Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Lolo National Forest

A nice off the road spot in the Lolo National Forest. Pretty quiet and a nice view of an open field from the campground. Just off South Fork Lolo Creek Trail Road before the South Fork Lolo Creek Trailhead. There was enough room to fit our 23' long Sprinter Van.

There are boulders that prevent vehicle from driving into the field which is good. A few unofficial stone fire pits people have created and we did see a few gun shell casings around the campground which is kinda expected of a place like this. The campsite overall was quiet and beautiful. There is a stream/creek that runs just 50ft from where you would camp/park.

Love this spot in LOLO National Forest! There are fire rings at most sites and some have picnic tables. Not a ton of sites, 1 drive in one for a van or small trailer and the others are tent. I’m sure you might be able to park by vault toilet though if your in a van. It is near the hwy kinda, but we didn’t hear much traffic, but it was also still snowy and not amazing weather when we went in the end of April 2021. The site we stayed in walked down to the lake and had great views. The road is a dirt/mud road with some bad spots. We didn’t have a problem but did take it slow. I also had to move a tree out of the road because one had fallen and was blocking the way. Bear country - bring spray and other protectors. Lock your food there is a bear vault at the campsite we stayed at

https://www.camppaxson.org/app/

*Must rent entire facility*

"Camp Paxson sits on the shores of Seeley Lake, one of a chain of five lakes nestled between the Swan Mountain Range and the Mission Mountain Range in Western Montana. It is a 15-acre peninsula of land that Salish, Blackfeet, and Crow tribes cared for, hunted, and fished for centuries prior to European colonization and we recognize their time-honored traditions and connections rooted in the earth. While the history of the land reaches centuries back, the buildings on this Forest Service landmark are just 80 years old. Camp Paxson originally consisted of a tent camp with six small frame structures. By the 1930s, a larger facility was needed. The Depression-era Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps began building the current facility in 1939, and the bathhouses and cabins were completed in 1940. Because of its unique architecture and as an example of the contributions of the WPA and CCC during the Depression years, Camp Paxson was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The camp was originally used by a variety of groups including the Boy Scouts and the Forest Service for their Smokejumper training housing. Camp Paxson is a Lolo National Forest Service site administered by the Camp Paxson Preservation Project, a non-profit organization that operates with the mission to preserve and improve historic Camp Paxson and to advance the public’s appreciation of this cultural and natural resource both locally and regionally through expanded appropriate use. The facility is used by schools, churches, weddings, family reunions, and other gatherings of large groups.

What a beautiful spot to camp. My friends and I came here as a celebration of our Sophomore year of college ending. It was the perfect time to come because the flowers were blooming, the weather was warming up, and it wasn't too busy. We brought a few kayaks, stand up paddle boards and our swim suits. We enjoyed early mornings on lake. It was so peaceful and relaxing. We stayed 3 nights, and a few of those mornings we had the whole lake to ourselves...Or it felt like it, anyways! The views and scenery were indescribable. Mountains, trees, blooming colorful flowers, and the crystal clear lake were some of the amazing things I noticed while being on the lake. It definitely was just what I needed after finishing up an extremely hard semester and killer finales. The campground is located in the beautiful Lolo National Forest. My friends and I also did some hiking, and took in the views of the mountains all around us. There is just something about getting higher in elevation and seeing things from a birds eye view. We hiked the Stateline Trail, which seemed to be pretty popular when I researched hikes around the area before we went. From the research I did, apparently this trail separates Montana and Idaho- although once we got to the top, I wasn't sure at which direction or point that state line actually separated. From the top, we saw gorgeous views of Missoula Lake. When we were down by the lake (or on the lake kayaking), the lake seemed so big. But when we got to the top, the lake actually didn't seem so big. We also saw neighboring mountains (although we didn't know the names of them), and so many trees! It was a perfect clear day, which made the views that much better. The campground really wasn't anything THAT special. It was just a typical campground with all the basics. We made the most of it, and hung our hammocks, made a fire, and roasted marshmallows for smores. We had a blast, and I hope this can be one of our traditions after every school year ends!

CLICK HERE for FULL Ranger Review Video

When traveling through Montana there is a portion of the state which suddenly opens up in such an inviting way as the National Forest and Mountains start to give you the first glimpse of the upcoming PNW environment.   Tall trees welcome you and on a cool fall day the crisp air produces  a beautiful fog over the mountains.

Campground Review:

As I entered into this section of the 2 million acre LOLO National Forest I initially pulled into a rest area to make lunch only to realize that the exit point for the rest area was actually also the shared entry point for the Quartz Flat Campground.

The immediate sense of comfort abounded as large campsites became visible as I drove down the entry and the opening of the 2 loops welcomed me in with open arms.   Sites were well shaded and had ample ground to spread out and get comfortable for a stay from a day to 14 days at only $10 a night or $5 for those with the Senior Access pass.

I was very surprised when I noticed that Loop C was designed for smaller RVs, Vans and Tent campers and Loop A was designed for larger units which required pull through entry.    There was attention to detail for any possible traveler, something which commonly is not considered in design of National Forest campsites.

But far beyond the size this started to reveal to me that it was not your typical campsite on National Forest land for many other reasons.    There were both vault toilets and flush toilets at the location scattered throughout camp and drinking water spigots available at central points.

For tent campers the forest bed offered a lush and soft pad for set up and with sites being quite large there was a tranquility which came from camping here.  All sites were equipped with fire rings and tables but a select few were the location of bear boxes.    After leaving Yellowstone where each site had a bear box this was bit confusing to me as to why there were limited bear boxes but this did not deter me.

Additionally there is a dump station and trash collection at the Loop C entry point, very uncommon for these type of sites.   There also was a trail which began on the C Loop and traversed 1/2 a mile with information available at the main road with free brochures.

Departing this loop, I thought I had seen it all, but boy was I wrong!!  There was an entire other campground on the opposite side of the highway, accessible by a tunnel which passed under the highway itself.  This campground near mirrored that of the A & C Loops however appeared a bit closer to the highway.

TIPS:

• If you are visiting this campground make sure you bring everything with you, there is no store nearby for a quick stop.

• Check dates of closure for this campground.   When I arrived there were signs posted at the pay kiosk of closure beginning September 16th.    

For More Information About LOLO National Forest CLICK HERE

Product Review:

Upon occasion I am given the opportunity as a Dyrt Ranger to try out some amazing new products along my adventures.   For this trip I was able to try out the Acai Berry Liquid IV, a unique product which offers hydration multiplication for those who are needing a little pick me up.

How Does It Work?

Hydration multipliers work in a very interesting way.   Through adding a concentrated amount of electrolytes to your regular water they are able to make a single water hydrate your body as much as 3 waters of the same size.     The CTT technology used by Liquid IV is unique to the brand  and allows glucose and sodium to move differently in the body.  

In simple terms, if you don't drink enough water regularly, if you add Liquid IV to your intake, it allows your body to feel like it actually is getting enough water.

How Do I Use It?

Use is simple!! Servings are prepackaged and can be added to water of any temperature.    Simply tear the top, scissors not needed, and pour then shake!  I personally like adding it to hot tea in addition to plain water for a little punch of flavor.

How Does It Taste?

The Acai Berry flavor is a light flavor additive which allows you a subtle punch of flavor,   Unlike many drink additives it does not have a chalky taste and when it is fully dissolved you have no textural discrepancy from a standard water.   It just tastes like something other than water...lol

Does It Really Work?

I have been trying Liquid IV for a few weeks and have noticed a definite difference when using it versos not using it.    The product allows your body to not feel the signs of fatigue on a strenuous hike and allows you to stay hydrated, preventing muscle cramps, profuse sweating and heat related fatigue.

When using on a standard day of light activity your body just feels more energized, despite not being an energy supplement.    

I would recommend using this product for your day to day, especially if you struggle with consuming the recommended amount of water regularly.   For those who participate in strenuous athletic activity this is a game changer much better than Gatorade or Powerade.