Murray Bay Campground, Essex, MT

Murray Bay Campground is located in the Hungry Horse Ranger District, Flathead National Forest (3 hrs 11 min north of Missoula, MT) with an elevation of 3,585 feet. There are a total of 20 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of May to mid September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 33 and 60 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. There is a fee of $16.00 per night. Some amenities include boat ramp, swimming. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.

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Campsite Reviews (43)

4.3 out of 5

5 star		58%
4 star		19%
3 star		9%
2 star		5%
1 star		5%

@HowardT9719815 · Camped on Aug 25, 2024 at Campsite #8

Camp host was wonderful.

@MartaM9588475 · Camped on Aug 2, 2024 at Campsite #7

The first day and night we camped by someone who had a very loud generator which they kept on all evening and several hours in the morning. We were ready to pack up and leave, but then the campground host found another campsite for us further away from this noise (we appreciated her efforts very much). After we moved to the new campsite, a pontoon boat and several jet skies, out on the water, started playing very loud music that echoed throughout the campground and bay. Such a relief when they finally left the bay blasting their music and roaring jet skis.

@stephanie69098 · Camped on Jun 28, 2024 at Campsite #14

The campsites are large and there is a lot of space between sites. Site 5 is wonderfully situated on the water with a little path down a spit into the reservoir. Bathrooms were clean. The camp host was kind and helpful. The only downside is the drive in from the main road is 40minutes minimum and can take up to an hour in the dark. This is fine if youre staying there and not going in and out. We used it as our base for our Glacier trip and the 2 hr round trip in and out was a lot at the end of the day. It is close to Hungry Horse where there is a laundry, groceries, and a nice breakfast spot. Heading toward W Glacier is only about 7 min from the turn off to Old Hwy 2 toward the campsite.

@KeithB3803481 · Camped on Jun 19, 2024 at Campsite #12

The Murray Bay Campground was very well managed, clean restrooms, clean well maintained campsites, and surrounding areas.

@GayleS7769820 · Camped on Jun 8, 2024 at Campsite #14

We had great spots to camp at. Campground was quiet and peaceful. The camp host was very kind. The outhouses were kept clean and had air fresher pods in all of them to make them smell better then smelling poop all the time when in them. Loved that idea.

@RonB1001477 · Camped on Jun 28, 2023 at Campsite #9

The campsite was great and the location was great. We would go again.

@AmberL5991579 · Camped on Jun 20, 2023 at Campsite #7

The views from the campsite were amazing. The campground host was friendly and helpful. The facilities were very clean. I really enjoyed my stay at this campground.

@SoleyK64835D2A · Camped on Jun 18, 2023 at Campsite #13

LOVED this campground! The camp host is wonderful, and if you are looking for a beautiful and peaceful campground, you will love this spot. It is a long drive in, but in terms of gravel roads it was extremely manageable. Will be back :)

@AustinG9362622 · Camped on Sep 3, 2022 at Campsite #8

Really great spot away from crowds and right next to the Hungry Horse reservoir. Lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. A bear came through our camp at night, so follow the guidelines and keep your food and other attractants secure. Only downside was that the road to the camp was super bumpy so be prepared for that.

@AndrewS4701634 · Camped on Jun 9, 2022 at Campsite #14

Great campsite, very well run and Judy, the camp host, was really awesome. Beautiful views and the water is crystal clear

@TERRIB3425160 · Camped on May 31, 2022 at Campsite #12

Except for the 22 miles of winding and bumpy gravel road getting to Murray Bay, the campground was very nice. Primitive, but nice. If you care a lot about your camping rig, you might consider Glacier Park instead. All roads there are paved.

@KaraW9779416 · Camped on May 30, 2022 at Campsite #11

I loved this campground! I noticed there were a few bad reviews due to the road getting into the campground. Yes, it was a dirt road, but there were no bad potholes. I live in Pennsylvania and honestly our roads are SO much worse. Clearly the others leaving the reviews have never driven in PA. I really liked being down the dirt road, I kept my eyes peeled for wildlife, but only ended up seeing 2 turkeys. Our campsite was great and a short walk down to the lake. The views were beautiful! The campsite host was very nice too, we were recommended a hike to waterfalls nearby and it was great!

@RobertE160 · Camped on Aug 29, 2021 at Campsite #4

beautiful spot/ camp host was courteous and helpful

@RobertE4617436 · Camped on Aug 29, 2021 at Campsite #4

beautiful spot/ camp host was courteous and helpful

@WesleyH6529621 · Camped on Aug 28, 2021 at Campsite #15

The campground is pristine. Absolutely wonderful place to camp. Plan an extra 45 minutes to get to and from the main road. Gravel road for 20 miles but well worth it.

@WesleyH960 · Camped on Aug 28, 2021 at Campsite #15

The campground is pristine. Absolutely wonderful place to camp. Plan an extra 45 minutes to get to and from the main road. Gravel road for 20 miles but well worth it.

@StefanA583 · Camped on Aug 12, 2021 at Campsite #10

Nice campground but site 10 is close to the vault toilet and the smell was pretty bad.

@StefanA7905776 · Camped on Aug 12, 2021 at Campsite #10

Nice campground but site 10 is close to the vault toilet and the smell was pretty bad.

@CodyH6682234 · Camped on Aug 10, 2021 at Campsite #13

Great quiet campground. It’s a bit of a drive and the road is extremely washed and bumpy but the lake provides great views. Camp ground is nice and well maintained and the grounds keeper was extremely kind and provided help even with our late arrival

@CodyH675 · Camped on Aug 10, 2021 at Campsite #13

@RandyS998 · Camped on Jul 28, 2021 at Campsite #10

The location was great but the host was terrible. Didn’t clean the bathroom or sites between people.

@RandyS7957196 · Camped on Jul 28, 2021 at Campsite #10

The location was great but the host was terrible. Didn’t clean the bathroom or sites between people.

@TimothyF788 · Camped on Jul 19, 2021 at Campsite #9

Peaceful relaxing campground. Easy access to Hungry Horse Reservoir. Lots of huckleberries! 15+ miles of gravel road is only drawback, if you want to do many activities in surrounding area each day.

@JodyB724 · Camped on Jun 24, 2021 at Campsite #9

Always love this place. We stopped going to Murray bay 5 years ago because the camp host was very ignorant. This new camp host is awesome

@JonathanS189 · Camped on Jun 16, 2021 at Campsite #12

Campground host was kind, bathrooms were very clean. But most importantly our campsite was in the perfect location.

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