Reaching Placid Lake State Park Campground requires a three-mile drive down a dirt road off the highway, and while most reviewers describe it as manageable, conditions can be rough enough to warrant caution for larger rigs. The campground sits at the edge of Placid Lake in the Seeley Lake area of western Montana, with around 40 sites open from May 1 through November 30. Nightly rates run $18 to $24 for standard sites, with electric hookups available on some sites. RVs are limited to 25 feet. Reservations are recommended for summer weekends, though walk-up spots sometimes open, particularly earlier in the season.
Sites are paved and spread out enough that neighbors don't feel crowded in. A handful of sites sit directly overlooking the lake, including site 18, which reviewers have called out by name for its water views. Tent campers should note that some sites are uneven and on the small side, making large tent placement tricky. Site 20 has been mentioned as one of the better options for tent setups. Showers are available on-site but cost extra beyond the base camping fee. Flush toilets and vault toilets are both present, and multiple reviewers note the facilities are consistently clean and well-maintained.
The lake is the main draw. Campers swim from small beach areas, fish from a dock, and launch boats from an on-site ramp. A nature trail runs along the water. Firewood is available for purchase, and camp hosts are a regular presence. One reviewer described the lake as having water that's "cold but refreshing," a fair warning for swimmers expecting warm conditions. Dan M. notes that while the listing mentions sewer hookups, "there are no sewer hookups" on-site, though a dump station is available in Seeley Lake, roughly four miles away.
Cell coverage is solid for Verizon and T-Mobile users. The campground draws crowds in July and August, so walk-up availability is less reliable then. Early May visits have yielded open sites even when the reservation system showed none available, suggesting the app doesn't always reflect actual availability. Campers wanting dispersed-style sites can find options along the access road before reaching the main campground, including Placid Creek Pull Off to the east, and those looking for a broader range of places to camp around Placid Lake State Park will find several alternatives in the surrounding area. Owl Creek Dispersed is another nearby option for those who prefer a less developed setup.
Description
Located in the beautiful Clearwater/Swan River Valley, this popular campground park is known for its smooth water for good fishing and water sports. Use this site as a base for other recreational opportunities in the area, watch for wildlife, and check out the interpretive panels that give an account of the early-day logging practices attested to by the massive western larch stumps in the area.
The waters of Placid Lake can be enjoyed by outdoor recreationists with a variety of boats and personal watercraft. In the parks campground area a concrete boat ramp with docks and a few rental boat slips are available on a first come first serve basis. Montana's boating regulations and boating etiquette are followed on Placid Lake.
Placid Lake State Park is a great spot for wildlife viewing, providing easy, accessible viewing of many species of birds such as red necked grebes, waterfowl, osprey and common loons.
There are several varieties of fish inhabit Placid Lake including: rainbow, cutthroat, brown and bull trout, whitefish, kokanee salmon and perch. Before baiting your hook, don't forget your Montana fishing license. Montana Fishing regulation booklets are available from park staff.
<font>ADA designated campsites may only be reserved and occupied by a party who can provide proof of disability upon arrival. Proof of eligibility for at least one member of your party will be required in the form of a DMV (or other states equivalent) issued person with disabilities placard or disabilities motor vehicle license plate. The eligible member of your party must be an occupant of the site for the entire reserved period. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of your reservation fee. Additional cancellation fees will be applied. </font>
Camping is allowed in designated areas only. All boats, trailers, rigs and motorized vehicles must fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur provided. Any equipment that does not fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur must be parked outside the campground in an area designated by the park manager.
Reservations are non-transferable and cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. The primary occupant and/or their party are the only persons authorized to camp in the site during the duration of their reservation.
Check-in time is 2:00pm for campsites (local time).
Check-out time is 1:00pm for campsites (local park time). Late checkouts may incur additional fees unless prior arrangements have been made with park staff.
The maximum capacity at each individually signed or numbered campsite is eight (8) people. This typically involves a single camping unit, which includes, but not limited to, a tent, motor home, camping bus, truck mounted camper shell, pull-type camper, or other device designed and commonly used for sleeping. In the event the site is designated as Double Site, the site capacity for that site is doubled to allow for sixteen (16) people and two camping units.
Campfires are allowed in designated areas only!
Pets must be kept on a leash. Please check with destination park staff for local restrictions.
Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 7:00am.
Fireworks are prohibited in all parks at all times. No Exceptions.
This is bear country and food storage and food waste rules apply. A locker is available for those traveling without a hard-sided vehicle to store food and other bear attractants. Bear resistant garbage dumpsters are located throughout the campground and must be used..
All watercraft entering Montana must be inspected before launch and purchase Vessel AIS Prevention pass. For more information visit cleandraindrymt.com.
In case of an emergency when visiting Montana State Parks, please dial 911. You may also wish to notify park staff for additional assistance if necessary.
For non-emergency assistance please contact park staff.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
All watercraft entering Montana must be inspected before launch and purchase Vessel AIS Prevention pass. For more information visit Clean.Drain.Dry.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPlacid Lake State Park Campground is located in Montana near Seeley Lake
Directions
Placid Lake State Park is locate 3 miles south of Seeley Lake on Montana 83, then 3 miles west on Placid Lake Road. The day use and Campground entrances are signed.
Address
5001 North Placid Lake Road
Seeley Lake, MT 59868
Coordinates
47.118399158979315 N
113.50290968606414 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/22/26
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/22/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/22/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/22/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/22/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/22/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 56 min from Missoula, MT
- 1 hr 42 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 13 min from Great Falls, MT
- 3 hrs 5 min from Bozeman, MT
