How much does camping cost at Salmon Lake State Park?

Camping fees at Salmon Lake State Park range from $1/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Salmon Lake State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Salmon Lake State Park 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 Salmon Lake State Park before I book?

Yes! Salmon Lake State Park has 7 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 Salmon Lake State Park?

Salmon Lake State Park is open No peak season dates are specified.. 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 Salmon Lake State Park?

Yes, Salmon Lake State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Salmon Lake State Park?

Fire policies at Salmon Lake State Park: Campfires are allowed in designated areas. Food storage rules apply due to bear activity.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Salmon Lake State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Salmon Lake State Park. 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 Salmon Lake State Park?

Salmon Lake State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Salmon Lake State Park?

Popular activities at Salmon Lake State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Salmon Lake State Park

4.17

48 reviews

P.O. Box 136; 2329 Highway 83 N., Seeley Lake, Montana, 59868, United States

Top 23% in MTSpring

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,963 ft

Price

$1/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Campground Open 5/1 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,963 ft

Price

$1/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Campground Open 5/1 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Salmon Lake State Park

$1.00 - $1.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees range from $4-$34 per night, depending on season and available amenities.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

4066776804

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Salmon Lake State Park

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 136; 2329 Highway 83 N., Seeley Lake, Montana, 59868, United States

Salmon Lake State Park

P.O. Box 136; 2329 Highway 83 N., Seeley Lake, Montana, 59868, United States

Nearby supplies

Closest working dump station is 6 miles away in Seeley Lake. Supplies for food, camping, and additional fuel may also be available in Seeley Lake.

Weather at Salmon Lake State Park

Best Time to Camp at Salmon Lake State Park

Summer delivers the warmest conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-70s to mid-80s, nights drop into the 40s and 50s. This is peak season for water recreation and trail access, but July and August bring crowds and occasional wildfire closures later in the season. Winter transforms the area into cross-country ski and snowshoe terrain, with moderate snowfall and dry cold. Reserve early if visiting in summer.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm temps and peak water recreation; summer is the prime season for swimming/boating.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No peak season dates are specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground Open 5/1 through 9/30.

About Salmon Lake State Park

Salmon Lake State Park sits along the Clearwater River Chain-of-Lakes between the Mission and Swan Mountain Ranges at 3,963 feet. The park offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups, showers, and beach access. Camp hosts keep facilities clean, and reviewers consistently mention the swimming, fishing, and paved roads for biking. Highway noise from logging trucks is the main tradeoff.

The campground accommodates various types of camping, including tent camping and RV camping. Electric hookups are available at some sites, and reservations can be made in advance.

Historical Significance

The Seeley Lake Center and Museum nearby documents Montana's logging heritage and the Forest Service pioneers who worked these forests. The exhibits cover the logging operations that shaped the area and the communities they built.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the warmest conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-70s to mid-80s, nights drop into the 40s and 50s. This is peak season for water recreation and trail access, but July and August bring crowds and occasional wildfire closures later in the season. Winter transforms the area into cross-country ski and snowshoe terrain, with moderate snowfall and dry cold. Reserve early if visiting in summer.

ElevationPerched at a comfortable mountain elevation, the park offers that perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere, where the air feels refreshingly crisp without leaving you breathless.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park occupies a glacially carved corridor between two mountain ranges. Western larch, ponderosa pine, and Douglas-fir provide shade across the campground. Salmon Lake itself is the centerpiece, clear enough for swimming and deep enough for boating. The Mission and Swan ranges frame the horizon in both directions. Deer appear near campsites at dusk, and eagles hunt over the water during the day.

Geological RegionSalmon Lake State Park sits like a jewel in the crown of the Clearwater River Chain-of-Lakes, a spectacular geological wonderland carved between the ancient Mission and Swan Mountain Ranges. This unique positioning places visitors at the heart of one of Montana's most scenic corridors, where glacial forces sculpted a string of pristine lakes connected by the meandering Clearwater River. The surrounding peaks tell a story millions of years in the making, their exposed rock faces revealing the powerful forces that shaped this remarkable landscape.

Scenic ViewsSalmon Lake provides scenic views and opportunities to enjoy the lake's still waters, often described as 'mirror-like.'

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no specific mention of hotel-style lodging accommodations in the authoritative source or user reviews.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park features interpretive signs and events such as live music during the summer. Historical and natural resource displays are available at the nearby Seeley Lake Center and Museum.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

1:00 PM

Stay Limit

The maximum capacity at each campsite is eight (8) people.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity per campsite is eight (8) people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are level and paved roads connect them. Many sites sit close together, which some reviewers found cramped. The proximity to the highway means logging truck noise carries into camp.

Reservation PlatformsNo specific reservation platforms are mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome reviewers mention successfully obtaining a campsite via walk-up, but specifics are not detailed.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are non-transferable and cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. Cancellation fees may apply under certain conditions.

AccessibilityThe campground is handicap friendly according to a user review, but detailed descriptions of specific accessibility features are not available.

Site SizeSites are described as level, with some reviews noting proximity between sites: 'A lot of the campsites are very close to one another.

PrivacyMixed reviews on privacy: some users appreciated the layout, while others noted that sites were 'very close to one another.

Recommended SitesSites closer to the lake may offer quieter and more scenic views.

Need help booking Salmon Lake State Park?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Salmon Lake State Park offers a range of amenities including an amphitheater, boat ramp, campground host, canoeing, comfort stations, fire rings, fishing, parking, photography opportunities, picnicking areas, restrooms, retail options, firewood, water skiing, lake swimming, and drinking water. A review mentions 'showers and bathrooms on site and a separate boat launch/day use area' and highlights 'clean restrooms and relaxing campground.' However, some reviews note a downside: 'they do not have a dump station, closest working dump station is 6 miles away in Seeley Lake.'

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Salmon Lake State Park offers a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Some reviews highlight activities like kayaking and paddleboarding as particularly enjoyable. One user mentioned, 'Salmon Lake is a great lake to swim in,' while another praised its 'great fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking opportunities.'

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country; food storage rules are strictly enforced. Bear-resistant garbage dumpsters and lockers are available.

Food Storage RequiredLockers are provided for storing food and bear attractants for campers without hard-sided vehicles.

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 are allowed in designated areas. Food storage rules apply due to bear activity.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesIn case of an emergency, visitors are advised to dial 911, and park staff can provide additional assistance if necessary.

Trash & RecyclingBear-resistant garbage dumpsters are located throughout the campground, and food storage rules apply, as the area is bear country.

Water FeaturesLocated on Salmon Lake, offering easy access to swimming, boating, and fishing.

Camp HostPositive reviews indicate hosts are friendly and helpful, maintaining cleanliness and providing assistance with campsite assignments.

Cell CoverageNo references to the availability, quality, or coverage of cell phone service were made in the source materials.

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

From Booking Sources

4.2

48 reviews

Satisfactory

Salmon Lake State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Salmon Lake State Park is consistently praised for its clean facilities, friendly hosts, and range of activities. The proximity to the highway and lack of a dump station were noted as downsides.

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, friendly and helpful campground hosts, great swimming and fishing opportunities, paved roads ideal for biking, and beautiful scenery were frequently noted.

Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Proximity to a highway causing noise, lack of a dump station, and campsites being too close together were common concerns.

Based on 48 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews are not available. Some users did mention that 'some campsites are very close together.'

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring coins for the showers ($1 for 3 minutes). If tent camping, be prepared for some sites being close to others. The beach is accessible by walking or driving a short distance.

Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular in summer for water activities but can get noisy on weekends. Some users recommend visiting during quieter weekdays.

Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The camp hosts are very helpful and friendly.' 2. 'This is a beautiful clean campground with a nice beach and trail.' 3. 'Salmon Lake is a great lake to swim in.' 4. 'One of the rare state...

Based on 48 reviews

Accessibility Features

Handicap-friendly features were noted by one reviewer, but no detailed descriptions of accessibility options were provided.

Based on 48 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets must be kept on a leash, as per the park rules. No additional reviews specifically addressed pet-related experiences.

Based on 48 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Families with kids do well here: paved campground roads double as bike paths, the lake is calm enough for kayaks and paddleboards, and hosts keep facilities genuinely clean. Bring a dollar in quarters per shower.

Skip if

Sites sit close together and Highway 83 logging trucks rumble through at all hours, so light sleepers and anyone needing elbow room will feel the squeeze. No dump station on-site either; nearest is 6 miles in Seeley Lake.

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Placid Lake State Park

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

Placid Lake State Park sits in Montana's Clearwater/Swan River Valley near Seeley Lake, offering tent, RV, primitive, and group camping at $3–6 per night. The campground draws visitors with its clear lake, clean facilities, and activities ranging from boating to stargazing. Reviews consistently praise the beach area and accessibility features, though campsites can be tight and bugs are common in summer.