Reservoir Lake Campground And Picnic Area
01 review420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725
Reservoir Lake Campground And Picnic Area
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight camping costs $15 per night. An additional $5.00 fee applies for extra vehicles. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsite fees only for sites physically occupied by pass holders. Payment can be made with cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine southern shores of Reservoir Lake, this high-elevation retreat offers an intimate camping experience where 16 thoughtfully placed sites blend seamlessly into the landscape of towering pines and aromatic sagebrush. At 7,000 feet above sea level, Reservoir Lake Campground provides a perfect balance of wilderness solitude and modern conveniences, including fresh drinking water, accessible vault toilets, and bear-resistant food storage to ensure both comfort and safety. Each campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table, while a primitive boat ramp invites anglers and paddlers to explore the tranquil 11-acre lake, where only electric motors disturb the mountain silence.
Reservoir Lake Campground offers a mix of tent and combined sites, suitable for traditional camping experiences. The sites are distributed among mature pines and sage, providing a rustic and natural setting.
Weather and SeasonsThe high-altitude climate here tells a story of dramatic seasonal transitions. Early season visitors might wake to frost-kissed mornings and snow-dusted pines, while summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched paradise with crystal-clear days perfect for lakeside adventures. As autumn approaches, the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, with temperatures that can plunge from comfortable afternoon warmth to near-freezing nights. Late summer emerges as the sweet spot for many campers, offering reliably warm days under brilliantly blue skies that seem to stretch endlessly above the mountain landscape.
ElevationPerched at 7,000 feet in the heart of the mountains, Reservoir Lake Campground offers the authentic high-country experience that mountain lovers seek. This significant elevation creates a cooler, more refreshing climate even during summer's peak, though visitors should prepare for the thin mountain air that can leave newcomers slightly breathless during their first day or two. The altitude enhances every sunset and sunrise, painting the sky in colors that seem more vivid than anywhere at sea level.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking to the gentle lapping of water against the shoreline, surrounded by a living tapestry of emerald pines and silver-green sagebrush that carpet the rolling hills. The centerpiece of this natural sanctuary is the 11-acre Reservoir Lake, its mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding forest and sky in perfect detail. The mature pine groves provide natural shade and privacy between campsites, while the native sagebrush fills the air with its distinctive desert perfume after summer rain showers. This harmonious blend of forest and high desert creates a unique ecosystem where mountain and prairie landscapes converge.
Geological RegionReservoir Lake Campground sits within the magnificent expanse of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape of pine-covered ridges and sage-dotted valleys. This high-elevation lakeside environment represents millions of years of natural history, from volcanic activity to glacial carving, resulting in the stunning alpine lake that serves as your backyard during your stay. The surrounding hills showcase the region's complex geology, with exposed rock formations telling the story of the Earth's dynamic past while providing a spectacular backdrop for outdoor adventures.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible restrooms and potable water are available, but no further specific features for campers with disabilities are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe parking aprons at the campsites measure 15' x 61' on average.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are scattered among mature pines and sage, offering some level of natural privacy. Some sites overlook the lake, adding a sense of seclusion.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Stay limit is 16 days per trip, as stated in the regulations.
Groups
There is no information about group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are scattered on hills among mature pines and sagebrush. Parking aprons are dirt and sized 15' x 61'.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen annually from mid-June through September, weather dependent.
Amenities available
Potable water
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Reservoir Lake Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. Its scenic trails and lakeside location make it popular for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities are generally accessible during the operational season, mid-June through September.
Hiking
Scenic trails for day hikes are available, although specific details regarding trail lengths and difficulty levels are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in Reservoir Lake, which is stocked with brook and cutthroat trout. Ice fishing is also mentioned as an option during colder months.Swimming
Swimming is allowed in the lake, but there are no mentions of designated swimming areas or lifeguards.Boating
Boating is allowed, but power boats are limited to electric motors only. The boat ramp is described as primitive, and carry-down access is available.Winter Activities
Ice fishing is mentioned, suggesting some winter recreational opportunities.Water Sports
Non-motorized boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing are supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but campers are required to follow fire safety guidelines.
Hazards
General hazardsRoad access can be rough due to gravel, dirt, and rock conditions. Campground is not accessible during winter due to snow.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located in Dillon, MT, approximately 54 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere are no garbage services at the campground. It operates under a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to Reservoir Lake, a small 11-acre lake. Boating (electric motors only) and fishing are popular activities.
Campground Map
420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725
Driving directionsFrom Dillon, take US Route 15 south for 18.1 miles to State Route 324 (Exit 44). Take Route 324 west for 19.7 miles to a campground sign. Turn right at the sign onto a gravel road and, following signs, go 21.1 miles to another campground sign. Turn right into the campground. Note: Forest Road 181 is gravel, dirt, and rock; it can be rough in places.
The campground is accessible via gravel, dirt, and rock roads that can be rough in places. Forest Road 181 is narrow with trees close to the roadway. It is not accessible by wheeled vehicles during winter months.Nearby places
Dillon, MT - Approximately 54 miles away (1 hour 10 minutes travel time)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are also available in Dillon, MT, approximately 54 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Reservoir Lake Campground And Picnic Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground as a great destination for camping and fishing, with one reviewer stating, "Great place to camp and the fishing is good if you know what you're doing."
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The lakeside location, fishing opportunities, and scenic surroundings are praised by visitors.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No user complaints were explicitly documented in the source materials.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are advised to prepare for a pack-it-in, pack-it-out experience and to bring appropriate fishing gear to make the most of the area's fishing opportunities.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is operational from mid-June through September, and activities like hiking and boating are best enjoyed during this time. Ice fishing opportunities may be available in winter.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great place to camp and the fishing is good if you know what you're doing."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews or mentions of the best and worst campsites were available.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are accessible restrooms, but no specific user reviews addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground as long as they are leashed, but no user reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025