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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 11 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Madison, Park, Flathead, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, and Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/12/2026 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 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Frenchtown, Great Falls and Hamilton are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Choteau, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Helena, Lewistown, Libby, Malta, Thompson Falls and West Yellowstone 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
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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