Reaching Crystal Lake Campground means navigating roughly 20 miles of mixed gravel and narrow one-lane paved roads through Lewis & Clark National Forest, so drivers towing trailers should plan extra time and drive cautiously on the mountain grades. The $20-per-night fee covers a first-come, first-served loop of around 20 sites, open June 15 through Labor Day. A group site and a cabin are reservable in advance, though reviewers note that the group site requires a gate code obtained by calling ahead during the week.
The campground sits in an open meadow rather than under forest cover. Past beetle infestations prompted the Forest Service to remove most of the trees, which means limited shade and reduced privacy between sites. Deer pass through regularly, and anglers report catching fish in the lake. The lake itself is small enough to walk around in a few hours, and marked trails lead to an overlook and an ice cave nearby.
Campers who have visited find the surrounding landscape worth the drive despite the campground's upkeep. Chris B. notes that "potable water is available," along with four or five covered toilets distributed throughout the area. No electricity is provided. Pets are welcome, and campfires are permitted. Those wanting more tree cover or dispersed options can look at Lewis & Clark NF Dispersed off NF 275-A to the northeast, or the Crystal Lake Group Campsite for larger groups needing a reservable space.
Description
Overview
The Crystal Lake Group Campground is located in the beautiful Big Snowies south of Lewistown, Montana, at 5,700 feet. Home to the Crystal Lake recreation area, visitors enjoy hiking and fishing in the Snowies.
Recreation
The lake provides opportunities for swimming, fishing and canoeing. The various trails that stem from the Crystal Lake complex provide excellent views and interesting photo opportunities. One trail displays old hieroglyphs in a cave allowing visitors a glimpse of the past.
Facilities
Water is available via a spring faucet and is just down from the camping site. An outhouse is provided next to the parking area for the group site. There is room for parking behind the gate in a parking area or to have two (up to 35___) campers parked there as well. Asphalt walkways and tent pads are present but room in the adjacent meadow can be used for bigger tents. Two large picnic tables are on site and a metal fire ring.
Natural Features
Settled in the basin of Crystal Lake, the group site offers great access to trails and ta short drive or walk to the lake. Some trees are around the campsite but may not offer much shade.
Nearby Attractions
Ice Caves Trail, Cascade Trails and the lake are all located in the complex.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCrystal Lake Campground is located in Montana near Moore
Public CampgroundDirections
From Lewistown, drive west on Montana Highway 200/US 87 for about 8 miles. Turn left (south) on Crystal Lake Road. Continue south, following the well-signed directions to the lake for 20 miles. At the "T" junction, turn left and continue on to Crystal Lake. The last 6 miles is paved and mostly a single lane. On December 1, the paved section is gated, and access beyond the gate is by snowmobile, skis, snowshoes or hiking only.
Address
204 W Folsom ST.
White sulphur springs, MT 59645
Coordinates
46.7965333 N
109.5108583 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 22 min from Great Falls, MT
- 2 hrs 48 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 3 min from Bozeman, MT
- 3 hrs 30 min from Helena, MT
