Lake Alva Campground

Lolo National Forest

Lake Alva Campground is located on the North shore of Lake Alva, approximately 11 miles north of Seeley Lake, and offers visitors the chance to camp and enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

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.

19 individual RV/tent campsites within Loop 1 are available for reservation the Friday before Memorial Day to the Tuesday after Labor Day. These sites will transition to first-come/first-serve outside of these dates.
20 campsites within Loop 2 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 campsites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a paved parking stall. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash receptacles are available throughout the campground. Campground hosts are on site 24 hours a day.
The campground also offers a spacious day use area that includes a swimming beach, a concrete boat ramp, paved parking for vehicles/boat trailers, and several picnic areas. Day use facilities are open year-round from 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Mountain Time. No fees or reservations are required for day use.

Need to Know

Notice: Beginning in 2024, check out time is at 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Check-in is at 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Please check-out on time so that attendents may prepare the campsite for the next guest.
Bears frequent the area; please store all food and attractants in a locked vehicle, or in a certified bear resistant container. Click here for more information.
Bear resistant trash and food containers must be closed and secured by users after depositing items. Failure to secure containers could result in a citation.
Lake Alva has a "No-Wake" regulation at all times.
Campfires must be completely extinguished before leaving campsite unattended.
Parking is allowed in the designated parking spur for each campsite only. Vehicles that do not fit will be charged an additional vehicle fee of $5.00 and must park in the day-use area. No parking along roadways.
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This includes external and onboard gas-powered generators.
No utility hookups are avaliable.
Dogs must be leashed while in campground. No dogs allowed on swimming beach.
Access to the campground during winter is determined by snow level; road is not plowed.
Click here for more information on the Lolo National Forest.

Natural Features

Lake Alva is a glacial-formed lake situated in a valley between the Swan and Mission mountain ranges. It is one of a half a dozen lakes within the valley known as the 'Chain of Lakes' through which the Clearwater River flows. At an elavation of approximately 4,200 feet, temperatures are relatively cool on summer days.
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.
The lake is home to a loon population and has protected nesting areas. The birds' mesmerizing calls can often be heard in the campground.

Nearby Attractions

The town of Seeley Lake, MT is about 11 miles south of the campground. A variety of recreation services such as boat, canoe, and kayak rentals as well as guide services and resorts are offered there. 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, 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.
Missoula, one of Western Montana’s outdoor recreation hubs is about an hour from Seeley Lake, MT. Missoula is a full-service city with 2 hospitals, an international airport, and access to services, hotels, and outdoor activities.

Recreation

The campground is a popular destination for swimming, boating, paddling, picnicking, and fishing. There are a variety of freshwater fish including Kokanee salmon, perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, and trout, among other species.
Motorized boating is allowed on Lake Alva within the "No-Wake" regulation. Many non-motorized boaters find solace during the evening and morning hours on the lake.
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.

Contact Information

Mailing

Seeley Lake Ranger Station 3583 MT-83 N. Seeley Lake MT 59868

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From I-90 take exit 109 for MT-200 E and travel for 32.3 mi. Turn left onto MT-83 N and travel 14 mi to the town of Seeley Lake, MT. Continue north on Montana Highway 83 for 26.1 mi and turn left into the entrance of Lake Alva Campground.

Available Campsites

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