How much does camping cost at Tally Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Tally Lake Campground range from $22-$150/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tally Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Tally Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Tally Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Tally Lake Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Tally Lake Campground?

Tally Lake Campground is open May 15 to September 28. 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 Tally Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Tally Lake Campground have?

Tally Lake Campground has 39 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tally Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tally Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Tally Lake Campground?

Tally Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Tally Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Tally Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tally Lake Campground

4.35

295 reviews

TALLY LAKE ROAD, WHITEFISH, MT 59937, USA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,406 ft

Price

$22 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

39 campsites

Season

Open May 15 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Flathead National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,406 ft

Price

$22 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

39 campsites

Season

Open May 15 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Flathead National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Tally Lake Campground

$22.00 - $150.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $150.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Standard Site Fee$22.00

Group Site Fee$325.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-752-7924 FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: 1-877-444-6777

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

TALLY LAKE ROAD, WHITEFISH, MT 59937, USA

Tally Lake Campground

TALLY LAKE ROAD, WHITEFISH, MT 59937, USA

Nearby places

Whitefish: 10 miles (approximately 20 minutes)

Kalispell: 28 miles (~40 minutes)

Columbia Falls: 20 miles (~30 minutes)

Glacier National Park Entrance: ~40 miles (~1 hour)

Driving directionsFrom Whitefish, Montana, take US Rt. 93 north for 4 miles until you reach Twin Bridges Rd. Turn left onto Twin Bridges Rd. and travel 1.4 miles to the Tally Lake campground sign. Turn right after the sign, staying on Twin Bridges Rd., and proceed 1 mile to another campground sign at Farm to Market. Turn left onto Farm to Market and go 2 miles to Tally Lake Rd. Turn right onto Tally Lake Rd. (dirt) and go 9 miles to campground sign. Turn right at the sign into the campground.

Weather at Tally Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Tally Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer at Tally Lake offers the best combination of reliable access, calm water for boating and swimming, and long daylight for hiking and biking; expect crisp mountain mornings around the upper 30s°F (mid-30s) warming to cool afternoons generally in the upper 50s to mid-60s°F. This is peak time for water activities (kayak, canoe, fishing) and campground social evenings under the Western Larch and Douglas Fir canopy. Weekends in July and August are the busiest, so reserve early (reservable sites Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is prime: lake recreation, shaded sites and warm days; mosquitoes can be an early-summer issue.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 28. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 15 to September 28 annually. Reservable from June 25 to September 28.

About Tally Lake Campground

Tally Lake Campground sits in the Flathead National Forest foothills near Whitefish, offering access to Montana's deepest natural lake. Managed by the Forest Service, this mid-sized campground draws campers who want swimming, boating, and fishing on a glacial lake with mountain views. Reviewers praise clean, spacious sites and helpful hosts, though mosquitoes and dusty access roads are common complaints.

Tally Lake Campground accommodates various camping preferences, from tent and RV camping to group camping at designated sites. The natural forest setting and spacious campsites make it suitable for diverse camping experiences.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer at Tally Lake offers the best combination of reliable access, calm water for boating and swimming, and long daylight for hiking and biking; expect crisp mountain mornings around the upper 30s°F (mid-30s) warming to cool afternoons generally in the upper 50s to mid-60s°F. This is peak time for water activities (kayak, canoe, fishing) and campground social evenings under the Western Larch and Douglas Fir canopy. Weekends in July and August are the busiest, so reserve early (reservable sites Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3406 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTally Lake dominates the landscape here. Carved by ancient geological forces, it's the deepest natural lake in Montana, and the water clarity reflects that depth. The surrounding forest is dense Western Larch and Douglas Fir, creating a canopy that filters light and provides good shade cover at most sites. Tall trees create natural barriers between campsites. The terrain is typical mountain forest. Uneven ground, pine needles, roots. Bald eagles and migratory birds use the lake corridor, so wildlife viewing is productive if you're patient.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodge accommodations are available, though group sites and pavilions provide communal camping options.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16 consecutive nights during a single visit
32 nights total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two motorized vehicles per site allowed
additional guests unspecified.

Groups

Group Site 39 and a Pavilion group site are available for reservations. Group Site 39 accommodates 1-25 people for $150 per night. The Pavilion group site has tiered rates: 1-50 people for $175 per night, 51-100 people for $325 per night.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets and drinking water facilities. Some reviewers noted that the campground is well-suited for individuals who require ADA accommodations, with comments like 'Great access for ADA folks!' and 'large sites and level ground.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and well-separated, providing ample room for tents and RVs.

PrivacySites offer moderate privacy, with some reviewers describing them as 'semi-private' or 'secluded' due to the tall trees and natural barriers.

Total Campsites39 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to the lake for better views and easier access to water activities.

Best CampsitesSite 13 gets consistent mentions in reviews as an excellent choice. Larger sites are available for groups, though specific numbers aren't detailed in the feedback.

Need help booking Tally Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

As well as a dump station with a water fill station. Water spigots throughout the campground are not for filling your RV, only your jugs of drinking water.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Tally Lake Campground provides a robust array of recreational activities. Visitors can engage in hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. The lake, spanning 1,326 acres, offers opportunities for water skiing and other aquatic recreation. The campground also features kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available, only accessible vault toilets are provided.

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

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Tally Lake Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.4

295 reviews

Recommended

Tally Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Tally Lake Campground receives high praise for its natural beauty, clean facilities, and helpful camp hosts. The lake and recreational opportunities are standout features, though some reviews mention issues like dust, mosquitoes, and occasional noise.

Review Summaries

Based on 295 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 295 reviews.

Site #25Loved
Site #25 is highlighted for its tranquility and space.
Site #13Mentioned
For example, Site #13 is noted as 'awesome' and well-maintained.

What Campers Love

Many users commend the clean and spacious campsites, friendly hosts, and the beautiful lake. Quotes like 'Wonderful and peaceful campsite' and 'Hosts were helpful and generous' highlight the positive...

Based on 295 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include road dust, mosquitoes, and maintenance issues such as full vault toilets during peak times. Some users also noted a lack of privacy between sites.

Based on 295 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent and prepare for dusty conditions on the gravel roads. Consider renting kayaks or paddleboards for a unique lake experience.

Based on 295 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with visitors praising the lake's recreational activities and the shaded campsites. However, mosquitoes are particularly bothersome in early summer. Fall offers...

Based on 295 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The lake itself is beautiful, and the camp sites were huge and well kept. We're hoping to come back again next summer!' - Amy Whitenack. 2. 'Great campground, been coming here my whole life....

Based on 295 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews highlight the campground's consideration for ADA accessibility, with features like level ground and large sites accommodating medically equipped RVs.

Based on 295 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and some users appreciated this, though there were complaints about off-leash dogs causing disturbances.

Based on 295 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a scenic lake base camp for water sports and hiking with Forest Service amenities and a social summer atmosphere.

Skip if

You're sensitive to mosquitoes, need paved access, or want generator-free quiet.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.1

(45)

Star Meadows Guard Station

5250 Star Meadows Road, Whitefish, Montana, 59937

Star Meadows Guard Station sits in mid-elevation forest near Whitefish, operated by the Tally Lake Ranger District within Flathead National Forest. The property includes a heated guard station and separate bunkhouse, accommodating groups seeking backcountry solitude with modern conveniences like a full kitchen and potable water. Winter brings the deepest quiet and best conditions for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife tracking, though the cabin also serves hikers, anglers, and mountain bikers during warmer months.