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Big Larch Campground
This campground is located on the east shoreline of Seeley Lake. A great place to cool off on a hot day, it has a beach and a boat launch as well as shade if you just want to lie around the campsite. Popular activities include: fishing, swimming, water skiing, boating, and bird watching. There is also an interpretive area and a nature trail at the campground.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Open year-round. 2 Group Sites: Reservations Required through Recreation.gov Memorial Day-Labor Day Fees charged Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. Individual sites are first come, first served. |
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| Reservations: | Individual sites in Loops 1 and 4 are first come, first serve. Individual sites in Loops 2 and 3 are available for reservations on www.recreation.gov starting April 24, 2024. Reservations will accepted from the Friday before Memorial to Tuesday after Labor Day. For group camping reservations, please see the group camping section on this page or visit Recreation.gov to make a group site reservation. Group sites can be reserved a year in advance. |
| Rentals & Guides: | Boat, canoe and bike rentals available in the town of Seeley Lake. |
| Fees: | $20 per night. $5 fee for each additional vehicle after two vehicles. Fees charged from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. For Group A or Group B sites, the fee is $50.00 per night. Reserve group sites and individual sites at Recreation.gov. |
| Open Season: | Spring - Year round, not plowed |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: | Food storage orders are in place. Please see our Bear Safety and Food Storage Information for important information about food storage to protect you and the bears from unwanted encounters. |
| Closest Towns: | Seeley Lake, Montana |
| Water: | Drinking water available |
| Restroom: | Vault toilet |
| Information Center: | Seeley Lake Ranger District, 406-677-2233 |
General Information
Directions:From the town of Seeley Lake, travel 1 mile north on Montana highway 83. The campground is on the west side of the highway.
General Notes:
A picnic table and fire ring is available at each campsite. There are 4 picnic areas with tables and fire rings. Other amenities include: on-site campground host, paved road, concrete boat launch and boat trailer parking, daily law enforcement patrols, garbage dumpsters and recycling bins. It is 1 mile to groceries, gas, and sport rentals from this location. There is limited access during the winter months as snowplowing is done on an intermittent basis and only from the entrance directly to the boat launch for winter recreation access. Call ahead for information regarding the off-peak season. 406-677-2233.
Activities
Campground Camping
With many sites to choose from including group camping sites, this campground adjacent to Seeley Lake is a local favorite. 48 individual campsites are available at this campground. One accessible site is left open until 6 p.m. for handicapped only use.
Starting in 2024, individual sites in Loops 1 and 4 will remain first come, first serve. Individual sites in Loops 2 and 3 will be available for reservations on www.recreation.gov starting April 24, 2024. Reservations will accepted from the Friday before Memorial to Tuesday after Labor Day.
| No. of Sites | 48 |
| Reservation Info | Individual sites in Loops 1 and 4 are first come, first serve. Individual sites in Loops 2 and 3 are available for reservations on www.recreation.gov starting April 24, 2024. Reservations will accepted from the Friday before Memorial to Tuesday after Labor Day. |
| No. of Accessible sites | 1 |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Group Camping
Group group camp sites (Unit A & Unit B) are available for reservations at Recreation.gov a year in advance.
Unit A has approximately 6 vehicle parking spaces (based on head-in or diagonal parking; parking area dimensions 57 feet wide and 25 feet deep)with about 4 tent spaces. A maximum of 25 people are allowed. Amenities at the site include 3 picnic tables and 2 fire rings (1 handicap accessible table and 1 handicap accessible fire ring).
Unit B has approximately 9 vehicle parking spaces (based on head-in or diagonal parking; parking area dimensions 84 feet wide and 28 feet deep) with about 4 tent spaces. A maximum of 25 people are allowed. Amenities at the site include 3 picnic tables and 2 fire rings (1 handicap accessible table and 1 handicap accessible fire ring).
| No. of Sites | 2 |
| Reservation Info | All reservations are made at Recreation.gov |
| Fire Information | |
| No. of Accessible sites | 1 |
| Current Conditions: | |
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| Fees: | $50/Group Site |
| Reservation info: | Visit Recreation.gov to make group camping reservations. [Reservations Info (1000) under activities] |
| Permit: | |
| Usage: | |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Lake and Pond Fishing
This is a popular spot for fishing from a boat as well as from the shore.
| Fish Species | Brown trout, largemouth bass, mountain whitefish, northern pike, yellow perch, kokanee |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Ice Fishing
A treat in the winter months, this lake freezes over and makes for fun ice fishing.
| Fish Species | Brown trout, largemouth bass, mountain whitefish, northern pike, yellow perch, kokanee |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Visitor Programs
During the summer, the district sponsors evening campfire and other interpretive programs at the interpretive site and nature trail.Interpretive Areas
There is a nature trail and an interpretive area for "campfire talks" during the summer months. The site can also be reserved for group use by contacting the Seeley Lake Ranger Station, 406-677-2233.| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Picnicking
Picnic near the lake! The Big Larch area has a view of the lake, forest and surrounding mountains. The picnic area has tables and fire rings.
| No. of Sites | 8 |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Boating - Motorized
Seeley Lake is a local favorite for motor boating and jet skiing.| Launch Ramps | yes |
| Trailer Parking | yes |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Boating - Non-Motorized
Non-motorized boating is a great way to view wildlife and appreciate the landscape in the area. Motorized boating is permitted in Seeley Lake, so most non-motorized boats find areas away from high traffic watercraft use. Early mornings are also a good time for non-motorized craft.| Type of Craft | canoe, kayak, row boats |
Swimming
A great way to spend a hot day. This campground has a beach that makes for easy access to the water's edge.| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Waterskiing
Waterskiing is a popular sport here.| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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