Spotted Bear Campground
The campground opens May 15, 2026 and operates through September 30. Winter road closure on Road #38 (mileposts 37-53) lifts May 15. No potable water or garbage service until the operating season begins. 14-day stay limit.
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.
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 (Flathead…
Big Creek Canyon Creek Road 316 Closure for Emergency Repairs
Big Creek Canyon Creek Road 316 closed to motorized travel during 2026 repair work. See details and authorized access info.
Blankenship Emergency Closure
The Blankenship Bridge Area (Blankenship southwest), located south of Blankenship Road on the west side of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River is temporarily closed for public safety due to high water.
Current Avalanche Danger and Forecast
Avalanche Danger: Know before you go! Avalanche Forecasts at Flathead Avalanche Center The Flathead National Forest has three forecast zones for avalanches: the Whitefish Range, the Flathead Range and Glacier National Park, and the Swan Range. Avalanche hazards are highly spatially variable, so…
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Trail 800 Tally-Ashley will be closed for public safety during logging activities starting 9/4/2025 - 9/1/2026 unless rescinded sooner.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 .Camping or otherwise occupying a designated site for over three consecutive days within a calendar year.
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
Spotted Bear Campground offers a remote backcountry experience at 3,800 feet elevation in Montana's Flathead National Forest. Located 55 miles south of Hungry Horse on gravel East Side Reservoir Road #38, the campground sits in a second-growth timber stand near the junction of the Spotted Bear and South Fork Flathead Rivers. Most of the 13 campsites are positioned above the river, set back from the road. The South Fork Flathead River can be accessed by walking or driving a quarter mile to Spotted Bear Ranger Station, then crossing the footbridge to reach a sandy beach. The campground sees heavy use but often has midweek availability. Popular activities include huckleberry picking and fishing. This is a remote location with no cell phone service. The closest phone is at the Spotted Bear Ranger Station a quarter mile south. Gas, food, and supplies are 55 miles north in Hungry Horse. A food storage order requires all human food, stock feed, garbage, and attractants be stored unavailable to bears. Stock animals are prohibited in the campground.
Directions
From Highway 2 in Hungry Horse, drive east half a mile to East Side Reservoir Road #38. Turn right (south) through Martin City. Pavement ends after 2 miles; continue on gravel 55 miles to the campground on the right. Note: Road #38 between mileposts 37 and 53 has a winter closure December 1 through May 14.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $13 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 32ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 758-5376 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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