Seeley Lake Campground is located on the western shore of Seeley Lake, a glacial-formed lake situated in a valley between the Swan and Mission mountain ranges. Seeley Lake is one of a half a dozen lakes within the valley known as the 'Chain of Lakes' through which the Clearwater River flows.
Well known for its picturesque views of the Swan Range and for its towering Western larch trees. The campground receives heavy use and is a popular destination for swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The campsites offer the chance to spend time with old growth Western larch trees, a coniferous-decidious tree with distinct needles that turn bright gold in Autumn. Many of these trees are over 500 years old and several feet in diameter. Just a short distance away is the Girard Grove, home of a Western larch tree over 1000 years old and more than seven feet in diameter, known as “Gus”. The area contains a wide variety of wildlife and is home to white-tailed deer, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, grizzly and black bears. Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of ducks.
This is a Lolo National Forest campground—one of the Forest Service camps that define Montana camping for travelers who want a fire ring, a picnic table, and quiet timber rather than full-hookup convenience. Amenities are modest by design. Confirm water, trash, and fire restrictions with the local ranger district before you drive in.
Nearest town: Seeley Lake. Elevation about 4000 feet.
Campground snapshot
- Agency / unit: USFS — Lolo National Forest
- Sites: 29
- Type: Tent/RV
- Fee range: $20.00
- Season: May-Sep
- Reservations: Recreation.gov, FCFS
- Access road: Paved
- Best for: Seeley Lake boating
Amenities
Accessible Vault Toilets, Beach Access, Boat Ramp, Boat Trailer Parking, Campfire Rings, Cell Phone Service, Entrance Station, Flush Toilets (Seasonal), Host, Lake Access, Parking Area, Paved Parking, Paved Roads, Pets Allowed, Picnic Area, Picnic Tables, Shade, Waterfront Sites, Tent Pads
How to book
Reservations and site details typically run through Recreation.gov, FCFS. Many Forest Service camps keep first-come, first-served loops; remote camps may be entirely FCFS. Confirm current fees, water status, and fire restrictions before arrival. Official listing: www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10227380.
Bear country & campcraft
This stop sits in classic Montana bear country. Store all attractants—food, trash, toiletries, cookware, and pet food—in a hard-sided vehicle, an IGBC-approved container, a provided bear box, or a proper hang. Never bring food or cooking clothes into the tent.
Campfires belong only in provided metal rings when restrictions allow. Drown, stir, and feel the ashes with the back of your hand before leaving or sleeping. In Stage II restrictions, open fires are banned even in developed sites—use a shut-off stove only.
Follow Leave No Trace: camp on durable surfaces, pack out everything you pack in, and leave the site cleaner than you found it.
Plan the rest of the trip
- Camping reference: reservations, bears, and fire rules
- Open this stop on the Backroads Guided Trails map
- Campgrounds directory
Visitor Access
- Nearest town: Seeley Lake
- Focus: National Forest
- Coordinates: 47.1836, -113.5033
- Road note: Paved
- Access note: Confirm road conditions, water availability, and fire restrictions before arrival. Mountain weather can drop below freezing even in midsummer.
- Legal reminder: Follow agency food-storage orders, stay within designated sites in developed camps, and respect private land and tribal boundaries.