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Best Campgrounds near Seeley Lake, MT

464 Reviews

Seeley Lake, Montana provides a range of camping experiences across several established campgrounds and dispersed sites within the Lolo National Forest. Placid Lake State Park Campground and Seeley Lake Lolo Campground offer developed sites with amenities for both tent and RV camping, while Camp Paxson provides cabin accommodations. The area features multiple lakefront camping options along the chain of lakes including Seeley Lake, Placid Lake, and Salmon Lake, with most campgrounds situated within easy access to water recreation.

Road conditions throughout the region remain well-maintained during summer months, though some forest service roads may require higher clearance vehicles. Most established campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through September or October, with Placid Lake State Park open from May 1 to November 30. Reservations are recommended during peak summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell service varies by location, with stronger signals reported at Big Larch Campground and Placid Lake State Park. "This was a wonderful stopover on a road trip. Beautiful lake, rich forest area. Camping spots were nicely spread out, all paved. Excellent cell service for Verizon and T-Mobile," noted one visitor to Placid Lake State Park.

The camping areas around Seeley Lake receive consistently positive reviews for their natural beauty and lake access. Many campgrounds feature beach areas with swimming access, boat launches, and fishing opportunities. Campers particularly appreciate the quieter atmosphere at Lake Alva, which prohibits motorized watercraft. "Lake Alva is a no motorized water vehicle lake which makes it the quietest of the large lakes in the Seeley Lake chain," one review mentioned. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with visitors reporting bear sightings near Holland Lake Campground. Mosquitoes can be prevalent during early summer months, particularly at lakeside camping areas. Most established campgrounds provide vault toilets, while some state park facilities offer showers and flush toilets with varying levels of cleanliness and maintenance.

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Best Camping Sites Near Seeley Lake, Montana (113)

    1. Seeley Lake Lolo Campground (MT) — Lolo National Forest

    18 Reviews
    Seeley Lake, MT
    4 miles
    +1 (406) 677-2233

    $20 / night

    "America''s Next Top Llamas are having a blast at Seeley Lake Campground"

    "It was very well kept and close to the town of Seeley Lake which we liked. The campground was very quiet and the beach area was nice and relaxing."

    2. Placid Lake State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Seeley Lake, MT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 677-3874

    $20 / night

    "Beautiful lake, rich forest area. Camping spots were nicely spread out, all paved. Ours, number 27 was a pull through. Easy access, a clean spacious vault toilet very close by."

    "We stayed at a couple of state parks in Northwest Montana, but this one was by far the best! We planned to spend a week in the area and had to split the stay between two parks. Placid was amazing!"

    3. Big Larch Campground

    11 Reviews
    Seeley Lake, MT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 677-2233

    "This was the only campground open in late season on Seeley Lake. Not many people. So, very quiet."

    "Around Thursday evening, Friday morning, it fills up more but there’s about 50 sites and still had some free while I was there. You can walk to the beach access from the campground."

    4. Salmon Lake State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Seeley Lake, MT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 677-3731

    "Well managed, clean, and pretty campground with views through the trees of Salmon Lake. Best access to the lake is from the day use and boat ramp area south of the campground."

    "If having access to your car and a shower are your thing, this campground is perfect."

    5. Lake Alva Campground

    11 Reviews
    Seeley Lake, MT
    13 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "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."

    "Cell coverage very spotty, better by lake. Close to road, but you don't hear road noises. Entrance not marked well."

    6. River Point Lolo Campground (Mt) — Lolo National Forest

    5 Reviews
    Seeley Lake, MT
    3 miles
    +1 (406) 677-2233

    $20 / night

    "Great spot right on seeley lake. My area was just a short walk to the beach area. Not much privacy but other than that very nice place"

    "Lots of walking trails, swimming, boating, paddling."

    7. Harpers Lake

    7 Reviews
    Seeley Lake, MT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 542-5500

    "It’s $12 a night per campground if you have your Montana’s fishing license, camp spots are right next to the river with easy access."

    "Good spot that’s just short of salmon and seely lake. It gets really packed in the summer but if you can go earlier in the year or mid week should be ok."

    8. Camp Paxson

    2 Reviews
    Seeley Lake, MT
    4 miles
    Website

    "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"

    "Trails all over seely lake. An area with benches surrounding the fire and a stage. Easy to get to."

    9. Holland Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Condon, MT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 752-7924

    $22 - $250 / night

    "Our daughter braved a chilly swim and there were lots of dirt roads and little trails for the strider bikes. Bring bug spray, the mosquitos are out."

    "The hike to the waterfall is beautiful, and swimming and snorkeling in this lake are wonderful due to the clarity and purity."

    10. Russell Gates Memorial

    4 Reviews
    Ovando, MT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 542-5500

    "This charming campsite East of the small and charming town of Ovando, Montana, is more than a boat launch, it's a camping way of life."

    "You can walk right into the river from your campsite."

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Recent Camping Photos near Seeley Lake, MT

108 Photos of 113 Seeley Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Seeley Lake, MT

464 Reviews of 113 Seeley Lake Campgrounds

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Big Larch Campground

    Big Larch Campground

    Traveling through the area early-October and this was a great campground to overnight at. Besides a little road noise (like the other campgrounds on this highway), it's been quite quiet--just a few other campers last night. Some campsites are more open than others, several vault toilets scattered throughout this fairly big campground, water is already shut off for the season, town nearby if you need any gas or groceries, and great cell service here. Would stop by here again if needed.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Holland Lake Picnic Site

    Heaven on Earth

    Embarrassing to say that I’m pushing 50 and this is my first time visiting Holland Lake. OMG! This place is gorgeous. I have taken some strolls on nearby paths and there are so many hidden gems of lakeside spots to enjoy the scenery. It is a very mellow weekend and wx has been cool and rainy. I could spend weeks here. I’m on the Bayview loop and they’ve locked up the bathrooms and put porta potties instead. Sign says it closed for the season in a few days 10/7. The other loops they’ve kept the bathrooms open oddly enough. I was not expecting to get service but T-Mobile I have 1 bar and sometimes I get 5G. Around the lake I’ve seen 3 bars of service. There are zero complaints. Quite a few spots show reserved and nobody showed up likely b/c of the wx but that’s still garbage to hold up a spot out of selfish greed. I’m so glad I came and I am so excited to visit with my family in the summer. There are a decent amount of walk up sites that imo should be reservable for $100nt they are so epic.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    Basic and easy

    It is RIGHT off the road, I missed it coming back from town (having been to the site once already). Any vehicle (cars too) can get to the 3 or 4 sites. Turn around may be iffy. Depending on your skills and the size.

    All sites are close together, though we are here by ourselves. You can hear I90 in the background, but we slept in our car and it didn’t bother either of us. Saw deer so far.

    It’s tucked in a valley, so no awesome views. This is a spot for ease and convenience, it got 4 stars for that. Lost the 5th for no view.

  • L
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Johnsrud Park FAS

    Day Use Area- No overnight

    Beautiful boat ramp and very large day use area. Plenty of river access for fishing and boat ramp access. Plentiful parking, pit toilets, and a large group day site with picnic tables. Only saw 2 other humans while I visited.

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Jim & Mary's RV Park

    Lovely, manicured RV Park

    This rv park is serene and beautiful. Whoever takes care of the grounds is meticulous and has two green thumbs. I felt safe which is of utmost important to me. The staff was welcoming and efficient. Would stay here again any time.

    My spot is right by the road and there is road noise but for the most part, it was fine.

    There’s plenty of spaces far from the road that i am sure wouldn’t hear this at all.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Richmond Marshall hookup trail dispersed campsite

    Logging Logging Spur MTN view

    Acesss logging road in good shape. Narrow in places . Fire ring at the edge of the embankment. Tight place to turn around. Can hear a creek deep in the gorge. Only saw one other person. Vegetation is very dry. Nice open view for camping. Most of the road cuts through tall trees. Good cell service . No services just a fire ring and cell reception.

  • Lady Phyre ☆.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Placid Creek Pull Off

    A clearing & an Outhouse

    It's a clearing with a clean outhouse . It works for a night or two. It's not completely level but the road in is easy.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Big Larch Campground

    Stayed one night

    We are on the way to Glacier Park and needed to be close enough to get there in a few hours the next day. Pros: convenience. Close to highway and town. Large site, we were on the first loop site 1. Picnic tables and fire rings provided at each site. Site was free (after Labor Day 2025) Cons: Logging has created Mess, downed trees litter the area, however this resulted in plenty of available firewood. Vault toilets are not clean(understandable as there are no hosts on site this time of year) Synopsis: this site accommodated us for the purpose we were looking for, It would be hard for me to stay here longer than one day, however it may be suitable for longer periods if you have an interest in touring the area.

  • E
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Hooper Park

    Great campground and park

    Nice place, quite and inviting. Walking distance to all the amenities of town. This park has a pit toilet and flush toilets, also showers, potable water and garbage service. Huge spots with lots of space. Pull through spots perfect for RV or tent camping. Sites available with or without hookups. Playground for kids and it's pet friendly! We love this park.

Guide to Seeley Lake

Camping near Seeley Lake, Montana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the clear waters of Salmon Lake. One visitor mentioned, "The beach area is nice, and the campground is spread out with a mix of day use and camp sites" at Salmon Lake State Park Campground.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Holland Lake Campground. A reviewer said, "We loved the waterfall hike too," highlighting the area's natural beauty.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bears and other wildlife. One camper noted, "We saw a black bear across the road from the campground" while staying at Holland Lake Campground.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Jim & Mary's RV Park said, "Hot showers and clean bathroom" made their stay enjoyable.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. One reviewer at Big Larch Campground mentioned, "Campsites are close together but there are nice trails, clean vault toilets, picnic tables."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their hospitality. A guest at Lost Moose Meadows Campground said, "The owners are very down to earth wonderful and eager to assist."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Beavertail Hill State Park Campground, lack certain amenities. A camper noted, "There are no showers, but the area is beautiful."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One visitor at Holland Lake Campground warned, "Bring bug spray, the mosquitoes are out."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can be noisy. A reviewer at Granite Peak RV Resort mentioned, "We were worried it'd be loud being so close to the freeway, but surprisingly couldn't hear it at all."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or swimming areas. A parent at Seeley Lake Lolo Campground said, "Kids love running around and swimming here."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on your kids, especially near water. One camper at Salmon Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp staff was super friendly and it was clean and well maintained."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Placid Lake State Park Campground noted, "Great sites that are spaced out from your neighbor."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Granite Peak RV Resort said, "The length was pretty short... definitely could not have stayed attached."
  • Use Amenities: Take advantage of laundry facilities and showers. One camper at Jim & Mary's RV Park appreciated, "Clean bathrooms, showers, and laundry."
  • Book Ahead: During peak seasons, it's wise to reserve your spot. A visitor at Montana Placid Lake State Park advised, "Reserve ahead to be sure."

Camping near Seeley Lake, Montana, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds at Seeley Lake, Montana?

Seeley Lake offers several excellent campground options. Seeley Lake Lolo Campground (MT) — Lolo National Forest is highly rated for its well-maintained grounds, proximity to town, and quiet atmosphere with a nice beach area. The campground provides easy access to the lake and is great for families. Big Larch Campground is another top choice, offering sites that can accommodate larger RVs (up to 30 feet) with some spots nestled in tree groves for privacy while others are more open. It's particularly valuable for late-season camping as it stays open longer than other campgrounds in the area.

Are there any campgrounds near Seeley Lake that offer amenities like showers and boat access?

Placid Lake State Park Campground offers excellent amenities including showers, flush toilets, and boat access to the beautiful lake. The campground features paved sites that are nicely spaced for privacy, and many campers praise its cleanliness and maintenance. River Point Lolo Campground provides direct access to Seeley Lake with a beach area just a short walk from camping spots. While privacy may be limited, the waterfront location makes it ideal for boaters and swimmers wanting immediate lake access.

What is the best time of year to camp at Seeley Lake, Montana?

Summer (mid-June through August) is the prime camping season at Seeley Lake, with warm days perfect for swimming and water activities. Lake Alva Campground is particularly pleasant in summer as its no-motorized-vehicle policy creates a peaceful atmosphere for swimming out to the small island with pebble shores. Early fall (September) offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds, though be prepared for cooler temperatures. Holland Lake Campground is a good choice for mid-week stays during peak season when it's less crowded. Regardless of when you visit, bring bug spray as mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially in early summer.

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