Map showing campground location near Island Park, Montana

Camper submitted image from Upper Lake Campground

Upper Lake Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, holds Upper Lake Campground within its remote Centennial Valley corridor in southwestern Montana. The campground has 12 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring, and is surrounded by low-growing trees that provide some shelter from the elements. Drinking water comes from an onsite spring, two outhouses serve the area, and bear-proof food boxes are distributed across the sites. Fees run $7 per night. Among the camping areas around Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, this one draws repeat visitors for its direct exposure to the refuge's wildlife.

Wildlife is the primary draw here. Trumpeter Swans, elk, moose, pronghorn, grizzly bears, and large flocks of waterfowl move through the area regularly, and campers report sightings directly from their sites. As Brad T. puts it, "wildlife viewing opportunities are endless." The surrounding landscape provides open sightlines across wetlands and grasslands, making early mornings particularly active for observation.

Access requires driving a gravel and dirt road that can become muddy and rutted, and snow can close it in spring and fall. Cell service is not available at the campground. Come prepared. Larger RVs will find the road challenging, and only a handful of sites can accommodate them. Elk Lake Dispersed Camping & Picnic Area lies roughly 7 miles to the northeast for those who want a nearby alternative with different terrain. Upper Lake suits self-sufficient campers who prioritize wildlife access and remote conditions over developed amenities.

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Map & DirectionsUpper Lake Campground is located in Montana near Island Park

Public Campground

Coordinates

44.5930007 N
111.73000067 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 47 min from Idaho Falls, ID
3 hrs 1 min from Bozeman, MT
3 hrs 30 min from Pocatello, ID
3 hrs 42 min from Helena, MT

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Upper Lake Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

A remote wilderness campground with stunning scenery and excellent wildlife viewing. Basic facilities include outhouses and spring water, but visitors should come prepared for spartan conditions and potential road access challenges.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Ron B.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 2, 2022

No fishing the lake

Lots of bikers going through. Not legal to fish lake.

Month of VisitAugust

Mike H.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2021

Stunner in the wilderness

What a treat to drive through Centennial Valley and get to camp in this great spot. Views all around and to wake up to a Trumpeter Swan swimming and eating right off our campsite was awesome. This is the real wilderness so come prepared - no signal, few services and there are bear though we did not see any sign. The pit toilet is basic and clean and we drove east in the morning to get to West Yellowstone. Really a spectactular bit of scenery. We will be back.

Month of VisitJune

Paul G.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 31, 2020

One of our favorites

This is one of our favorites for early and late season camping. The weather is unpredictable so be prepared. The campground is spartan with 12 sites, two outhouses, and a spring for water. There are also several bear-proof food boxes scattered about. There are no other services. Cell service can found a few miles down the road. The road is gravel/dirt and can be very muddy and bumpy. The road can also be closed by snow in spring and fall. Wildlife viewing is endless with Trumper Swans, elk, deer, Pronghorn Antelope, grizzly bear, moose and hundreds of waterfowl. Only a couple of sites could accommodate larger RVs. Road would be challenging.

(4) View All

Brad T.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2017

Awesome area

There are actually two campgrounds in the refuge with the other on the Lower lake. This campground is much better then the other one as its in a field with no trees or shelters for protection. The Upper lake campground is surrounded by smallish trees. There is an outhouse and each site has a table and fire ring. Accommodations are a little spartan but the area is stunningly beautiful and very remote. Wildlife viewing opportunities are endless.

Month of VisitSeptember

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Upper Lake Campground?

Upper Lake Campground offers basic, spartan amenities in its wilderness setting. The campground features 12 sites, each equipped with a table. Two outhouses provide restroom facilities, and a spring serves as the water source. Several bear-proof food boxes are scattered throughout the campground for food storage safety. Each campsite has some privacy thanks to the surrounding small trees. There are no other services available, so campers should come fully prepared for a self-sufficient wilderness experience.

Where is Upper Lake Campground located in Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge?

Upper Lake Campground is located in the northern section of Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, situated near Upper Red Rock Lake. The campground is positioned among small trees, providing some natural shelter, unlike the Lower Lake campground which is in an open field. The campground is accessed by driving through the scenic Centennial Valley. This remote wilderness setting offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and lakes, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a true wilderness camping experience.

What wildlife can be seen around Upper Red Rock Lake campground?

Upper Red Rock Lake Campground offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Trumpeter swans can be seen swimming and feeding directly off the shoreline near campsites. Bears are present in the area, necessitating proper food storage in the provided bear-proof boxes. The refuge is known for its diverse bird populations, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. While fishing is not permitted in the lake itself, the surrounding wilderness provides ample opportunities to observe various wildlife species in their natural habitat. The remote setting of the campground enhances chances for meaningful wildlife encounters throughout your stay.

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