South Dickey Lake

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3 reviews
South Dickey Lake

Quick Facts

3,100 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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South Dickey Lake
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadelakestaff

"Reviewers overwhelmingly praise South Dickey Lake for its stunning scenery, clear turquoise water, and peaceful atmosphere, with most Google reviews giving it 5 stars. Recreation.gov users like the reservable picnic area but feel it’s more suited to small groups and a bit overpriced for what it is, especially considering parking and crowding issues on busy days."

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Best Time to Camp at South Dickey Lake

Spring and early summer transform this lakeside haven into an auditory wonderland, where the haunting calls of loons echo across the water in the cool morning air. These iconic northern birds serenade beachgoers throughout the warmer months, creating an unforgettable soundtrack to your lakeside gathering. The seasonal symphony of these magnificent waterfowl adds a wild, authentic touch to your Montana experience.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About South Dickey Lake

    Nestled on the pristine shores of Dickey Lake, South Dickey Lake offers the perfect day-use retreat for groups seeking a quintessential Montana lakeside experience. With its inviting grassy swimming beach and expansive waterfront lawn, this group picnic area welcomes visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., featuring five day-use sites including one reservable group location—though overnight stays aren't permitted, giving you the perfect excuse to savor every daylight moment.
    Day-use group picnic area with five day-use sites (one reservable) and capacity for a reservable group of up to 50 people.
    Weather and SeasonsSpring and early summer transform this lakeside haven into an auditory wonderland, where the haunting calls of loons echo across the water in the cool morning air. These iconic northern birds serenade beachgoers throughout the warmer months, creating an unforgettable soundtrack to your lakeside gathering. The seasonal symphony of these magnificent waterfowl adds a wild, authentic touch to your Montana experience.
    ElevationPerched at approximately 3,100 feet above sea level, South Dickey Lake sits in that sweet spot where mountain air meets comfortable temperatures, offering visitors a refreshing escape without venturing into extreme alpine conditions.
    Natural Features and SceneryThe 800-acre expanse of Dickey Lake stretches before you like a liquid mirror, framed by towering larch and fir trees that stand sentinel around this northwestern Montana gem. The facility's signature grassy lawn rolls gently down to meet the crystalline waters, creating a natural amphitheater perfect for picnicking, playing, and simply soaking in the view. During spring and early summer, the ethereal calls of loons drift across the water from the swimming beach, reminding visitors they're experiencing something truly wild and unspoiled.
    Geological RegionNorthwestern Montana, where the Rocky Mountain landscape transitions into dense coniferous forests and pristine glacial lakes
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    Campsite details

    AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets.
    Sites SizeFive day-use sites; one reservable group picnic area that accommodates up to 50 people.
    Sites PrivacySwimming beach is open to the public; other day-use sites are first-come, first-served except the reservable group site.
    Total Campsites5 campsites
    Recommended CampsitesVisitors who wish to stay overnight should make reservations at North Dickey Lake Campground.

    Best Campsites

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    Reserving a campsite

    Check-in
    10:00 a.m.
    Check-out
    10:00 p.m.
    Stay Limit
    • Day use only
    • overnight camping is not allowed.
    Guests Allowed Per Site
    Up to 50 people for the reservable group picnic area
    Groups
    • Reservable group picnic area accommodates up to 50 people
    • equipped with two tables and campfire rings with grills. There are 5 day-use sites total
    • only one site can be reserved and all others are first-come, first-served.
    Tents
    Tents are not allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are allowed

    Site layoutGrassy lawn slopes down to the lake; reservable group picnic area includes two tables and campfire rings with grills; accessible vault toilets and potable drinking water are provided.
    Walk-in AvailabilityFour day-use sites are first-come, first-served; one group site is reservable.

    Accomodation available

    GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Lakefront day-use area offering boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing from a grassy beach and lawn.
    Fishing
    Anglers can expect kokanee salmon, kamloop and rainbow trout in Dickey Lake.
    Swimming
    Grassy swimming beach provides public access to the lake; the facility is a day-use area open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    Boating
    Provides ample opportunity for recreational boating and water skiing on Dickey Lake.
    Beach activities
    Grassy lawn slopes to a swimming beach that is available for public use.
    Water Sports
    Water skiing and general recreational boating.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed
    • Reservable group picnic area is equipped with campfire rings with grills. No other fire policy details provided.

    Hazards


    Weather at South Dickey Lake

    47
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Light drizzle
    Precipitation: 0.4%
    Humidity: 93%
    Wind: 10.1 mph
    Light drizzle

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

    Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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    Reveal forecast

    Good to know

    Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to 800-acre Dickey Lake with a grassy swimming beach on the shore.

    Campground Map

    South Dickey Lake
    Driving directionsFrom Eureka travel South on Hwy 93 for approximately 20 miles. Take a left on Lake Shore road 3788 and follow for 2 miles to the day use site.
    Accessible via Hwy 93 and Lake Shore Road 3788
    Nearby places
    Eureka - 20 miles
    U.S.-Canadian border - 20 miles
    Entrance to Glacier National Park - 65 miles

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    0.0
    3 reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Limited Reviews
    South Dickey Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers overwhelmingly praise South Dickey Lake for its stunning scenery, clear turquoise water, and peaceful atmosphere, with most Google reviews giving it 5 stars. Recreation.gov users like the reservable picnic area but feel it’s more suited to small groups and a bit overpriced for what it is, especially considering parking and crowding issues on busy days.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 3 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Users consistently highlight the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains, describing it as “absolutely gorgeous,” “cold, turquoise,” and a place to “chill out” and find peace. The reservable...
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    Based on 3 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Recreation.gov reviewers mention that the reservable picnic area is too expensive for what is essentially just a picnic spot and feels misrepresented in terms of capacity (website says up to 150...
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    Based on 3 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    If you reserve the picnic area in July or August, arrive early (before 11 AM) because parking is shared with public day-use visitors and fills quickly. Plan for a small group rather than the listed...
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    Based on 3 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Cold, turquoise, off the beaten path lake. Just do it.” “I could stare at these mountains forever, which is exactly what I'm going to do. Finally found my peace.” “Perhaps 20-25 people is max,...
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    Based on 3 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Site 1 in the South Dickey Lake loop is described as a reservable picnic site best suited for very small groups (around 20–25 people) despite a listed capacity of 150. It has limited adjacent...
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    Based on 3 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    One reviewer notes that there is 1 designated handicap parking spot and “easy access into picnic area for Handicapped guests,” indicating the site is reasonably accessible from parking to the picnic...
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    Based on 3 reviews

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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