Mcgillivray Campground (MT)

Within Kootenai National Forest, McGillivray Campground provides Forest Service camping along Lake Koocanusa with sites for RVs up to 40 feet. The campground operates from late May through early September at $16 per night for one vehicle, with an additional $5 for extra vehicles.

Campers access both drive-in sites and walk-in options positioned along a ridge overlooking the lake. A quarter to half-mile trail from the north end leads through a meadow before descending to the water. Vault toilets, drinking water, and garbage bins distribute throughout the area, with leveled tent pads at each site. Wildlife including deer frequent the campground during morning and evening hours. For additional options, see places to camp around Libby. Nearby Yarnell Island Campground offers an alternative setting just over a mile south.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

Mcgillivray Campground (MT) is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

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.

Address

12557 HWY 37
Libby, MT 59923-8212

Coordinates

48.4833333 N
115.3 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Is Mcgillivray Campground (MT) sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

100%
0%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the well-maintained sites, convenient facilities, and peaceful atmosphere. Many appreciated the lake access and scenic views, with easy trails and boat launch nearby.

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2023

Beautiful

Great campground wooded easy walking to boat launch and swimming. Quiet. We would go back. The lake was low for swimming in the swimming area.

Site2
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2021

Camping with a view

Great campground, clean, quiet, and well leveled tent pads. Water and vault toilets and garbage bins scattered throughout so each site is close to one. $16 for one vehicle and $5 for an additional. The highlight is the view of the lake. One trail on the north end of the park is about a 1/4 - 1/2 mile long which takes you up the hill across a beautiful meadow then drops you to the lake. The south end of the campground has multiple camp sites that you walk into from the parking area that are with 1/8-1/4 mile that are situated along the ridge and overlooking the lake. Beautiful views!

Site14
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mcgillivray Campground (MT) by Mical M., July 12, 2021
  • north trail to the lake
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2017

Great Campsite!

Large and well kept. If your a biker they have places to put your food in the case of a bear sighting. Free fire wood, you need to look for it, great price. Also many deer running around at night and in the morning.

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

What does McGillivray Campground look like?

McGillivray Campground features a picturesque setting with beautiful views of the lake. The campground is large, well-kept, and nestled among trees providing nice shade and privacy between sites. It offers well-leveled tent pads and a natural woodland environment where you might spot wildlife like deer during early mornings or evenings. The campground's layout provides easy access to the lake with a boat launch and swimming area nearby. While scenic year-round, visitors should note that lake water levels can fluctuate seasonally, occasionally affecting the swimming area.

How do I make reservations for McGillivray Campground?

McGillivray Campground charges $16 for one vehicle and an additional $5 for a second vehicle. While specific reservation details aren't outlined, most Forest Service campgrounds in Montana offer a mix of reservation and first-come, first-served sites. For the most current information on reservation procedures, contact the local Forest Service office that manages the campground. When planning your trip, consider reserving early during peak summer months as lakeside campgrounds in Montana can fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

What facilities and amenities are available at McGillivray Campground?

McGillivray Campground offers several practical amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. Facilities include vault toilets and water access points strategically placed throughout the campground, ensuring each site is conveniently close to these essentials. Garbage bins are available for waste disposal. The campground provides bear-safe food storage options, particularly helpful for cyclists and hikers. There's access to a boat launch and swimming area by the lake. Some sites feature well-leveled tent pads, and there may be free firewood available if you're willing to gather it yourself. The campground also has hiking trails, including a shorter trail on the north end of the park.