Boondocking at Lower St Mary Lake

My mapping software showed only a circular road here. Google Maps shows that it is the Malmstrom Air Force Base Recreation Area (map below). I found one reference to it online that it once was a military-only RV park turned commercial RV park. It is neither of those now, just nothing more than a few old power posts sticking up from the dirt making it obvious that it was an RV park some time ago.

Now, it appears to be used by boaters, party goers, and over-nighters passing through… which was my use as I was passing through on my way up to Many Galaciers area of Glacier National Park. I scouted it on Google’s satellite view and marked it on my software for an over-night possibility. As luck would have it, the area does seem to be maintained as an unofficial camping spot. Multiple large areas of grass were mowed with fire pits for each, along with too much trash from previous campers. I got the sense that folks may use this area to boat and party a bit, but it was silent for my one night stay. Take the trash out of the photo and it is a pretty area as well. All in all, a great over night spot and it you had some jet skis or a canoe, it may be worth staying a few days… others were.

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Exactly at mile-marker 34 on Hwy 89

Location added to my confirmed boondocking locations map