Really disappointed with how we were treated here, especially after planning around this for weeks. This was our first time trying Basecamp Bigfork. We've rented kayaks from other places around the lake for years without issue, even in unpredictable weather, but this year we thought we'd try something new (don't). We had a reservation for the 4th and came fully prepared: rented a U-Haul to transport and store the kayaks, brought our own gear, safety lights, and had a secure location to store the boats overnight. We communicated clearly leading up to the reservation, repeatedly assuring them that we wouldn't go out unless the weather conditions improved. We were asking for the option to maybe go out if it cleared up. Instead, they cancelled the reservation last minute with no room for discussion. They kept bringing up that it was "getting too late," even though we were still within our scheduled time and in regular contact. It felt like they didn't trust us to make our own judgment call, and that was especially frustrating given how much planning we had done and how careful we were being. It completely derailed our holiday plans, and they showed no real effort to accommodate or even acknowledge that. No flexibility, just a blanket cancellation with a shrug. We've dealt with unpredictable Montana weather before and had a plan, but never with a company this rigid or dismissive. read more

Book Early - It's Amazing if you love nature and DOGS! So, 3 years ago I called in early November to get a reservation for a half day dogsledding trip over Christmas week, and was told they were all booked up. So, when we decided over the summer to go to Whitefish for the holidays, I called and made a reservation (this was in August!). Seriously, it was at least 4 months in advance and I pretty much stalked them until I got confirmation that I had secured a reservation. Upon arriving in the Flathead Valley, I noticed how little snow there was and started to worry that the dogsledding would be canceled, but luckily, Mark texted that it was still on and he had a location that still had snow and we'd be fine. Thank goodness! Upon arrival, we were given a tour of the kennel, met the 6 dogs that were going to be our team, and loaded them up in the trailer. We got a bit of a lesson on how to manage the sled and then drove about 40 minutes south to an area that had a good amount of snow and got the dogs all harnessed up and off we went! There were two of us, so one of us was standing and driving the sled, and one of us was sitting as a passenger. We were able to switch out throughout the trip, so we both got to be the driver for a portion of the trip. When you are the passenger, you can take pictures and video, which is nice, but standing and driving the sled is the BEST part. We sledded down a road for quite a while, letting the dogs take breaks as needed. Mark, the owner of the company, managed the team by cross country skiing along side us the entire way to make sure the dogs behaved, gave us instruction and lead the way. It's quite amazing how much physical effort he puts in for you to have a great time - he basically exercises for two hour straight. The second half of the tour included heading into the back country, sledding through trees on a narrow trail. OMG - this was amazing! We stopped along the river and had hot chocolate, which was such a nice way to enjoy the scenery and let the dogs rest, take pictures and pet and kiss the dogs. If you are still debating if you should do this, I would say don't hesitate - DO IT. Especially if you are in good physical condition, enjoy outdoor activities and love dogs. It is such a unique and amazing day. Also, Mark is a fantastic guide, he makes it fun, light and he is so incredibly nice. The dogs are super sweet (although, they do get a bit rowdy and occasionally get into little tiffs with each other) and the scenery is outstanding. I seriously had a smile on my face the entire time, laughing continuously as we went through the trees. We had a blast and I'm so grateful we got to experience this day, it was the highlight of our trip. Last note, I wasn't sure what to wear. I would dress like you are going skiing. Since sometimes you are sitting, you get a bit more chilly, so dress in layers. I had on Sorel winter snow boots, ski pants, thermal underwear top and bottom, a fleece and a puffer jacket, along with warm ski socks, a warm hat and my ski gloves. If it is a really cold day, I'd get those hand warmers and foot warmer things that you can put in your boots and gloves. read more

See all

This was the second time going to Basecamp, and both times the experience was amazing! Mark is a great guide, knowledgeable about how he operates his dog sledding teams and he provides great instruction so we feel prepared for the experience of mushing the team of dogs! read more

Great customer service, got us in the water super fast. Equipment was in great shape. Highly recommend.

Absolutely the best! Mark and his team are so helpful and knowledgeable. They helped us decide what to rent and where to go. They also drove us there and picked us up. We took kayaks down the Swan River. It was beautiful. We highly recommended it. Then we rented paddle boards and went to Swan Lake. We will definitely be back and will only rent from Base Camp Bigfork! Thanks for a great day! read more

Mark and the team provided great service! We called morning of and were able to book last minute for a reservation two hours later. They let us know where the most convenient spot was to have the equipment dropped off and picked up! We will definitely be back when we are in the area. read more

Base Camp is exactly what you're looking for. No where else to look or consider. Very quality equipment, prices are very reasonable + the staff is kind helpful and easy. My family was in town from Denver and Seattle to visit family in Big Fork. Our rental process could not have been more convenient, mark and his crew went above and beyond to make it easy for our group- and the paddle boards and kayak we rented were great quality. We had a beautiful day on Flathead Lake, thank you! Next time in Big Fork we will absolutely be back. And the next time, and the time after that, too. read more

My family chose the Flathead area for our family vacation in late May 2021. Previously, I spoke with Mark on the phone as I had a few questions about kayaking. Mark was very helpful on the phone and didn't make me feel like an intrusion (something other business owners do too often). In person, Mark was even more accommodating. He reminded me of a good friend I hadn't spoken to in a while. We chose to take kayaks down the Swan River. This proved to be perfect for my family of 4 (me, the wife, and 2 teenagers). Mark met us at location where we left our car. He then took us and the kayaks to the put-in spot. He helped situate us in the water and sent us on our way. The river was calm and guided us down the river where we saw duck, eagles, and deer. It took us about 2 hours. Afterwards, Mark met us at the location we had left our vehicle. Overall, this was perfect outing for our family and I'd recommend to anyone who is looking for a relaxing and fun outdoor activity. Mark treated us great and made the whole process easy. read more

WOW!!!!! My sister and I had an amazing time!!! We were road tripping from Oregon (Portland) to WA, ID, and MT. While in Whitefish/Big Fork, we were looking for a unique and interesting experience and boy did we get it. Mark the owner and operator is absolutely great. We got a history of the breed of dogs they use, a tour of the facility, and got to do our own "mushing." The weather didn't cooperate with us during our original time, so we had to postpone until the afternoon (of Christmas Eve!!!!!). We'd almost thought we wouldn't get to do the number 1 thing on our holiday road trip adventure. The weather turned and we were able to get out during the afternoon (again Mark took us out on Christmas Eve-super dedicated to do that during a holiday). The trail was beautiful and peaceful. Mark is knowledge, friendly and entertaining. We loved every minute of it. I can't recommend this enough to someone during the winter season! I can't wait to come back in the summer months for the Kayaking with Mark!!! read more

My son and I rent a kayak here every summer. They are always friendly and accommodating. The equipment is good and so is the location.

We rented kayaks for the Swan River drift. The kayaks are clean and in excellent condition. Life jackets are like new. I'm told he buys all new equipment every year. An easy experience all around from payment to pickup. Would use this vendor again and recommend them highly. read more

Base Camp Bigfork - An excellent kayak rental experience! - Bike Rentals Near Me - Bigfork, Montana

See all

We rented bikes and Kayaks from Mark and Joe and Base Camp. Really great people and what a river trip - seven miles on the swan river. PERFECT! You have to give it a try if you are visiting or staying in Bigfork. Thanks MB read more

Base Camp Bigfork was absolutely amazing! Friendly service and very quick to accommodate. We had a group of 4 and called in the morning and he got us in a couple hours later. He provided free delivery of the kayaks and came and picked us up when we were finished within 5 minutes! And to top it all off he provided an amazing recommendation for dinner afterwords! He was very personable and kind! I would recommend this company to everyone of my friends and we can't wait to come back! Thank you! read more

Did a half day kayak rental with the granddaughter today. These guys were great. They were on time with the delivery and pickup. Great with my granddaughter, had very nice equipment. I highly recommend Base Camp Bigfork to anyone. I will certainly use them again. read more

We used Base Camp again this summer for a weekly rental of kayaks and SUPs/paddle boards. Mark and his team are top-notch - excellent customer service. The equipment was new, well kept and perfect for our family. They offer drop-off and pick-up service to our rental house as well as being extremely accommodating to our schedule. Highly recommend this company to anyone visiting Flathead or Whitefish lake! read more

Great day dog sledding with Mark. Beautiful forest scenery and great dogs. Loon lake in winter so different than summer. Fun sledding on a frozen lake to appreciate nature. Service excellent read more

Base Camp Bigfork - Bike Rentals Near Me - Bigfork, Montana

See all

Mark (the owner) is the man! Super friendly place. Great prices. Don't make the mistake of going somewhere else. You can't beat this place.

We rented single kayaks for the Swan River route based on Mark's advice, and we had a blast! Gorgeous views and a peaceful trip on a beautiful day. Mark and his staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and very customer-service oriented. We would highly recommend Base Camp Bigfork for anyone traveling through! read more

Super helpful and the best prices for kayak and paddle board rentals! Mark was great and delivered them to the lake and picked em up. He demonstrated how to use them and the best places on the lake to go! Five girls from Portland thank you Mark!-and thanks for the dinner recommendation, we loved it! read more

My son and I went on a dog sledding tour with Mark of Base Camp Bigfork. My son is 7 and we both rode on the same sled. We had a great time and Mark let us be hands on with the dogs. My son enjoyed helping to hitch the dogs to the sled. I highly recommend this for a different winter adventure. Our trip was primarily to go skiing but we had as much fun on this trip as we did up on the mountain. We will definitely be back and look forward to scheduling some summer adventures with Mark and Base Camp. read more

Super accommodating and informative. Kayaks are way nice compared to other rental places as well. Highly recommend!

We rent stand up paddleboards from Mark every time we come to Bigfork and he's simply the best! His staff is courteous and professional and they always go out of their way to make sure we have everything we need and have a great time! They take the time to focus on safety and education, so that the kids (big and small) know how to properly use the equipment. Thanks, Mark! We'll be back! read more

Amazing place! The cabin was perfect. It was comfortable and we'll kept. The owners are extremely friendly and were very helpful. Depending on the time of year, they have different outdoor activities that you can partake in. Highly recommend checking this place out! read more

Base camp is the best! Free delivery, great prices, new equipment...don't look any further! Mark was super helpful, gave us a quick lesson and made sure we would be comfortable heading out on the lake on the paddle boards. Price can't be beat! Boards were like new! Base camp for the win! read more