McGillivray Campground (MT)

12557 HWY 37
LIBBY, MT 59923-8212

Overview

McGillivray Campground has 33 total campsites and provides reservation opportunities for two group sites within the campground loops and a large group shelter located within the facility . The two smaller group sites in the campground will accommodate up to 25 people each. The group shelter will accommodate up to 200 people making it great for reunions and receptions.
A high and low water boat ramp, swim beach and picnic area are also available at McGillivray Campground

Recreation

Fishing derbies are held multiple times each year and anglers can expect kokanee salmon, whitefish and a variety of trout.

Facilities

The large group shelter (site 1) is equipped with a rock fireplace and multiple tables. Two Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided nearby. Two large cooking grills, horseshoe pits, path to beach area, fire ring and a 1-acre meadow adjoin the site.
A large paved parking lot is available for large parties. The site is gated for security of rental parties and it is recommended that the gate is swung closed. Electrical outlets are available within the shelter, however reservationists must provide their own generator. Firewood is provided for the shelter.
The two group sites (site 7 and site 23) within the campground provide parking for up to five RVs. Each site has three tent pads, three picnic tables, fire ring, and a large cooking grill are within the sites. All sites at this campground have no electricity and firewood is not provided.

Natural Features

The McGillivary is located on the western shore of Lake Koocanusa in northwest Montana, at an elevation of about 2,520 feet. It is nestled in a heavily forested area with dense vegetation on the forest floor. The adjacent 46,500-acre reservoir has over 127 miles of shoreline and is formed by the 422' tall Libby Dam on the Kootenai River, which stretches about 90 miles and into Canada. Osprey often fish around Libby Dam at sunset, making for enjoyable viewing opportunities. Bald eagles can be seen hunting kokanee in the river and lake during the fall. A variety of wildlife also makes its home in the area.

Nearby Attractions

The Kootenai River, below Libby Dam, is a blue ribbon fishery. Guided tours of the dam and powerhouse are offered at the visitor center throughout the summer season.

Visitors enjoy driving the 100-mile loop around the reservoir. Several trails, including some that lead to scenic waterfalls, are located along the route.

Camp site features

Across 39 camp sites:

Fire pit: 1 of 39 sites
Pets allowed: all 39 sites
ADA accessible: 1 of 39 sites
Group sites: 3 of 39 sites
Longest RV: 40 ft
Largest party: 200 people
Equipment: RV, Tent

Directions

From Libby, travel 15 miles northeast on State Highway 37. Turn west on Forest Development Road 228 and continue for about 10 miles to the site.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 2 PM.

Reviews

45 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Wayne S

Loop:Loop B

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Very clean. Large sites

Melissa N

Loop:Loop A

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Beautiful lake, lot of nice trails. The campground was nice and quiet. We were in spot 22 but don’t think we will choose that spot again. The vault toilet fumes were pretty bad. Other than that we enjoyed the campground

Susan D

Loop:Loop A

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

This was our second year at McGillivray Campground, and as much as we don’t want to rate it because we’d love to keep it our best-kept secret, we have to give credit where it’s due! A huge kudos to the camp host and his spouse for doing such a great job. It is such a peaceful spot tucked away in the forest. Everything was kept clean and tidy throughout our stay. Our dogs absolutely loved swimming in gorgeous Lake Koocanusa, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather. Another fantastic stay, and we will definitely be back next summer!

Todd T

Loop:Loop A

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

McGillivray Campground is a wonderful remote location in Northwest Montana. The campground was not crowded and the sites were not overused helping making the stay pleasant. The group site (#23) was clean and large enough for our party of 12. (Some of the party used nearby sites.) Our three month old grandson was able to meet all his uncles and was the star of the weekend. The Libby Dam Generator Room tour was a highlight as my family of nerds delighted in seeing the big equipment and a generator in thousands of pieces. Only remember to keep the camp bear safe by not leaving trash out like we did. In our case it was a skunk that found the trash and had to be run off at two in the morning. Fortunately nothing foul occurred and the trash was secured in a vehicle.

James F

Loop:Loop A

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Nice campground and accommodating camp host.

David G

Loop:Loop A

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

This was a fantastic campground if you don't need any hookups! Clean pit toilets. Quiet location near the lake. We will definitely stay here again when in the area!

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve