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.

## Overview

 Lake Alva Campground is located on the North shore of Lake Alva, approximately 11 miles north of Seeley Lake, and offers visitors the chance to camp and enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The lake is home to a loon population and has protected nesting areas. The birds' mesmerizing calls can often be heard in the campground.\_\_All boats on Lake Alva must operate at a \"no-wake\" speed year-round. 
## Recreation

 The campground is a popular destination for swimming, boating, paddling, picnicking, and fishing. There are a variety of freshwater fish including Kokanee salmon, perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, and trout, among other species. Motorized boating is allowed on Lake Alva within the \"No-Wake\" regulation. Many non-motorized boaters find solace during the evening and morning hours on the lake. The Mission Mountain Wilderness Area is about 15 miles northwest of the campground. The area is popular for its scenic views and abundant wildlife. Active glaciers, alpine lakes, meadows and clear, icy streams, along with vertical cliffs and jagged peaks make up the area. 
## Facilities

 19 individual RV/tent campsites within Loop 1 are available for reservation the Friday before Memorial Day to the Tuesday after Labor Day. These sites will transition to first-come/first-serve outside of these dates. 20 campsites within Loop 2 are available on a first-come/first-serve basis. These campsites can be paid for onsite by scanning a QR Code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Visitors will need to download the free recreation.gov mobile app through Android or iOS. This is best done prior to arrival. All campsites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a paved parking stall. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash receptacles are available throughout the campground. Campground hosts are on site 24 hours a day. \_\_The campground also offers a spacious day use area that includes a swimming beach, a concrete boat ramp, paved parking for vehicles/boat trailers, and several picnic areas. Day use facilities are open year-round from 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Mountain Time. No fees or reservations are required for day use. 
## Natural Features

 Lake Alva is a glacial-formed lake situated in a valley between the Swan and Mission mountain ranges. It is one of a half a dozen lakes within the valley known as the 'Chain of Lakes' through which the Clearwater River flows. At an elavation of approximately 4,200 feet, temperatures are relatively cool on summer days. 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. The lake is home to a loon population and has protected nesting areas. The birds' mesmerizing calls can often be heard in the campground. 
## Nearby Attractions

 The town of Seeley Lake, MT is about 11 miles south of the campground. A variety of recreation services such as boat, canoe, and kayak rentals as well as guide services and resorts are offered there. 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, 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. Missoula, one of Western Montanas outdoor recreation hubs is about an hour from Seeley Lake, MT. Missoula is a full-service city with 2 hospitals, an international airport, and access to services, hotels, and outdoor activities. 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (406) 677-2233. 

[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

Lake Alva Campground

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Seeley Lake. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Montana camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Seeley Lake. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Seeley Lake

The Best Camping Near Seeley Lake, Montana

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.

Quiet Views of the Stars

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

Perfect

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!! 

Morrell Falls

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

Better before the remodel 

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.

Tucked amidst the pines with a secluded lake.

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.

Under the starry skies

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.

Close to the lake

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!

Great Camping Spot - Buys end of Season

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.

Photos of Lake Alva Campground

Real photos from real campers