Swisher Lake Campground
Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served with no fees. Managed from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Winter access dependent on weather and snow conditions. Walk-in access only; the 0.42-mile access road is closed to all motorized traffic. Limited to 16-day stay on National Forest lands.
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
Swisher Lake Campground offers a quiet, remote camping experience in the Kootenai National Forest, approximately 8 miles northwest of Eureka on Sophie Bay Road 7160. This small facility features just 4 campsites, each equipped with a table and fire ring. The campground is accessible via a 0.42-mile walk-in trail that is closed to all motorized traffic, ensuring a tranquil setting. The campground is particularly popular with horsemen and hikers due to its peaceful location and equestrian-friendly amenities, including a hitching rack. Swisher Lake is easily accessible from the campground, offering opportunities for boating (motorized allowed) and fishing in a serene mountain lake setting. The open forest and grassland atmosphere creates an excellent getaway for those seeking solitude. While the campground is managed from Memorial Day through Labor Day, it remains available to visitors year-round, with access dependent on weather conditions. Visitors should note this is a pack-in/pack-out facility with no potable water or developed restrooms beyond a vault toilet. Pets are welcome but must be leashed, and campfire restrictions may apply during dry conditions.
Directions
Located 8 miles northwest of Eureka, Montana on Sophie Bay Road 7160. Access requires a 0.42-mile walk on a road closed to motorized vehicles.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| 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 | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 293-6211 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Swisher Lake Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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