Forest welcomes campers during holiday weekend
Flathead National Forest campgrounds started opening in early May and all campgrounds, weather permitting, are scheduled to be open by the Memorial Day weekend.
Holland Lake, Swan Lake, Emery Bay, Murray Bay, Devil Creek, Lid Creek, Lost Johnny Camp, Doris Point Camp and Boat, Riverside, Big Creek and Tally Lake campgrounds are open.
Lost Johnny Point will open Aug. 1; it is closed for comprehensive hazard tree removal.
These campgrounds and recreation areas are operated by the forest concessionaire Flathead Valley Campgrounds.
One change this year is that Holland Lake Campground has a day use fee of $5 per vehicle, consistent with day use fees across the forest.
This fee also applies to the boat launch at Holland. Season-long day use passes are available at all campgrounds operated by Flathead Valley Campgrounds. The passes cost $30.
Spotted Bear Campground is operated by the Forest Service and is open for camping. Water and other services will be available today.
In addition to campgrounds, boat launches and day-use areas, the Flathead Forest also has 14 rental cabins. To rent a cabin or to reserve select campground sites, go to http://www.recreation.gov.
Many non-fee campgrounds also can be found on the forest, including Lindbergh Lake Campground on Swan Lake Ranger District, Beaver Creek Campground at Spotted Bear Ranger District, Upper Stillwater Lake on Tally Lake Ranger District, and Lake View Campground on Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District.
The campground stay limit has been extended from 14 to 16 days. Campers may camp for 16 consecutive days in one site. If they plan to camp longer, they cannot camp within a 5-mile radius of the original campsite and a minimum of seven days is required before any group or people from the group may reoccupy the original location.
Forest campers and visitors are reminded that all food and food-related items must be stored in a bear-resistant manner.
Flathead National Forest is home to grizzly and black bears, and responsible human actions will help avoid unwanted bear encounters.
Campers are also reminded to be careful with fire. Never leave a fire unattended and be sure the fire is dead out before leaving.
For more information about campgrounds, fees and food storage regulations on the Flathead National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/flathead.
For the latest information on conditions and openings, contact local offices:
- Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District - (406) 387-3800
- Spotted Bear Ranger District: (406) 758-5376
- Swan Lake Ranger District: (406) 837-7500
- Tally Lake Ranger District: (406) 758-5204