Lake Como Campground
4.3316 reviewsLake Como Campground
$3.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Recreation fees vary by location and activity. Reservation fees are non-refundable: $8 online/app, $9 contact center, $3 in-person. Fees for other services include: $10 change fee, $10 cancellation fee, and $20 no-show fee.
About this campground
Nestled beneath towering pines and firs, Lake Como Campground (Lower Como) invites you into a serene forest sanctuary where privacy meets convenience. Ten thoughtfully designed pull-through RV sites wind through this single-loop campground, each equipped with water and electrical hookups to ensure your comfort. The gentle grass understory creates natural buffers between sites, while the canopy above provides cooling shade. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this hidden gem features bear-safe food storage lockers, regular garbage service, and four vault toilets including three ADA-accessible facilities that ensure everyone can enjoy this mountain retreat.
Lake Como Campground accommodates RVs with pull-through sites, tent camping, and offers accessible facilities for individuals with disabilities. It is part of a broader recreation area featuring other camping options.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of mountain seasons at Lake Como, where summer days beckon swimmers and paddlers to the sparkling waters while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland. Though occasional freezing temperatures remind visitors of the alpine setting, the moderate climate generally welcomes outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Winter adventurers should prepare for snowfall—up to 3 inches have been recorded in a single week—while summer visitors find perfect conditions for endless lake activities under warm, sunny skies.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where mixed stands of pine and fir create a natural cathedral above your campsite, their evergreen boughs filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Just beyond your wooded haven lies the crown jewel of the area—913-acre Lake Como, its crystal waters lapping against an expansive sandy beach that rivals any coastal destination. Scenic trails wind from the campground through the surrounding wilderness, offering hikers glimpses of wildlife and panoramic vistas, while the lake itself serves as a playground for kayakers gliding across mirror-smooth waters and anglers casting for their evening meal.
Geological RegionThe Lake Como Recreation Area cradles this campground in a remarkable ecosystem where ancient pine and fir forests have thrived for generations. Below the impressive 913-acre reservoir, the landscape tells a story of natural harmony—stately conifers rising from a soft carpet of native grasses, creating intimate pockets of wilderness that offer both shelter and solitude. This unique geological setting provides the perfect balance of forest protection and easy access to one of the region's most spectacular alpine lakes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThree handicap-accessible campsites and four vault toilets designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites are spacious, with some pull-through sites accommodating RVs up to 125 feet long.
Sites PrivacyThe campground provides good privacy between sites due to the grass understory and surrounding trees.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews highlight the 10 paved pull-through RV sites with water/electric hookups as ideal for larger RVs. Dry camping areas have tree clearance issues for larger RVs.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
16 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle loop with paved sites for RVs. Dry camping area available in the upper campground.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made in advance as the campground adheres to a first-come, first-served policy.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable as first-come, first-served. Some reviewers mention locals securing spots early by leaving their vehicles before bringing in RVs.
Cancellation PolicyLate cancellation incurs a $10 fee and forfeits the first night fee. No-show incurs a $20 fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Lake Como Campground offers a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, and access to a sandy beach. The large beach area and numerous trails are highly appreciated by visitors. The lake itself is a hub for activities like kayaking and fishing, although some users have reported limited fishing success.
Hiking
Numerous trails surround the lake, suitable for both hiking and mountain biking. Users praise the trails for their accessibility and scenic views.Fishing
Fishing is permitted, but some users report limited success catching fish in Lake Como.Swimming
A large sandy beach offers ample swimming opportunities. The area is described as clean and well-maintained.Biking
Trails around the lake are popular for biking, with varied terrain suitable for different skill levels.Boating
A boat ramp is available at the south side of the dam, supporting activities like kayaking and other non-motorized boating.Wildlife viewing
Bear activity in the area has been reported by users, emphasizing the importance of practicing safe food storage techniques.Beach activities
The large, sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking.Water Sports
The lake supports water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity has been noted, especially around dumpsters that lack bear-proof locks. Visitors are advised to store food securely and follow bear-safe guidelines.
Active alertsBear activity has been noted in reviews, including dumpster issues.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingRegular trash services are available within the campground. However, issues related to bear activity near dumpsters have been noted in some user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated below Lake Como, the campground is within walking distance to the lake's large sandy beach and boat ramp.
Common complaintsTraffic and noise due to local popularity; bear activity near non-secured dumpsters; generator noise in dry camping section; restrictive pet leash policies enforced inconsistently.
HostNotable mentions include helpful and knowledgeable camp hosts like Betty and Bill, though enforcement of leash rules has been inconsistent.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Darby, MT travel north for 4 miles on Highway 93. Turn west (left) onto Lake Como Rd. Follow for 3 miles. Turn north (right) and follow signs to campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Some reviews mention it being busy with traffic due to the lake being a local hotspot.Nearby places
Darby, MT (4 miles, approx. 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Anglers Roost along the highway is mentioned as a nearby location for waste disposal, camping supplies, and water ($7 dump station fee).
Camper Reviews
4.3
16 reviews
Lake Como Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's spacious sites, proximity to the lake, and well-maintained facilities. While many reviewers praised the natural beauty and activities, some expressed concerns about bear management, traffic, and campsite reservation rules.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciated the 'spacious sites,' 'clean vault toilets,' 'proximity to the lake and trails,' and the 'helpful and friendly campground hosts.' The large beach area and variety of trails were...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Issues raised include 'bear activity near dumpsters,' 'heavy use of Pinesol in vault toilets,' and challenges with the first-come-first-served system being exploited by locals. Some users found the...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest arriving early to secure a site, practicing bear-safe food storage, and preparing for potential traffic. One reviewer advised against relying on noisy generators due to the...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busier in summer, with high traffic and frequent visitors. Off-season camping offers tranquility, with wildlife like elk adding to the experience.
Based on 16 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The paved campground has nice sized pull-thru spaces with water/electric hookups, no dump.' 2. 'Nice large beach area for swimming, kayak and fishing.' 3. 'Vault toilets clean and well...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #16 in the Three Frogs loop was praised for its spaciousness and scenery. The host site outside the gate was noted for being quiet during off-season stays.
Based on 16 reviewsAccessibility Features
Three handicap-accessible campsites and vault toilets received positive mentions. Concerns were raised about the proximity of non-bear-proof dumpsters to accessible sites.
Based on 16 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies require leashes, but enforcement was inconsistent. A user mentioned receiving a fine for an unleashed dog within their campsite.
Based on 16 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025