Map showing campground location near Big Sky, Montana

Camper submitted image from Spanish Lakes

Spanish Lakes

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Nine and a half miles of trail separate the trailhead at Spanish Creek Picnic Area from the lake basin at Spanish Lakes, a hike-in campground in Gallatin National Forest outside Big Sky, Montana. The first four and a half miles run flat; the final two gain elevation sharply. Campers cross several streams along the way, some bridged, some requiring a boot removal. Fire rings sit above the first lake, with additional sites near the second and third lakes. Anglers will find west slope cutthroat trout in the water. Bugs are present in summer. The effort earns you a campsite worth staying at least two nights.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Great Northern Road Trip

Duluth to Glacier National Park: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsSpanish Lakes is located in Montana near Big Sky

Public Campground

Coordinates

45.35809431 N
111.40855228 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time

57 min from Bozeman, MT
2 hrs 10 min from Helena, MT
3 hrs from Billings, MT
3 hrs 18 min from Idaho Falls, ID

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Spanish Lakes

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the spectacular alpine setting with crystal clear lakes and mountain views accessible via a challenging 9.5-mile hike. Many visitors reported excellent fishing and well-positioned campsites with fire rings.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Chi M.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2022

Yellow Lake Erie

Lake Michigan Anna Abor 🙌 so you are a beautiful 😍 Holidays

SiteGoogle.com

Month of VisitJune

Ruby W.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2020

BREATHTAKING Alpine Lakes

An absolutely stunning area to camp. A relatively challenging nine-mile-hike in from the Spanish Creek campground. Turn left at the trail map and follow the well marked signs. You’ll have stunning views of the mountains, rivers, and pines on your hike in. A few other places to camp on the way in. You’ll cross a couple rivers—so be prepared to take off those boots. Once arriving at the top; you’ll find a stunning array of crystal lakes, snow melts, and glistening cliffs. We camped on top of a large cliff system across the first lake. As you hike in, there are multiple little lakes to camp and fish around. The highest lake (about 100 meters past the first) is indescribably breathtaking. Surrounded by massive mountains, a rolling stream, and a little dead forest accompanied by a campsite and fire ring—AH! I felt like I was in a simulation. Apparently you can summit the nearby mountains and reached a higher lake called Beehive. My friends went and said they enjoyed it. Tons of fishing in all of the lakes. Diverse wildflowers. Tons of bugs. But all great fun! Will certainly return when I go back to Montana.

(14) View All

Lucille W.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 22, 2020

360 Breathtaking Views

This place is indescribable. To get there you drive into the Spanish Creek Picnic area. Then you follow the trails on the map to Spanish Lakes. The trails are pretty well marked. It’s about 9.5 miles in and up. The first 4.5 miles are super chill and flat. You’ll cruise through those. You cross over some beautiful bridges over roaring streams. Couple streams didn’t have bridges so we had to lose our boots for those crossings. Then there is a gradual uphill and the last 2 miles are pretty brutal. Eventually, you reach the first lake and you’re like WHAAATT and your jaw is dropping. Mt. Blaze is up to your left and all around are other stunning peaks. The lake is crystal clear and cold. Tons of west slope cutthroat trout that get flown in. There is a ~ 40 ft cliff you can jump off of into the super deep water. We camped just above that spot at a fire ring overlooking the lake. But if you go up to the second and third lakes there are even better spots. Truly a magical place. Definitely make it worth it and stay at least two nights if the weather is good!

(11) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What fishing opportunities are available at Spanish Lakes in Montana?

Spanish Lakes offers excellent fishing opportunities with eight different types of fish stocked in pristine waters. The lake has undergone complete drainage and dredging, resulting in clear water free from obstructions like stumps or logs. The visually appealing waters make it ideal for both casual and dedicated anglers. The remote alpine setting enhances the fishing experience, though you'll need to hike in with your gear. Consider bringing lightweight fishing equipment due to the 9.5-mile trail access. For specific regulations or fishing licenses, check with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before your trip.

When is the best time of year to visit Spanish Lakes in Montana?

Summer months (July-August) provide the optimal time to visit Spanish Lakes in Montana when the high-alpine trail is typically clear of snow and weather conditions are most favorable. The stunning mountain scenery is in full display during this period with wildflowers potentially blooming. Early fall can also offer beautiful conditions with fewer visitors. Due to the elevation and mountain location, be prepared for rapid weather changes even in summer. The lakes typically remain inaccessible during winter and spring months due to snow coverage on the trail.

How do I access the Spanish Lakes trail in Montana?

To access Spanish Lakes, drive to the Spanish Creek Picnic area first. From there, follow the trail map to locate the Spanish Lakes trailhead - turn left at the main trail map. The well-marked trail extends approximately 9.5 miles to reach the lakes. The first 4.5 miles are relatively flat and easy, making for quick progress. After this initial section, the trail becomes more challenging with elevation gain. The complete journey features stunning views of mountains, rivers, and pine forests throughout. There are also some alternative camping spots along the route if you need to break up the hike.

Keep Exploring