4.1133 reviewsPrice
$20 - $50/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
59 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
$20 - $50/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
59 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Lake Alva Campground, North Shore of Lake Alva, Montana
Kayakers, paddleboarders, and trout anglers get the most out of this place. The no-wake rule keeps the water calm all day, the lake holds cutthroat, rainbow, brown trout, and kokanee salmon, and Loop 1 sites can be reserved on Recreation.gov starting April 24.
Families counting on a sandy beach will be disappointed. The swimming area is gravel and grass, small, and not what most picture. Add mosquitoes bad enough that every reviewer mentions them, no showers, no dump station, and a renovation closure that may cut available sites in hal
Reference information about Lake Alva Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Situated at the north end of Lake Alva, this campground offers a chance to camp out and enjoy lake activities such as swimming, fishing and boating. There are also wildlife and bird watching opportunities here, and it is 15 miles to the Mission Mountain Wilderness. <strong>All boats on Lake Alva must operate at a “no-wake” speed year-round.</strong></p><p>Beginning in 2024, campsites in Loop 1 will be available for reservations on <a href="http://www.recreation.gov">www.recreation.gov</a> starting April 24, 2024. Reservations will accepted from the Friday before Memorial to Tuesday after Labor Day. Individual sites in Loop 2 will remain first come, first serve.</p>
The elevation is 4,100 ft. There are two loops - North and South. The campground is located adjacent to Lake Alva, a Loon nesting area during May and June. It is thickly wooded with mature and young trees, such as Western Larch, Douglas fir and Alder. This thick combination of trees provides privacy between sites. Outfitters and equipment rental information is available from the Seeley Lake Chamber of Commerce (1-406-677-2880).
Depending on snow, open May through October.
One threaded water spigot is located at the fee station - entrance to campground. Lolo National Forest 349
Lake Alva is 310 acres and a “no wake” lake. The beach is gravel and grass. Some Loon nesting areas may be restricted during May and June.
The parking aprons are gravel and paved. There is an RV waste station, with no potable water, available for a fee behind Lindey's Restaurant located north of Boy Scout Rd in Seeley Lake, MT.
From Seeley Lake, MT, take State Rt. 83 north 11.2 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 0.4 miles to campground.
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Summer brings the best conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s (occasionally low 80s) and cool nights in the 40s-50s. Water recreation peaks during these months. July and August see moderate weekend crowds, though far fewer than larger parks. The forest canopy is lush for birding and wildlife viewing. Mosquitoes are common enough that reviews consistently recommend bug spray. Snow limits winter access.
Best season: warm days, peak water recreation and most user reviews occur in summer.
Lake Alva Campground offers 59 campsites split between two loops, featuring paved parking stalls, picnic tables, fire rings, and accessible vault toilets. Trash receptacles are provided, and potable water is not available on-site. Water spigots (5 total, with 2 threaded) are present, one located at the campground fee station. Campground hosts are available 24/7. The campground also includes a day-use area with a swimming beach (gravel and grass), a concrete boat ramp, and paved parking for vehicles and boat trailers. Day-use facilities are open year-round from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
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