Lake Alva Campground

For Montanans seeking a tranquil escape into nature, Lake Alva Campground, nestled in the scenic Lolo National Forest near Seeley Lake, presents an idyllic retreat. This beautiful campground offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the lush, green landscapes and enjoy the serene waters of a no-wake lake. Unlike busier lakes, Lake Alva provides a truly peaceful environment, making it perfect for activities like kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, or simply floating on an inner tube. It's a place where the sounds of motorized boats are replaced by the gentle lapping of water and the whispers of the wind through the abundant trees. As a U.S. Forest Service campground, Lake Alva is well-maintained and designed to offer a comfortable yet authentic camping experience. With its plentiful shade, clean facilities, and direct access to a beautiful, albeit non-traditional, swimming area, it caters to families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to catch some of the diverse fish species, a family looking for a safe and calm place for kids to play in the water, or simply someone yearning for quiet contemplation amidst stunning natural beauty, Lake Alva Campground delivers. It embodies the essence of a true Montana getaway, promising relaxation and rejuvenation away from the hustle and bustle, all while providing easy access to the charming town of Seeley Lake for any necessities.

Lake Alva Campground is conveniently situated in the heart of Montana's breathtaking Glacier Country, making it highly accessible for residents across the state. The campground's address is MT-83, Seeley Lake, MT 59868, USA. It is specifically located at the north end of Lake Alva, approximately 11 miles north of the town of Seeley Lake. For those traveling by car, the campground is easily reached via Highway 83. From Highway 83, about ten miles north of Seeley Lake, you'll turn west at the signs for Lake Alva campground. After turning, continue and then turn left at the fork, which will lead you directly into the campground area. While some camp spots may present a backing challenge for larger RVs (as noted by a visitor with a 29’ trailer), the overall accessibility is good. The roads within the campground are generally navigable, and parking is available at or near each campsite. Importantly, the campground also features four parking areas that comprise one large parking lot for day use visitors. While there isn't designated disabled parking within this main lot, an accessible restroom is centrally located near the boat ramp. The path to the swimming area is about 100 feet from the parking lot, initially paved, followed by a step down onto a graveled trail. The campground's proximity to Seeley Lake, just 11 miles away, means campers have easy access to groceries, gas, sports equipment rentals, and other services should they need them. This balance of a serene, natural setting and convenient access to town amenities makes Lake Alva Campground a practical and appealing choice for Montanans seeking a peaceful outdoor escape.

• Individual Campsites: Offers 39 individual RV/tent campsites across two loops. Loop 1 campsites are reservable, while Loop 2 sites are first-come, first-served.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Designated fire rings are available at each site, allowing for campfires (subject to current fire restrictions).
• Vault Toilets: Clean and accessible vault toilets are conveniently located throughout the campground.
• Potable Water: Drinking water taps are scattered throughout the facility, ensuring access to fresh water.
• Boat Launch: A concrete boat ramp provides direct access to Lake Alva for boating, kayaking, and canoeing.
• Day Use Area: A spacious day use area is available, featuring a swimming beach, additional picnic tables, and paved parking for vehicles and boat trailers.
• Campground Host: An on-site volunteer campground host is available 24 hours a day to assist campers and answer questions.
• Garbage Dumpsters and Recycling Bins: On-site facilities for trash disposal and recycling are provided.
• Paved Parking Stalls: Most campsites have a paved parking stall for vehicles.

• No-Wake Lake Status: The premier highlight of Lake Alva is its "no-wake" designation year-round. This creates an exceptionally peaceful and calm environment, ideal for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, inner tubing, and quiet fishing without the disturbance of motorized boat wakes.
• Lush, Green, and Shady Environment: Campers consistently praise the campground for its beautiful setting, abundant trees providing ample shade, and very green surroundings, creating a refreshing and cool atmosphere, especially during hot Montana summers.
• Excellent Water Activities: Beyond the tranquility, the lake offers fantastic opportunities for swimming (in designated areas), fishing for various species including Kokanee salmon, perch, and trout, and a variety of non-motorized boating.
• Family-Friendly Swimming Area: While not a traditional sandy beach, the designated swimming area offers a shallow entry that extends for a while, making it safe and enjoyable for young children to play in the water.
• Proximity to Mission Mountain Wilderness: Located just 15 miles from the Mission Mountain Wilderness, the campground serves as a convenient base for more extensive hiking and wildlife viewing adventures in a rugged and wild landscape.
• Abundant Wildlife and Bird Watching: The area is rich in wildlife, including white-tailed deer, elk, moose, and even bears (requiring proper food storage). Bird watchers can enjoy sightings of bald eagles, osprey, and a significant loon population whose calls can often be heard from the campground.
• Managed by U.S. Forest Service: As a part of the Lolo National Forest, the campground is well-maintained and adheres to national forest standards, providing a reliable and managed outdoor experience.
• Combination of Reservation and First-Come, First-Served Sites: The campground offers flexibility with both reservable sites in Loop 1 and first-come, first-served sites in Loop 2, catering to different planning preferences.
• Quiet Evenings and Starry Nights: The absence of motorized boat noise contributes to incredibly quiet evenings, perfect for unwinding and enjoying breathtaking views of the Montana night sky, far from city light pollution.

Address: MT-83, Seeley Lake, MT 59868, USA

Phone: (406) 677-2233

Mobile Phone: +1 406-677-2233

For reservations, specific site details, or the most current information on conditions and availability, it is recommended to visit the U.S. Forest Service website for the Lolo National Forest or the Recreation.gov website for Lake Alva Campground. Direct phone inquiries can also be made to the Seeley Lake Ranger District at the provided number, as they oversee the campground's operations and can offer up-to-date information on seasonal openings, fees, and any relevant restrictions like fire bans.

Lake Alva Campground is an ideal destination for Montana locals, offering a serene and authentic outdoor experience that truly captures the essence of our state's natural beauty. Its defining feature, the year-round "no-wake" status of Lake Alva, sets it apart, providing a peaceful environment for water activities that are cherished by those of us who live here – kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and quiet fishing without the interruption of loud motors. This tranquility makes it a perfect escape for families with young children, seeking a safe and calm body of water to play in, or for anyone simply wishing to unwind amidst nature's quietude. The campground's location in the Lolo National Forest, surrounded by abundant trees and lush greenery, ensures plenty of shade and a refreshing atmosphere, especially during warm Montana summers. For locals, this means a convenient and accessible retreat without having to travel too far from home. The well-maintained facilities, including clean vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, provide necessary comforts while maintaining a rustic camping feel. Furthermore, the presence of a dedicated campground host and the option for both reservable and first-come, first-served sites offer flexibility for planning trips. Lake Alva Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's a chance to reconnect with the pristine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and peaceful rhythms that make Montana so special. It embodies the outdoor lifestyle that many Montanans embrace, providing an easily accessible and deeply rewarding natural sanctuary right in our own backyard.

Here is a virtual tour of the campground: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WURsuv10w1g).

Lake Alva Campground

MT-83, Seeley Lake, MT 59868, USA