How much does camping cost at Crystal Lake Group Campsite?

Camping fees at Crystal Lake Group Campsite range from $40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Crystal Lake Group Campsite first-come first-served or reservation?

Crystal Lake Group Campsite 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 Crystal Lake Group Campsite before I book?

Yes! Crystal Lake Group Campsite has 2 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 Crystal Lake Group Campsite?

Crystal Lake Group Campsite is open June 10 to September 15. 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 Crystal Lake Group Campsite?

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

Can I have a campfire at Crystal Lake Group Campsite?

Fire policies at Crystal Lake Group Campsite: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Crystal Lake Group Campsite have?

Crystal Lake Group Campsite has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Crystal Lake Group Campsite?

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

What amenities are available at Crystal Lake Group Campsite?

Crystal Lake Group Campsite offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Crystal Lake Group Campsite?

Popular activities at Crystal Lake Group Campsite include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Crystal Lake Group Campsite

3.36

21 reviews

204 W Folsom St., White Sulphur Springs, MT, 59645, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Montana

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Site opens on June 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Site opens on June 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Crystal Lake Group Campsite

$40.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC: $40.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$40.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-566-2292 OR 406-236-5511tghall@fs.fed.us

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

204 W Folsom St., White Sulphur Springs, MT, 59645, USA

Crystal Lake Group Campsite

204 W Folsom St., White Sulphur Springs, MT, 59645, USA

Nearby places

Lewistown (approximately 28 miles, 40 minutes drive)

Driving directionsFrom Lewistown, drive west on Montana Highway 200/US 87 for about 8 miles. Turn left (south) on Crystal Lake Road. Continue south, following the well-signed directions to the lake for 20 miles. At the 'T' junction, turn left and continue on to Crystal Lake. The last 6 miles is paved and mostly a single lane. On December 1, the paved section is gated, and access beyond the gate is by snowmobile, skis, snowshoes or hiking only.

Weather at Crystal Lake Group Campsite

Current alerts(2)

Additional camping units are available on a first-come, first-serve in the campground next to the group site.
For more information please call the Judith Ranger District in Stanford, Montana, at (406) 566-2292. Site opens on June 2 and will close in fall when snow conidtions prevail. Check out time 11:00 AM.

Best Time to Camp at Crystal Lake Group Campsite

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of activities — warm, sunny days for swimming, paddling and lake-side hiking with crisp mornings in the upper teens (°F) warming into the mid-70s to mid-80s (mid-20s to low-30s °C) by afternoon. The campground is open and reservable (June 10–Sept 15), trails and the lake are at their peak usability, and fish activity is strong for anglers. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends during July–August, but the meadow setting and group-sy Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is the best season with full activity access, warm days and peak-season availability.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 10 to September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Site opens on June 2 and will close in fall when snow conidtions prevail.

About Crystal Lake Group Campsite

Crystal Lake Group Campsite sits in mid-elevation forest near Lewistown in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. This US Forest Service group site offers access to a mountain lake with swimming, fishing, and boating, plus trailheads for hiking and biking. The campground provides vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables for group stays up to 14 days.

The campground features a group site with minimal facilities and additional adjacent camping spaces.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of activities — warm, sunny days for swimming, paddling and lake-side hiking with crisp mornings in the upper teens (°F) warming into the mid-70s to mid-80s (mid-20s to low-30s °C) by afternoon. The campground is open and reservable (June 10–Sept 15), trails and the lake are at their peak usability, and fish activity is strong for anglers. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends during July–August, but the meadow setting and group-sy Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCrystal Lake anchors this mountain basin with clear water suited for swimming, fishing, and paddling. The campground occupies an open meadow with unobstructed views of surrounding peaks. Nearby trails lead to ice caves that maintain their chill through summer. The openness that improves the views comes at the cost of shade and privacy. Every campsite is visible from the others.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges are available.

Programs & ActivitiesDetails about cultural or educational programs are not provided, though the hieroglyph cave offers a glimpse of the area's history.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limit not specified in the source. Typically, group campsites accommodate larger parties.

Groups

The group site features amenities such as vault toilets, picnic tables, and a fire ring. Reviews note that the brush in the area is overgrown, impacting the site's usability.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov (online, app, or contact center).

AccessibilityThe site includes accessible features such as asphalt walkways and a vault toilet. However, no additional specific accessibility information has been provided.

Site SizeThe group site can accommodate larger tents in the adjacent meadow.

PrivacyThe campsite lacks significant privacy due to the removal of trees. Reviews note that 'every camp site can be watched by all the other campers.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesGroup campsites are recommended for larger gatherings. Call ahead to get the lock pass code for the group site gate.

Need help booking Crystal Lake Group Campsite?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Crystal Lake Group Campsite provides basic amenities including a spring faucet for water, an accessible vault toilet located near the parking area, and two large picnic tables with a metal fire ring. Asphalt walkways and tent pads are present, and additional space in the adjacent meadow can accommodate larger tents. Room for parking exists behind the gate, allowing space for two campers up to 35 feet in length. However, user reviews highlight that the campground may lack shade due to the removal of trees, described by one reviewer as having been 'clear cut.'

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Crystal Lake Group Campsite offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and canoeing. Nearby trails provide views, photo opportunities, and access to a historic cave with hieroglyphs. Ice Caves Trail and Cascade Trails are notable attractions in the area.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Instead, an accessible vault toilet is provided, though one review mentions, 'some of the restrooms stunk so bad I thought I was gonna barf.'

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 Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.4

21 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Crystal Lake Group Campsite has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews present a mixed sentiment. While the natural beauty of Crystal Lake and its trails are consistently praised, the condition of the campground itself—particularly the lack of shade and overgrown brush—is a common complaint.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

The lake and trails are stunning, with several activities like hiking, swimming, and fishing. One user said, 'Our large campsite was perfect for our family,' emphasizing its suitability for group...

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of trees and shade due to recent clear-cutting is a major concern. Additionally, 'some of the restrooms stunk so bad I thought I was gonna barf,' and overgrown brush impacted usability.

Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group Site: Suitable for families but impacted by overgrown brush. Vault toilets need better maintenance.

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Call ahead to get the gate lock code for the group site. Be aware that the road is narrow and may be challenging for larger vehicles.

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The summer months are popular for activities, but the campground's lack of shade may make it uncomfortable during hotter days. Winter access is limited to non-motorized methods due to gate closures.

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The lake itself is absolutely gorgeous.' - Nerissa Prescott 2. 'This use to be the most beautiful campgrounds in Montana, until the USFS said the trees were dangerous.' - Steve Paulson 3. 'Good...

Based on 21 reviews