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BLM Camping

Sullivan Bridge

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Sullivan Bridge is a popular fishing and kayaking location in northern Montana. The Sullivan Bridge location has three river access points. An hour and 28 minutes southeast of Sullivan Bridge is Great Falls, which makes a wonderful base for RVers exploring the wilds of Montana. To the west, the wilderness of Montana is filled with national parks and forests, including Glacier National Park, which is an hour and 15 minutes west of Sullivan Bridge. Another world-famous national park, Yellowstone, is about five and a half hours south of Sullivan Bridge.

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are available at the majority of BLM locations. The camping opportunities at Sullivan Bridge and other BLM camping locations take different forms. Bureau of Land Management free camping is available as dispersed camping away from the designated camping areas in the location. Spending time in Bureau of Land Management areas means being able to spend time in untouched and largely undiscovered areas of the US. The BLM is backed by federal funds to protect the environment and conduct research at its sites.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

River's Edge Trail to Rainbow Dam Overlook

The trail is found an hour and a half southeast of Sullivan Bridge in Giant Springs State Park. The out-and-back River's Edge Trail to Rainbow Dam Overlook route is not particularly difficult and is used by locals for biking and trail running. The elevation is 262 feet to make this a flat trail that is fun for all experience levels.

Length: 4.4 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Beaver Pond Loop

This year-round trail is classified as easy because of its rolling nature. Located in the Glacier Village area an hour and 35 minutes northwest of Sullivan Bridge, Beaver Pond Loop is good for running and hiking. The loop rises just over 150 feet from start to finish. The trail is isolated and rarely used, making it a good option for returning to nature.

Length: 3.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Sullivan Bridge is one of the three boat ramps in this part of Glacier County. Western Montana is a popular fishing location with plenty of trout species available for fly anglers. Alongside the fishing opportunities stretching into Glacier National Park, RV drivers and passengers can enjoy kayaking and boating downstream to Lake Elwell, an hour and 23 minutes southeast of Sullivan Bridge.

Climbing

For climbers, the Glacier National Park region is the best option for several different routes. Within the borders of the national park, you will find several different climbing options, including Apikuni Mountain. The two routes to the top of the 9,000-foot-high mountain are a good fit for climbers of different abilities. Scramblers and sport climbers can find difficult routes to the top of the mountain.

Wildlife Viewing

The western Montana region is home to a wide variety of mammals. In Glacier County, 71 species of mammals have been recorded, including bighorn sheep and black bears. Other mammals include wolverines and lynxes. Birds have become a popular animal for wildlife viewing among RV drivers. Loons and kinglets are two of the species seen in abundance in western Montana.

Picnicking

Several picnic tables and shelters are available at Sullivan Bridge. The picnic opportunities at Sullivan Bridge end before the start of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If RV camping where you can take advantage of amenities appeals to you, you have a couple of options in the area. Lake Sheloole Campground, which is 34 minutes northeast of Sullivan Bridge, offers 27 RV sites with 20- and 30-amp electricity and water. The campground also features showers, flush toilets, a dump station, a playground, and more. A half-hour northeast of Sullivan Bridge is Shelby RV Park and Resort. The park provides eight pull-through sites and 19 back-in spaces, each of which comes with water, electrical, Wi-Fi, cable, and sewer hookups. Park guests can also make use of the indoor pool, fitness room, and sauna at the Comfort Inn & Suites that is right next door.

Free Camping

BLM RV camping is not available at Sullivan Bridge in a traditional sense. Instead, if you search for "BLM camping near me," you will come up with a few results. For instance, VFW Campground, an hour and 22 minutes southeast of Sullivan Bridge, allows primitive camping. This means that there are no services, including water. There is, however, a boat ramp. An hour and 51 minutes southwest of Sullivan Bridge is Green Gulch Dispersed Camp Campground. There is no water, and bears inhabit the area, so you are required to store your food properly.

RV Rentals Near Sullivan Bridge Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Sullivan Bridge BLM trip

Montana is a land of extremes. During the summer months, temperatures can climb and require you to have a plentiful supply of water to stay hydrated. Winter months can be difficult for campers with the weather changing regularly, extreme snowfall, and very cold temperatures. Sturdy hiking boots are required for hiking through this area of Montana no matter the season. The weather should be monitored for rain and snow because roads can become impassable when wet.

The ability to enjoy a trip to Sullivan Bridge often involves water, life vests, and other safety equipment. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The Leave No Trace program has been introduced to protect the integrity of the lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Warnings about wildfires and other severe weather issues need to be followed to protect Sullivan Bridge from damage. The program requires all campers to pack up their trash and equipment when they leave Sullivan Bridge. The idea is that the BLM campgrounds are left in a similar condition to how they are found. All human waste needs to be buried 200 yards from any area of water to protect it from contamination.

Sullivan Bridge Location

Sullivan Bridge is located four miles east of the Cut Bank township on Highway 2. The recreation site and boat ramp are located on the north side of the river on a gravel road that forces the closure of the site following heavy rain.

Ready to visit Sullivan Bridge? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night, where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.

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