Tally Lake Campground

Hello, fellow Montanans! If you’re searching for that perfect outdoor escape, a place where the majestic beauty of our state truly shines and recent upgrades make your stay even more comfortable, then look no further than Tally Lake Campground. Nestled on the northern shores of Tally Lake, the deepest natural lake in Montana, this gem near Whitefish offers an unparalleled camping experience. It’s a beloved spot for locals, and for good reason – it truly is a great campsite that keeps getting better.

Tally Lake Campground is more than just a place to pitch your tent or park your RV; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the serene and picturesque Flathead National Forest. With its crystal-clear waters, mature forests of Western Larch and Douglas Fir, and a host of recreational activities, it provides a perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with family and friends. From quiet evenings under a starlit sky to days filled with water adventures, Tally Lake Campground offers a quintessential Montana outdoor experience, enhanced by continuous improvements that make every visit a pleasure.

Tally Lake Campground is strategically located on Tally Lake Campground Rd, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA. Situated just west of the vibrant town of Whitefish, this campground offers an ideal balance of secluded wilderness and convenient access to town amenities. For Montanans, navigating to this beautiful spot is a scenic journey.

From Whitefish, you'll typically take US Route 93 North for about 4 miles, then turn left onto Twin Bridges Rd. You'll continue on Twin Bridges Rd. for approximately 1.4 miles until you see the Tally Lake Campground sign. After the sign, turn right, staying on Twin Bridges Rd., and proceed another mile to a campground sign at Farm to Market Road. Turn left onto Farm to Market Road and drive about 2 miles to Tally Lake Rd (which becomes a dirt road), then continue for approximately 9 miles until you reach the campground entrance sign. While the last stretch involves a dirt road, it's generally well-maintained and accessible for most vehicles, including RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length. The journey itself builds anticipation for the tranquil lakeside experience that awaits. Its proximity to Whitefish means easy access to groceries, restaurants, and other services, making it a highly practical and enjoyable destination for local campers.

• Campsites: Approximately 40 sites available for both tent and RV camping. 17 sites are first-come, first-served, and the rest are reservable.
• Group Sites and Pavilion: A dedicated group campsite (Site #39) and an open-air pavilion with grills and tables are available for larger gatherings, both reservable.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill for cooking and campfires.
• Accessible Vault Toilets: Restroom facilities are provided, including accessible vault toilets, which are frequently mentioned as plentiful and well-maintained.
• Potable Water Spigots: Water hydrants are located throughout the campground for filling jugs, though not intended for direct RV hookups.
• RV Dump Station: A convenient dump station with a water fill station is available for RVs.
• Bear-Proof Trash Bins: To maintain cleanliness and wildlife safety, plenty of bear-proof trash bins are provided.
• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood is generally available for purchase from the camp host, usually for a small fee.
• On-Site Camp Hosts: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are present to assist campers, explain fee processes, and ensure a smooth stay.
• Boat Rentals: Kayaks, paddleboards, tandem kayaks, and canoes are available for rent, making water access easy for everyone.

• Deepest Natural Lake in Montana: Tally Lake itself is a significant highlight, being the deepest natural lake in the state, offering unique opportunities for boating and a visually stunning experience.
• Excellent Water Recreation: The lake is perfect for a wide array of water activities including swimming in a buoyed area, motorized and non-motorized boating, waterskiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing for kokanee salmon, various trout, and northern pike.
• Upgraded Facilities: Recent upgrades to the campground contribute to an even better camping experience, ensuring comfort and convenience.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers consistently praise the quiet nature of the campground, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and escaping noise.
• Abundant Restrooms and Water Access: The availability of "plenty of restrooms" and "water spickets" throughout the campground enhances the overall comfort and convenience for visitors.
• Beautiful Beach and Day-Use Area: A large open grassy beach and picnic area with a defined swimming area, changing facilities, and wildlife interpretive signs make it a great spot for day visitors and campers alike.
• Recreational Amenities: Beyond the lake, the campground offers an open-air pavilion with grills, a volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and open grassy areas for games and activities.
• Scenic Hiking and Biking Trails: Trails wind around the campground and the lake, including a 1-mile hike to a scenic vista, perfect for nature walks, biking, and wildlife viewing (waterfowl, bald eagles, migratory birds).
• Mature Forest Setting: Nestled in a beautiful mature forest of Western Larch and Douglas Fir trees, providing ample shade and a true wilderness feel.
• Convenient Reservation and First-Come, First-Serve Options: Offers flexibility with both reservable sites and a good number of first-come, first-served sites.

Address: Tally Lake Campground Rd, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA

For general inquiries about the Flathead National Forest, including Tally Lake Campground, you can contact the Tally Lake Ranger District.

Phone: (406) 758-5204 (Tally Lake Ranger District)

For reservations, call: (877) 444-6777 or visit Recreation.gov.

For us Montanans, Tally Lake Campground is truly a local treasure that perfectly encapsulates the outdoor lifestyle we cherish. It’s an easy and incredibly rewarding escape right in our own backyard, making it an ideal choice for quick weekend getaways or extended family vacations. We know the value of pristine natural beauty, and Tally Lake, as the deepest natural lake in Montana, offers just that – a stunning backdrop for all our favorite outdoor activities.

The recent upgrades at the campground, combined with the consistent feedback about its quiet atmosphere, plentiful restrooms, and available water, demonstrate a commitment to providing a comfortable yet authentic camping experience. This means less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the fishing, boating, swimming, or simply relaxing by a warm campfire. The presence of friendly and helpful camp hosts, often locals themselves, adds to the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that your stay is smooth and enjoyable.

Its proximity to Whitefish provides the perfect balance: you get the serene wilderness experience without being completely cut off from essential amenities or the vibrant local culture of a nearby town. Whether it's the joy of paddling across the clear waters, the thrill of catching a fish, or the simple peace of a starlit night in the forest, Tally Lake Campground delivers those quintessential Montana moments. It’s a place where childhood memories are forged and family traditions are continued, year after year. For anyone in Montana seeking a top-notch camping experience that combines natural splendor with thoughtful amenities, Tally Lake Campground is undoubtedly a destination that will leave you wanting to come back soon.

Tally Lake Campground

Tally Lake Campground Rd, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA