Montana · Camping

Spotted Bear Campground

May–Oct
best months

Is Spotted Bear Campground open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 5 alerts for Flathead National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · Flathead National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

  • At 3,738 ft
  • Spotted Bear Ranger DistrictFlathead National Forest

This is a fee campground for $13 per night/$5 per extra vehicle (no fee 9/30 - 5/15)located 55 miles south of the town of Hungry Horse on the gravel East Side Reservoir Road #38. The campground is located at an elevation of 3,800 feet and is maintained from May 15 through September 30.Spotted Bear Campground is situated next to the Spotted Bear and South Fork Flathead Rivers just off the East Side Reservoir Road #38. The 13 unit campground is set back from the road and most of the campsites are located above the river. The site is located in a second growth stand of trees. It is a high use site that often has open campsites mid week. It is often used as a base for huckleberry picking or fishing in the summer. The South Fork Flathead River can be accessed by walking or driving mile to the Spotted Bear Ranger Station, and then crossing the footbridge across the river, that accesses the sandy beach and river. Campsites can accommodate tents and trailers up to 32 feet in length. All campsites have tables and metal fire rings. There are accessible vault toilets. There is no drinking water after 9/30 - 5/15. Stock is not allowed in the campground. No garbage service 9/30 - 5/15. The site is operated on a first come, first served basis. There is a food storage order in effect on all national forest land that requires that human and stock food, garbage, and other attractants be kept unavailable to bears. Your stay may not exceed 14 days. This is a remote location and there is no cell phone service in the area. The closest public phone is located 1/4 mile south at the Spotted Bear Ranger Station. Phone, gas, and food are located 55 miles north in the town of Hungry Horse. Spotted Bear campsite Drinking water access- No drinking water 9/30 - 5/15.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Spotted Bear Campground

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      31° / 18°

    2. Feb

      36° / 18°

    3. Mar

      45° / 26°

    4. Apr

      54° / 31°

    5. May

      64° / 38°

    6. Jun

      71° / 44°

    7. Jul

      82° / 48°

    8. Aug

      82° / 46°

    9. Sep

      70° / 39°

    10. Oct

      55° / 32°

    11. Nov

      39° / 25°

    12. Dec

      30° / 20°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Swan Lake, MT, 14.5 mi away at 3,100 ft. The station sits about 600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.