Best Campgrounds near Seeley Lake, MT

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Seeley Lake, Montana (112)

    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

    $24 / 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. Salmon Lake State Park Campground

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

    $24 / night

    "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."

    4. Big Larch Campground

    9 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."

    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 Reviews near Seeley Lake, MT

455 Reviews of 112 Seeley Lake Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Lost Moose Meadows Campground

    Great campground

    Awesome spot, the owners make everything super clear. You can book online and when you get there, there’s a little packet with your info. Only complaint is it’s very bare, no trees in sight for shade. Otherwise the views were great!! Would be back!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Lost Moose Meadows Campground

    Lost Moose Meadows

    Awesome view! Super friendly owners. Great place to relax. Very quiet considering you’re just off a highway.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Boulder Creek Lodge

    Boulder Creek

    This is the prettiest little RV park/ campground with lovely little cabins alongside a wonderful creek. Something for everyone here and absolutely delightful. The game room and laundry open all night ! Dog friendly.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Missoula KOA Holiday

    Better options available

    I would not stay here again. We are in our RV camping as a family approximately 70 days a year. Not a ton but enough that we’ve got some experience. We stayed in campground in 46 of the 50 states. This KOA price rivals Key West, on the beach in the Florida panhandle, glacier national park koa at peak summer and posh resorts of the south east with elaborate water parks, lazy rivers and margarita delivery daily. This camp ground does not have the bells and whistles to justify this price. We paid for a deluxe extra wide site. We have a 27ft Class C with a drivers side slide. Not a tiny RV but by no means large. When being directed to our site I was asked to move over so our tires weren’t near the grass. They were near the grass on both sides. I indicated if I moved over my slide wouldn’t open all the way due to the power box. I was nonetheless asked to move. So I did. And here we are with the slide 4 inches from going out all the way and bugs having free rein to enter thru the now non sealed siding. If that were all I might just move on… but kids are $10 extra per night?!? On top of the already $130 campsite fee. So many KOA’s don’t charge extra for kids - we come here because we have kids… who else would come to a KOA?!? Don’t charge extra per kid! I’m in now in excess of $160 for one night for a uneven gravel site, under a glaringly bright white street light making it nearly daylight inside the motorhome, attracting bugs to a slide that isn’t sealed because the site isn’t wide enough to open … and being charged extra. My first ever negative review at those level. Just so so sad. I’d stay at the Glacier, Jim & Mary’s etc. we tried this one because the pool was open late but… not worth 2-3x the price of nicer campground nearby

    Ps - online when we booked it said “last site” hurry book now in essence. Alas… there are multiple campsites empty on both sides. Front and back are full but the ones.. not under the light… are empty….

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

    Interesting spot

    Road is absolutely clapped out going up for like ten miles. Wouldn’t recommend a rv or trailer unless you don’t mind washboards. I got a flat tire going up so be careful of sharp rocks. The pin is at just a pull off on the side of the road. Drive another mile or so until a corner then take a trail on the side. (Only in a truck). Awesome sunset spot and no one bothered me

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Rock Creek Dry Campsites

    Best secluded spots

    Gorgeous area deep back on rock creek. Probably 10 plus miles. Pass campgrounds with toilets. Individual campsites with fire rings and access to great fishing.

  • Jeff C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Beavertail Hill State Park Campground

    Thieves and vandals

    The campground hosts accessed my RV and plugged my toilet 3 times with something filled with maggots and left lice on my furniture. I fought maggots crawling out of my toilet for over a week. I returned a few weeks later to try to stay again and the campground host pointed his ATV at my vehicle and I had to slam on my brakes. He said no check ins, before I had any chance to ask any questions.

  • David H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Beavertail Hill State Park Campground

    Neat overnight spot, but far louder than expected

    It's an ok location, easy to get to off the highway. The pin on the Dyrt app is way wrong as of this review(I submitted a correction), follow the signs (or just turn the opposite direction) though and you'll be ok.

    The train mentioned in another review is a pretty big deal breaker though honestly. The tracks are right next to the wall in spaces. And during my visit on a weekday it was about every 2 hours. I caught it in the video from site 20.

    The camp host Ed is really chatty and super helpful, though I don't know if it's his job to have the pit toilets emptied.. they need it. Haha.

    All in all, I don't think I'd stay here on purpose, but would not be overly mad if it was a "last resort" sort of deal.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Copper Creek Campground

    Nice campground

    Small campground on creek. There were several sites available on a Saturday night. Some sites more private than others. Surprised at the number of RVs given that it’s 8 miles down a washboard road. Washboard not too bad but the first mile was large potholes but easily avoidable. Basic amenities.


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.