Libby Dam Transitions to Recreation.gov for Campground Reservations and Payments

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS/SEATTLE
Published May 13, 2026
Photo of a camping spot at a location called Alexander Creek Camping Area, in Libby, Montana.

Photo of one of the camping spots at Alexander Creek Camping Area, located about 1.5 miles up Forest Road 228 on the West side of the Kootenai River, in Libby, Montana. Libby Dam will transition to Recreation.gov for all campground reservations and day-use picnic shelter reservations fee payments beginning May 22. The online system eliminates the need for cash transactions on-site and provides campers with the peace of mind that their campsite is waiting for them when they arrive.

Photo of a sign for Blackwell Flats Campground, in Libby, Montana.

Photo of signage for the Blackwell Flats Campground, one of the campgrounds available to reserve through Recreation.gov. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) officials announced that Libby Dam will transition to Recreation.gov for all campground reservations and day-use picnic shelter reservations fee payments beginning May 22. Under the new system, all campsites and day use shelters will be reservable through the digital platform May 22 through Sept. 6.

Photo of one of the day-use shelters available at Libby Dam, Libby, Montana.

Photo of one of the day-use shelters available at Libby Dam, Libby, Montana. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) officials announced May 15 that Libby Dam will transition to Recreation.gov for all campground reservations and day-use picnic shelter reservations fee payments beginning May 22. Visitors can reserve their campsites as early as 8:00 MST, Monday, May 18, to get a spot Friday, May 22. Booking for day-use shelters is now live, and day-use shelters can be booked six months in advance.

Photo of one of the Downriver Camping sites in Libby, Montana.

Photo of Site 11 at Dunn Creek campground in Libby. Montana. USACE announced it will transition to Recreation.gov for all campground reservations and day-use picnic shelter reservations fee payments beginning May 22. The shift modernizes the visitor experience at USACE-owned recreation areas and provides a more streamlined and reliable process for travelers and local outdoor enthusiasts.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) officials announce today that Libby Dam will transition to Recreation.gov for all campground reservations and day-use picnic shelter reservations fee payments beginning May 22.  

Under the new system, all campsites and day-use shelters at Libby Dam will be reservable through the digital platform May 22 (Memorial Day weekend) through Sept. 6 (Labor Day weekend).  

Visitors can reserve their campsites as early as 8:00 a.m. MST four days before their desired date. Booking for day-use shelters is now live, and day-use shelters can be booked six months in advance.  

 Visitors are strongly encouraged to complete their reservations through Recreation.gov before arrival, as there is no Wi-Fi or cellphone coverage at the kiosks in the campgrounds. Camping reservations may only be made up to four days in advance of visitors’ stays. 

Visitors can check camping availability and make reservations: 

  • Online: Visit https://www.recreation.gov/gateways/251 to go directly to the “Libby Dam and Lake Koocanusa” webpage. 

  • Recreation.gov app: Download and visit the Recreation.gov app on your smartphone device and search “Libby Dam.” 

  • By Phone: Call the Reservation Line toll-free at 1-877-444-6777

Libby Dam’s Visitor Center has a Verizon cell phone booster and offers Wi-Fi. This is a last resort for visitors who did not make a reservation before arriving at the site.  

Libby Dam provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, boating, and fishing on Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River, with four loaner boards located in Souse Gulch at the boat ramp and at each shelter, including the floating docks.  

Residents and visitors are reminded to wear life jackets when in, on or near open water.

To learn more about the features of each campground as well as tips for camping and day-use shelters, check Libby Dam’s public webpage.  For more information about the transition or specific recreation areas, please follow Libby Dam on Facebook

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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Seattle District manages over 99,000 square miles across the Pacific Northwest, providing vital flood risk management, navigation, and environmental stewardship, while maintaining world-class recreation facilities for the public. 


Contact
Nicole L. Celestine
206-554-1894
nicole.l.celestine@usace.army.mil

Release no. 26-011