Placid Lake State Park

Star4.47
105 reviews
5001 North Placid Lake Road, Seeley Lake, Montana, 59868, United States
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,190 ft

Price

$3 - $6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Montana State Parks site

Official Website
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Placid Lake State Park
$3.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Boat slips can be rented for $6/day. Ice is available for $3 per bag. Showers charge $1 for 3 minutes.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 105 reviews

95 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwaterbeach

Some mention

bugsmosquitoesunlevel

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the clean facilities, range of activities, and stunning natural scenery. However, some guests mention issues with camp hosts and tight campsite sizes."

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Campground Map

5001 North Placid Lake Road, Seeley Lake, Montana, 59868, United States

Placid Lake State Park

5001 North Placid Lake Road, Seeley Lake, Montana, 59868, United States

Driving directionsPlacid Lake State Park is located 3 miles south of Seeley Lake on Montana 83, then 3 miles west on Placid Lake Road. The day use and campground entrances are signed.
The access road is rough and gravel/dirt with significant washboarding as noted in user reviews: "The 3 Mile road was okay for a gravel/dirt road but had a lot of washboards." Some reviewers have described the road as "pretty rough," impacting ease of access.
Nearby places
Seeley Lake (3 miles, ~10 minutes), Missoula (53 miles, ~1 hour and 15 minutes), Kalispell (90 miles, ~1 hour and 45 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest amenities are located in Seeley Lake, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel options. Firewood and ice are available for purchase within the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Placid Lake State Park

Experience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Winter blankets the valley in pristine snow, creating a wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing and peaceful solitude. As spring melts into summer, warm days and crystal-clear skies invite endless outdoor adventures, from sunrise fishing expeditions to sunset paddles across the glassy lake. The moderate mountain climate ensures comfortable camping conditions from late spring through early fall.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season for warm water activities, swimming and boating; reviews emphasize summer visits.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers quieter experience and foliage; noted as a good time to visit for fewer crowds.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Should be good as water warms and trails open; some seasonal variation noted but less documented.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winter brings snow and solitude with cross-country skiing possibilities but minimal services/activity.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: null
  • Current Alerts: null

About Placid Lake State Park

Nestled in the breathtaking Clearwater/Swan River Valley, Placid Lake State Park beckons adventurers with its pristine waters and towering forests. Whether you're casting a line for rainbow trout at dawn, paddling across mirror-smooth waters, or diving into refreshing mountain swimming holes, this scenic haven delivers unforgettable moments. As you explore the campground, interpretive panels reveal fascinating stories of the logging era that shaped this landscape, while eagles soar overhead and the haunting calls of loons echo across the water.
Placid Lake State Park accommodates tent, RV, and group camping. While some sites offer electricity, the park emphasizes primitive and natural camping experiences. Hiker-biker sites are also available.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 16 days if occupying a double site, otherwise 8 days per individual site.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

Placid Lake State Park provides a range of recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The clear and warm waters make it ideal for multiple water-based activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Visitors can also enjoy star gazing and huckleberry picking nearby.
HikingHiking opportunities are available along nearby trails and up the road for huckleberry picking. Specific trail details are not provided.
FishingFishing is a popular activity, with species such as rainbow, cutthroat, brown, and bull trout, whitefish, kokanee salmon, and perch. A Montana fishing license is required.
SwimmingSwimming areas include a roped-off section for safety, ideal for kids. The water is shallow and clear, with a water trampoline available for public use.
BikingThe campground includes hiker-biker campsites, and a visitor mentioned passing through on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR).
BoatingBoating is supported with a concrete boat ramp, docks, and 16 rentable boat slips available for $6/day. Personal watercraft are also permitted.
Wildlife viewingThe park offers opportunities to observe birds such as red-necked grebes, waterfowl, osprey, and common loons. Wildlife viewing is accessible and a highlight for many visitors.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and horse flies are prevalent, as noted in user reviews: "There are lots of horse flies and mosquitos. Be prepared with spray. They bite all times of the day." This is bear country, so bear-proof food storage practices are mandatory.
Active Alertsnull
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers available for food storage to comply with bear country guidelines.

Weather at Placid Lake State Park

Reviews

4.5
105 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Placid Lake State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the clean facilities, range of activities, and stunning natural scenery. However, some guests mention issues with camp hosts and tight campsite sizes.
Review Summaries
Based on 105 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the 'cleanest campground and facilities,' the 'wonderful beach area for kids,' and the accessibility features. The park's diverse recreational offerings, such as water-based activities...
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Based on 105 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include 'rude camp hosts,' 'tight campsites,' and the presence of 'horse flies and mosquitoes.' Some users also mentioned issues with campsite leveling and a lack of sufficient swimming...
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Based on 105 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray to manage mosquitoes and horse flies, prepare for potential rough roads, and ensure compliance with state park rules regarding camping units and reservations. Consider reserving boat...
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Based on 105 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season due to warm water and abundant activities. Fall offers a quieter experience with fewer visitors and beautiful foliage. Winter sees minimal traffic but is still...
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Based on 105 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Best place to spend time swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet-skiing, camping, and enjoying outdoor activities.' (JamiSue Sharp) 2. 'The handicap spots are the nicest but the entire...
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Based on 105 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #13 received complaints for being uneven. Site #19 was praised for being spacious, heavily wooded, and overlooking the lake. Waterfront sites are noted for their close proximity to the water.
Based on 105 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites and paved paths were highlighted as excellent features for visitors with disabilities. One reviewer noted, 'Handicapped access great with sidewalks close to boat ramps and...
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Based on 105 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. No significant issues were reported by pet owners.
Based on 105 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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