Seeley Lake, Montana sits at an elevation of 4,100 feet in the heart of the Lolo National Forest. The area features a chain of five glacial lakes nestled between the Swan Mountain Range and the Mission Mountains. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer days typically reach 70-85°F with cool nights, making camping comfortable without air conditioning.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Clearwater River provides excellent fishing access at Russell Gates Memorial. "Beautiful place to access Placid lake. Nice clean facilities. Great for salmon fishing," according to Bonnie E.
Hiking to waterfalls: Several trails lead to notable waterfalls near campsites. At Holland Lake Campground, "There is a beautiful waterfall that is visible from the camp ground and is a fairly easy hike too," notes Sara C. The trail to Holland Falls is "suitable for beginners and children, but be aware that it's rocky when you reach the falls," warns Carmen H.
Visit historic sites: Take a short drive to see impressive trees and historic structures. Near Salmon Lake, "It is also near Girard Grove, home of Gus, the largest larch tree in the US. There are many trails, some leading you to this grove on Boy Scout Road," says Judy T.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-designed sites with room to spread out. At Seeley Lake Lolo Campground, "The campsites are big and spacious. Even though the sites are open, they still feel private thanks to the natural layout and surrounding trees," reports Jason S.
Wildlife viewing: The area provides opportunities to spot various wildlife. "We saw deer every night. Campground has too many gophers, and the fishing requires a boat," shares Sara L. about Lake Alva. At Holland Lake Campground, campers should "be very careful with your food, and bear aware when hiking. My last stay was only 2 nights, and I ran into two bears, one that strolled right by my trailer."
Water recreation: The lakes offer excellent swimming and non-motorized boating options. "The lake is incredibly clear and beautiful," notes Jason S. about Seeley Lake. Lake Alva is a "'No wake' lake means is it a great place to kayak and paddle board, canoe, raft, whatever flotation device you can think of," according to Gina M.
What you should know
Bear safety: Be prepared for bear encounters throughout the region. "Warning: there are bears in the area. We didn't see any, but saw some evidence of them," cautions Jason S. about Seeley Lake. Another visitor mentioned, "I didn't get to go to the falls because there was a dead mule off the trail which drew attention of some grizzlies."
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities close outside peak seasons. "Looks like a great spot, however on Oct 9th, camping here is closed. Had a lovely picnic lunch at the day use site," reports David P. about River Point Campground. After Labor Day, some sites become free, with Gary N. noting, "Site was free (after Labor Day 2025)" at Big Larch.
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality throughout the area. At Placid Lake State Park, "The 3 mile road from highway is a bit rough but worth it!" according to Joe H. For Lake Alva, visitors report easier road access with "paved parking spots."
Tips for camping with families
Best beaches: Some campgrounds offer better swimming areas for children. At Big Larch Campground, "Beach are is nice, campground is spread out with mix of day use and camp sites. Popular day use area for locals," notes K B.
Quiet campgrounds: For families seeking peaceful environments, several options exist. "We loved this 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," shares Whitney G. about Seeley Lake.
Short hikes: Several family-friendly trails exist near campsites. "There are many trails, some leading you to this grove on Boy Scout Road," mentions Judy T. The hike to Holland Falls is described as "short but totally worth it" by Talia H.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Different campgrounds accommodate various RV sizes. At Lake Alva Campground, "Sites are longer, but extremely narrow with cement posts which make parking a little more of a challenge but set in at good angles," warns Kaylene M.
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups are limited to certain campgrounds. At Placid Lake State Park, "40 sites and some have power. Water, toilets and showers available," notes Sara L. For those needing more amenities, "We planned to spend a week in the area and had to split the stay between two parks. Placid was amazing!" shares Brad B.
Dump stations: Plan ahead for waste disposal as options are limited. "THERE ARE NO SEWER HOOKUPS. However at Seeley Lake, about four miles away there is a dump station," advises Dan M. about Placid Lake State Park, which offers "excellent cell service for Verizon and T-Mobile."
