Beyond the well-known highlights of Glacier Country, you’ll find a wealth of lesser-traveled public lands to explore, including peaceful state parks and rustic riverside campsites.

Pro tip: Always check current conditions, closures and restrictions before heading to any state park or campsite.

MONTANA STATE PARKS

Montana’s state parks are preserved for their natural beauty and outstanding recreation opportunities. These special places protect some of the state’s most treasured landscapes and cultural resources while offering access to fishing, swimming, boating and camping. State park campsites can be reserved, and many parks offer RV access, picnic areas and latrines.

Lake Mary Ronan State Park
Known for epic fishing, Lake Mary Ronan State Park—just 7 miles west of Flathead Lake—offers forested campsites, wildlife viewing and hiking trails that wind through lush terrain filled with wildflowers.

Thompson Chain of Lakes + Logan State Park
Stretching across 20 miles, the Thompson Chain of Lakes features shoreline access to 18 glacial lakes and more than 3,000 acres of recreation opportunities, including fishing, boating, birding, camping and hiking. Logan State Park, located on Middle Thompson Lake, is a heavily forested favorite for families.

Camp and paddle at Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park in Glacier Country’s northwest corridor.

Thompson Falls State Park
Set along the scenic Clark Fork River, Thompson Falls State Park offers quiet camping in an old-growth pine forest, access to the Thompson Falls Trail and a family-friendly fishing pond. Birding opportunities are plentiful in this peaceful valley setting.

CAMPING AT FISHING ACCESS SITES

Many Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks fishing access sites allow camping. These sites cannot be reserved in advance, so having a backup plan is recommended. All locations listed below are dry camping only, with no electric, water or sewer hookups. Most include boat launches and offer outstanding opportunities to recreate on the water.

Harpers Lake
Camp along the Clearwater River at Harpers Lake or nearby Blanchard Lake. Campsites are close to the road for easy access.
14 campsites + gravel boat launch
31 miles east of Bonner on State Highway 200, turn north on State Highway 83 for 2 miles

Harper’s Lake is close to Clearwater Junction and the famous giant cow. Photo: Lyman Gillen

Island Lake
This fishing access site offers enhanced fishing opportunities between Libby and Kalispell. With just a few campsites, Island Lake offers solitude under a star-filled sky.
3 campsites
46 miles west of Kalispell

Upsata Lake
At Upsata Lake, enjoy sweeping views of rolling prairie and the entrance to Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness.
6 campsites + gravel boat launch
37 miles east of Bonner on MT-200 to milepost 38, then 4 miles north on Woodworth Road

BLACKFOOT RIVER CORRIDOR

Immortalized by Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It, the Blackfoot River offers 26 miles of scenic corridor with exceptional trout fishing and diverse floating experiences ranging from gentle water to whitewater. Numerous fishing access sites provide varied camping options, all set along the Blackfoot River.

Turn a float-fishing trip into an overnight adventure. Float-in campsites include River Junction, Clearwater, Corrick’s River Bend and Ninemile Prairie. Reservations are required.

Fish for trout on the renowned Blackfoot River.

Harry Morgan
Harry Morgan is a favorite launch point with rustic camping beside crystal-clear water.
4 campsites + gravel boat launch
River right, mile 2, 3.5 miles south of Ovando on the Ovando-Helmville Road

River Junction
Access one of the most scenic stretches of the Blackfoot River from the remote River Junction campsite.
6 campsites + gravel boat launch
River right, mile 52, 38 miles east of Bonner on MT-200, turn southeast on an unmarked county road (FAS sign at the junction) for 9 rough miles, follow the signs

Russell Gates
A popular rafting put-in and take-out, Russell Gates offers shaded campsites, wide-river fishing and frequent wildlife sightings.
12 campsites + gravel boat launch
River right, mile 40, 34 miles east of Bonner on MT-200

Ninemile Prairie
Ninemile Prairie is an off-the-beaten-path campground perched above the Blackfoot River.
3 campsites
River right, mile 25, 25.5 miles east of Bonner on MT-200, turn west (just before mile marker 27) on Ninemile Prairie Road for 4.2 miles

Corrick’s River Bend
Camp among towering ponderosa pines beside the river and enjoy classic Montana night skies at Corrick’s River Bend.
12 campsites + gravel boat launch
River right, mile 23, 25.5 miles east of Bonner on MT-200, then 6 miles west on Ninemile Prairie Road

Thibodeau
A popular ending point for tubing down Thibodeau Falls, the Thibodeau site offers riverside camping with the calming sound of flowing water.
6 campsites
River left, mile 18, 10.3 miles east of Bonner on MT-200, turn north on Johnsrud Park Road for 5.5 miles

Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsiblyby being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.

Updated May 7, 2026

August 28, 2018

Related: Blackfoot Corridor, Bonner, Camping/RVing, Clark Fork Corridor, Family Fun, Fishing, Getting Around, Libby, Montana, Outdoor Fun, Ovando, Parks, Road Trips, Seeley-Swan Corridor, Thompson Falls, Water Fun

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