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Established Camping

Lake Alva Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Lake Alva Campground, near Seeley Lake, Montana, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. With its scenic views and proximity to a peaceful, no-wake lake, it’s perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, or just soaking up the sun by the water.

The campground offers clean facilities, including toilets and paved parking spots, making it a comfortable place to set up camp. Many visitors have praised the well-maintained sites, which provide good shade and a nice breeze, ideal for those hot summer days. As one camper noted, “The water is the perfect temperature and everyone is always friendly.”

For those who love hiking, the nearby Morrell Falls is a must-see, providing a great family-friendly adventure. Campers can also enjoy starry nights, with the calm waters of Lake Alva offering a serene backdrop for stargazing. Just remember, it’s a quiet spot, so motorized boats are off-limits, keeping the atmosphere peaceful and relaxing.

While some campers have mentioned that the sites can feel a bit close together, the overall vibe is friendly and welcoming. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Lake Alva Campground is a solid choice for anyone looking to unwind in nature.

Fee Info

The nightly fee for individual RV/tent campsites is $20.00, beginning the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Parking is allowed in the designated parking spur for each campsite only. Vehicles that do not fit must deposit an additional vehicle fee of $5.00 and must park in the day-use area. No parking along roadways. Day use facilities are free of charge and are open from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily. Outside of peak season (Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day), campsites will be available free of charge on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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Location

Lake Alva Campground is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Directions

From I-90 take exit 109 for MT-200 E and travel for 32.3 mi. Turn left onto MT-83 N and travel 14 mi to the town of Seeley Lake, MT. Continue north on Montana Highway 83 for 26.1 mi and turn left into the entrance of Lake Alva Campground.

Coordinates

47.325 N
113.582 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Camp Paxson

Camp Paxson

9 min away

Spotted Bear

Spotted Bear

4 hrs 31 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2025

Good family spot

Nicely spaced and paved sites. Vault toilets, no hookups. Nice clear lake with loons.

Site36
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed May. 22, 2025

Great boondock campground

Stayed before the season. There was no fee charged. Had the place all to ourselves. Quiet and nice. It rained almost every single day. We stayed for 4 nights. Saw deer every night. Campground has too many gophers, and the fishing requires a boat. Swimming allowed, but it was too cold for that. Great trails for small hikes.

Site29
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Nov. 11, 2024

Pretty campground

Pretty campground. Saw lots of deer running around. Pit toilets were clean and sites were nice. Enjoyed having a fire and it was free in the off season.

Site13
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Lake Alva Campground by Lauren Hannah G., November 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Alva Campground by Lauren Hannah G., November 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Alva Campground by Lauren Hannah G., November 11, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2024

Great Camping Spot - Buys end of Season

Great camping spot. We camped over on a Friday night at the end of September. Free because it was out of the normal season, but because it was the last sliver of summer, it definitely filled up. However, they only had the first loop open (group and second loop of sites were closed). Being out of normal season, trash was all locked up but not a big deal. 

Lake was spectacular and beautiful, would recommend!

Site1
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2021

Close to the lake

Nice campground with picnic tables, fire pits, clean toilets, and paved parking spots. Walk down to lake is about 100 yards away. We stayed here on father's day weekend and we're lucky enough to get a spot. I would stay here again.

Sitespot 4
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2020

Under the starry skies

This has to be my absolute favorite place to be. "No wake" lake means is it a great place to kayak and paddle board, canoe, raft, whatever flotation device you can think of. Campsites are great. The water is the perfect temperature and everyone is always friendly.

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2018

Tucked amidst the pines with a secluded lake.

Good campground. Many sites with good shade. Campground gets a good breeze that cools things off. Sites are longer, but extremely narrow with cement posts which make parking a little more of a challenge but set in at good angles. Cell coverage very spotty, better by lake. Close to road, but you don't hear road noises. Entrance not marked well.

SiteA15
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Better before the remodel

I loved this campsite, that is until the recent remodel. They were all dog friendly and now dogs must remain on a leash and the sites are on top of one another. Just other place that's lost its charm

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2016

Morrell Falls

Lake Falls & Campground!! Excellent spot for family camping and easy hike with the whole family to enjoy the outdoors!! Play in the creek and around the falls, the kids will love it. Campsites are well maintained, fire pits for making S'mores and the good stuff!! Great view of the lake & relaxing camp spots!!

  • Review photo of Lake Alva Campground by Carla S., July 31, 2016
  • Review photo of Lake Alva Campground by Carla S., July 31, 2016
  • Review photo of Lake Alva Campground by Carla S., July 31, 2016
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2016

Perfect

Very private camping spots in wooded areas, beautiful lake, gorgeous hikes

  • Review photo of Lake Alva Campground by mel H., July 31, 2016
  • Review photo of Lake Alva Campground by mel H., July 31, 2016
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2016

Quiet Views of the Stars

Lake Alva is a no motorized water vehicle lake which makes it the quietest of the large lakes in the Seeley Lake chain. The beautiful mountain views and calm waters make for a restful trip. Great swimming in the summer time out to a small island in the center with pebble shores and a bustling population of crawfish. The water is clear and can be very cold. At the shores you can see down into the bottom of the lake. It is a great place to go star gazing in a canoe or kayak. The water is very mellow, no wake waves and the small size of the lake prevents the large white caps that show up on Seeley itself. It's a great place for beginning boaters to get in some risk free paddling. The camp ground is well spaced with separation and plenty of amenities.

  • Review photo of Lake Alva Campground by Amanda L., June 17, 2016
  • Review photo of Lake Alva Campground by Amanda L., June 17, 2016
  • Review photo of Lake Alva Campground by Amanda L., June 17, 2016
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Lake Alva Campground?

Lake Alva Campground offers paved parking spots, picnic tables, and fire pits at each site. The campground features clean vault toilets throughout the property. While there are no hookups available for RVs, the sites are nicely spaced and set at good angles, providing privacy in wooded areas. The campground is approximately 100 yards from the lake, making it convenient for water activities. During the regular season, fees apply, but the campground is free during the off-season. The facilities are well-maintained, though sites have become narrower after a remodel with cement posts that can make parking more challenging.

Are there photos available of Lake Alva Campground?

Yes, photos of Lake Alva Campground are available online. These images showcase the wooded campsites, the beautiful clear lake with its pebble shores, and the surrounding mountain views. You can find pictures of the campground's amenities including the paved sites, picnic tables, and fire pits. Photos also capture the natural setting with wildlife like deer that frequently visit the area. For the most current and comprehensive collection of Lake Alva Campground photos, check The Dyrt or the official Forest Service website.

What do visitor reviews say about Lake Alva Campground?

Lake Alva Campground receives high marks for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Campers appreciate that it's a no-wake lake, making it ideal for non-motorized activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. The campground earns praise for its private, wooded sites, although some note that a remodel has made sites narrower and closer together. Visitors consistently mention the beautiful mountain views, clean facilities, and abundant wildlife, particularly deer sightings. The lake's clear water and perfect swimming temperature are frequently highlighted. Many consider it a great family destination, with the comfortable summer weather enhanced by a cooling breeze.

Is there a map of Lake Alva Campground showing campsites and trails?

Yes, maps of Lake Alva Campground are available showing the layout of campsites and nearby trails. The campground has multiple loops with the first loop typically open longest during the season. Maps indicate the campground's proximity to the lake (about 100 yards) and the location of facilities like vault toilets. For detailed trail information and campsite layouts, check with the Lolo National Forest office or at the campground entrance kiosk. The Forest Service website also offers downloadable maps of the area, showing connections to surrounding hiking opportunities and the small island in the center of the lake that's popular for swimming excursions.

How do I make reservations at Lake Alva Campground in Montana?

Reservations for Lake Alva Campground can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the National Recreation Reservation Service. During peak season (typically late May through early September), advance reservations are recommended as the campground fills up quickly, especially on weekends. In the off-season, the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees charged. For the most current reservation policies and availability, check with the Lolo National Forest office or the official Recreation.gov website.

Where is Lake Alva located in Montana and how do I get there?

Lake Alva is located in the Seeley Lake chain in western Montana, within Lolo National Forest. The campground sits alongside Highway 83, making it easily accessible by car. It's positioned between Seeley Lake and Swan Lake along the scenic Seeley-Swan Valley corridor. The lake is part of a series of lakes in this region, distinguished by being a no-wake lake that prohibits motorized watercraft. While close to the road, the campground is designed to minimize traffic noise. Cell coverage in the area is spotty, with better reception near the lake. The location offers beautiful mountain views and access to the surrounding forest recreation opportunities.