Exploring the Great Outdoors: Lost Johnny Point Campground and Other Top Choices near Hungry Horse Reservoir

As the world continues to offer new and unique challenges each day, more and more people are finding solace in the great outdoors, with campgrounds being the perfect escape. Camping alongside a breathtaking view of a blue sky or next to the glistening waters of a nearby lake is an experience that brings a feeling of peace and tranquility, different from anything else. If you’re looking for the perfect place to camp around the Hungry Horse Reservoir in Montana, then Lost Johnny Point Campground is the place to be! But wait, there’s more! In this blog post, we’ll show you the top five campgrounds around the Hungry Horse Reservoir, including Apgar Campground, St. Mary Campground, Emery Bay Campground, Doris Creek Campground, and Dickey Lake Campground. So, let’s get started!

Why Lost Johnny Point Campground is the Perfect Getaway

The Lost Johnny Point Campground is a hidden gem when it comes to camping in Montana, located on the west side of Hungry Horse Reservoir, providing a serene and quiet camping experience. The campground is perfect for family vacations, group camping, and individual camping. It offers a beautiful view of the river and the forested mountains surrounding it. The campsites are well-maintained, and some offer electric and RV hookups. Activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating are available, while guided tours and horseback riding can also make a camping trip to the Lost Johnny Point Campground even more exciting!

Top 5 Hungry Horse Reservoir Campgrounds

  1. Apgar Campground: Located within the Glacier National Park, this campground offers a perfect blend of classic camping and outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing. With 200 campsites, electricity, and RV hookups, Apgar is perfect for family vacations.

  2. St. Mary Campground: With its exceptional beauty, this natural area situated at the east end of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is perfect for outdoor explorers. St. Mary Campground attracts hikers, sightseers, and adventurers seeking the thrill of kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

  3. Emery Bay Campground: The perfect place to escape the crowds, Emery Bay Campground is located on the east side of the Hungry Horse Reservoir. With well-maintained campsites and modern amenities, Emery Bay is perfect for tent camping, RVs, and group camping.

  4. Doris Creek Campground: A small and quaint campground situated on the west side of the Hungry Horse Reservoir, Doris Creek is the perfect destination for a peaceful camping experience. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, campers can enjoy fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

  5. Dickey Lake Campground: Nestled within a dense and beautiful forest, this small campground offers a great opportunity for campers to enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. With only 10 campsites, Dickey Lake Campground is perfect for those seeking a quiet and secluded camping experience.

Whether you’re seeking peace, solitude, or adventure in the open air, the Lost Johnny Point Campground and other nearby campgrounds are the perfect destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life, pack your bags, and head to Hungry Horse Reservoir for an unforgettable camping experience.

Exploring Lost Johnny Point Campground and Nearby Sites: Apgar Campground

If you’re searching for an idyllic camping experience in Montana, then you’ve probably heard of the Lost Johnny Point Campground. But, did you know that this isn’t the only stunning campsite in the area? Apgar campground, located near the west entrance of Glacier National Park, is another worthy spot to pitch your tent.

About Apgar Campground

Apgar campground is a popular spot for campers and is one of the largest campgrounds in Glacier National Park. It has 194 campsites that offer a range of amenities depending on your needs, such as flush toilets, running water, and picnic tables.

You can camp here between mid-May and late September, as it’s closed during the winter months. Supposedly, the campground is named after the first superintendent of Glacier National Park, William Apgar, but there is some controversy over the origin of the name.

Things to do at Apgar Campground

Beyond camping, the Apgar campground offers an array of activities. Whether you’re interested in hiking, fishing, kayaking, or horseback riding, this area has something for everyone.

Some popular activities to try are:

  • Take a walk on the Trail of the Cedars. This easy one-mile hike takes you through a lush forest and over a suspension bridge.
  • Visit Lake McDonald. This crystal-clear lake is perfect for fishing, kayaking, or swimming.
  • Go horseback riding. Take in the scenery while riding through the park’s breathtaking landscape.
  • Attend a ranger-led program. These programs are offered throughout the summer months and are a great way to learn about the area’s history and wildlife.

Tips for Camping at Apgar Campground

Before you pack up your car and head to Apgar, here are some handy tips to remember:

  • Reservations are recommended, but some sites are first-come, first-served.
  • Fires are only allowed in established fire rings.
  • Wildlife is abundant in the area, so be sure to store your food properly to avoid attracting bears and other critters.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions and check the forecast before you go. The park is known for its unpredictable weather patterns.

Overall, Apgar campground is a fantastic option for camping near Lost Johnny Point Campground. With its stunning natural beauty, endless activities, and convenient amenities, it’s no wonder why this area is a popular choice for campers. So, if you’re planning a trip to Glacier National Park, be sure to check out Apgar campground as well.

Exploring St Mary Campground

If you’re looking for a natural paradise to escape into, then the St Mary Campground is the perfect getaway destination. Situated within close proximity to the Lost Johnny Point Campground, the St Mary Campground offers a scenic respite for outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s everything you need to know:

Location

The St Mary Campground is located on the eastern side of Glacier National Park. The campground is situated about half a mile south of the St Mary Entrance Station on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Campsite Amenities

The St Mary Campground offers primitive campsites as well as sites with more modern amenities. These include:

  • Fire pits and grills
  • Picnic tables
  • Potable water
  • Vault toilets

Activities

The St Mary Campground offers plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. Some of the most popular activities include:

  • Hiking: The campground offers access to numerous hiking trails, including the St Mary Falls Trail, the Virginia Falls Trail, and the Piegan Pass Trail.
  • Fishing: The campground is located near several lakes and streams that offer excellent fishing opportunities.
  • Wildlife watching: The St Mary area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats.

Reservations

The St Mary Campground is open from June through September, and reservations are strongly recommended during peak season. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance through the National Park Service’s website.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the St Mary Campground is a fantastic destination for anyone looking for a peaceful escape into nature. With its scenic hikes, excellent fishing opportunities, and abundant wildlife, the campground offers something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. So pack your bags and head out to the St Mary Campground for an adventure you’ll never forget!

Exploring Emery Bay Campground

If you’re on the hunt for a family-friendly campground in Lost Johnny Point, look no further than Emery Bay Campground. Situated just 10 miles from the entrance to Lost Johnny Point State Park, this campground offers everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable camping trip.

Here are some of the highlights of Emery Bay Campground:

Amenities

  • Clean restrooms with hot showers
  • Fire pits at every site for roasting marshmallows and telling campfire stories
  • Picnic tables for al fresco dining
  • A playground for kids to burn off some energy
  • Potable water and a dump station for RVs

Activities

  • Fishing: Emery Bay is known for its rainbow and brown trout, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts.
  • Hiking: There are plenty of hiking trails in the Lost Johnny Point State Park that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Mountain biking: With its varied terrain and scenic trails, the park is a popular spot for mountain biking.
  • Bird watching: The park is home to a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for bird watchers.

Nearby Attractions

  • Lost Johnny Point State Park: Just a short drive away, this state park is a must-visit destination for campers in the area.
  • Sierra National Forest: This nearby forest is perfect for exploring and offers a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping.
  • Yosemite National Park: If you have time to venture a bit further afield, Yosemite National Park is just a few hours’ drive away and offers unparalleled natural beauty.

In summary, Emery Bay Campground is a fantastic choice for families looking to experience the beauty and tranquility of Lost Johnny Point. With its amenities, activities, and nearby attractions, there’s something for everyone at this picturesque campground.

Doris Creek Campground: A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers

One campground that should be on every nature lover’s radar is the Doris Creek Campground. Nestled deep in the heart of the forest, this campground is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful and serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here are some key takeaways on what makes this campground so special:

Location

  • The Doris Creek Campground is located in the Lost Johnny Point Campground, which is situated in the beautiful woodlands of Montana.
  • The campground is approximately 20 miles northeast of Hamilton, which makes it an ideal destination for those looking for a weekend getaway from the city.

Campsite Amenities

  • The Doris Creek Campground has 8 campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Each campsite comes equipped with a fire pit, picnic table, and access to a vault toilet.
  • While there is no potable water available at the campground, there is a creek nearby where you can filter water.

Activities

  • The Doris Creek Campground is surrounded by a lush forest that is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
  • The nearby creek provides an excellent opportunity for fishing, swimming, and kayaking.
  • The area is also known for its expansive trail system, which offers hikers and bikers ample opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness.

Things to Note

  • There is no cell phone service available at the campground, so make sure to plan accordingly.
  • The nearest town with supplies is Hamilton, so be sure to stock up on essentials before heading to the campground.
  • Keep in mind that the campground is only open seasonally, so be sure to check the official website for current opening dates.

Overall, the Doris Creek Campground is a perfect spot for those seeking a quiet getaway in the heart of nature. Make sure to add this hidden gem to your bucket list for your next camping adventure.

Dickey Lake Campground

If you are in the Lost Johnny Point Campground area and you’re looking for another great campsite to explore, the Dickey Lake Campground is a perfect option. This campground is located just south of the Lost Johnny Point Campground, making it a great spot to stay if the Lost Johnny Point Campground is full. Here are some details about the Dickey Lake Campground worth considering:

Location

The Dickey Lake Campground is situated along the eastern shore of Dickey Lake, which is about 26 miles northwest of Libby, Montana. If you are coming from the south, you can take Highway 37 to reach the campground. There are several hiking trails in and around the campground, including the Ross Creek Cedars and Kootenai Falls nearby.

Campsites

The Dickey Lake Campground offers 40 sites with tables and fire rings. There are also restrooms with flush toilets and potable water available. Some of the campsites at this campground even have access to the lakefront, which is perfect for those who want to fish, swim, or relax by the water.

Activities

The campground has a lot of fun activities that visitors can enjoy. Some of the activities include the following:

  • Fishing (trout, bass, and panfish)
  • Swimming and boating (motorized and non-motorized)
  • Hiking and biking trails
  • Picnicking and campfire programs

Nearby Attractions

Besides the exciting activities within the campground, Dickey Lake Campground is also close to other attractions that you can explore. Some of them include:

  • Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area: This area is well-known for its amazing old-growth cedar forest, and it’s only a few miles away from the Dickey Lake Campground.
  • Kootenai Falls: This area has one of Montana’s most magnificent waterfalls, and it’s only a short drive from the campground.
  • Cabinet Mountains Wilderness: This wilderness area provides outstanding opportunities for hiking and exploring with stunning views.

Reservations

The Dickey Lake Campground is open from May to September, and reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. You can make your reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a great camping spot in Montana, the Dickey Lake Campground is a must-visit. This campground offers great campsites, fun activities, and nearby attractions, making it the perfect spot to spend a few days with family or friends. Don’t forget to make your reservation early and enjoy your stay!

Subsection: Hungry Horse Reservoir Camping Reservations

If you’re planning a camping trip to Lost Johnny Point Campground, you might want to consider making reservations at nearby Hungry Horse Reservoir. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your camping reservations:

Checking Availability Online

Hungry Horse Reservoir offers two different campgrounds, both of which accept reservations. You can check availability and make reservations online through the Recreation.gov website. It’s always a good idea to check availability well in advance of your trip, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak season.

Reserving a Campsite

When making your reservation, you’ll need to specify the dates of your stay and select a specific campsite. Keep in mind that some campsites may already be reserved, so it’s a good idea to have a few backup options in mind. Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit, picnic table, and access to nearby restrooms and drinking water.

Paying for Your Reservation

Once you’ve selected your campsite, you can pay for your reservation online using a credit or debit card. Make sure to print out your reservation confirmation and bring it with you on your trip.

Getting to Hungry Horse Reservoir

Hungry Horse Reservoir is located just a short drive away from Lost Johnny Point Campground. To get there, head north on MT-83 and turn left onto Forest Road 895. Follow the signs to either Lost Johnny Point Campground or Hungry Horse Reservoir Campground.

Things to Do at Hungry Horse Reservoir

While you’re camping at Hungry Horse Reservoir, be sure to take advantage of all the fun activities the area has to offer, including fishing, boating, hiking, and mountain biking. And don’t forget to take in the stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains.

Overall, reserving a campsite at Hungry Horse Reservoir is a great way to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping trip to Lost Johnny Point Campground. Just be sure to plan ahead and make your reservations early!