200

Vehicle

Max RV Length 40ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (406) 293-7773

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

McGillivary beach area
Group site shelter

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