CSKT Bison Range
Moiese, MT
A wildlife refuge run by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, with bison, elk, pronghorn and bighorn sheep. Red Sleep Mountain Drive is a steep one-way gravel loop; vehicles over 30 ft and trailers are not allowed on the drives.
The Bison Range near Moiese in northwestern Montana lies within the Flathead Indian Reservation and, according to Wikipedia, covers roughly 18,500 to 18,800 acres (about 75 km²) depending on the figure. It was founded in 1908 as the National Bison Range to protect a bison herd. Since 2022 the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) have managed it as the CSKT Bison Range; before that it was a wildlife refuge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Up to 500 bison live here. Lonely Planet also lists black bears, several deer and antelope species, a few predators and more than 200 bird species. There is a visitor center and two gravel roads for wildlife viewing. According to Wikipedia, Red Sleep Drive reopens every May. After the transfer, entrance fees were raised and federal passes are no longer accepted.
For your route planning: no reliable information turned up on opening hours, length limits on the drives or the condition of the gravel roads; ask beforehand, especially with an RV or trailer (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Moiese, MT
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 47.3700, -114.2500
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Diamond S RV ParkMotorhome stopover14 mi from CSKT Bison RangeMotorhomes
- Flathead River RV ResortMotorhome stopover23 mi from CSKT Bison RangeMotorhomes
- Polson Motorcoach ResortMotorhome stopover23 mi from CSKT Bison RangeMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Polson / Flathead Lake KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover23 mi from CSKT Bison RangeMotorhomes
- Eagle Nest RV ResortMotorhome stopover23 mi from CSKT Bison RangeMotorhomes
- Lindbergh Lake CampgroundCampsite25 mi from CSKT Bison Range
All campsites in Montana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is CSKT Bison Range?
CSKT Bison Range is in Moiese, MT, at GPS 47.3700, -114.2500. It is about 23 mi from Polson.
Can you camp near CSKT Bison Range?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Diamond S RV Park, about 14 mi away; within 25 mi there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass CSKT Bison Range?
CSKT Bison Range is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Missoula to Whitefish via the Bison Range and Flathead Lake.
What is there to see near CSKT Bison Range?
Places worth a stop nearby: St. Ignatius Mission (8 mi), Wayfarers State Park (48 mi), Conrad Mansion Museum (57 mi) and Goat Lick Overlook (69 mi).
When is the best time to visit CSKT Bison Range?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)