Reservoir Lake Campground And Picnic Area

5 reviews

420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open annually from m...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest - Dillon Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open annually from m...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest - Dillon Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Reservoir Lake Campground And Picnic Area

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight camping costs $15 per night. An additional $5.00 fee applies for extra vehicles. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

406-683-3900

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationlake

"User reviews highlight the campground as a great destination for camping and fishing, with one reviewer stating, "Great place to camp and the fishing is good if you know what you're doing.""

Read all reviews

Campground Map

420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725

Reservoir Lake Campground And Picnic Area

420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725

Driving directionsFrom Dillon, take US Route 15 south for 18.1 miles to State Route 324 (Exit 44). Take Route 324 west for 19.7 miles to a campground sign. Turn right at the sign onto a gravel road and, following signs, go 21.1 miles to another campground sign. Turn right into the campground. Note: Forest Road 181 is gravel, dirt, and rock; it can be rough in places.

The campground is accessible via gravel, dirt, and rock roads that can be rough in places. Forest Road 181 is narrow with trees close to the roadway. It is not accessible by wheeled vehicles during winter months.

Nearby places

Dillon, MT - Approximately 54 miles away (1 hour 10 minutes travel time)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are also available in Dillon, MT, approximately 54 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Reservoir Lake Campground And Picnic Area

The high-altitude climate here tells a story of dramatic seasonal transitions. Early season visitors might wake to frost-kissed mornings and snow-dusted pines, while summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched paradise with crystal-clear days perfect for lakeside adventures. As autumn approaches, the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, with temperatures that can plunge from comfortable afternoon warmth to near-freezing nights. Late summer emerges as the sweet spot for many campers, offering reliably warm days under brilliantly blue skies that seem to stretch endlessly above the mountain landscape.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open mid-June–September; hiking, boating and swimming are best in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open through (early) September; fall access limited and weather may shorten season.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Campground opens mid-June; spring access before opening is limited or closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed mid-June–September; winter camping not supported (ice fishing only noted).

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open annually from mid-June through September, weather dependent.

About Reservoir Lake Campground And Picnic Area

Nestled along the pristine southern shores of Reservoir Lake, this high-elevation retreat offers an intimate camping experience where 16 thoughtfully placed sites blend seamlessly into the landscape of towering pines and aromatic sagebrush. At 7,000 feet above sea level, Reservoir Lake Campground provides a perfect balance of wilderness solitude and modern conveniences, including fresh drinking water, accessible vault toilets, and bear-resistant food storage to ensure both comfort and safety. Each campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table, while a primitive boat ramp invites anglers and paddlers to explore the tranquil 11-acre lake, where only electric motors disturb the mountain silence.

Reservoir Lake Campground offers a mix of tent and combined sites, suitable for traditional camping experiences. The sites are distributed among mature pines and sage, providing a rustic and natural setting.

Weather and SeasonsThe high-altitude climate here tells a story of dramatic seasonal transitions. Early season visitors might wake to frost-kissed mornings and snow-dusted pines, while summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched paradise with crystal-clear days perfect for lakeside adventures. As autumn approaches, the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, with temperatures that can plunge from comfortable afternoon warmth to near-freezing nights. Late summer emerges as the sweet spot for many campers, offering reliably warm days under brilliantly blue skies that seem to stretch endlessly above the mountain landscape.

ElevationPerched at 7,000 feet in the heart of the mountains, Reservoir Lake Campground offers the authentic high-country experience that mountain lovers seek. This significant elevation creates a cooler, more refreshing climate even during summer's peak, though visitors should prepare for the thin mountain air that can leave newcomers slightly breathless during their first day or two. The altitude enhances every sunset and sunrise, painting the sky in colors that seem more vivid than anywhere at sea level.

Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking to the gentle lapping of water against the shoreline, surrounded by a living tapestry of emerald pines and silver-green sagebrush that carpet the rolling hills. The centerpiece of this natural sanctuary is the 11-acre Reservoir Lake, its mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding forest and sky in perfect detail. The mature pine groves provide natural shade and privacy between campsites, while the native sagebrush fills the air with its distinctive desert perfume after summer rain showers. This harmonious blend of forest and high desert creates a unique ecosystem where mountain and prairie landscapes converge.

Geological RegionReservoir Lake Campground sits within the magnificent expanse of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape of pine-covered ridges and sage-dotted valleys. This high-elevation lakeside environment represents millions of years of natural history, from volcanic activity to glacial carving, resulting in the stunning alpine lake that serves as your backyard during your stay. The surrounding hills showcase the region's complex geology, with exposed rock formations telling the story of the Earth's dynamic past while providing a spectacular backdrop for outdoor adventures.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit is 16 days per trip, as stated in the regulations.

Groups

There is no information about group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are scattered on hills among mature pines and sagebrush. Parking aprons are dirt and sized 15' x 61'.

AccessibilityAccessible restrooms and potable water are available, but no further specific features for campers with disabilities are mentioned.

Site SizeThe parking aprons at the campsites measure 15' x 61' on average.

PrivacyThe campsites are scattered among mature pines and sage, offering some level of natural privacy. Some sites overlook the lake, adding a sense of seclusion.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Amenities available

Potable water

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Reservoir Lake Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. Its scenic trails and lakeside location make it popular for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities are generally accessible during the operational season, mid-June through September.

HikingScenic trails for day hikes are available, although specific details regarding trail lengths and difficulty levels are not provided.

FishingFishing is permitted in Reservoir Lake, which is stocked with brook and cutthroat trout. Ice fishing is also mentioned as an option during colder months.

SwimmingSwimming is allowed in the lake, but there are no mentions of designated swimming areas or lifeguards.

BoatingBoating is allowed, but power boats are limited to electric motors only. The boat ramp is described as primitive, and carry-down access is available.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad access can be rough due to gravel, dirt, and rock conditions. Campground is not accessible during winter due to snow.

Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant food storage boxes are available on-site for secure storage of food and scented items.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but campers are required to follow fire safety guidelines.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located in Dillon, MT, approximately 54 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingThere are no garbage services at the campground. It operates under a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy.

Water FeaturesLocated adjacent to Reservoir Lake, a small 11-acre lake. Boating (electric motors only) and fishing are popular activities.

Weather at Reservoir Lake Campground And Picnic Area

Reviews

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Reservoir Lake Campground And Picnic Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground as a great destination for camping and fishing, with one reviewer stating, "Great place to camp and the fishing is good if you know what you're doing."

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

The lakeside location, fishing opportunities, and scenic surroundings are praised by visitors.

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

No user complaints were explicitly documented in the source materials.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to prepare for a pack-it-in, pack-it-out experience and to bring appropriate fishing gear to make the most of the area's fishing opportunities.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is operational from mid-June through September, and activities like hiking and boating are best enjoyed during this time. Ice fishing opportunities may be available in winter.

Based on 5 reviews