RV Rental Kaniksu National Forest, MT

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Kaniksu National Forest is located in far western Montana. The national forest actually spans the state border between Montana and neighboring Idaho. This is a very rural region. There are several small towns located nearby, including Trout Creek, MT, and Clark Fork, Idaho. The nearest larger town is Thompson Falls, MT, which is found about 50 miles to the east. The nearest larger city is Spokane, WA, at over 100 miles to the west.

This is a forested and mountainous part of the state. The area is a paradise for outdoor lovers. From camping, hiking, and water sport opportunities during the summer to snowmobiling and other winter activities during the lengthy, snowy months, you can find something fun to do near here no matter the time of year.

Discover Kaniksu National Forest


Getting Outdoors

Renting an RV in the Kaniksu National Forest will put the many recreational activities it makes available right at your fingertips. From scenic drives and alpine lakes to swim in during the summer, to snowmobile trails in the winter, you will never be bored when you come to this part of the country. Visitors should be aware that the snow season is extreme in this area, and it can last well into May. In some of the higher elevations, winter road conditions may be encountered at any time of the year. This can also mean some parts of the forest may not always be accessible to people with regular vehicles. Local ranger stations will have up-to-date information.

There are numerous trails found around the local region. They can vary greatly in length and difficulty level. Some venture through nearby forests and along local waterways, while others traverse high-altitude mountains. They can be used for biking and hiking in the summer, and they transition into trails for winter sports, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, when the snow flies. Hikers do need to be bear aware, as grizzlies are known in this area.

You will find all sorts of guided tours around the local vicinity. Horseback riding, snowmobiling, and scenic plane tours will allow you to get up close and personal with this wild land. Fishing tours will help you find the best local spots to set your lure. The tours are offered by various local vendors.

Camping at the Kaniksu National Forest

It's easy to camp with an RV in Kaniksu National Forest. From national forest campgrounds that provide simple amenities to full-service RV resorts, you should be able to find just what you're looking for when camping in this region.

The Birdland Bay RV Resort is in Thompson Falls. This campground is open around the beginning of May through the end of September. This resort offers campsites with full hookups, as well as bathrooms, showers, and a laundry room. WiFi and games, such as horseshoes, are also offered for guests. This camp welcomes both short and lengthy stays, as well.

There are rustic campgrounds offered throughout the national forest. These usually provide little to no amenities save for potable water and vault toilets. However, they are often in more scenic locations than more developed campgrounds. Due to being in more remote areas, they are often only open during the summer months. As there is so much to do in this area, many people enjoy RV camping in the Kaniksu National Forest, so it shouldn't be hard to locate the services you need.

Exploring the Area

When you book an RV in Sanders County, you will find yourself surrounded by unique locations to visit. The Old Jail Museum is in Thompson Falls. As its name would suggest, it is housed in the town's former jail, and the building is open for tours. Visitors can view the upper level, where the sheriff and his family lived, as well as the basement, where the prisoners were housed in cells. This locale also highlights the history of the local area. National forest RV camping will allow you the chance to explore places that may be off the beaten path.

The Thompson Falls High Bridge is a pedestrian walkway that crosses a dam that was built on the local Clark Fork River. This site is known for its views throughout the year. During the warm months, there is a fish ladder for fish to climb the dam as they migrate up the waterway. In the winter, the structure offers a unique view of the ice buildup on the river. This is also known to be a prime place to spot osprey, that frequent the area.

Should you enjoy scenic drives, check out the Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway. It runs along Route 37, near Libby, MT, which is located north of the forest. The drive offers scenic views of the nearby mountains and forests, and a portion of it runs along, the large, Lake Koocanusa. Pullouts are available that are perfect for taking pictures. There are also places to enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.

When you've been looking for a beautiful place to relax, where you can enjoy fun activities throughout the year, consider camping at Kaniksu National Forest. Take a hike through the nearby forest, learn about local history on a museum tour, or take a scenic drive through the mountains. Camp in an RV near Trout Creek and enjoy exploring western Montana.

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Popular nearby hiking trails and campgrounds


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  • Saint Paul Lake Trail, MTKaniksu National Forest, MT
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  • Leigh Lake, MTLibby, MT
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  • Engle Peak Trail, MTKaniksu National Forest, MT
  • Engle Lake Trail, MTTrout Creek, MT
  • Geiger Lakes to Lost Buck Pass Trail, MTLibby, MT
  • Wanless Lake, MTKaniksu National Forest, MT
  • South Fork Ross Creek Trail, MTKaniksu National Forest, MT
  • Granite Lake, MTLibby, MT

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