BIG LARCH CAMPGROUND
federal · Seeley Lake, MT
- dump station14 mi
- fuel station1.2 mi

USFS · Data Source: Recreation.gov
About
Overview Big Larch Campground is located on the east shoreline of Seeley Lake within the Lolo National Forest in Montana. A great place to cool off on a hot day, it has a beach and a boat ramp, as well as ample shade for those who just want to relax and enjoy nature. The campground is a favorite of locals, with plenty of space for camping, picnicking and recreating on the water. Recreation • The campground is popular for swimming, fishing, biking, paddling and boating. Anglers cast for a variety of freshwater fish including Kokanee salmon, bass, whitefish, pike, trout and perch, among other species. Water skiing is a popular activity on the lake. • The Clearwater Canoe Trailhead just North of Seeley Lake offers excellent flat water for viewing wildlife such as blue herons and river otters. The water trail is popular with canoeists and kayakers as it stretches 3.5 miles, or a couple of hours, down the river. • The Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail on the East side of the valley offers an incredible day hike exploring recent burns, dense forests, and a large waterfall. Facilities Two group camping areas, 29 individiual RV/tent campsites, and three bicycle campsites are available for reservation the Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day. These campsites will transition to first-come/first-serve outside of these dates. 19 individual sites are available on a First-Come/First-Serve basis . These campsites can be paid for onsite by scanning a QR Code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Visitors will need to download the free recreation.gov mobile app through Android or iOS. This is best done prior to arrival All campites are each equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and a large paved parking area. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash receptacles are avaliable throughout the campground. Campground hosts on site 24 hours a day. The campground also offers a spacious day use area that includes a roped-off swimming beach, a boat ramp, a dock, boat trailer parking, and several picnic areas. Day use facilities are open year-round from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily. No fees or reservations are required for day use. Natural Features Big Larch Campground is located on the east shoreline of Seeley Lake, a 1,025 acre, glacial-formed lake within the "Chain of Lakes" - through which the Clearwater River flows. The campground is nestled in a mixed conifer forest, including plenty of tall larch and pine trees. While there is ample space between sites, the lack of understory makes for minimal privacy. At an elevation of about 4,000 feet, temperatures are pleasant throughout most of the summer months. The area contains a wide variety of wildlife and is home to white-tailed deer, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, grizzly and black bears (learn about bear safety ). Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of ducks. Nearby Attractions • The town of Seeley Lake, MT on the southeastern tip of the lake offers a variety of recreation services such as boat, canoe, and kayak rentals as well as guide services and resorts. Services like gas, groceries, restaurants, and lodging can also be found in town. Access to a variety of forests, sweeping views, mountain lakes, and rugged peaks can be discovered just a short drive up any of the nearby Forest Service roads. • Just a day trip away from Seeley Lake, Glacier National Park is known for a variety of opportunities to explore alpine landscapes, active glaciers, and view unique wildlife. Contact the park for current conditions. • About an hour from Seeley Lake, Missoula is one of Western Montana’s outdoor recreation hubs. Missoula is a full-service city with 2 hospitals, an international airport, and access to services, hotels, and outdoor activities.
Around this stay
Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.
- 14 mi
dump station
Montana Department of Transportation
- 1.2 mi
fuel station
Conoco
- 2.4 mi
grocery
Cory's Valley Market
- 1.4 mi
trailhead
Seeley Creek Trailhead Complex
- 3.0 mi
attraction
Seeley Lake Historical Museum and Visitor Center
- 0.8 mi
recreation site
Boat launch
Contact & access
- Seeley Lake Ranger District · Seeley Lake, MT 59868
- 406-677-2233
Reservations & demand
August weekends are typically reserved about 64 days ahead.
Based on 133 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.
Outbound provider links only. Roam Atlas does not book sites or show live availability.
Source and verification
Last verified: 10/5/2026
See the Sources tab for provenance detail.

