Crystal Lake Group Campsite

3.63

21 reviews

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

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open June 10 through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open June 10 through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Crystal Lake Group Campsite

$40.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly fee for the Group Standard Area Nonelectric site is $40. This rate applies from June 10 to September 15, 2025. Additional non-refundable...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$40.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-566-2292tghall@fs.fed.us

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.63

Mixed Reviews

Based on 21 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikinglake

"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."

Read all reviews

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

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.

The last 6 miles to the campground are paved but primarily a single lane, which can be challenging. 'The road up is crazy narrow,' noted one user. Seasonal access is gated after December 1, requiring alternate access methods such as snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes.

Nearby places

Lewistown (approximately 28 miles, 40 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

The nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel is likely Lewistown, approximately 28 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Crystal Lake Group Campsite

Summer brings the magic of mountain weather to Crystal Lake, with temperatures settling into comfortable ranges perfect for outdoor adventures. Expect crisp mornings in the upper teens that warm to pleasant mid-30s by afternoon, all under the brilliant blue skies that Montana is famous for. As autumn approaches, the basin transforms into a tapestry of changing colors. Winter wraps the campground in a blanket of snow, making it accessible only by snowmobile or cross-country skis—an adventure that rewards the intrepid with a wonderland of solitude and pristine beauty.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open June–Sept; ideal for activities though lack of shade can make hot days uncomfortable.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open only through Sept 15, so early fall possible but access and seasonality limit later fall use.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Season opens June 10; spring months not in operating season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; access limited to non-motorized methods and gates are closed.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 10, 2025, to September 15, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open June 10 through September 15, 2025 (reservable during this period).

About Crystal Lake Group Campsite

Tucked away in the heart of the Big Snowy Mountains, Crystal Lake Group Campground offers an exclusive retreat for groups seeking adventure in Montana's wilderness. This reservation-only destination sits in an expansive meadow where the landscape opens dramatically to reveal sweeping mountain views. While recent forest management has created a more open environment than in years past, the campground serves as your gateway to pristine Crystal Lake, where days are filled with paddling across glassy waters, casting lines for native trout, and exploring trails that wind through this remarkable recreation area.

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

Historical Significance

Indigenous Heritage

Step back through millennia as you explore the hidden treasures surrounding Crystal Lake. Ancient peoples once called these mountains home, leaving behind mysterious hieroglyphs etched into cave walls that have weathered countless seasons. These sacred markings, accessible via scenic hiking trails, offer a humbling connection to the area's first inhabitants and remind visitors that they're walking paths traveled for thousands of years. Each symbol tells a story waiting to be discovered by modern adventurers.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the magic of mountain weather to Crystal Lake, with temperatures settling into comfortable ranges perfect for outdoor adventures. Expect crisp mornings in the upper teens that warm to pleasant mid-30s by afternoon, all under the brilliant blue skies that Montana is famous for. As autumn approaches, the basin transforms into a tapestry of changing colors. Winter wraps the campground in a blanket of snow, making it accessible only by snowmobile or cross-country skis—an adventure that rewards the intrepid with a wonderland of solitude and pristine beauty.

ElevationPerched at 5,700 feet above sea level, Crystal Lake Group Campground offers the refreshing embrace of mountain air and naturally cooler temperatures that provide relief from summer heat. This elevation creates an ideal climate for active days and comfortable nights around the campfire. Visitors coming from lower elevations should take time to acclimate and stay hydrated, allowing their bodies to adjust to the thinner air while soaking in the spectacular high-country atmosphere.

Natural Features and SceneryCrystal Lake sparkles like a jewel in its mountain basin setting, inviting swimmers to dive into its refreshing waters and anglers to try their luck along its shores. The surrounding meadow, while more open than in previous decades, offers unobstructed views of the encircling peaks and creates perfect gathering spaces for group activities. Adventure beckons beyond the campground, where trails lead to fascinating ice caves adorned with ancient hieroglyphs—natural refrigerators that maintain their chill even in summer months. This unique combination of lake, meadow, and mountain creates a diverse playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Geological RegionThe Big Snowy Mountains cradle Crystal Lake Group Campground in a natural basin carved by ancient geological forces. This rugged landscape tells the story of Montana's dynamic past through its varied terrain—from gentle meadows to dramatic peaks, from crystalline waters to mysterious caves. The surrounding forest and mountain ecosystem creates a living classroom where visitors can witness the interplay between elevation, climate, and geology that makes this corner of Montana so special.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is not explicitly stated.

Check-out

11:00 AM

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

Site layoutThe group site includes asphalt walkways, tent pads, a parking area, and a meadow suitable for larger tents. It is in an open area with limited shade.

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

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites in the adjacent campground are available for first-come, first-serve camping. Group sites require reservations.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed but incur fees: $10 cancellation fee, loss of reservation fees, and potential forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations. Group site cancellations must be made at least 14 days in advance to avoid forfeiting the first night's fee.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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.

HikingThere are many trails stemming from the Crystal Lake complex. Notable features include old hieroglyphs in a cave and scenic views. Reviews highlight the area's beauty, with one stating, 'Good hiking trails and beautiful (smaller) lake to play or relax on.'

FishingFishing is available in Crystal Lake, and reviews mention seeing fish being caught. The lake is described as beautiful and suitable for relaxation.

SwimmingSwimming opportunities are available at Crystal Lake, described as 'great to play or relax on.'

BikingBiking is mentioned as one of the recreational activities, but no detailed information is provided regarding trail quality or terrain.

BoatingCanoeing is explicitly mentioned as an activity in the lake. No other boating details, such as types of boats allowed or docking facilities, are provided.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsClear-cut stumps and overgrown brush create tripping hazards. Roads are narrow and challenging for trailers. Lack of shade may result in heat exposure.

Fire PolicyFires are only allowed in the provided metal fire ring.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are not explicitly detailed in the authoritative content, but Lewistown (28 miles away) would likely have the closest hospital and police services.

Trash & RecyclingNo information provided about trash or recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesThe campground is a short walk or drive from Crystal Lake, which offers fishing, swimming, and canoeing opportunities.

Camp HostCamp hosts are present but were described as not clearly identified. They are located near the cabin.

Weather at Crystal Lake Group Campsite

Reviews

3.6

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

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