Mcgillivray Campground
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
More like this: reservable in Montana · big rigs in Montana · pets allowed in Montana · group sites in Montana
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗



Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 31 |
| Tent-only | 5 |
| Group sites | 2 |
| group shelter nonelectric | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 40 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
39 sites in 3 loops. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles | Fires | Accessible | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Site 1 | Group Pavilion | Group Shelter Nonelectric | Pull-through | Paved | Partial | 200 / 25 | Yes | Yes | Preferred | |
| 17 | Loop A | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 18 | Loop A | Standard | Pull-through | 40 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 19 | Loop A | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 20 | Loop A | Standard | Pull-through | 40 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 21 | Loop A | Standard | Pull-through | 40 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 22 | Loop A | Standard | Pull-through | 40 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 24 | Loop A | Standard | Pull-through | 40 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 25 | Loop A | Standard | Pull-through | 40 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 26 | Loop A | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 40 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Accessibility | Site Group Site 1 is listed accessible |
- 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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Season | Memorial Day |
| Forest | Kootenai National Forest |
| Booking | Reservations must be made 4 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 months in advance. |
| Fees | $16.00 daily fee per single site; 50% discount with US Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access Passes. Group Camp sites (site 7/site 23): $50.00 daily fee per group camping site. Up to 25 people. Check-in/check-out 12:00 Noon. |
Weather by month
Getting there
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.
| Nearest town | Libby, Montana |
| Coordinates | 48.4833° N, 115.3000° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- All sites at this campground have no electricity and firewood is not provided.
Supplies & services
| RV sales & service | Everything RV ↗ | 13.1 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 29.5 mi |
| Outdoor gear | The Toggery ↗ | 44.4 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
McGillivray Campground Group Site #23 -- Kootenai National Forest in Montana
Trails nearby
- 1.6 miYarnell Island0.4 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 1.7 miYarnell Island Loop0.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 2.8 miAlexander Mountain4.3 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 1 more
- 3.8 miCripple Horse ↗6.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 1 more
Trailheads within three miles
- 1.7 miYarnell Island Trailhead ↗Kootenai National Forest
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside Kootenai National Forest.
- inKootenai National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 2,622,202 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Coram Hotel, TheBuilding · Libby · 13.1 mi
- Libby High SchoolBuilding · Libby · 13.3 mi
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.
Recreation
Fishing derbies are held multiple times each year and anglers can expect kokanee salmon, whitefish and a variety of trout.
Nearby
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.
Guidebooks for Montana
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Mcgillivray Campground?
Sites at Mcgillivray Campground are reservable on Recreation.gov. Reservations must be made 4 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 months in advance. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Mcgillivray Campground?
$16.00 daily fee per single site; 50% discount with US Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access Passes. Group Camp sites (site 7/site 23): $50.00 daily fee per group camping site. Up to 25 people.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Mcgillivray Campground?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Mcgillivray Campground have?
39 sites, including 31 standard sites without power, 5 tent-only sites, 2 group sites, and 1 group shelter nonelectric.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Mcgillivray Campground?
The longest site here provides 40 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Mcgillivray Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Mcgillivray Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Mcgillivray Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there accessible sites at Mcgillivray Campground?
Site Group Site 1 is listed accessible on Recreation.gov. What that covers (a paved pad, an accessible table, a nearby accessible restroom) is on each site's booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is the nearest town to Mcgillivray Campground?
Libby, Montana. The Kootenai River, below Libby Dam, is a blue ribbon fishery.
Source: Getting there
What if Mcgillivray Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Timberlane Campground (10.3 mi), Rocky Gorge Campground (11.7 mi, first-come), and Peck Gulch Campground (16.7 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby



