Lake Inez Campground

For Montanans seeking a serene and picturesque escape into the heart of their state's natural beauty, Lake Inez Campground offers an idyllic destination. Tucked away along the eastern shore of 314-acre Lake Inez, within the vast Lolo National Forest, this campground is a true hidden gem. Visitors consistently praise it as a "quiet and beautiful place to spend the day" and a "beautiful getaway and very quiet," underscoring its primary appeal: a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Lake Inez is part of the famed "Chain of Lakes" in the Clearwater River Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and abundant recreational opportunities. The campground, while small, provides a wonderful base for enjoying a variety of water-related activities, from motorized and non-motorized boating to fishing, swimming, and waterskiing. Surrounded by a dense conifer forest, the campsites offer a sense of privacy and shade, creating a comfortable environment even on warm summer days. Whether you're looking to cast a line, paddle peacefully, or simply unwind by the water's edge, Lake Inez Campground delivers a genuine Montana outdoor experience that prioritizes tranquility and natural beauty.

Lake Inez Campground is conveniently located on MT-83, near Seeley Lake, MT 59868, USA. This places it within the stunning Seeley Lake Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest, a region celebrated for its picturesque valleys, towering mountains, and interconnected lakes. The campground's address on Montana Highway 83 makes it easily accessible by vehicle, distinguishing it from more remote backcountry sites.

To reach Lake Inez Campground from Clearwater Junction (the junction of Montana Highways 200 and 83), you simply travel north on Highway 83 for approximately 15 miles to the town of Seeley Lake. Continuing north on Highway 83 for about 9 more miles will bring you to the campground entrance, which is situated on the west side of the highway. This straightforward drive makes Lake Inez Campground a highly accessible destination for many Montanans, allowing for relatively quick weekend trips or longer, more relaxed stays without extensive travel planning.

The proximity to the town of Seeley Lake, just a 10-minute drive away, is another significant advantage for local users. Seeley Lake offers a variety of services, including gas, groceries, restaurants, and even boat rentals, ensuring that campers can easily resupply or find additional amenities if needed. This blend of remote, natural beauty with convenient access to town services makes Lake Inez Campground an ideal choice for Montanans seeking both tranquility and practical accessibility for their outdoor adventures.

• Individual Campsites: Five individual campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering a traditional camping experience.

• Group Campsite (Reservable): A dedicated group site, known as "Lake Inez Point 6," is available for reservations from the Friday before Memorial Day to the Tuesday after Labor Day. This site can accommodate up to 15 people and has private lake access and its own vault toilet.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: All campsites, both individual and group, are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings with grills for cooking and enjoyment.

• Accessible Vault Toilets: Accessible vault toilets are provided throughout the campground, ensuring basic sanitation facilities for all visitors.

• Boat Launch: A primitive, unpaved boat launch is available, accommodating both motorized and non-motorized vessels, making water access convenient.

• Campground Hosts: Patrolling volunteer campground hosts are often on site, providing assistance and ensuring a pleasant stay.

• No Drinking Water or Trash Collection: Visitors should note that drinking water is not provided, so campers must bring their own supply. Additionally, there is no trash collection, requiring a pack-in/pack-out policy.

• Open Year-Round (Seasonal Fees/Services): The campground is generally open year-round. Fees are charged during the peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), but it is often free of charge during the off-season with limited services.

• Exceptional Quiet and Serenity: The most frequently highlighted feature of Lake Inez Campground is its remarkable tranquility. Visitors consistently describe it as "quiet" and a "beautiful getaway," making it an ideal destination for those truly seeking peace and quiet amidst nature, away from noisy crowds.

• Beautiful Lakeside Setting: Situated along the eastern shore of 314-acre Lake Inez, the campground offers a picturesque setting. Although a dense conifer forest limits visibility of the entire lake from some spots, it provides a sense of privacy and the soothing ambiance of being near the water.

• Abundant Water Recreation: Lake Inez is a hub for various water activities. It's popular for motorized and non-motorized boating, jet skiing, swimming (though no developed swimming areas), and waterskiing. Anglers can enjoy fishing for a variety of species including Kokanee salmon, pike, trout (westslope cutthroat and brook), perch, and suckers.

• Privacy and Shade: The dense conifer forest and plentiful shrubs and undergrowth surrounding the campsites provide excellent shade and privacy between individual sites, enhancing the overall camping experience.

• Seasonal Beauty: The 4,100-foot elevation campground experiences "beautiful colors during the fall," especially from the plentiful shrubs and undergrowth, making it a particularly scenic destination during the autumn months.

• Convenient Location: Its location on MT-83 and short distance (about 10 minutes) from the town of Seeley Lake provides convenient access to supplies, gas, restaurants, and other services, balancing remote beauty with practical needs.

• Access to Clearwater Canoe Trail: Just a few miles north, the Clearwater Canoe Trail offers excellent flat water for viewing wildlife such as blue herons and river otters, providing another fantastic recreational opportunity nearby.

• Proximity to Morrell Falls Trail: The Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail, on the east side of the valley, offers an "incredible day hike" exploring forests and a large waterfall, providing a rewarding land-based adventure.

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

Phone: (406) 677-2233

Mobile Phone: +1 406-677-2233

For more detailed information regarding Lake Inez Campground, including current conditions, specific campsite availability, or to inquire about the group site reservations, Montanans are encouraged to contact the Seeley Lake Ranger District directly using the provided phone number. Additionally, official information and reservations for the group site can be found on Recreation.gov, which is the primary platform for booking many U.S. Forest Service campgrounds. It's always advisable to check these resources for the most up-to-date information on fees, fire restrictions, and any operational changes before planning your visit.

Lake Inez Campground is an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for Montanans seeking a quintessential outdoor experience within their home state. For locals, its blend of serene lakeside beauty, convenient accessibility, and abundant recreational opportunities makes it an ideal retreat that perfectly encapsulates the Montana outdoor lifestyle. It provides a peaceful sanctuary without requiring an extensive journey into the deep backcountry, making it perfect for weekend getaways or even spontaneous day trips.

The consistent praise for its "quiet and beautiful" atmosphere resonates deeply with Montanans who cherish tranquility and natural splendor. In a world that often feels fast-paced, Lake Inez offers a genuine opportunity to slow down, unwind, and reconnect with nature's rhythms. Whether it's the soothing sounds of the lake, the shade of the conifer forest, or the vibrant colors of fall, the environment is designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Furthermore, the wide array of water-based activities available directly at the campground—from fishing for various species like trout and pike, to swimming, motorized and non-motorized boating, and waterskiing—caters to diverse interests and ensures there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The proximity to the town of Seeley Lake means that essential services and supplies are just a short drive away, adding a practical layer of convenience that enhances the overall camping experience without detracting from its natural appeal. For Montanans, Lake Inez Campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's an accessible slice of paradise that embodies the very best of Big Sky Country's outdoor offerings, promising memorable moments and a cherished connection to their beloved state.

Lake Inez Campground

MT-83, Seeley Lake, MT 59868, USA