Rainy Lake Campground

Star4.04
30 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,140 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Lolo National Forest site

Official Website
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Rainy Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees. Pack it in/Pack it out.
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

4.04

Satisfactory

Based on 30 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

waterlakesites

Some mention

noise

"Rainy Lake Campground is highly regarded by some for its natural beauty, tranquility, and access to outdoor activities like fishing and canoeing. However, several users noted drawbacks, including the lack of amenities, poor privacy when the campground is crowded, and disruptive behavior by other campers."

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Campground Map

Rainy Lake Campground

47.3363, -113.5932

Driving directionsFrom the town of Seeley Lake, Montana head North on MT-83 N toward Thelma for 12.2 miles. Turn left onto Rainy Lake Campground, Road FS RD #4357.
The campground is accessible via paved roads up to the turnoff, after which it involves a short drive on Forest Service Road #4357 to the site. Seasonal conditions such as snow may impact accessibility.
Nearby places
Seeley Lake - 12.2 miles
Nearby supplies
The nearest town, Seeley Lake (12.2 miles away), is the most likely location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Rainy Lake Campground

Experience the campground's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for swimming and lazy afternoons by the water, while autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant hues. Winter transforms this lakeside retreat into a snow-dusted wonderland, though accessing your slice of paradise may require extra determination when snowfall blankets the access roads. Spring arrives with wildflowers and the return of migrating birds, making every season a unique adventure at Rainy Lake.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer reviews positive: warm days, water activities and easy access noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn foliage and changing colors are highlighted; scenic fall visits noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring access and conditions vary; limited review detail on spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but snow can block access; limited winter activity details.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Campground is open year-round, with snow levels determining access.
  • Current Alerts: None mentioned.

About Rainy Lake Campground

Tucked away on the pristine shores of Rainy Lake, this intimate six-site campground offers a true escape into Montana's wilderness. Part of the enchanting Clearwater Chain of Lakes, Rainy Lake Campground welcomes adventurers seeking solitude and natural beauty on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you're pulling up to the RV-accessible Site 1 or shouldering your pack for a short walk to one of five secluded tent sites, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where morning mist dances across the water and the only sounds are lapping waves and rustling pines. This is the perfect basecamp for paddlers eager to explore the interconnected waterways or anglers hoping to land their next memorable catch.
Rainy Lake Campground offers primitive camping options in a small, tranquil setting, catering mostly to tent campers and one accessible RV site.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Not specified

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Rainy Lake Campground offers a mix of water and land-based recreational opportunities. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing on Rainy Lake are popular water activities. Hiking trails are also available nearby, providing options for exploration. Wildlife viewing is implicitly suggested as this is bear country.
HikingHiking trails are available nearby, though specific details about the length, difficulty, and terrain of these trails are not provided.
FishingRainy Lake, part of the Clearwater Chain of Lakes, is suitable for fishing. However, one user described fishing as 'poor,' which might reflect individual experiences or lake conditions.
BoatingThe campground supports non-motorized boating activities such as canoeing and kayaking. Reviewers appreciated the proximity to the lake for launching watercraft.
Wildlife viewingThe area is bear country, which implies the presence of diverse wildlife. A user reported seeing a grizzly bear during their stay.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"THIS IS BEAR COUNTRY," one reviewer emphasized. Grizzly bears have been sighted, underscoring the importance of proper food storage. The lack of potable water and restrooms also requires preparedness.
Active AlertsNone mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Rainy Lake Campground

Reviews

4.0
30 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Rainy Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Rainy Lake Campground is highly regarded by some for its natural beauty, tranquility, and access to outdoor activities like fishing and canoeing. However, several users noted drawbacks, including the lack of amenities, poor privacy when the campground is crowded, and disruptive behavior by other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground for its scenic beauty, ease of access to the lake, and first-come, first-served no-fee policy. One user stated, 'Great little 5 spot no fee, no reservation campground...
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Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included limited amenities (no water or restrooms), poor fishing conditions, and disruptive groups. A user remarked, 'no camping long walk to lake no water out house not maintained fishing...
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Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing your own water and firewood, adhering to bear safety protocols, and being prepared for primitive camping conditions. A reviewer advised, 'Pack your food and drinks in...
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Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open year-round, but snow levels affect accessibility in winter. Summer reviews are generally positive due to warmer weather and outdoor activities, though occasional disruptions...
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Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice, but more for tents.' 2. 'This place was a dream...Everything about this trip was amazing.' 3. 'Beautiful spot. I had site 5 with views of the lake.' 4. 'I've camped there for a lot of...
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Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 is noted for RV accessibility. Site 5 received praise for views of the lake, but proximity to other sites can lead to disturbances, as experienced by one user when a large group occupied Site...
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Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground's accessibility features are limited to Site 1 being an RV-accessible site. No additional accessibility provisions were mentioned.
Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, with no specific pet-related amenities or restrictions highlighted in user feedback.
Based on 30 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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