Forest opens camp sites this weekend

Most Flathead National Forest campgrounds operated by concessionaire Charlie Jantzen will be open this coming weekend, beginning Friday, May 12.

Services, including drinking water, toilets and campground hosts, will be available.

There is a fee increase of $2 per night at each site, with the fees ranging from $10 to $14.

Concessionaire campgrounds on Flathead National Forest opening this weekend are: Tally Lake, Big Creek, Emery Bay, Lost Johnny, Lost Johnny Point, Lid Creek, Murray Bay, Holland Lake and Swan Lake.

Day-use areas managed by the concessionaire also will be available beginning Friday.

There is a day-use fee of $3 per vehicle, the same fee as last year.

The concessionaire day-use areas on Flathead National Forest opening this weekend are: Tally Lake, Big Creek, Emery Bay, Lost Johnny Point and Swan Lake.

Jantzen, the concessionaire for the past 21 years, recently was awarded the concessionaire contract for an additional five years.

The Flathead National Forest also offers 10 cabins and lookouts and six group sites

that may be reserved through the National Recreation Reservation Service by visiting www.reserveusa.com or calling 1-877-444-6777. Fees, services and seasons of availability vary.

For more information and images of the cabin rentals on the Flathead National Forest, visit the forest's Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead.

More campgrounds and other recreational sites will open as access increases to these areas.

Forest campers and visitors are reminded that all food and food-related items should be stored in a bear-resistant manner.

Flathead National Forest is home to grizzly and black bears, and responsible human actions will help with unwanted bear encounters.