Lee Creek Campground

4.31

44 reviews

From Lolo, MT, take US Rt. 12 west 26.5 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.

Quick Facts

4,200 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Lolo National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,200 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Lolo National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lee Creek Campground

$0.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight camping costs $15 per night during peak season (May through Labor Day), with a $5 fee for additional vehicles beyond the first two....

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 44 reviews

35 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhikingfriendly

"Reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm, the nearby interpretive trail, and the convenience of its location near Lolo Hot Springs and hiking trails. Clean, though limited, amenities are appreciated. Opinions on shade availability vary between loops."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

From Lolo, MT, take US Rt. 12 west 26.5 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.

Lee Creek Campground

From Lolo, MT, take US Rt. 12 west 26.5 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.

Driving directionsFrom Lolo, Montana drive 26 miles west on U.S. Highway 12.

The campground is conveniently accessed via U.S. Highway 12, which is paved and easily navigable. There are no seasonal closures mentioned in the source materials.

Nearby places

Lolo (26 miles east), Missoula (approximately 50 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Groceries and gas are located 26 miles east in Lolo. Additional supplies may be found in Missoula approximately 50 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Lee Creek Campground

Summer transforms Lee Creek into an outdoor paradise, with comfortable temperatures dancing between 50°F and 82°F, creating perfect conditions for everything from morning hikes to evening campfires. While occasional rain showers keep the forest lush and vibrant, the predominantly dry summer weather ensures your outdoor adventures remain uninterrupted. As autumn approaches, crisp mountain air gives way to winter's snowy embrace, making late spring through summer the sweet spot for camping enthusiasts seeking that perfect balance of warm days and cool, starlit nights.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season, comfortable temps (50–82°F), many activities and high occupancy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Early fall offers tranquility and cooler weather; campground closes mid-September.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; spring conditions can be cool and access limited early in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside Memorial Day–Labor Day window.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open Memorial Day through Labor Day (May 17 - September 16).

About Lee Creek Campground

Nestled where Lee Creek meets the rushing waters of Lolo Creek, this tranquil forest retreat offers campers a perfect blend of wilderness serenity and modern convenience. Towering pines create a natural cathedral of shade, while thoughtfully designed sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings invite you to settle in for memorable evenings under the stars. With 30-foot parking spurs welcoming RV adventurers and easy access to captivating hiking trails, interpretive areas, and historic sites, Lee Creek Campground serves as your gateway to exploring the rich tapestry of the Lolo National Forest.

The campground features single campsites suitable for tent camping or small RVs, as well as areas for group gatherings.

Historical SignificanceStep into the footsteps of legends at the nearby Lolo Pass Visitor Center, where the epic tales of Lewis and Clark's treacherous crossing of the Bitterroot Mountains come alive. Here, the poignant story of the Nez Perce's Flight unfolds against the backdrop of these ancient peaks. Historic structures dating back to 1923 stand as silent witnesses to the region's rich past, offering visitors a tangible connection to the explorers, Native peoples, and pioneers who shaped this remarkable landscape.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Lee Creek into an outdoor paradise, with comfortable temperatures dancing between 50°F and 82°F, creating perfect conditions for everything from morning hikes to evening campfires. While occasional rain showers keep the forest lush and vibrant, the predominantly dry summer weather ensures your outdoor adventures remain uninterrupted. As autumn approaches, crisp mountain air gives way to winter's snowy embrace, making late spring through summer the sweet spot for camping enthusiasts seeking that perfect balance of warm days and cool, starlit nights.

ElevationPerched at 4,200 feet above sea level, Lee Creek Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat. This mountain elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, where cool breezes whisper through the pines and morning mist dances across the creeks. The elevated setting not only provides relief from lowland temperatures but also frames spectacular vistas that remind you why mountain camping captures the heart like no other outdoor experience.

Natural Features and SceneryA living canvas of natural beauty unfolds at Lee Creek, where dense stands of pine create an emerald canopy overhead. Though nature has claimed some trees through the cycles of insect activity and disease, the forest's resilience shines through in the healthy specimens that continue to thrive. Ancient granite formations rise like sculptures from the forest floor, while the melodic duet of Lee and Lolo Creeks provides a constant soundtrack to your wilderness experience. This dynamic landscape offers photographers, nature lovers, and quiet seekers alike a front-row seat to the Pacific Northwest's raw beauty.

Geological RegionDeep within the embrace of Lolo National Forest, Lee Creek Campground occupies a special corner where water, stone, and forest converge in perfect harmony. The campground's position at the confluence of Lee and Lolo Creeks creates a unique microenvironment where the geological story of the region unfolds. Massive granite formations tell tales of ancient volcanic activity, while the surrounding pine forest represents centuries of ecological succession. This remarkable setting places you at the heart of one of Montana's most geologically diverse and visually stunning landscapes.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two vehicles per site
specific guest count limit not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of two unnamed loops. The lower loop is located near Lee Creek, while the upper loop is on a hillside.

Reservation PlatformsReservations not available; walk-up only.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only; no reservations allowed.

Cancellation PolicyNot specified.

AccessibilityRestrooms are wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeEach site has a 30-foot parking spur.

PrivacyThe lower loop near the creek offers more shade and better water access, while the upper loop is more open and exposed due to tree removal.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites in the lower loop for shade and creek proximity. Users recommend Site 1 and Site 3 for tent camping.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at Lee Creek Campground include hiking on nearby trails and learning opportunities at the interpretive site. Fishing in the creek is popular, particularly for cutthroat trout.

HikingThree primary trails are available: Wagon Mountain Trail #300 (6 miles, foot and horse), Lee Creek Interpretive Trail (2-mile loop, foot), and Lee Ridge Trail (6 miles, foot and horse). The interpretive trail is frequently praised for its beauty and educational value.

FishingCutthroat trout fishing is available in the nearby creek.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive areas and exhibits on the Lewis and Clark/Nez Perce National Historic Trail are located nearby.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife due to the surrounding forest environment, and cold temperatures outside peak season.

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within provided rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are likely located in Lolo or Missoula, 26 miles and 50 minutes drive respectively.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information on trash or recycling facilities is provided.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Lolo Creek and Lee Creek; no swimming or boating options.

Camp HostCamp hosts are noted as being friendly and attentive by multiple user reviews.

Weather at Lee Creek Campground

Reviews

4.3

44 reviews

Recommended

Lee Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm, the nearby interpretive trail, and the convenience of its location near Lolo Hot Springs and hiking trails. Clean, though limited, amenities are appreciated. Opinions on shade availability vary between loops.

Review Summaries

Based on 44 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors have praised the interpretive trail, the peaceful environment, the proximity to hiking trails, and the friendly campground hosts. The creek and its surroundings are also noted as a highlight.

Based on 44 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned the lack of potable water and cell service as drawbacks. Others noted that the upper loop is less shaded due to logging. Occasional concerns about vault toilet maintenance were...

Based on 44 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Try to secure a site in the lower loop for better shade and closer water access. Bring your own potable water, as none is available on-site.

Based on 44 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize high occupancy during peak times and the campground’s popularity as a base for nearby activities. Fall reviews focus on the tranquility and cooler weather, with fewer...

Based on 44 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice Forest Service campground. We had site 3, with a level place to pitch our tent and right next to the creek." - David Roberts. "This place was sweet--I especially liked campsite #1 for us tent...

Based on 44 reviews