Map showing campground location near Emigrant, Montana

Dailey Lake

Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts will find lake access and open camping at Dailey Lake, a state-managed fishing access site in the Paradise Valley near Emigrant. The campground sits directly on the water with no trees or natural windbreaks, creating expansive views in all directions. Sites accommodate RVs up to 50 feet and offer drive-in, walk-in, or boat-in access depending on your setup.

Wind is a constant factor here, with multiple campers noting the need for sturdy tent stakes and strategic positioning. The exposed location means no shelter from weather, though the breeze helps keep insects at bay. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table, with vault toilets that reviewers consistently describe as clean and well-maintained. "Clean and spacious camp sites but no shelter or trees," notes Line G..

The access road can be rough but remains passable for larger rigs when driven slowly. Navigation requires attention, as GPS systems sometimes provide incorrect routing. Fees are $12 per night with a Montana fishing license or $18 without. The campground operates year-round and allows pets and alcohol.

Bring firewood, as none is available on-site. For additional overnight options, consider places to camp near Emigrant when planning your Paradise Valley itinerary.

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Map & DirectionsDailey Lake is located in Montana near Emigrant

Public Campground

Directions

From Jct I-90 & US-89, S 21 mi on US-89 to Murphy Lane, E 1 mi to SR-540, S 10.6 mi to Dailey Lake Rd., E 3.3

Coordinates

45.26586966 N
110.80969836 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 5/6/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 3/29/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 5/6/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 3/29/26

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
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

54 min from Bozeman, MT
2 hrs 14 min from Billings, MT
2 hrs 18 min from Helena, MT
4 hrs 9 min from Idaho Falls, ID

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Dailey Lake

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Visitors frequently highlighted the spacious lakeside sites with stunning views and clean facilities. Most campers found excellent value at reasonable rates, though all noted consistent wind conditions with no shelter.

Line G.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 13, 2024

Amazing setting

Such a beautiful setting! It is windy. It keeps the bugs away. Bring firewood as there is none. Clean and spacious camp sites but no shelter or trees. We were two campers. We came with our truck and tab trailer..road is a bit rough but doable if you go slowly.

Site8

Month of VisitMay

(7) View All

Jeffery T.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 23, 2023

Close to north entrance to Yellowstone

Nice spots around the lake. A bit windy. The fee was 18, which means $20 unless you have change. I came in from the north and google maps had me leave for the park through the south, which didnt exist. So had to back track and head out the way I came in.

Month of VisitOctober

Magdalena

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 14, 2023

Perfect scenery

This is a secret paradise place! If you don’t need any luxury but the luxury of beautiful quiet nature, this is your place!

Month of VisitJuly

Steve W.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2021

Great views and quiet

Nice place with lots of room. Windy!

SiteNorth end of lake

Month of VisitJune

Stephanie S.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 16, 2020

Beautiful lake, very windy evening.

We had a hard time finding this place via Google maps and had to switch it into topographic view to find our way there, as Google maps did not take us the correct way. Nice sites but it was very windy when we arrived and had to use the car to block the wind to even get the tent set up, which took 2 of us. Having good and long stakes was helpful for this. $12/night if you have a MT fishing license and $18 if you don't. Great big sky MT sunset here. Would stay here again if passing through. Clean campground. Lots of spots available on a Sunday evening when we stayed there.

Noah L.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 18, 2019

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(5) View All

Noah L.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 18, 2019

Dailey Lake Campground

Unique area of Paradise Valley that doesn’t have any trees near the lake or campsites. Wide open but very pretty 360 degree views. Able to camp real close to the lake and campsites are spaced out enough so you don’t feel like you’re on top of your neighbor. Fire pit and picnic table at each site. Bathrooms were surprisingly clean and didn’t smell horrible for being vault toilets. Would go here again, however it does get pretty windy regularly and as I said before there is no cover to stay out of the wind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for Dailey Lake Campground?

Dailey Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place. The campground fee is $18-20 per night, and it's recommended to have exact change. Since sites cannot be reserved in advance, arriving early is advisable, especially during peak summer months when the campground may fill quickly. The campground's remote location and lack of developed facilities suggests it doesn't participate in typical reservation platforms.

What amenities are available at Dailey Lake Campground?

Dailey Lake Campground offers basic amenities with each campsite featuring a fire pit and picnic table. The campground is primitive with no trees for shelter, running water, or hookups. There's no firewood available on-site, so campers need to bring their own. The sites are spacious and well-spaced for privacy, positioned close to the lake with excellent views. No luxury facilities are available, making this ideal for campers seeking a more rustic, natural experience.

Where is Dailey Lake Campground located in Montana?

Dailey Lake Campground is located in Paradise Valley, Montana. The campground can be challenging to find using standard navigation apps, with some GPS directions being inaccurate. Access is via a somewhat rough road that requires slow, careful driving but is manageable for most vehicles including those pulling small trailers. The campground is accessible from the north, though some maps incorrectly show a southern exit route that doesn't exist. For accurate directions, using topographic view in map applications is recommended.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Dailey Lake?

Dailey Lake offers excellent recreational opportunities in a peaceful natural setting. The lake is perfect for fishing, boating, and water activities. Campsites positioned close to the water provide easy lake access. The area features stunning 360-degree views, making it ideal for photography and nature appreciation. While consistently windy conditions might affect some activities, they help keep insects away. The open landscape without trees creates a unique camping experience compared to more forested Montana campgrounds. Hiking and wildlife viewing are also popular at this quiet paradise.

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