Lake Alva Campground

Area Status: Open

Situated at the north end of Lake Alva, this campground offers a chance to camp out and enjoy lake activities such as swimming, fishing and boating. There are also wildlife and bird watching opportunities here, and it is 15 miles to the Mission Mountain Wilderness. All boats on Lake Alva must operate at a “no-wake” speed year-round.

Beginning in 2024, campsites in Loop 1 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. Individual sites in Loop 2 will remain first come, first serve.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Loop A: Open year-round.

Fees charged Memorial Day - Labor Day

Off-season: open free of charge with limited services. The campground is first come, first served.
Rentals & Guides: Boat, canoe and bike rentals available in the town of Seeley Lake.
Fees: Individual sites are $20 per night. $5 fee for each additional vehicle after two vehicles.
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. All boats on Lake Alva must operate at a “no-wake” speed year-round.  
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 11 miles north on Montana highway 83. The campground is on the west side of the highway, at the north end of Lake Alva.


General Notes:

Concrete boat launch and boat trailer parking are available. On-site volunteer campground host. 11 miles to groceries, gas, and sports equipment rentals. Law enforcement patrols. 2 designated picnic areas with tables and fire rings. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Garbage dumpsters and recycling bins on-site. Some handicap accessible vault toilets available.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

On the north end of Lake Alva, this campground offers shade and lake access. It's a great place to be on a hot summer day.

Beginning in 2024, campsites in Loop 1 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. Individual sites in Loop 2 will remain first come, first serve.

No. of Sites 39
Reservation Info Beginning in 2024, campsites in Loop 1 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. Individual sites in Loop 2 will remain first come, first serve.
No. of Accessible sites
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 kokanee, largescale sucker, longnose sucker, mountain whitefish, northern pike, westslope cutthroat trout, yellow perch, sucker
Difficulty Level: Easy

Picnicking

Picnic near the lake! The picnic area has tables and fire rings.
No. of Sites 2
No. of Accessible sites
Difficulty Level: Easy

Boating - Motorized

Lake Alva is a popular spot for motor boating and jet skiing.
Launch Ramps yes
Trailer Parking yes
Difficulty Level: Easy

Boating - Non-Motorized

Non-motorized boating is a great way to view wildlife and appreciate the landscape in the area. Motorized boating is permitted on this 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

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • Click here to read current alerts and closures
  • Click here to learn about staying safe and following the rules of bear country.
  • Click here to find a map to take on your adventures.
  • Click here to find out more about obtaining permits or passes for certain activities on the forest.
  • Click here to find avalanche infornation

Location

 
  Latitude : 
47.323201

  Longitude : 
-113.582974

  Elevation : 
4100 feet