Is Ashley Lake South Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ashley Lake South Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Ashley Lake South Campground?

Ashley Lake South Campground is open Seasons of Use Memorial Day - Labor Day. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ashley Lake South Campground?

Ashley Lake South Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Ashley Lake South Campground have?

Ashley Lake South Campground has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Ashley Lake South Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Ashley Lake South Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Ashley Lake South Campground?

Ashley Lake South Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Ashley Lake South Campground

3.98

33 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Montana

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,947 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use Memor...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,947 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use Memor...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Ashley Lake South Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Ashley Lake South Campground

48.2122, -114.5690

Nearby places

Kalispell (12 miles), null

Weather at Ashley Lake South Campground

Best Time to Camp at Ashley Lake South Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm, stable weather and the best window for Ashley Lake's water-based activities — expect daytime highs around 24–28°C (75–82°F) and cool evenings near 14–18°C (57–64°F). Calm mornings produce mirror-like lake conditions ideal for paddling, while afternoons are perfect for swimming, boating, and shore fishing when trout are active. With only two primitive sites, the campground stays quiet compared with larger parks, though weekends in July–August will see more use. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Prime season: warm days, calm mornings ideal for paddling and swimming.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasons of Use Memorial Day - Labor Day

About Ashley Lake South Campground

Ashley Lake South Campground sits in the Flathead National Forest foothills near Kalispell, Montana, offering two primitive sites on a scenic mountain lake. Managed by the Forest Service, this very small campground attracts paddlers, anglers, and swimmers seeking a quiet, tree-shaded retreat with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The five-day stay limit and lack of running water keep crowds minimal during the summer season.

Ashley Lake South Campground is a simple and rustic camping facility with limited sites and amenities. It caters primarily to tent campers and small groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm, stable weather and the best window for Ashley Lake's water-based activities — expect daytime highs around 24–28°C (75–82°F) and cool evenings near 14–18°C (57–64°F). Calm mornings produce mirror-like lake conditions ideal for paddling, while afternoons are perfect for swimming, boating, and shore fishing when trout are active. With only two primitive sites, the campground stays quiet compared with larger parks, though weekends in July–August will see more use. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation3947 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits beneath a dense canopy of evergreens that provide shade and privacy. Ashley Lake spreads out below the sites, its clear waters backed by forested slopes that rise into the surrounding mountains. Morning light filters through the pines, and calm conditions often turn the lake surface glassy. The shoreline here isn't ideal for bank fishing, but it's excellent for launching kayaks and canoes.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging options are available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

5days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not allowed.

AccessibilityThe campground features a walk-down boat launch and an accessible outhouse. However, the rough road conditions, which include rocks and large roots, may limit accessibility for certain vehicles.

Site SizeThe campground has only 2 small sites.

PrivacyThe sites provide some level of privacy, but specific details are not noted.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose flat sites for tent pitching and spots near the water for views.

Best CampsitesOne site sits right next to the water. Reviews mention trees suitable for hanging hammocks. With only two sites total, you'll likely know which one you're getting when you arrive.

Amenities available

Ashley Lake South Campground is a very small facility featuring only 2 campsites. Key amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. There is no running water available at the site. The campground also has a walk-down boat launch that is suitable for kayaks and canoes. RVs are not recommended due to the sharp hairpin turn on the access road, and the maximum stay limit is 5 days.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Ashley Lake South Campground offers limited recreational activities, centered around the lake. These include kayaking, canoeing, fire circles, and fishing (accessible via boat due to tall grass along the shoreline).

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at this campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

33 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Ashley Lake South Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Ashley Lake South Campground are mixed. While some campers enjoy the scenic beauty, rustic nature, and lake access, others highlight issues such as rough access roads, occasional litter, and unfavorable interactions with other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the scenic and peaceful location of the campground, describing the lake as beautiful and ideal for paddling, fishing, and swimming. One review emphasized the presence of trees and...

Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues commonly raised by users include the rough condition of the access road (rocks and large roots), occasional presence of litter, and a lack of amenities such as running water. Some campers also...

Based on 33 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One reviewer noted that the campground offers an open area for camping by the lake, stating there is room for 4-5 groups to camp comfortably apart. However, official records state there are only 2...

Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own water as there is no potable water available on-site. - Use a high-clearance vehicle to navigate the rough access road. - Carry out all trash and follow 'Leave No Trace' guidelines....

Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak camping season appears to be spring through summer, with April to July being particularly busy. Some users noted that tourist activity during these months could detract from the experience.

Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is one of the better free campsites I've visited. There's a tiny pit toilet with no TP, and fire rings with some garbage, but it's a beautiful lake for paddling or swimming." - Daniel Kremer...

Based on 33 reviews