About this campground
Established in 1939, Creston NFH originally provided fingerling trout for Glacier National Park. Today, the hatchery raises the threatened bull trout for stocking at Glacier NP. In addition it raises other trout species for Tribal Trust stockings, mitigation purposes, and cooperative fish management programs with the State of Montana. Self-guided and pre-arranged tours are available and the public can avail itself of the many on-site trails. Creston has, on-site, a certified Nature Explore Classroom (NEC) from the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation. Science based educational programs and outreach events are available. Also a wildlife viewing blind built with help from Ducks Unlimited is part of the NEC. Creston NFH welcomes visitors to the hatchery for a close-up view of the fish production process. Visitors are invited to walk around the raceways where most of the adult trout are held, and visit the hatchery building where eggs and small fish are reared.
Getting there
Creston NFH is located at the Creston Fish and Wildlife Center in Flathead County, Montana. To locate the hatchery from Kalispell, take State Highway 35 east to Creston, continue east on Highway 35 approximately one mile and turn (left) north on Creston Hatchery Road, and then follow road for approximately one mile to the station.
Activities
- PICNICKING
- VISITOR CENTER
- WILDLIFE VIEWING
- FISH HATCHERY
- FISHING
- HIKING
- HUNTING
- ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Nearby federal campgrounds
- DORIS CREEK CAMPGROUNDFlathead National Forest9 mi
- Lost Johnny CampgroundFlathead National Forest10 mi
- LOST JOHNNY POINT CAMPGROUNDFlathead National Forest10 mi
- Hungry Horse Dam Visitor CenterFlathead National Forest11 mi
- LID CREEK CAMPGROUNDFlathead National Forest11 mi
- EMERY BAY CAMPGROUNDFlathead National Forest12 mi
Explore more Montana camping
Creston National Fish Hatchery doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Montana campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Montana camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.