Map showing campground location near Seeley Lake, Montana

Camper submitted image from Harpers Lake

Harpers Lake

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks operates this fishing access site campground along the Clearwater River, with approximately 15 first-come, first-served sites accessible via a dirt and gravel road that can accommodate travel trailers and mid-sized fifth wheels despite some potholes. The $12 nightly fee applies to Montana fishing license holders, while out-of-state visitors pay $18.

Sites sit directly alongside the Clearwater River, with two additional lakes—Blanchard Lake and Harper's Lake—within walking distance of the camping area. Most sites accommodate tents easily, though several can handle larger RVs. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table, with vault toilets available during warmer seasons. Amber T. notes "two lakes to swim or fish" plus "a decent size creek right by our campsite."

The campground lacks hookups for water, electricity, or sewer. Sites vary in size and privacy, with larger, more secluded options available farther from the entrance. Summer brings heavy use, though spring and mid-week visits typically offer better site availability. Walking trails follow the river corridor.

Campers seeking additional amenities can explore Salmon Lake State Park Campground to the north.

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Location

Public Campground

Harpers Lake is located in Montana

Coordinates

47.02200061 N
113.38900036 W

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Connectivity

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Excellent Coverage
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VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 3/24/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 3/24/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 3/24/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

35 min from Missoula, MT
1 hr 22 min from Helena, MT
1 hr 53 min from Great Falls, MT
2 hrs 45 min from Bozeman, MT

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted spacious riverside sites and excellent value pricing. Basic amenities are adequate though no hookups available. Summer crowds noted but great alternative during off-peak times.

Amber T.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2023

Large campsites

Only $12 a night if resident fishing license and $18 if not. Two lakes to swim or fish. And we had a decent size creek right by our campsite too. The majority of tent sites are literally huge. We had an amazing time staying here.

Site11

Month of VisitJuly

Robert G.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 18, 2021

Good early season spot

Good spot that’s just short of salmon and seely lake. It gets really packed in the summer but if you can go earlier in the year or mid week should be ok. Road getting in is dirt and gravel with some pot holes but nothing a travel trailer or midsize 5th wheel couldn’t do. Spots vary in size and side of which your door would open to the fire pit. There are larger and more secluded spots if the farther in your go. Nothing fancy here but, some decent trails to walk with the river right next to our campsite.

Site9

Month of VisitApril

(4) View All

Joe H.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2020

Quite

Nice campground no extras

Rene S.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 23, 2020

Relaxing and peaceful

It’s $12 a night per campground if you have your Montana’s fishing license, camp spots are right next to the river with easy access.

The campsite comes with a small fire pit and a picnic table there’s also access to restrooms in the warmer seasons.

There are no time restrictions and no gate, first come first served, about 15 spots.

Gina M.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 5, 2018

Harper's lake

Best state camp ground. Price is right, sites are great, close to town.

Debbie C.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 8, 2018

Great Campground for A Quick Trip

Harper's Lake north of Missoula on Hwy 83 and Hwy 200 right along the Clearwater River.the campground sports two small lakes Blanchard Lake and Harper's Lake which are within walking distance to the campground. The sites are mostly for tent camping, but there are sites large enough for trailers. There is no water, electricity or sewer hook-ups.

Month of VisitJune

Karen S.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 17, 2017

Great time near the river! Easy and close to the road

Quick stay, had a fire and some food near the river

SiteDispersed

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Harpers Lake Campground?

Harpers Lake Campground offers basic but comfortable facilities for visitors. Each campsite comes equipped with a small fire pit and picnic table. Restrooms are available during the warmer seasons. The campground is primarily set up for tent camping, though some sites can accommodate trailers. The cost is $12 per night with a Montana fishing license, or $18 without. There are no entrance gates or time restrictions, allowing for flexible arrival and departure.

Where is Harpers Lake Campground located in Montana?

Harpers Lake Campground is located north of Missoula, Montana, at the intersection of Highway 83 and Highway 200. It sits along the Clearwater River in a scenic area. The campground is positioned between two small lakes—Blanchard Lake and Harper's Lake—both within walking distance. It's conveniently situated just short of Salmon and Seeley Lake, making it a good stopover point when traveling through this region of Montana.

Can I bring an RV to Harpers Lake Campground?

Yes, you can bring an RV to Harpers Lake Campground, though the campground is primarily designed for tent camping. There are sites large enough to accommodate travel trailers and mid-sized 5th wheels. The access road is dirt and gravel with some potholes, but nothing that would prevent a standard RV from entering. Site sizes vary, so larger rigs may have limited options. For the best experience, consider visiting during weekdays or early in the season when the campground is less crowded.

What recreational activities are available at Harpers Lake?

Harpers Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with easy access to both the lake and the nearby Clearwater River. Swimming is popular in the two lakes adjacent to the campground. The large campsites provide plenty of space for outdoor games and relaxation. Hiking opportunities exist in the surrounding area, and the proximity to Seeley Lake means additional recreational options are just a short drive away. The campground's location makes it an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of this part of Montana while enjoying water-based activities.

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