Big Larch Campground, near Seeley Lake, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a few essential comforts. With sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories around the fire.

This campground is dog-friendly and features clean vault toilets, making it a practical choice for families and pet owners alike. Visitors have noted that while some sites are close together, there are nice trails nearby and access to the beach, which is a hit for those looking to cool off or enjoy a day by the water.

For adventure seekers, the area offers great hiking opportunities, including the scenic Morrell Falls, just a short drive away. Campers have also enjoyed the strong cell service, which is a bonus if you need to stay connected while soaking in the natural beauty. Just remember to keep your food secured, as black bears are known to roam the area.

## Overview

 Big Larch Campground is located on the east shoreline of Seeley Lake within the Lolo National Forest in Montana. A great place to cool off on a hot day, it has a beach and a boat ramp, as well as ample shade for those who just want to relax and enjoy nature. The campground is a favorite of locals, with plenty of space for camping, picnicking and recreating on the water. 
## Recreation

 The campground is popular for swimming, fishing, biking, paddling and boating. Anglers cast for a variety of freshwater fish including Kokanee salmon, bass, whitefish, pike, trout and perch, among other species. Water skiing is a popular activity on the lake. The Clearwater Canoe Trailhead just North of Seeley Lake offers excellent flat water for viewing wildlife such as blue herons and river otters. The water trail is popular with canoeists and kayakers as it stretches 3.5 miles, or a couple of hours, down the river. The Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail on the East side of the valley offers an incredible day hike exploring recent burns, dense forests, and a large waterfall. 
## Natural Features

 Big Larch Campground is located on the east shoreline of Seeley Lake, a 1,025 acre, glacial-formed lake within the \"Chain of Lakes\" - through which the Clearwater River flows. The campground is nestled in a mixed conifer forest, including plenty of tall larch and pine trees. While there is ample space between sites, the lack of understory makes for minimal privacy. At an elevation of about 4,000 feet, temperatures are pleasant throughout most of the summer months. The area contains a wide variety of wildlife and is home to white-tailed deer, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, grizzly and black bears (learn about[ bear safety][1] ). Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of ducks. 
## Nearby Attractions

 The town of Seeley Lake, MT on the southeastern tip of the lake offers a variety of recreation services such as boat, canoe, and kayak rentals as well as guide services and resorts. Services like gas, groceries, restaurants, and lodging can also be found in town. Access to a variety of forests, sweeping views, mountain lakes, and rugged peaks can be discovered just a short drive up any of the nearby Forest Service roads. Just a day trip away from Seeley Lake, Glacier National Park is known for a variety of opportunities to explore alpine landscapes, active glaciers, and view unique wildlife. Contact the park for current conditions. About an hour from Seeley Lake, Missoula is one of Western Montanas outdoor recreation hubs. Missoula is a full-service city with 2 hospitals, an international airport, and access to services, hotels, and outdoor activities. 

[1]: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/lolo/home/?cid=stelprdb5287227#:~:text=During%20a%20grizzly%20bear%20encounter%3A&text=If%20the%20bear%20charges%E2%80%94stand,dead%2C%20use%20your%20bear%20spray

Big Larch Campground

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Seeley Lake

The Best Camping Near Seeley Lake, Montana

Camped the last week of June here and it was one of the only places that had availability. The fee was 10 bucks and it was a nice facility. The beach and boating area was well maintained, and great for my son. The camp spots were a bit small but had a fire ring and potable water was every few campsites. Bathrooms were vaults but fairly close as well. Campsite maintenance had the wood from cutting stacked near each spot, so you could use it for fire wood. Nice spot and would recommend. 

Good spot on Seeley

This once lovely campground that was aptly named Big Larch, had been logged until almost unrecognizable. The campsites that are somewhat close but used to feel private because of the dense foliage are now out on display. You can easily see/hear all your neighbors. Not to mention the mess left from the recent logging. Sad to see such a beautiful campground reduced to this.

Be prepared for a big change.

Big Larch was a surprise - a sprawling, super-green, uber 🦌-y, ultra-shady respite.  If you choose well, you'll have space away from neighbors, though none of the sites are far from a campground road.  You just enter this lush cover of leaves right away, pulling you toward the trails, the water and the sun peaking through.

Greenest

  Winter but nice level  Sites.  Nat forest still open till dec.

By Seeley

Beach are is nice, campground is spread out with mix of day use and camp sites. Lacking some shade for some sites. Popular day use area for locals.

Good beach area

Decided to stay here for 5 nights &amp; all were enjoyable. During the week, it’s very quiet. Around Thursday evening, Friday morning, it fills up more but there’s about 50 sites and still had some free while I was there. You can walk to the beach access from the campground. Lots of people mentioned overgrown areas and the host was clearing the picnic table areas during my stay. Each site has a table and fire ring. There’s also several vault toilets and dumpsters scattered throughout the campground. My site was really open and gave me great sunlight for my solar. Also, keep everything locked up at all times. Black bears are active in this area and saw one during the afternoon in the field behind the few station. $20/night during the main season. There’s potable water stations in each loop. Be sure to visit Morrell Falls hike (about 25 min away) and Holland Lake on a warm day, both beautiful! Also had 2-3 bars of 5G AT&amp;T service and was able to work just fine. 

Enjoyed my week stay 

Campsites are close together but there is nice trails, clean vault toilets, picnic tables. Dog friendly but not near the lake. 

Beautiful spots and lake

This was the only campground open in late season on Seeley Lake. Not many people. So, very quiet. Some sites are wide open with very little shelter or shade, others are nicely tucked into groves of trees. Almost all sites are angled to back an RV into. Many could handle 30 foot rigs easily. Really strong Verizon signal

Photos of Big Larch Campground

Real photos from real campers