How much does camping cost at Park Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Park Lake Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Park 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 Park Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Park Lake Campground has 16 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 Park Lake Campground?

Park Lake Campground is open .. 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 Park Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Park Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Park Lake Campground: Campfires are allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Park Lake Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Park Lake Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Park Lake Campground?

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

Park Lake Campground

4.54

64 reviews

Top 4% in MTSummer

StargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Montana Family-Friendly Campgrounds Montana Tent Camping Montana

Quick Facts

6,388 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Mid-May to October.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,388 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Mid-May to October.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Park Lake Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$15 per night for a single site. Additional vehicle costs $5 per night (2 vehicle limit/site). Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Park Lake Campground

Nearby places

Helena (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car).

Nearby supplies

Helena (20 miles away) is likely the closest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Weather at Park Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Park Lake Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach 65 to 77°F, but nights drop into the 30s and 40s at this elevation. This is the best window for non-motorized boating, fishing, and hiking the surrounding terrain. Weekdays see lighter traffic than weekends. Autumn brings color changes but unpredictable weather, mixing rain with early snow. Winter means frequent snowfall and cold. Spring transitions slowly, with lingering snow and rain as temperatures climb.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 4% in MT

Summer offers the most reliable conditions and peak opportunities for boating, fishing and hiking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: .. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Mid-May to October.

About Park Lake Campground

Park Lake Campground sits at 6,388 feet beside a clear alpine lake in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. The 15-dollar-per-night sites accommodate both tents and RVs, with picnic tables scattered along the shoreline. Reviewers praise the peaceful atmosphere and lake access, though some note crowding during summer weekends and close site spacing during peak times.

Park Lake Campground supports diverse camping styles, including tent camping, trailer camping, and potentially group camping.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach 65 to 77°F, but nights drop into the 30s and 40s at this elevation. This is the best window for non-motorized boating, fishing, and hiking the surrounding terrain. Weekdays see lighter traffic than weekends. Autumn brings color changes but unpredictable weather, mixing rain with early snow. Winter means frequent snowfall and cold. Spring transitions slowly, with lingering snow and rain as temperatures climb.

ElevationThough exact elevation details remain unspecified, Park Lake's mountain setting provides that crisp, clean air and cooler temperatures characteristic of higher altitudes.

Natural Features and SceneryThe lake occupies a mountain basin ringed by peaks that form a natural amphitheater around the water. Forest edges the shoreline, creating shaded spots throughout the day. The elevation and remoteness eliminate light pollution. Multiple reviewers mention exceptional night skies and clear star visibility. Cutthroat trout and grayling inhabit the lake.

Geological RegionSet within a mountainous landscape, Park Lake Campground occupies a special corner of the wilderness where ancient geological forces carved out a perfect basin for this serene alpine lake. The surrounding peaks and valleys create a natural amphitheater that shelters the lake and campground, making it an ideal habitat for native trout species and a paradise for those seeking non-motorized water adventures. This unique mountain ecosystem supports both the recreational opportunities and the peaceful ambiance that define the Park Lake experience.

Scenic ViewsThe views from the campground include the tranquil Park Lake and surrounding mountain landscapes. Reviewers mention the scenic beauty and the clear night skies, which are ideal for stargazing.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day.

Stay Limit

The campground has a stay limit of 16 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limit of 2 vehicles per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSpacing between sites is decent, though reviews mention medium privacy and occasional crowding. Some sites fit trailers. Others work better for tents and hammocks. A few reviewers note difficulty finding space for larger tents during busy periods.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Forest Service platforms. Reservation fees apply.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable; walk-up availability not explicitly mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyReservation fees apply; rules about cancellation not explicitly stated.

Site SizeSome campsites accommodate trailers, while others are more suited to tents and hammocks, as highlighted in user reviews.

PrivacyCampgrounds have good spacing between sites,' states one user review, while another mentions 'medium traffic' and 'medium privacy'. However, some reviews note that the campground can feel crowded at times.

Recommended SitesSites closer to the lake may offer better views and easier lake access. Sites with trees are recommended for setting up hammocks and tents.

Need help booking Park Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The recreation opportunities at Park Lake Campground include fishing, boating, picnicking, and hiking. Fishing is a highlight, with the lake stocked with rainbow trout, cutthroat, and grayling trout. Non-motorized boating is possible with hand-launched boats. Several user reviews also mention the scenic beauty of the area, the starry night sky, and the serenity of the lake.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is in bear country, with both black and grizzly bears present. Users are advised to follow food storage regulations to avoid bear encounters.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are .

Emergency ServicesHelena likely houses the nearest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations (20 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingThere are 'no trash cans or dumpsters' on-site, according to user reviews. Campers are advised to 'pack it in, pack it out.'

Water FeaturesLocated near Park Lake, which is ideal for fishing and non-motorized boating.

Cell CoverageUser reviews do not explicitly mention cell phone reception, and the official documentation does not provide details on this amenity.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.5

64 reviews

Top-Rated

Park Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The user reviews reflect a mixed experience at Park Lake Campground. Many campers praise the campground for its serene environment, scenic lake views, and activities like fishing and picnicking. However, some users have pointed out flaws such as limited trash facilities, crowded campsites during peak times, and accessibility challenges for larger tents.

Review Summaries

Based on 64 reviews

What Campers Love

- Beautiful mountain lake with opportunities for fishing and boating. - Serene and peaceful environment. - Clear night skies and great star visibility. - Spacious campsites with room for trailers or...

Based on 64 reviews

Common Concerns

- No potable water on-site. - Crowded during weekends or peak season. - Lack of trash facilities requiring campers to pack out their waste. - Some sites lack privacy or are difficult to pitch large...

Based on 64 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site numbers are not provided, but some reviews suggest that certain sites are more spacious or suited for trailers.

Based on 64 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own potable water. - Be prepared with trash bags as there are no trash cans or dumpsters. - Follow bear safety protocols, as black bears and grizzlies are present in the area. - Consider...

Based on 64 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Campgrounds have good spacing between camp sites.' - 'Nice and quiet, good place to visit. Fires are allowed and it’s only eight dollars a night.' - 'Beautiful. The stars were like diamonds in the...

Based on 64 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not mentioned in the reviews or official sources.

Based on 64 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not detailed in the official documentation or user reviews.

Based on 64 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Anglers, kayakers, and stargazers who book a weekday reservation and haul in their own water. The lake holds rainbow trout, cutthroat, and grayling, and the mountain basin kills light pollution completely.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is a hard stop for campers who don't plan ahead. Summer weekends also pack sites tight enough that large tents struggle to fit, and grizzly bear country means strict food storage discipline is non-negotiable.

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Park Lake Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Park Lake Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Park Lake Campground is located approximately 20 miles southwest of Helena, Montana.  The site provides an opportunity to camp near the placid, lovely Park Lake. You could enjoy fishing for cutthroat and grayling trout in this beautiful mountain lake,  hand launch non-motorized boats or picnic along the lakeshore.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 6,400 ft. The campground is located near Park Lake among Lodgepoles and boulders. It appears newly renovated with limited seclusion between sites. Park Lake seems ideal for canoers. There are In many ways, Helena National Forest is waiting to be discovered. Each campground and every trail visited was delightfully uncrowded. Helena National Forest 240 several dispersed sites outside of campground primarily for tenters. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Seasons & access

Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Facilities

The water spigots are hand pumps.

Water activities

Park Lake is 5 acres.

RV information

The parking aprons are paved.

Directions

In Clancy, MT, take Legal Linden Lane 0.1 miles to "T" intersection. Turn right, following Park Lake sign, and go 7.3 miles to a "Y" intersection and Park Lake sign. Bear right onto Forest Rt. 4009 and go 6.2 miles to campground. NOTE: Paved roadway becomes dirt and gravel after 3.1 miles.

National Forest: Helena National Forest
Ranger District: Helena
Elevation: 6400
Rate: $8 per day
Maximum Stay: 16
Open Season: May 10 2024 – September