Lakeside Campground

For Montanans, the allure of the outdoors is deeply ingrained, and few experiences rival a peaceful retreat to a lakeside campground. Among the many exceptional destinations within the state, Lakeside Campground in Seeley Lake holds a special place in the hearts of those who know it. Nestled amidst towering Western larch trees and offering breathtaking views of the Swan Range, this campground provides a quintessential Montana camping experience. While its popularity has grown over the years, making reservations a necessity, its undeniable beauty and prime location continue to make it a cherished spot for locals seeking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Lolo National Forest.

Lakeside Campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a gateway to the Chain of Lakes valley, a region celebrated for its pristine waters and abundant recreational opportunities. This campground offers a blend of natural splendor and convenient amenities, making it a favorite for families, anglers, and anyone looking to escape the everyday. From the gentle lapping of the lake against the shore to the rustle of ancient larch needles in the breeze, every moment at Lakeside Campground reinforces why Montana is truly the "Big Sky Country." For those of us who live here, understanding the evolving dynamics of popular spots like Lakeside Campground allows us to plan unforgettable adventures and continue enjoying the natural treasures that define our home.

Lakeside Campground is ideally situated in Seeley Lake, MT 59868, USA, specifically on the western shore of Seeley Lake, a prominent glacial-formed lake within the Chain of Lakes valley. Its address places it firmly within the Lolo National Forest, a vast expanse of Montana wilderness offering countless recreational pursuits. To access the campground from the town of Seeley Lake, visitors typically travel north on Montana Highway 83 for about five miles, passing the Seeley Lake Ranger Station. From there, a left turn (west) onto Boyscout Road leads you approximately four miles, followed by another left turn (west) into the campground entrance.

While the campground's proximity to the road has been noted by some as a source of ambient noise, it generally doesn't detract significantly from the overall experience for most visitors, especially given the stunning lakefront settings of many sites. The accessibility is a key factor in its popularity, allowing both seasoned campers and those new to the outdoors to easily reach this picturesque destination. Seeley Lake itself, and by extension the campground, serves as a fantastic basecamp for exploring the wider Lolo National Forest and the natural attractions of the Clearwater River Valley. Its location also offers relatively easy drives to the town of Seeley Lake, where campers can find various services and rentals to enhance their stay.

• Developed Campsites: Lakeside Campground provides 29 well-maintained campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, offering a comfortable and organized camping experience.
• Accessible Restrooms: Both accessible vault toilets and accessible flush toilets are available throughout the campground, ensuring comfort and convenience for all visitors.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is readily available, a crucial amenity for any camping trip.
• Trash Receptacles: Designated trash receptacles are provided, encouraging visitors to maintain the cleanliness and pristine condition of the campground and surrounding environment.
• Campground Hosts: Dedicated campground hosts are on-site 24 hours a day, offering assistance, answering questions, and ensuring a pleasant experience for all campers.
• Day-Use Area: A spacious day-use area is available, featuring two beaches, a roped-off swim area, a paved boat launch, boat trailer parking, and several picnic sites. These facilities are open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mountain Time, with no fees or reservations required for day use.
• Reservation System: As of 2024, all sites at Seeley Lake Campground (which Lakeside Campground is a part of under the Lolo National Forest umbrella) are reservable, allowing campers to plan their trips in advance through Recreation.gov.

• Picturesque Lakefront Sites: Many campsites are located directly on the beach or offer stunning views of Seeley Lake, providing immediate access to the water and picturesque scenery.
• Views of the Swan Range: The campground boasts incredible panoramic views of the majestic Swan Range, creating a dramatic backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
• Towering Western Larch Trees: The campground is characterized by its magnificent stand of old-growth Western larch trees, some over 500 years old and several feet in diameter, providing ample shade and a unique natural ambiance. The fall colors of these trees are particularly breathtaking.
• Boating and Water Sports: Seeley Lake is a popular destination for a variety of water activities, including swimming, boating, paddling, and water skiing. The paved boat launch in the day-use area makes water access easy.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Anglers can cast for a diverse range of freshwater fish, including Kokanee salmon, bass, whitefish, pike, trout, and perch, making it a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts.
• Clearwater Canoe Trail Proximity: Just north of Seeley Lake, the Clearwater Canoe Trailhead offers an excellent flat-water experience for canoeing and kayaking, with opportunities for wildlife viewing, including blue herons and river otters.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, and both grizzly and black bears. Birdwatchers can spot bald and golden eagles, trumpeter swans, herons, and various duck species.
• Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail: Located on the east side of the valley, this trail offers an incredible day hike, exploring recent burns, dense forests, and leading to a beautiful large waterfall.

Address: Seeley Lake, MT 59868, USA

Phone: (406) 329-3750

Mobile Phone: +1 406-329-3750

For reservations, please visit Recreation.gov, as Lakeside Campground (Seeley Lake Campground) now operates on a reservation-only system for all sites during the peak season.

Lakeside Campground in Seeley Lake is more than just a destination; it's a cherished part of the Montana outdoor experience for locals. While it has evolved from a first-come, first-served hidden gem to a popular reservation-only spot, its core appeal remains unchanged: unparalleled beauty, abundant recreational opportunities, and a deep connection to the Montana wilderness. For those who grew up exploring these lakes and forests, Lakeside offers a chance to revisit beloved memories and create new ones with family and friends.

The transition to a reservation system, while requiring advanced planning, also ensures that campers have a guaranteed spot in this highly sought-after location, allowing for more predictable and less stressful trip planning – a welcome change for busy Montana families. The spacious sites, many directly on the lake, provide the ideal setting for swimming, boating, or simply relaxing by the water, activities deeply woven into the fabric of Montana summers. The presence of accessible facilities, clear drinking water, and attentive campground hosts further enhances the appeal for locals who value comfort alongside their outdoor adventures.

Even with the proximity to the main road, the overwhelming sentiment from those who know this place best is its enduring charm and beauty. It’s a place where children can play safely on the beach, anglers can seek their next big catch, and everyone can unwind under the vast Montana sky. Lakeside Campground continues to be a suitable and highly recommended destination for Montanans looking to embrace the natural splendor of their state, offering a convenient yet deeply rewarding escape into the heart of the Lolo National Forest.

Lakeside Campground

Seeley Lake, MT 59868, USA