Situated in Polson, Montana, the Blue Bay Campground is located by beautiful Flathead Lake. It is an enchanting escape seamlessly marrying the area's natural beauty with tribal heritage and history. Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, the campground is embraced by a lush, evergreen forest, and its waterfront sites grant you direct access to the pristine waters of Flathead Lake. The Lake Building and the Day Use Area are owned and operated by the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. Managed by the Tribe's Wildland Recreation Program and the dedicated staff of Blue Bay Campground. Families can rent a campsite to spend a night or more surrounded by nature in this safe environment.
Whether camping under the pine tree canopy or gazing across the glassy lake at sunrise, this is where nature takes center stage. Be one of the first to get a spot to immerse yourself in the tranquility! Operating on a fair and equitable first-come, first-served basis, Blue Bay Campground allows the residents and visitors. Set up a camper or bring a tent, be “Bear Aware,” and put your food in your camper or car when swimming in the lake. The campground is alcohol-free, which gives it the perfect family-friendly environment. Check out the website for the pricing range, where the collected fees help cover staffing and operations at the campground.
Blue Bay Campground is conveniently accessible. The Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), located approximately 70 miles to the northeast, serves as the nearest major airport, offering connections to various destinations. For those seeking a more scenic journey, the Whitefish Amtrak station provides train access, allowing travelers to savor the breathtaking landscapes of Montana as they approach Polson. One of the things that sets Blue Bay Campground apart is its connection to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. This Trail, which chronicles the iconic expedition of Lewis and Clark, winds its way through Montana, and the campground is ideally positioned as a base camp for exploration. You can follow in the footsteps of these trailblazers, visit interpretive sites and even enjoy guided tours that bring the history of this incredible life journey.
BLUE BAY RULES
1. All vehicles must fill out a vehicle use permit registration envelope, including members of the CSKT. Checkout is required for all guests at the end of your stay.
2. Two vehicles per campsite with an optional third vehicle available at an additional charge.
3. Alcohol and illegal drugs are prohibited in all areas of the campgrounds.
4. No Firearms or Fireworks are allowed on Blue Bay grounds.
5. No Jet Skis/ATVs in the Bay or on the grounds.
6. No draining of grey water in the campground.
7. Checkout time for campers is 12 pm unless registered for the night.
8. Quite hours are from 10 pm to 7 am. Campground gate is closed during quiet hours. No vehicle entry, walk in only.
9. This campground is a first come, first served establishment, no reservations.
10. Camps must be occupied nightly or your belongings will be removed. Keep a clean camp during your stay. You are required to clean the site before leaving.
11. Be “Bear Aware” All food/ coolers and attractants must be in a vehicles or hard sided camper whenever someone is not present or while sleeping.
12. Camping is allowed for no more than 10 consecutive days at a time, and then you must wait 7 days to return for CSKT and non-members.
13. No campers under the age of 18 without adult supervision.
14. Camps in electric sites will be charged the full-service rate.
15. Do not cut any vegetation and or trees. Firewood for campfires may be available for designated campground areas. Do not leave campfires unattended.
16. Pets may not be left unattended and must be on leash at all time, see our Pet Policy.
17. No lifeguard on duty, swim at own risk. No one allowed under the age of 14 can swim without adult supervision. Do not swim on or around the boat ramp.
18. Campground Speed limit is 10mph. Drive safe or you will be removed.
19. In order to qualify for the free rate for a CSKT member (basic camping) or a CSKT elder (full-service Camping). The Member or Elder must be staying at the site that they originally signed up for. If the CSKT member does not stay at the campsite for which the fee was waived, the current occupant of the campsite, if not a CSKT Member will be charged the non-member rates.
20. Blue Bay staff and law enforcement officials are authorized to immediately remove any person who violates these rules. Furthermore, if deemed necessary for the safety of the public or staff, individuals may be permanently removed from Blue Bay. Any acts of violence or threats toward staff or the public will result in permanent removal from the grounds. Property damage or disruptive behavior toward other users may result in the loss of future privileges to enter and use Blue Bay grounds due to these violations.
21. See “The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Regulations” for a full list of applicable regulations.
FLATHEAD INDIAN RESERVATION Fishing, Bird Hunting, and Recreation Regulations of the CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES and the MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS
