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Public Campground

Camp Paxson

2 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Camp Paxson is located near Seeley Lake in Montana, surrounded by forested terrain and a nearby lake. The area experiences temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Visitors can explore the nearby Lolo National Forest and enjoy activities at Seeley Lake.

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Lake Inez Campground

9 min away

Dalles

1 hr 51 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

55 min from Missoula, MT
1 hr 40 min from Helena, MT
2 hrs 12 min from Great Falls, MT
3 hrs 4 min from Bozeman, MT

Location

Camp Paxson is located in Montana

Coordinates

47.18848419248305 N
113.51814908465848 W

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T-Mobile5G
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VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 11/19/25
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Excellent Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 11/19/25

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 11/19/25
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 11/19/25

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Jennifer M.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2023

Camp Paxson Preservation Project

https://www.camppaxson.org/app/

*Must rent entire facility*

"Camp Paxson sits on the shores of Seeley Lake, one of a chain of five lakes nestled between the Swan Mountain Range and the Mission Mountain Range in Western Montana. It is a 15-acre peninsula of land that Salish, Blackfeet, and Crow tribes cared for, hunted, and fished for centuries prior to European colonization and we recognize their time-honored traditions and connections rooted in the earth. While the history of the land reaches centuries back, the buildings on this Forest Service landmark are just 80 years old. Camp Paxson originally consisted of a tent camp with six small frame structures. By the 1930s, a larger facility was needed. The Depression-era Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps began building the current facility in 1939, and the bathhouses and cabins were completed in 1940. Because of its unique architecture and as an example of the contributions of the WPA and CCC during the Depression years, Camp Paxson was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The camp was originally used by a variety of groups including the Boy Scouts and the Forest Service for their Smokejumper training housing. Camp Paxson is a Lolo National Forest Service site administered by the Camp Paxson Preservation Project, a non-profit organization that operates with the mission to preserve and improve historic Camp Paxson and to advance the public’s appreciation of this cultural and natural resource both locally and regionally through expanded appropriate use. The facility is used by schools, churches, weddings, family reunions, and other gatherings of large groups.

SiteNA

Month of VisitMay

Megan B.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 16, 2018

Amazing!

Sone of my favorite summer memories are at this campground. Primitive cabins with electricity and bunk beds but nothing else. Dock to jump off of. Trails all over seely lake. An area with benches surrounding the fire and a stage. Easy to get to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Camp Paxson located on Seeley Lake?

Camp Paxson sits on a 15-acre peninsula that extends into Seeley Lake in western Montana. The campground is nestled between the Swan Mountain Range and the Mission Mountain Range, providing stunning natural surroundings. This strategic location on a peninsula offers excellent water access and scenic views from multiple directions. The camp is easily accessible and serves as a great base for exploring the Seeley Lake area and its chain of five connected lakes.

What activities and amenities are available at Camp Paxson?

Camp Paxson offers primitive cabins equipped with electricity and bunk beds for overnight stays. The campground features a dock for swimming and jumping into Seeley Lake, plus extensive hiking trails throughout the area. A communal gathering space includes benches surrounding a fire pit and a stage area for group activities. The 15-acre peninsula provides ample outdoor recreation opportunities. Note that Camp Paxson typically requires renting the entire facility rather than individual campsites or cabins, making it ideal for group events, family reunions, or organized camping trips.

What is the history of Camp Paxson as a Boy Scout camp?

Camp Paxson has a rich history as a Boy Scout camp, situated on land traditionally used by Salish, Blackfeet, and other indigenous peoples. The camp is positioned on a 15-acre peninsula extending into Seeley Lake. While specific founding dates aren't detailed, the rustic cabins and traditional camp layout reflect its Boy Scout heritage. The central gathering area with fire pit benches and stage demonstrate its design for scout ceremonies and group activities. Today, while maintaining its historical character, the camp appears to welcome a broader range of groups beyond just scouting organizations.

Are there photos available of Camp Paxson's facilities and grounds?

Yes, photos of Camp Paxson are available on their official website at camppaxson.org. The website showcases the campground's facilities including the primitive cabins with bunk beds, lakefront dock, fire pit area with surrounding benches, and the stage used for group activities. You can also find images of the beautiful 15-acre peninsula setting between the Swan and Mission Mountain Ranges. These photos provide a good visual representation of what to expect when visiting or renting the facility. For additional images and current conditions, checking social media platforms or contacting the camp directly may provide more recent visual information.

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