Ashley Lake South Campground

Hello, fellow Montana outdoor enthusiasts! If you're yearning for a genuine escape into the peaceful heart of our state's natural splendor, away from the bustling crowds, then Ashley Lake South Campground near Kalispell is a spot you truly need to know about. Tucked away within the beautiful Flathead National Forest, this campground offers a rustic yet incredibly rewarding experience for those who appreciate the simpler joys of camping amidst a stunning lakeside setting. It's the perfect destination for Montanans seeking a tranquil retreat, where the focus is entirely on the beauty of nature and the calm of the water.

Ashley Lake South Campground isn't your typical busy RV park with all the bells and whistles. Instead, it embodies the spirit of traditional Montana camping: clean, quiet, and intimately connected with its surroundings. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the forest, with your campsite just steps from the clear, refreshing waters of Ashley Lake. This hidden gem is consistently praised by visitors for its serene atmosphere and the breathtaking views it provides, making it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway or a longer, unplugged adventure.

While it offers a more primitive camping experience, the essentials are well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable stay for those prepared for a true outdoor immersion. Whether you're looking to cast a line, paddle on the lake, or simply relax in the shade of towering trees, Ashley Lake South Campground provides the perfect backdrop. Let's dive deeper into what makes this particular spot a suitable and highly recommended destination for locals looking to embrace the wild beauty of Western Montana.

Ashley Lake South Campground is located near Kalispell, MT 59901, USA, nestled on the south shore of the pristine Ashley Lake within the expansive Flathead National Forest. This puts it in the heart of Northwestern Montana's breathtaking scenery, offering a more secluded and intimate experience compared to some of the larger, more developed campgrounds in the region.

To reach the campground, you'll typically take Highway 2 west out of Kalispell, then turn onto Ashley Lake Road. Be aware that the access road to the campground itself has been described by visitors as "super bumpy" and potentially having "sharp hairpin corners." For this reason, RVs and trailers are generally not recommended for Ashley Lake South Campground due to the challenging road conditions. It is much more suited for tent camping or very small, agile pull-behinds. Despite the bumpy approach, the journey is rewarded with a truly serene destination. The campground is situated amidst lots of trees, offering ample shade for campsites, and many spots are right next to the water, providing immediate access to the lake.

• Campsites: Ashley Lake South Campground is a very small campground, typically featuring only 2 developed sites. Some sources indicate it might have up to 5 sites total when including less developed "open camping" areas. Each designated site comes with a picnic table and a fire ring.

• Vault Toilets: For sanitation, the campground provides outhouses (vault toilets). Reviews consistently note that these facilities are clean and well-maintained, and thankfully, toilet paper is usually stocked.

• No Potable Water: It is crucial for visitors to note that there is no running or potable drinking water available at this campground. Campers must bring their own supply of drinking water for their entire stay.

• Boat Launch (Walk-down): There is a walk-down boat launching site, suitable for non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks and canoes, allowing easy access to Ashley Lake.

• First-Come, First-Served: This campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically accepted. It is advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season (mid-July, weekends), as it can be busy.

• Stay Limit: There is a stay limit, often cited as 5 days, which helps ensure fair access for more visitors.

• Pet Policy: While some general information about Ashley Lake campgrounds might mention pets being allowed, specific details for the South Campground (due to its primitive nature and small size) are less clear. It's best to confirm current pet regulations with the Flathead National Forest Tally Lake Ranger District.

• Beautiful Lake Views: The primary highlight is the stunning view of Ashley Lake. Many campsites are directly adjacent to the water, offering picturesque scenery that is exactly "what you needed for the weekend," as one reviewer stated.

• Clean and Well-Kept: Visitors consistently praise the campground for its cleanliness and well-maintained nature, including the outhouses, contributing to a pleasant camping experience.

• Abundant Shade: With lots of trees, the campground provides ample shade, perfect for setting up hammocks and escaping the summer sun.

• Direct Water Access: The proximity of campsites to the lake allows for easy access to water activities like swimming, fishing (trout, whitefish, yellow perch), kayaking, and canoeing.

• Peaceful and Serene Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, the small size and rustic nature contribute to a generally quiet and peaceful environment, ideal for those looking to disconnect and enjoy nature's tranquility.

• Good for Tent Camping: The presence of flat sites makes it suitable for pitching tents, and the overall rustic nature is well-suited for tent campers who prefer a more traditional experience.

• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding Flathead National Forest and lake environment offer opportunities for wildlife spotting, adding to the natural immersion.

• Proximity to Kalispell: While feeling remote, the campground is only about 10-17 miles from Kalispell, providing relatively easy access to town amenities if needed, though the last few miles are rough.

Address: Kalispell, MT 59901, USA

Phone: (406) 758-5208 (Tally Lake Ranger Station / Supervisor's Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 406-758-5208

For Montana locals, Ashley Lake South Campground offers a quintessential and cherished piece of our state's incredible outdoor heritage. It represents the kind of unpretentious, natural escape that many Montanans seek – a place where the focus is truly on the stunning environment rather than elaborate amenities. Its location within the Flathead National Forest and on the beautiful Ashley Lake makes it an accessible yet wonderfully wild retreat right in our backyard.

The small size and first-come, first-served nature appeal to those who value spontaneity and a quieter atmosphere, often drawing a respectful crowd of fellow nature lovers. While the bumpy road might deter larger RVs, this only enhances its suitability for tent campers and those who embrace a more rugged approach, ensuring the peaceful ambiance remains largely undisturbed. The availability of clean outhouses and direct lake access for non-motorized boating are key features that make it a practical choice for a genuine camping experience.

Ultimately, Ashley Lake South Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an opportunity to reconnect with the pristine beauty of Montana. It offers a chance to fish, swim, paddle, or simply relax by a campfire under the vast Montana sky, all within a clean and well-kept environment. For those of us who call Montana home, this campground is a reminder of the raw, unfiltered beauty that makes our state so special, providing an invaluable haven for escape and rejuvenation.

Ashley Lake South Campground

Kalispell, MT 59901, USA