Sondreson Meadow Dispersed Camping

Beautiful mountain views, seven large campsites, river access, quiet. I have a 25 foot trailer and saw two fifth wheels. The road in was rough in a few spots. It was early July and the meadow was full of yellow, red and purple flowers. Loved it.

We drove 30+ miles down a TERRIBLE forest road, just to turn around and drive back. We followed the GPS down the extremely long and washboard forest road past Polebridge, to the access road that supposedly takes you to this campground. We got on our bikes to scout the area and found a sign that says “no public motorized traffic beyond this point”. We were very frustrated after driving so far north in hopes of a beautiful, secluded spot. There may be another way to get to this campground, but we were too frustrated and were worried about getting stuck without a turnaround to go any further. Best of luck to anyone else who is adventurous enough to try and find this campground! We had high hopes after seeing the first review and photos. We must have missed something. Happy trails!

We are experienced campers and were very excited to camp here. We were soon disappointed. The road there is a treacherous 30+ miles on a terrible dirt road. We ended up turning around which was good. We ran into some people who I just been there and they told us there is no service, no facilities, and two campers had been mauled by a grizzly the night before we got there so that campground was closed. Don’t go. There are lots of other beautiful places.

So, what can I say? So much from the previous reviews! I don’t know if this is going to tick some people off by telling you how easy it is to get there and what it is like there, but here I go. It’s not like this place is a secret, after all, this seems to be a popular site and many others are enjoying it.
First off; getting there. Yes, I understand if you are new to camping the National Forests, but after that? Wow, the road map gets you right there(pick a free one up from the ranger station, or download one). if you are using Apple maps to get there like I did. You will end up on a private road very near the campground entrance. When you get off 486 and Apple tells you to take a right on Newton; ignore it and keep left. In a matter of seconds you are at the entrance, Sondreson is the only thing you will run into. After I got on the private road and had to back my camper out; I opened the app with the MVUM on it, and it took me right to the campground. While a 4 wheel drive would be ideal; I have seen plenty of cars down here, just expect to go through some good size holes in the dirt road towards the sites
As for the site? Don't expect to get amenities at dispersed campsites. Rock fire rings here and there is all you will get here. I realize peoples idea of beauty can be different.I would think if you are headed to the woods you would think this place is perfect; a nice winding river, mountain views. I was only going to set my caravan there and scout ahead for a more secluded site, but when I got there and set my trailer down. I took a good look around and I was the only one there. Surprised for a Friday, I decided to walk the area and when I saw this site on the side of the river. I just decided to stay. Well, back to the beauty part. Some good sites right on the river. Clear view of the mountains over in Glacier NP and Flathead. Woke up Saturday to find someone came in after me. The weekend I saw about half a dozen campers. Place was big enough so no one was near each other. Since then there was pretty much just me and one or two others, only had one day with about a 4 hour break before some else came. People still driving through to I guess check the area out. There is about 7-8 sites on the side of the road the river is on. About 7-8 on the other side of the road with a river view/access. But there are a few ‘side’ roads and big open spaces, so this place will accommodate a lot more. Saw at least 3 places with stone fire rings off different roads, and in the middle of the meadow before the sites near the river. Labor Day weekend had about a dozen campers. 486 is paved in a couple areas, but a good 20 miles or so on dirt/gravel. They were grading before and after Labor day on parts of the road, improved some areas but still had some washboard effects. If you are seeking out sites like these; you are going to have to accept the fact you will be traveling on this type of road.
Yes, bear country. Saw one black bear on a Saturday in the meadow just before you get to the camping area. (heading away from the woods behind the campsites) One black bear near the intersection by 486.