Souse Gulch
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Libby · Montana · Libby Dam and Lake Koocanusa
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Libby Dam and Lake Koocanusa |
| Location | Libby · Montana · Libby Dam and Lake Koocanusa |
| Sites | 3 public sites counted from the federal listing — 3 group shelter electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 3 of 3 sites (up to 15 amp where reported) Water hookups at 0 of 3 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 3 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 3 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 09:00 AM · Out 7:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 3 sites, as reported |
| Phone | Direct Line to Visitor Center 406-293-5577 Main Line to Vistor Center Extension 406-293-7751 x7259 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-09-07.
From the official listing
Overview Souse Gulch Recreation Area, situated on Lake Koocanusa, is the largest recreation area for the Libby Dam Project, but still offers visitors peace and quiet and plenty of space to enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Recreation Water sports are the most common activity at the lake, and a boat ramp is open year-round in Souse Gulch. Recreations can also access downstream of the dam at 4 river launches. The nearby Visitor Center offers short films, informational guides, interpretive materials, and a gift shop. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, water skiing and jet skiing. Day users are likely to spot wildlife in the area with bald eagles, osprey, and most commonly, deer. A frisbee golf course is available in Souse Gulch and a second course is located downstream of the dam. A hiking and biking trail downstream of the dam will take visitors along the Kootenai River. Basketball hoops, playgrounds, corn hole boards, picnic tables and more offer plenty of space and recreation opportunities for families, groups of friends or solo visitors looking to get outside.
Facilities Souse Gulch has 3 reservable shelters, all with electric.
Natural Features Libby Dam was built is 1975 for flood control and power production on the Kootenai River. Behind the dam, Lake Koocanusa stretches 90 miles, 48 miles in the USA and 42 miles in Canda. Today, the popular lake has the added benefit of providing visitors with countless year-round recreation activities.
Nearby Attractions The Libby Dam Visitor Center features exhibits on the history of the dam and the natural features of the area, with tours of the dam given daily during the summer.
Distance from Libby Dam to closest towns:
o Libby 20 miles
o Eureka 60 miles
o Bonners Ferry 70 miles
o Kalispell 110 miles
Directions, from the listing
From Montana Highway 47 turn on Forest Service Road 228, then continue approximately 3 miles to the Visitors Center and continue past the boat ramp into the Souse Gulch day use area.
From Montana Highway 47 turn onto Jennings Hiline Dr, then continue over the David Thomson bridge at the base of the dam. Once you meet up with Forest Service Road 228 turn right to go up the hill to the Visitors Center and continue pas the boat ramp into the Souse Gulch day use area.
Note: Google maps often suggest the shortest route is taking the Fisher River Cut off road between highway 37 and highway 2. This road is NOT maintained year-round and is an active logging road in a remote area.
Trip Card — Souse Gulch
Libby · Montana · Libby Dam and Lake Koocanusa
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | Libby · Montana · Libby Dam and Lake Koocanusa |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 3 |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 3 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10386552 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.