Rexford Bench
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates May through September, weather permitting. Reservations available through Recreation.gov for 24 sites; 30 sites are first-come, first-served. 16-day stay limit.
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
Rexford Bench Recreation Area is the most highly developed campground within the Kootenai National Forest, situated on an arm of Lake Koocanusa in northwest Montana near the Canadian border. The campground sits in a ponderosa pine forest at 2,470 feet elevation and features 54 single-family campsites, with 24 sites available for reservation and 30 on a first-come, first-served basis. Adjacent Kamloops Terrace provides 20 additional sites and overflow parking for boat trailers and RVs. The 46,500-acre Lake Koocanusa reservoir, formed by 422-foot Libby Dam on the Kootenai River, stretches 90 miles with over 127 miles of shoreline extending into Canada. The campground offers comprehensive amenities including paved roads and campsite spurs, flush toilets, drinking water, fire rings with grills, and picnic tables at each site. A swimming beach, high and low water boat ramps, and a campground host complete the facilities. Recreation opportunities abound with excellent fishing for kokanee salmon, whitefish, and various trout species. Several hiking trails begin in the campground, including an interpretive loop and the Hoodoo Trail, which leads to dramatic sandstone formations visible from the lake. Osprey frequently fish near Libby Dam at sunset, while bald eagles hunt kokanee in fall. The nearby Kootenai River below Libby Dam offers blue ribbon trout fishing, and guided tours of the dam and powerhouse are available during summer.
Directions
From Eureka, travel west on Highway 93 for about a mile, then continue 6 miles south on Highway 37.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $48 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 60ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 296-2536 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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