How much does camping cost at Big Larch Campground?

Camping fees at Big Larch Campground are $20 - $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Larch Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Larch 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 Big Larch Campground before I book?

Yes! Big Larch Campground has 4 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 Big Larch Campground?

Big Larch Campground is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Big Larch Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Big Larch Campground?

Fire policies at Big Larch Campground: Campfires must be completely extinguished before leaving campsite unattended.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Big Larch Campground?

Cell phone service at Big Larch Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Big Larch Campground have?

Big Larch Campground has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Larch Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Larch 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 Big Larch Campground?

Big Larch Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Big Larch Campground

3.98

111 reviews

Big Larch Campground, 3335 MT-HWY 83 N, Seeley Lake, MT, 59868

Top 3% in MTFall

C-Report Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Montana

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Two group camping ar...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Seeley Lake Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Two group camping ar...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Seeley Lake Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Big Larch Campground

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Bike Site S&P: $20.00; Bike Sites Standard Nonelectric: $20.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $50.00; Group Site S&P: $50.00; Individual Site Standard...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

406-677-2233

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Big Larch Campground, 3335 MT-HWY 83 N, Seeley Lake, MT, 59868

Big Larch Campground

Big Larch Campground, 3335 MT-HWY 83 N, Seeley Lake, MT, 59868

Nearby places

Seeley Lake (1 mile, 5 min), Missoula (approx. 50 miles, 1 hour)

Weather at Big Larch Campground

Current alerts(8)

Bear resistant trash and food containers must be closed and secured by users after depositing items. Failure to secure containers could result in a citation.
Bears frequent the area ; please store all food and attractants in a locked vehicle, or in a certified bear resistant container. Click here for more information.
Click here for more information on the Lolo National Forest
Dogs must be leashed while in campgrounds.

Best Time to Camp at Big Larch Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the signature draw at Big Larch: dazzling golden larch against evergreen backdrops with crisp, clear weather ideal for hiking, photography, and quiet lakeside evenings. Expect daytime highs roughly 40–60°F and chilly nights that can drop into the 20s–30s°F by October, making for brilliant air and comfortable daytime activity. Boat launches and trails are generally reachable through September and into early October, and crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day, giving a more solitary, Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in MT

Identified as the signature season—dazzling golden larch, crisp weather, ideal for hiking/photography.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Two group camping areas, 29 individiual RV/tent campsites, and three bicycle campsites are available for reservation the Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day. These campsites will transition to first-come/first-serve outside of these dates.

About Big Larch Campground

Big Larch Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near Seeley Lake, Montana, operated by the Seeley Lake Ranger District in Lolo National Forest. The campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, bear boxes, and fire rings. Fall brings the signature draw: golden larch trees blazing against evergreen backdrops, with crisp weather ideal for hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing along the lake.

Big Larch Campground provides options for individual RV/tent camping sites, group camping sites, and bicycle camping sites. The campground operates on a reservable basis during peak season and transitions to first-come, first-serve in the off-season.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the signature draw at Big Larch: dazzling golden larch against evergreen backdrops with crisp, clear weather ideal for hiking, photography, and quiet lakeside evenings. Expect daytime highs roughly 40–60°F and chilly nights that can drop into the 20s–30s°F by October, making for brilliant air and comfortable daytime activity. Boat launches and trails are generally reachable through September and into early October, and crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day, giving a more solitary, Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation4000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient glaciers carved Seeley Lake and the surrounding Chain of Lakes, leaving a landscape of interconnected waterways framed by Douglas fir, western larch, and lodgepole pine. At 4,000 feet elevation, the campground sits in mixed coniferous forest with volcanic-origin peaks visible in the distance. The open forest floor provides little understory screening between sites. A result of past logging. But allows views of the lake through the trees. Deer, elk, and black bears move through the area. Fall transforms western larch into golden columns against the evergreen backdrop.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is offered within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3:00 PM

Stay Limit

Scan and Pay camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis outside peak season. Peak season reservations are capped at 16 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy per site is not explicitly defined.

Groups

Group camping areas are equipped with three picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and large paved parking areas. They are reservable during peak season and accommodate up to five families, according to user reviews.

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 via Recreation.gov website or mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets, drinking water, parking spaces, and campsites are available throughout the campground.

Site SizeIndividual campsites are described as accommodating various RV sizes, with lengths ranging from 40 to 50 feet. Group sites are spacious, with room for multiple families.

PrivacySites provide ample space but minimal privacy due to a lack of understory between campsites. Several user reviews note the close proximity between sites and reduced shade due to logging.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesLoop 1 sites are closer to the entrance; Loop 4 offers access to the beach and bike sites. Choose sites based on proximity to desired activities.

Best CampsitesReviewers recommend hiker/biker sites for proximity to the lake and group sites for their space and amenities. No specific site numbers are mentioned in reviews.

Need help booking Big Larch 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

No utility hookups are available.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Big Larch Campground

Big Larch Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and water sports. It features a roped-off swimming beach, a boat ramp, and trails for exploration. Fishing is popular, with anglers casting for Kokanee salmon, bass, whitefish, pike, trout, and perch.

Fishing4.0/5

Seeley Lake supports kokanee, bass, pike, trout & whitefish; boat access and popular fishing noted.

Swimming4.0/5Top 14% in Montana

Roped-off swimming beach in the day-use area provides easy, supervised lake swimming access.

Boating4.0/5

Boat ramp and dock on Seeley Lake; water-skiing and motor/non-motor boating supported.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Common sightings: deer, elk, mountain goats, bears and bald eagles—good wildlife viewing potential.

Water Sports4.0/5

Non-motorized options and Clearwater Canoe Trailhead provide good paddling/kayaking access.

Hiking3.5/5

Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail nearby offers a solid day hike through dense forest.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Mid-elevation, forested, relatively remote setting suggests good dark-sky potential (limited explicit data).

Photography4.0/5Golden larch, lake vistas and nearby falls make for strong photo opportunities, esp. in fall.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are mentioned.

Food Storage RequiredShared lockers available near hiker/biker sites and standard campsites for bear safety.

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.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires must be completely extinguished before leaving campsite unattended.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available throughout the campground. Bear-resistant trash containers are provided and must be properly secured by users to avoid citations.

Cell CoverageAs per user reviews, 'Great Verizon service' is available at the campground.

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

4.0

111 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Big Larch Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews reflect mixed experiences at Big Larch Campground. Positive feedback highlights its scenic location, clean facilities, and variety of activities, while concerns include poor maintenance, noisy generators, and camp host issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 111 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 111 reviews.

Site 00ALoved
Site 00A accommodates up to five families and has a large clean beach area.
Site 00BIssues noted
Site 00B includes a bear box but nearby vault toilets are reported as poorly maintained.

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's proximity to Seeley Lake, clean vault toilets, and availability of bear boxes. Activities like hiking, swimming, and fishing are highly regarded.

Based on 111 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include overgrown campsites, minimal privacy, barking dogs, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, and insufficient toilet maintenance ('The smell from that bathroom was completely...

Based on 111 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing a weed-whacker for overgrown sites, securing bear boxes, and visiting during off-season for free camping. It is also advised to park in designated areas to avoid...

Based on 111 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season reviews often note a lack of privacy and crowded conditions, while off-season camping is described as peaceful and free of charge.

Based on 111 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great place! Awesome, friendly camp host. Clean facilities and campsites.' - Bud Man 2. 'Camp host did not enforce any rules. Load till really late. Generators all night.' - Tim A 3. 'Pack it in...

Based on 111 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets and paved parking areas are accessible, but minimal privacy and overgrown vegetation may pose challenges for some visitors.

Based on 111 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but several reviews express concerns about camp host dogs barking and chasing campers at night.

Based on 111 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Big Larch Campground

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Bike Site S&P: $20.00; Bike Sites Standard Nonelectric: $20.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $50.00; Group Site S&P: $50.00; Individual Site Standard...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-677-2233

Go if

You want lakefront access for fishing, boating, and swimming with spectacular fall larch color and bear-safe storage.

Skip if

You need well-maintained sites with privacy or prefer campgrounds without recurrent host or pet management issues.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.5

(174)

River Point Lolo Campground (Mt)

3600 Boy Scout Road

River Point Lolo Campground sits in mid-elevation Western Larch forest near Seeley Lake in Lolo National Forest. This small, budget-friendly campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors swim, fish, kayak, and hike during the summer season when the lake and trails are fully accessible.

Big Larch Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Big Larch Campground

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Big Larch Campground

Planning Tips

About Big Larch Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Larch Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Big Larch Campground

Policies & Safety

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Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Big Larch Campground

Planning Tips

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Need help booking Big Larch Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Big Larch Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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Common Concerns