State: Montana
Address 1: Spotted Bear Ranger District
Address 2: Flathead National Forest
Open: Seasonal
Number of Sites: 13
Elevation: 3730
County: Flathead
About: 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 often is used as a base for huckleberry picking or fishing in the summer. The South Fork Flathead River can be accessed by walking or driving ¼ 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 potable water. Stock is not allowed in the campground. There is garbage service. 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.
Usage: Heavy
Fees: $10 (2012)
Closest Towns: Hungry Horse (MT)
Water: Potable Water
Restrictions: There is a 14 day stay limit, and also food storage requirements for human and stock food, garbage, and other attractants. See Visitor Guidelines.
Restrooms: Vault Toilet (2)
Directions: Spotted Bear Campground is accessed from Highway 2. From the town of Hungry Horse, drive east on Highway 2 for ½ mile to the East Side Reservoir Road #38. Turn right (south) onto Road #38 and drive on through the town of Martin City. After two miles the pavement ends and the gravel East Side Reservoir Road continues on 55 miles to Spotted Bear Campground, which is located on the right (west) side of the road.
NOTE: Road #38 between mileposts 37 and 53 has a winter wildlife closure from 12/1 – 5/14. West Side Reservoir Road #895 is open year round when snowfree, which is typically 5/15 -11/30.