Lakeside Lolo Campground (MT)

Campground · Montana · 5 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Lolo National Forest (NF) · Open Access

5
Bookable sites
58 ft
Max rig length
up to 25
People per site
4,171 ft
Elevation
A photo of the view from Lakeside Campground, looking West over Lake Alva.
Photo: USFS · Recreation.gov

Overview

Lakeside Campground is located at the south end of Lake Alva, in Montana's Lolo National Forest. The campground offers a chance to camp and enjoy recreational activities such as swimming, fishing and boating. 

The lake is home to a loon population and has protected nesting areas. The birds' mesmerizing calls can often be heard in the campground. All boats on Lake Alva must operate at a "no-wake" speed year-round.

Recreation

  • Lake Alva is in a great spot for boating and fishing. Anglers will find a variety of freshwater fish, including Kokanee salmon, whitefish, pike, trout and perch, among other species.
  • A boat ramp is available at nearby Lake Alva Campground, one mile north on Highway 83. All motorized boating must operation at a "No-Wake" speed year-round. Many non-motorized boaters find solace during early evening/morning hours on the lake. Swimming is also a popular activity.

Facilities

  • 1 group camping site, 3 individual RV/tent sites, and 1 tent site are available for reservation the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, when the campground closes for the season. 
  • The accessible group campsite can accommodate up to 25 people and up to four RVs and six vehicles. 
  • All campsites are equipped with picnic tables and a campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets are provided, there is no drinking water available at the campground. Trash collection is not available- Please Pack it Out. Campground hosts onsite 24 hours a day. 
  • There is no day-use area at Lakeside Campground. Day-use access to Lake Alva is located a mile North on Highway 83, at Lake Alva Campground. The area is equipped with a boat launch, boat trailer parking, and a swimming beach. Lake Alva is a No-Wake lake.

Natural Features

  • The campground is situated at the south end of Lake Alva, and offers shade and lake access. At an elevation of approximately 4,200 feet, temperatures are relatively cool on summer days.
  • The lake is home to a loon population, and has protected nesting areas during May and June. The birds' mesmerizing calls can often be heard in the campground. 

Nearby Attractions

  • Seeley Lake is about 10 miles south of the campground, with boating, water skiing and fishing opportunities. The town of Seeley Lake lies on the southeastern tip of the lake. A variety of services are offered there, including boat, canoe, kayak and row boat rentals.
  • The Mission Mountain Wilderness Area is about 15 miles northwest of the campground. The area is popular for its scenic views and abundant wildlife. Active glaciers, alpine lakes, meadows and clear, icy streams, along with vertical cliffs and jagged peaks, make up the area.

The facts

  • 5 bookable sites
  • 8 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • Vehicles up to 58 ft
  • Up to 25 people per site
  • Loops: LAKESIDE CAMPGROUND, LAKESIDE GROUP CAMPSITE, S&P

Site types

  • 3 Management
  • 3 Standard Nonelectric
  • 1 Group Standard Area Nonelectric
  • 1 Tent Only Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed
  • Water hookups — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, sewer hookups.

Book on Recreation.gov

8 campsites at Lakeside Lolo Campground (MT)

Check-in 3:00 PM · Check-out 1:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeWaterMax rigPeople
LSS1LAKESIDE CAMPGROUNDManagementBack InGravelSlightLakefront—10 🐾
LSS2LAKESIDE CAMPGROUNDTent Only NonelectricBack InGravelSlightLakefront15 ft10 🐾
LSS4LAKESIDE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightLakefront37 ft10 🐾
LSS5LAKESIDE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightLakefront36 ft10 🐾
LSS6LAKESIDE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightLakefront58 ft10 🐾
LSG3LAKESIDE GROUP CAMPSITEGroup Standard Area Nonelectric—GravelSlightLakefront48 ft25 🐾
Group CampsiteS&PManagement—GravelSlightLakefront48 ft25 🐾
Standard CampsiteS&PManagementBack InGravelSlightLakefront37 ft10 🐾

Getting there

From the junction of Montana Highways 200 and 83 (locally referred to as Clearwater Junction), travel north on Highway 83 for approximately 15 miles to the town of Seeley Lake. Continue north on Highway 83 for 9.9 miles. The campground the entrance is on the west side of the highway.

47.31936, -113.57734 · 47°19'9.7"N 113°34'38.4"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 83°F in Jul, down to 31°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F323745546572838373564031
Low °F121320273441444337292113
Precip in2.61.91.41.41.92.31.11.01.22.02.52.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Lakeside Lolo Campground (MT)

Can you reserve a site at Lakeside Lolo Campground (MT)?
Yes, Lakeside Lolo Campground (MT) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Lakeside Lolo Campground (MT) have?
8 sites in total, of which 5 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Lakeside Lolo Campground (MT)?
58 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Lakeside Lolo Campground (MT)?
Yes, pets are allowed at Lakeside Lolo Campground (MT).
Does Lakeside Lolo Campground (MT) have hookups?
No hookups are recorded here.
Are campfires allowed at Lakeside Lolo Campground (MT)?
Campfires are allowed at Lakeside Lolo Campground (MT). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Lakeside Lolo Campground (MT)

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Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.