The Bad Medicine Campground is located 25 miles south of Troy on Hwy 56, at
the south end of Bull Lake.The campground has 18 sites including one host
site, with tables and fire rings, most offering an average length of 32'.
Campground roads and campsite parking spurs are paved. Amenities include
potable water, vault toilets and a fully developed boat ramp with dock. There
are 6 picnic sites with tables and fire rings near the boat ramp for day use
only. A security gate is closed at 10:00 pm and opened at 07:00 am daily be
the camphost.

<p>The Bad Medicine Campground is located 25 miles south of Troy on Hwy 56, at the south end of Bull Lake.The campground has 18 sites including one host site, with tables and fire rings, most offering an average length of 32'. Campground roads and campsite parking spurs are paved. Amenities include potable water, vault toilets and a fully developed boat ramp with dock. There are 6 picnic sites with tables and fire rings near the boat ramp for day use only. A security gate is closed at 10:00 pm and opened at 07:00 am daily be the camphost.</p>

Bird's eye view of the campground

Bad Medicine Campground

## Overview

The Bull River Guard Station was built in 1908 as the Ranger's house and
office. This structure was a primary ranger station from 1908 to 1920,
surviving the legendary 1910 fires that swept through the area. The cabin was
home to Granville "Granny" Gordon (District Ranger), his wife and three
daughters.  
  
Full vehicle access to the cabin depends on weather conditions. The road is
normally plowed within 1 mile of the cabin during winter months.

## Recreation

The Bull River is 24.7 miles long from its headwaters to where it meets the
Cabinet Gorge Reservoir. Fish species include westslope cutthroat trout, large
scale sucker and mountain whitefish. Visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife and
Parks website for fishing regulations and hunting seasons and permits.  
  
Hikers might be interested in two excellent day hiking options located near
the guard station: the Pilick Ridge Trail #1036 and the Berray Mountain Trail
#967. Both lead to lookouts with impressive views of the Cabinet Mountains.
The Berray Mountain Lookout tower, built in the 1930's, is listed on the
National Historic Lookout Register.  
  
For those interested in horseback riding, there is plenty of opportunity to
explore the surrounding land. Stock animals are not allowed in the cabin area,
but visitors may tie up across the road or 50 yards behind the station. As
always, certified weed free hay is required on all Forest Service lands.

## Facilities

The two-story cabin spans 700 square feet and is equipped with period
furniture, including three full beds and two single beds with mattresses. The
cabin can accommodate a maximum of 8 people and does require guests to bring a
few of their own supplies to ensure a comfortable stay.  
  
  
  
In addition to the beds, the cabin features a sitting room with chairs and a
kitchen/dining room with a hutch, table and chairs and electric range.  
  
  
  
The space is heated with a forced air electric furnace, and comes with some
cleaning supplies. There is no indoor plumbing at the cabin; an outhouse with
vault toilet is located nearby. A horse corral is located behind the cabin.  
  
  
  
Drinking water is also not available; guests must bring plenty of their own.

## Natural Features

The Bull River Guard Station is located in the Cabinet Mountain Range near the
East Fork of the Bull River in the Kootenai National Forest.  
  
The Cabinet Mountains were named by early French settlers who thought the
mountains had a cabinet-like appearance when viewed from the valley floor.  
  
The cabin is located minutes from from the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness area
which is home to a large range of wildlife from the high rocks of the mountain
goat, mountain sheep, pika and golden eagle, to the lower slopes and brushy
canyon bottoms of the beaver, woodrat, and beautiful Western Tanager.  
  
Fall foliage in this area is truly stunning with a wonderful assortment of
Mountain Maple scarlets, Mountain Ash reds, Alder browns, and the Larch golden
yellows.

<h2>Overview</h2>
The Bull River Guard Station was built in 1908 as the Ranger's house and office. This structure was a primary ranger station from 1908 to 1920, surviving the legendary 1910 fires that swept through the area. The cabin was home to Granville "Granny" Gordon (District Ranger), his wife and three daughters. 
<br/><br/>
Full vehicle access to the cabin depends on weather conditions. The road is normally plowed within 1 mile of the cabin during winter months. <h2>Recreation</h2>
The Bull River is 24.7 miles long from its headwaters to where it meets the Cabinet Gorge Reservoir. Fish species include westslope cutthroat trout, large scale sucker and mountain whitefish. Visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website for <a href="http://fwp.mt.gov/" rel="nofollow">fishing regulations and hunting seasons and permits</a>.
<br/><br/>
Hikers might be interested in two excellent day hiking options located near the guard station: the Pilick Ridge Trail #1036 and the Berray Mountain Trail #967. Both lead to lookouts with impressive views of the Cabinet Mountains. The Berray Mountain Lookout tower, built in the 1930's, is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
<br/><br/>
For those interested in horseback riding, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the surrounding land. Stock animals are not allowed in the cabin area, but visitors may tie up across the road or 50 yards behind the station. As always, certified weed free hay is required on all Forest Service lands.
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The two-story cabin spans 700 square feet and is equipped with period furniture, including three full beds and two single beds with mattresses. The cabin can accommodate a maximum of 8 people and does require guests to bring a few of their own supplies to ensure a comfortable stay. <br><br><br><br>In addition to the beds, the cabin features a sitting room with chairs and a kitchen/dining room with a hutch, table and chairs and electric range. <br><br><br><br>The space is heated with a forced air electric furnace, and comes with some cleaning supplies. There is no indoor plumbing at the cabin; an outhouse with vault toilet is located nearby. A horse corral is located behind the cabin.<br><br><br><br>Drinking water is also not available; guests must bring plenty of their own.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The Bull River Guard Station is located in the Cabinet Mountain Range near the East Fork of the Bull River in the Kootenai National Forest. 
<br/><br/>
The Cabinet Mountains were named by early French settlers who thought the mountains had a cabinet-like appearance when viewed from the valley floor. 
<br/><br/>
The cabin is located minutes from from the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness area which is home to a large range of wildlife from the high rocks of the mountain goat, mountain sheep, pika and golden eagle, to the lower slopes and brushy canyon bottoms of the beaver, woodrat, and beautiful Western Tanager.
<br/><br/>
Fall foliage in this area is truly stunning with a wonderful assortment of Mountain Maple scarlets, Mountain Ash reds, Alder browns, and the Larch golden yellows.

BULL RIVER GUARD STATION

Kitchen Hutch

Downstairs Bedroom - Double Bed

Upstairs Bedroom 2 - Twin Beds

Upstairs Bedroom 1 - Double Bed

Kitchen

Bull River Guard Station

Living Room

The Big Eddy Campground is located approximately 6 miles of east of the Idaho
border in Montana on Hwy 200. The campground has 5 sites with table and fire
rings and will accomodate a 30' RV. Amenities include vault toilets and a
fully developed boat ramp with a dock. There is two day use sites, one with a
covered shelter, two picnic tables and fire grills, near the boat ramp.

<p>The Big Eddy Campground is located approximately 6 miles of east of the Idaho border in Montana on Hwy 200. The campground has 5 sites with table and fire rings and will accomodate a 30' RV. Amenities include vault toilets and a fully developed boat ramp with a dock. There is  two day use sites, one with a covered shelter, two picnic tables and fire grills, near the boat ramp.</p>

Big Eddy Campground

## Overview

Dorr Skeels Campground is located 13 miles south of Troy on Hwy 56. The Dorr
Skeels Campground has 8 overnight campsites, including one host site and 2 day
use sites with tables and fire rings. Amenities include potable water, vault
toilets, swimming area with beach and a fully developed boat ramp with dock. A
security gate is closed at 10:00 pm and opened at 07:00 am daily by the
camphost.

## Recreation

The campground has a boat ramp with dock, a beach area and bouyed off swimming
area. There are several day use sites available for guests.

## Facilities

The campground has 8 overnight camp sites, including one host site and 2 day
use sites, all with tables and fire rings. Most sites offer an average length
of 30 feet. Vault toilets, garbage service and drinking water are available
during the peak season. The campground campsites are not currently on the
reservation system.

## Natural Features

At an elevation of 2,344 feet, the campground is nestled among mature pines at
the north end of Bull Lake in the Bull Lake Area. The lake spans 1,162 acres.
The lake is popular with recreationists as well as fisherman. Many species of
fish can be found there including brook trout, bull trout, kokanee, small and
large mouth bass, pike, suckers, whitefish and perch.

## Nearby Attractions

The campground lies along the western edge of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness
and is just north of an ancient cedar grove, Ross Creek Cedars.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Dorr Skeels Campground is located 13 miles south of Troy on Hwy 56. The Dorr Skeels Campground has 8 overnight campsites, including one host site and 2 day use sites with tables and fire rings. Amenities include potable water, vault toilets, swimming area with beach and a fully developed boat ramp with dock. A security gate is closed at 10:00 pm and opened at 07:00 am daily by the camphost.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The campground has a boat ramp with dock, a beach area and bouyed off swimming area. There are several day use sites available for guests.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The campground has 8  overnight camp sites, including one host site and 2 day use sites, all with tables and fire rings. Most sites offer an average length of 30 feet. Vault toilets, garbage service and drinking water are available during the peak season. The campground campsites are not currently on the reservation system.  </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>At an elevation of 2,344 feet, the campground is nestled among mature pines at the north end of Bull Lake in the Bull Lake Area. The lake spans 1,162 acres. The lake is popular with recreationists as well as fisherman.  Many species of fish can be found there including  brook trout, bull trout, kokanee, small and large mouth bass, pike, suckers, whitefish and perch.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The campground lies along the western edge of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness and is just north of an ancient cedar grove, Ross Creek Cedars.</p>

Dorr Skeels Beach

Cabinet Mtn Wilderness as seen from Bull Lake

Dorr Skeels Boat Ramp and Dock

Dorr Skeels Campground

Dorr Skeels Campground is located 13 miles south of Troy on Hwy 56. The Dorr
Skeels Campground has 8 overnight campsites, including one host site, with
tables and fire rings, 5 sites are in the tent camping only area. The 2 sites
for RV's are located near the swimming beach. Amenities include potable water,
vault toilets, swimming area with beach and a fully developed boat ramp with
dock. A security gate is closed at 10:00 pm and opened at 07:00 am daily by
the camphost.

<p>Dorr Skeels Campground is located 13 miles south of Troy on Hwy 56. The Dorr Skeels Campground has 8 overnight campsites, including one host site, with tables and fire rings, 5 sites are in the tent camping only area. The 2 sites for RV's are located near the swimming beach. Amenities include potable water, vault toilets, swimming area with beach and a fully developed boat ramp with dock. A security gate is closed at 10:00 pm and opened at 07:00 am daily by the camphost.</p>

## Overview

Bull River Pavilion offers an excellent view of the Bull River and surrounding
forest. It's located right in the thick of a variety of recreational
opportunities and provides a large group with the perfect place to picnic in
northwestern Montana.

## Recreation

The rivers give visitors ample opportunity for fishing, swimming and boating.
Large and smallmouth bass, perch, rainbow and brown trout and squawfish can be
found in the clear, cool waters. Boating, sailing and water skiing are also
popular activities on the reservoir.  
  
Visitors enjoy tours of the Noxon Rapids Dam, which is located less than 10
miles southeast of the pavilion. It is an earthen, gravity-type, hydroelectric
dam that has been in operation for more than 50 years.

## Facilities

The accessible pavilion can accommodate up to 100 people, has space for up to
5 camping vehicles and approximately 7 single vehicles. A camping unit is
defined as a car, truck motor home or bus with a towed boat trailer or car.
Remember, do not block traffic in the parking loop to maintain access for
emergency vehicles.

Electricity is available within the structure. It is also equipped with picnic
tables, campfire rings and grills. Accessible vault toilet and drinking water
are provided. A camping vehicle is defined as a car, truck motor home or bus
with a towed boat trailer or car.  
  
The adjacent campground offers over a dozen accessible sites for tent and RV
camping. A boat ramp, fishing dock and access to the reservoir are available
within the campground. All parking surfaces are gravel.

## Natural Features

The pavilion is located in a wooded area at the confluence of the Bull River
and the Clark Fork River. The rivers empty into 3,200-acre Cabinet Gorge
Reservoir, at an elevation of about 2,200 feet. A variety of trees forest the
area, including cedar and Douglas fir.

## Nearby Attractions

<h2>Overview</h2>
Bull River Pavilion offers an excellent view of the Bull River and surrounding forest. It's located right in the thick of a variety of recreational opportunities and provides a large group with the perfect place to picnic in northwestern Montana.<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The rivers give visitors ample opportunity for fishing, swimming and boating. Large and smallmouth bass, perch, rainbow and brown trout and squawfish can be found in the clear, cool waters. Boating, sailing and water skiing are also popular activities on the reservoir.<br><br>Visitors enjoy tours of the Noxon Rapids Dam, which is located less than 10 miles southeast of the pavilion. It is an earthen, gravity-type, hydroelectric dam that has been in operation for more than 50 years.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The accessible pavilion can accommodate up to 100 people, has space for up to 5 camping vehicles and approximately 7 single vehicles. A camping unit is defined as a car, truck motor home or bus with a towed boat trailer or car. Remember, do not block traffic in the parking loop to maintain access for emergency vehicles.</p>
<p>Electricity is available within the structure. It is also equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings and grills. Accessible vault toilet and drinking water are provided. A camping vehicle is defined as a car, truck motor home or bus with a towed boat trailer or car.<br><br>The adjacent campground offers over a dozen accessible sites for tent and RV camping. A boat ramp, fishing dock and access to the reservoir are available within the campground. All parking surfaces are gravel.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The pavilion is located in a wooded area at the confluence of the Bull River and the Clark Fork River. The rivers empty into 3,200-acre Cabinet Gorge Reservoir, at an elevation of about 2,200 feet. A variety of trees forest the area, including cedar and Douglas fir.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>

BULL RIVER PAVILION

BULL RIVER

Bull River Pavilion-Table

Bull River Pavilion

Bull River Pavilion - Fire Pit

Bull River Pavilion - Water Spigot

Our facility is experiencing a temporary water and trash outage. Please bring
all the water you'll need for your visit, including drinking water. Plan on
practicing pack-in/pack-out Leave No Trace Principles.

<p>Our facility is experiencing a temporary water and trash outage. Please bring all the water you'll need for your visit, including drinking water. Plan on practicing pack-in/pack-out Leave No Trace Principles.</p>

Our facility is currently experiencing a temporary water outage. Please visit
our website or contact the facility for additional information.

<p>Our facility is currently experiencing a temporary water outage. Please visit our website or contact the facility for additional information.</p>

The Spar Lake Campground is located 2.5 miles east of Troy then 17 miles south
on Lake Creek Road 384. The campground offers 13 sites, including one host
site, with tables and fire rings. Most sites offer a 28' length overall.
Amenities include potable water, vault toilets and access to Spar Lake via a
boat ramp developed for small boats.

<p>The Spar Lake Campground is located 2.5 miles east of Troy then 17 miles south on Lake Creek Road 384. The campground offers 13 sites, including one host site, with tables and fire rings. Most sites offer a 28' length overall. Amenities include potable water, vault toilets and access to Spar Lake via a boat ramp developed for small boats.</p>

Spar Lake Campground

Howard Lake campground is located south of Libby on road 4779. The campground
has 10 sites (3 pull thru's) including one host site with tables and fire
rings. Camground roads and parking spurs are gravel. Amentities include vault
toilets and swimming beach. There are 2 day use sites with fire rings and
picnic tables near the beach area.

The camphost may close the gate to the campground each evening at 10:00 pm and
open it again at 7:00 am. The gate closes for the season on December 1st and
is opened again when access permits.

Howard Lake and Howard Creek were prospected and named after the Howard
brothers, Alfred and Benjamin. These two were among some of the the earliest
miners to file and work claims on Upper Libby Creek from 1885 to 1915 when at
the age of 80 Benjamin died.

<p>Howard Lake campground is located south of Libby on road 4779. The campground has 10 sites (3 pull thru's) including one host site with tables and fire rings.  Camground roads and parking spurs are gravel.  Amentities include vault toilets and swimming beach. There are 2 day use sites with fire rings and picnic tables near the beach area.</p><p>The camphost may close the gate to the campground each evening at 10:00 pm and open it again at 7:00 am. The gate closes for the season on December 1st and is opened again when access permits.</p><p>Howard Lake and Howard Creek were prospected and named after the Howard brothers, Alfred and Benjamin. These two were among some of the the earliest miners to file and work claims on Upper Libby Creek from 1885 to 1915 when at the age of 80 Benjamin died.</p>

Howard Lake Campground

## Overview

The gem peak lookout is located in the Cabinet Ranger District, situated above
the Clark Fork River Area at the southern end of the Cabinet Mountain
Wilderness. The original Gem Peak Lookout was activated in 1921 as a "rag
outfit"--a pole platform tent near a 15 foot open-platform tower.  
  
Today, the renovated structure includes a 225 square foot cabin atop a 30-foot
tower with amenities such as a wood heating stove, single beds and of course,
the incredible view of the Clark Fork River and the Noxon area.  
  
Full vehicle access depends on weather conditions, but typically visitors can
drive straight to the lookout.

## Recreation

The Cabinet Ranger District features almost half a million acres of National
Forest lands offering a full range of year-round recreational opportunities.
Approximately 400 miles of trail are available to the hiker, hunter, and stock
user to access various lakes and scenic viewpoints. 150 miles of these trails
are open to motorized use. The District maintains almost 400 miles of open
road, and many miles of gated roads offer additional opportunities to mountain
bikers, berry pickers, and hunters.  
  
There is a trailhead located near the lookout with access for both hiking and
OHV riding. For more information on designated OHV-riding areas, Click here.
Visitors may also enjoy seasonal Huckleberry picking in the land surrounding
the lookout.

## Facilities

The lookout can accommodate up to 4 people with two single beds plus
mattresses, a table and chairs, a bench and a wood heating stove. The lookout
is not wired for electricity, but it does come with firewood stored at the
base of the tower. Guests will need to bring their own light source and
cooking equipment.  
  
There is a vault toilet located outside. Potable water is not available at the
tower; Visitors will need to bring enough drinking water for the extent of
their stay.  
  
Cleaning equipment is provided and guests are expected to leave the tower in
good condition upon departure. This is a "pack it in, pack it out" facility;
trash collection is not provided.  
  
In addition to the above amenities, guests will need to bring a few of their
own supplies to ensure a comfortable stay. Linens, pillows, cooking utensils,
toilet paper, trash bags and food are not provided.

## Natural Features

The Clark Fork River Area is bordered by the Idaho line on the west and the
Cabinet Mountains Wilderness on the east. The Clark Fork River flows north and
west through the District, and the Bull and Vermilion Rivers join it from the
north. Rugged peaks ranging in elevation from 6,000-8,700 feet overlook the
valley bottom.  
  
The Kootenai National Forest is dominated by a mixed conifer forest, but there
is also an impressive ancient cedar grove set aside as a scenic area. In the
spring and throughout the summer, a succession of wildflowers add color to
hillsides and meadows and in the fall, stands of western larch and aspen mix
yellows with the reds of huckleberry bushes, mountain maples and mountain ash.

<h2>Overview</h2>
The gem peak lookout is located in the Cabinet Ranger District, situated above the Clark Fork River Area at the southern end of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness. The original Gem Peak Lookout was activated in 1921 as a "rag outfit"--a pole platform tent near a 15 foot open-platform tower. <br/><br/>

Today, the renovated structure includes a 225 square foot cabin atop a 30-foot tower with amenities such as a wood heating stove, single beds and of course, the incredible view of the Clark Fork River and the Noxon area. <br/><br/>

Full vehicle access depends on weather conditions, but typically visitors can drive straight to the lookout.<h2>Recreation</h2>
The Cabinet Ranger District features almost half a million acres of National Forest lands offering a full range of year-round recreational opportunities.  Approximately 400 miles of trail are available to the hiker, hunter, and stock user to access various lakes and scenic viewpoints.  150 miles of these trails are open to motorized use. The District maintains almost 400 miles of open road, and many miles of gated roads offer additional opportunities to mountain bikers, berry pickers, and hunters.<br/><br/>
There is a trailhead located near the lookout with access for both hiking and OHV riding. For more information on designated OHV-riding areas, <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/kootenai/recreation/ohv" rel="nofollow">Click here</a>. Visitors may also enjoy seasonal Huckleberry picking in the land surrounding the lookout.<h2>Facilities</h2>
The lookout can accommodate up to 4 people with two single beds plus mattresses, a table and chairs, a bench and a wood heating stove. The lookout is not wired for electricity, but it does come with firewood stored at the base of the tower. Guests will need to bring their own light source and cooking equipment.
<br/><br/>
There is a vault toilet located outside. Potable water is not available at the tower; Visitors will need to bring enough drinking water for the extent of their stay. 
<br/><br/>
Cleaning equipment is provided and guests are expected to leave the tower in good condition upon departure. This is a "pack it in, pack it out" facility; trash collection is not provided. 
<br/><br/>
In addition to the above amenities, guests will need to bring a few of their own supplies to ensure a comfortable stay. Linens, pillows, cooking utensils, toilet paper, trash bags and food are not provided.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The Clark Fork River Area is bordered by the Idaho line on the west and the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness on the east. The Clark Fork River flows north and west through the District, and the Bull and Vermilion Rivers join it from the north.  Rugged peaks ranging in elevation from 6,000-8,700 feet overlook the valley bottom.<br/><br/>
The Kootenai National Forest is dominated by a mixed conifer forest, but there is also an impressive ancient cedar grove set aside as a scenic area. In the spring and throughout the summer, a succession of wildflowers add color to hillsides and meadows and in the fall, stands of western larch and aspen mix yellows with the reds of huckleberry bushes, mountain maples and mountain ash.

Gem Peak Lookout

Gem Peak table

Gem Peak in 1921

Woodstove

Twin Bed

Gem Peak Lookout Rental

The Lake Creek Campground is located approximately 32 miles southwest of Libby
off the West Fisher road. The campground has 4 sites all with tent pads,
tables and fire rings and able to accomodate up to a 32' rv. There are also 4
dispersed campsites. Campground roads and and parking spurs are gravel or
native material. Amenities include potable water and vault toilets.

<p>The Lake Creek Campground is located approximately 32 miles southwest of Libby off the West Fisher road. The campground has 4 sites all with tent pads, tables and fire rings and able to accomodate up to a 32' rv. There are also 4 dispersed campsites. Campground roads and and parking spurs are gravel or native material. Amenities include potable water and vault toilets.</p>

Bad Medicine Campground

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Bull River Guard Station

Big Eddy Campground

Dorr Skeels Campground

Dorr Skeels Campground

Bull River Pavilion

Spar Lake Campground

Howard Lake Campground

Gem Peak Lookout Rental

Lake Creek Campground