Swan Lake Campground
Open for the 2026 season from mid-May through late September. Of 38 family sites, 24 are reservable via Recreation.gov and 14 are first-come, first-served. 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.
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Trail 800 Tally-Ashley will be closed for public safety during logging activities starting 9/4/2025 - 9/1/2026 unless rescinded sooner.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
Located near the village of Swan Lake in northwest Montana, this Flathead National Forest campground occupies a prime position at the north end of the Swan Valley. The campground is divided into two loops with distinct character: Ponderosa Loop offers open, large sites with plenty of space for RVs and trailers, while Birch Loop provides shaded sites clustered more closely together in the forest. A group site accommodating up to 100 people is also available. Campers have access to a boat ramp and beach on Swan Lake, where both motorized and non-motorized boating are permitted. Anglers can pursue several species of trout, Kokanee salmon, and Northern Pike. Kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals are available on-site, along with firewood for sale. Paved parking areas and bike lanes wind throughout the campground. The surrounding landscape features dense conifer forest backed by the craggy, snow-covered peaks of the Swan Mountain Range. Swan River National Wildlife Refuge is about a mile away with wildlife and bird observation areas. Glacier National Park lies within an hour's drive to the north.
Directions
From Bigfork, Montana, take State Route 209 east for 4.9 miles to Swan Lake/State Route 83. Turn right and go 10.9 miles to the campground sign. Turn left at the sign into the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | $22 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 75ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 75ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 210-8199 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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