Map showing campground location near Ovando, Montana

Browns Lake

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sitting on the western shore of 459-acre Browns Lake in the Helmville area of western Montana, this Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks site gives access to one of the more actively stocked fisheries in the region. The lake receives over 50,000 rainbow trout annually, and the campground's 14 sites each include a metal fire ring and picnic table. No water is available on-site, and the layout is exposed enough that summer wind is a consistent factor. Campers looking at campgrounds near Ovando will find this site among the more fishing-focused options in the corridor. Harry Morgan is another FWP fishing access site roughly five miles to the northwest for those wanting a different setup.

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Map & DirectionsBrowns Lake is located in Montana near Ovando

Public Campground

Coordinates

46.95100008 N
113.01100018 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 7 min from Missoula, MT
1 hr 16 min from Helena, MT
1 hr 48 min from Great Falls, MT
2 hrs 40 min from Bozeman, MT

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Browns Lake

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Terra K.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 10, 2026

beautiful, calm lake with lots of fish and wildlife!

We camped here for 1 night in a tent, and it was amazing! The views at sunrise and sunset were beautiful. The spot seems like its in a good spot for weather, too, because we were watching storms in the distance and they kept clearing up before they got to us! The site is completely surrounded by water- there are two areas, one on the water where all the RV's were, and one up top, seperated by trees. The site is pay when you get there , it was $18 for one night (cash only), though it costs less if you have a Montana fishing license. There were lots of yellow headed black birds jumping around the campsite and waterfowl on the water (which was very clear). We saw lots of fish jumping out of the water as well! The lake was a nice warm temperature, and there are cows right by the entrance! It is a 3 mile off-road drive to get there, which our Civic took it just fine. It was absolutelt gorgeous and everything we'd hoped for. I had cell service with Xfinity. There are multiple restrooms well stocked with tp, although no water pump. Each site had a table and fire pit.

Month of VisitJuly

(5) View All

Melvin B.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 21, 2020

Nice especially the view from any of the camping spots.

Sunday 9/20/20 got there early in the morning four campers in the bottom section. One camping out of the vehicle other 3 where tents. One TT and one truck camper on the upper area. One boat fisherman fishing close to shore there was a stiff wind blowing out of the north.

We had a friend stay there two days before and suggested we take a look at it for a meeting place next year for fishing. Yes we would take our TT there for sure. Good road coming off Hwy 200 but you need to be looking for the turn off sign it comes up on you real fast at the top of the hill. The turn off is between mile maker 54 - 53 to the west.

SiteThe sites are first come so if we have choice it would be 6.

Month of VisitSeptember

Dexter I.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 24, 2019

Want to catch trout, go to Browns Lake FAS Campground

Browns Lake Fishing Access Site Campground is located on the 459 acre Browns Lake. This fishing access campground has 14 sites all with metal fire rings and picnic tables. The site is serviced by two vault toilets. This is a dry campground so bring water. This is also a trash-in trash-out campground. The campground is fairly exposed and tends to be windy during the summer. We visited in early June and were amazed by all the birds in the area. The real draw for this campground is the fishing. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks stocks this lake with over 50,000 rainbow trout per year….that's right 50,000. The lake is known for large rainbow trout and 10 pounders in the spring are apparently not a fish story. The lake also has Brook Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee, and Longnose suckers. So grab your tent and fishing pole, because with 50,000 trout being added every year a trout dinner has to be on the menu.

Month of VisitJune

(14) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Browns Lake Campground located in Montana?

Browns Lake Campground is located at Browns Lake Fishing Access Site in Montana. The campground sits alongside the 459-acre Browns Lake, providing direct access to the water. While the exact address isn't specified, it's in the Helmville area of Montana. The location offers a peaceful lakeside setting that attracts both campers and anglers to this scenic spot in Montana's countryside.

Is fishing good at Browns Lake Campground in Montana?

Browns Lake provides good fishing opportunities directly from the campground. The 459-acre lake is designated as a Fishing Access Site, making it convenient for anglers. Boat fishing is popular, though windy conditions can occasionally affect fishing conditions. Shore fishing is also an option. The lake's specific fish species aren't mentioned, but as a dedicated fishing access location, it clearly attracts anglers. For best results, consider bringing a boat and fishing early in the morning when conditions are typically calmer.

What camping options are available at Browns Lake in Montana?

Browns Lake Campground offers 14 designated camping sites, each equipped with metal fire rings and picnic tables. The campground accommodates both tent camping and smaller RVs or truck campers. The site is divided into upper and lower sections, with the lower area seemingly more popular for tent camping while the upper area can accommodate some vehicles and campers. This is a basic, rustic camping experience with limited amenities in a beautiful lakeside setting.

Are there any fees to camp at Browns Lake Campground?

While specific fee information isn't detailed, Browns Lake is a basic campground with minimal amenities. It's a dry campground (no running water) with vault toilets and follows a trash-in, trash-out policy. As a Fishing Access Site campground, it likely has modest fees typical of similar Montana access sites. Contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for current fee information before your visit. Remember to bring your own water and prepare to pack out all trash when departing.

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