Ashley Lake North Campground

Star4.23
8 reviews
650 Wolfpack Way Kalispell, MT 59901
Ashley Lake North Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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

No fees are required for this site.
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USFSProvider
406-758-5208Null

About this campground

Tucked away on the pristine north shore of Ashley Lake, this intimate six-site campground offers a perfect escape into Montana's wilderness. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, where evening stories and s'mores await. A well-maintained vault toilet and informational kiosk serve the small camping community, while the first-come-first-served policy adds a touch of adventure to your journey. Best of all? This slice of paradise comes without a price tag – camping here is completely free, making it an accessible treasure for all outdoor enthusiasts.
Ashley Lake North Campground offers basic camping accommodations with 6 campsites. It is suitable for tent camping and primitive camping, but RV accommodations may be challenging due to tight road conditions. User reviews note standing water issues at campsites during rain.
Historical SignificanceWhile the documented history of this specific campground remains unrecorded, the land whispers stories of the Flathead National Forest's rich heritage and the generations of outdoor enthusiasts who have found solace along Ashley Lake's shores.
Weather and SeasonsFrom Memorial Day through Labor Day, Ashley Lake North welcomes visitors to experience Montana's dynamic summer personality. One day might greet you with crystalline skies and warm sunshine perfect for swimming, while the next could bring refreshing mountain rains that transform the campground into a lush, emerald landscape. Be prepared for nature's full spectrum – some campsites may collect standing water during wet spells, adding to the authentic wilderness experience. Come winter, this summer sanctuary transforms into a snow-laden wonderland, with heavy blankets of white closing the campground until spring's return.
ElevationNestled at Ashley Lake's shoreline elevation, the campground offers that perfect balance of mountain lake ambiance without the thin air of higher altitudes, making it comfortable for campers of all ages and fitness levels.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to have your breath taken away by Ashley Lake's extraordinary clarity – waters so brilliantly blue and transparent that visitors often compare them to Caribbean beaches or tropical island paradises. This isn't your typical mountain lake; it's a sapphire jewel set among the towering evergreens of Flathead National Forest. The surrounding woodland creates a natural amphitheater of pine-scented air and dappled sunlight, where the gentle lapping of crystal-clear waves provides nature's soundtrack.
Geological RegionPositioned along the northern shoreline of Ashley Lake within Montana's renowned Flathead National Forest, this campground sits in a geological wonderland. The lake's remarkable clarity – often likened to tropical waters by awestruck visitors – hints at the unique geological processes that created this mountain gem. The surrounding Flathead region showcases the dramatic interplay between ancient glacial carving and pristine mountain watersheds, resulting in one of Montana's most photographed natural attractions.

Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the provided information.
Sites SizeLimited information is available regarding the size of campsites. User reviews note issues with tent placement: 'Not a ton of really good flat spots for tents.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly mentioned. However, reviews suggest the campground can be busy and crowded with partiers.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo flat or well-leveled tent spots according to user reviews. Sites are described as spacious but lacking good tent areas.
Best CampsitesNull

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
5day stay limit
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Group camping sites are not mentioned in the provided information.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground contains 6 individual campsites and a host site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day through Labor Day
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilityCampground operates on a walk-up, first-come-first-served basis. User reviews mention it is 'usually full.'
Cancellation PolicyNull

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Ashley Lake North Campground offers recreational activities primarily centered around the lake, including both motorized and non-motorized boating, swimming, and fishing. User reviews provide mixed feedback on these activities, with one camper expressing enjoyment: 'Great place to camp n swim n fish.'
Fishing
Fishing is available at Ashley Lake North Campground. Specific details about fish types or fishing conditions are not provided.
Swimming
Swimming opportunities are available in Ashley Lake. Reviewers describe the lake as clear and blue, likening it to island waters and beaches in the Bahamas.
Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boating activities are supported. User reviews praise the availability of boat launches and the scenic beauty of the lake.
Winter Activities
Winter activity options are not documented.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking are likely possible, considering the availability of non-motorized boating opportunities. However, specific details are not provided.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Fire rings are available at campsites. No additional fire-use policies mentioned.
  • Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM

Hazards

General hazardsRoad conditions are poor, with 'huge holes and mounds' as described by reviews. Standing water in campsites during rain. Wildlife hazards are not explicitly mentioned.
Active alertsNull

Weather forecast

87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 14%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 5.5 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast

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Daily & Hourly Insights

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Temperature Trends

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Precipitation Trends

Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.

Weather Summaries

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Emergency Services

Tally Lake Ranger Station / Supervisor's Office (406-758-5208, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, closed on federal holidays). No specific information about hospitals or police stations.

Good to know

Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in official sources or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the north shore of Ashley Lake. Activities include motorized and non-motorized boating, swimming, and fishing.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention poor road conditions, standing water at campsites, lack of maintenance, and noisy partiers after hours. One review highlights the outhouse as being in 'HORRIBLE condition and stinking beyond belief.'
HostThe campground has a host site. Reviews describe hosts as friendly.

Campground Map

650 Wolfpack Way Kalispell, MT 59901
Driving directionsLocated 16.5 miles from Kalispell. Take Highway 2 west out of Kalispell. Turn right onto Batavia Lane. Continue straight onto Ashley Lake Road #912. Turn right onto the north shore road and go 5 miles on #912. Pass the Ashley Lake Boat Launch and Day Use Site. Turn left into the campground.
User reviews indicate that road access is challenging due to 'huge holes and mounds and barely navigable' conditions. The road through the campground is described as 'tight and not easy to manage with a trailer.' It is unpaved and not well-maintained.
Nearby places
Kalispell (16.5 miles, approximately 20–30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Null

Camper Reviews

4.2
8 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Ashley Lake North Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Ashley Lake North Campground are mixed, with some praising the scenic beauty of the lake and others criticizing poor maintenance and disruptive behavior from other campers. Positive highlights include the lake's clear water and friendly camp hosts. Common complaints focus on the condition of the vault toilet, noise at night, and poorly maintained roads. One review noted, 'The road through is tight and not easy to manage with a trailer.'
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the beauty of the lake, described as 'clear and blue like island waters,' and the friendly camp hosts. Several reviewers emphasized the lake's serene atmosphere, with one...
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Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints center on the poor condition of the vault toilet, issues with road maintenance, and disruptive campers arriving late. One reviewer described the experience as 'HORRIBLE!!! Both campgrounds...
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Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure a spot, as the campground is often full. A reviewer advises, 'You just have to show up and see if there is a spot.' Keeping the site clean is encouraged to...
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Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews emphasize heavy use during peak months, with some campers overstaying the 5-day limit. Seasonal issues include standing water during rain and busy weekends filled with partiers.
Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Love this lake so much!! Go here every year.' 2. 'HORRIBLE!!! Both campgrounds full of partiers.' 3. 'Great campground and friendly host. Clean sites with good space.' 4. 'Beautiful lake but not...
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Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight the limited number of campsites (6) and issues with standing water and lack of flat areas for tents. One reviewer noted, 'Most of the camp spots have standing water...
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Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not addressed in user reviews.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not mentioned in the provided information, and user reviews do not provide specific insights regarding pets.
Based on 8 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Flathead National Forest
Ashley Lake North Campground