Scenic 25-acre lake in remote mountain setting.The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the Shady Lake Recreation Area in 1937. The Shady Lake Trail traverses Saline Creek and passes the historic Shady Lake Dam. It continues along the eastern edge of the campground. The trail is ideal for day hiking. Mountain bikers may also use the trail. Individual campsite temporary closings: For your safety, the following campsites are closed while being evaluated for risk of flooding: B12, B14, B18, B20, B21, C1, C2, C3, C4, D4, D6, D8, D10

Shady Lake Campground

Shady Lake is a great place to get away from it all. It has a beautiful lake, a creek and trails to hike on. There is tent and RV camping sites.

our favorite campground

Loved my overnight stay at Shady Lake! Slept right above a babbling creek and heard peaceful water flowing all night. Campground caretaker Billy was friendly, knowledgeable and available. I'll definitely come back!

Peaceful and quiet!

We spent 3 nights in a campground on loop C and loved it (we have 4 boys under 12).  There is a picturesque babbling creek that runs by most of the campsites, and we could have spent at least a couple days just exploring up and down the creek.  There’s generally enough firewood around.  Some of the sites are a little close together and most just have one tent pad, so with a bigger group (ie 2-3 tents) you’ll need a double site or just get two.  

Lake swimming is super simple but we enjoyed it.  There’s a dock a little way out from the shore to swim to and jump off of.  The bottom is covered with leaves, but hey, it’s a lake.  There are decent trails right around the park for hiking, but also many other great options within an hour from the site.  

We loved it, will be back.

Oh - no cell service.  You can decide whether that is a good thing or not (I loved it).  If you’re really desperate, you can drive 5 mins down the road and get a signal.

Fantastic Place

This was a wonderful place for a family getaway in the mountains. It’s first come first serve but we secured a spot right up from the creek. It was so nice to listen to the running water while sleeping. Then just a short drive to Albert’s Pike and the Little Missouri Falls! Perfect! 

Wonderful weekend! 

We love shady lake. Is quiet, the sites are huge. The Forestry Service does need to put some work into it because it's dated

Great lake and Campground 

This place is wonderful! Camping is spread out far enough that you’re seldom bothered by others (unless someone brings a bunch of dogs and doesn’t keep them controlled). We go often for the hiking, the views, and the ability to disconnect with it all. 

One of our favorites

I stayed in loop C and was able to score a campsite that was right next to the stream and there was 3 sites between me and the next closest person it was very ideal! Overall the campground seemed well maintained and everyone respectful of each other. The bathroom is well worn and could use some TLC. 