Ashley Lake South Campground
4.506 reviewsAshley Lake South 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 use fee for this campground.
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About this campground
Tucked away in Montana's wilderness, Ashley Lake South Campground offers an intimate escape with just two secluded campsites. This hidden gem rewards adventurous souls who navigate its rugged access road with a pristine lakefront setting perfect for tent camping. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, while a vault toilet provides basic amenities. A gentle walk-down path leads to the water's edge, where paddlers can launch kayaks and canoes into the crystal-clear waters of Ashley Lake.
Ashley Lake South Campground is a simple and rustic camping facility with limited sites and amenities. It caters primarily to tent campers and small groups.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Ashley Lake South bring comfortable warmth with temperatures reaching a pleasant 28°C (82°F), while evenings cool to a refreshing 16°C (61°F) – perfect for campfire gatherings. The region's predominantly dry climate means clear skies are the norm, though occasional light rain showers and early or late-season snowfall add variety to the mountain weather palette.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mirror-like reflections on Ashley Lake's pristine waters, framed by towering evergreens that filter the morning light into dancing patterns. This peaceful sanctuary envelops visitors in a canopy of dense forest, where the only sounds are gentle lapping waves and wind whispering through pine boughs. The campground's waterfront location provides breathtaking views across the lake, while the surrounding old-growth forest creates natural privacy and cooling shade throughout the day.
Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent Flathead National Forest, Ashley Lake South sits at the heart of Montana's spectacular mountain wilderness. This region showcases nature's dramatic artistry through densely forested slopes that cascade down to meet the sparkling waters of Ashley Lake. The surrounding mountainous terrain creates a natural amphitheater of peaks and valleys, offering glimpses of the greater Flathead ecosystem's rugged beauty and diverse landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground features a walk-down boat launch and an accessible outhouse. However, the rough road conditions, which include rocks and large roots, may limit accessibility for certain vehicles.
Sites SizeThe campground has only 2 small sites.
Sites PrivacyThe sites provide some level of privacy, but specific details are not noted.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose flat sites for tent pitching and spots near the water for views.
Best Campsites"The campsite we chose was right next to the water."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
5days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSmall campground with 2 sites spaced closely.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not allowed.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served for 2 sites.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not allowed.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Ashley Lake South Campground offers limited recreational activities, centered around the lake. These include kayaking, canoeing, fire circles, and fishing (accessible via boat due to tall grass along the shoreline).
Fishing
Fishing at Ashley Lake requires a kayak or boat as the shoreline is overgrown with tall grass, making fishing from the shore difficult.Swimming
The lake is accessible for swimming. One reviewer specifically mentioned the beautiful lake for paddling or swimming.Boating
The campground features a walk-down boat launch suitable for kayaks and canoes. Motorized boats are not specifically mentioned.Winter Activities
No information about winter recreation is provided.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are common water-based activities at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsSharp hairpin corners and rocky roads pose challenges for RVs and large vehicles. Wildlife may be present, and the 'Leave No Trace' principle should be followed.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 12%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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 recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities available on-site. Campers are encouraged to follow 'Leave No Trace' principles.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly by Ashley Lake, suitable for canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.
Common complaints"The road was super bumpy to get to the campsite itself." "There is a lot of drug problems in the area, so do not be surprised if you see some crackhead watching your every single move." "No running water, just an outhouse."
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsLocated 12 miles from Kalispell. Take Highway 2 west out of Kalispell. Turn at Batavia School onto Ashley Lake Road #912. Take the south shore road turn at the camping sign.
The access road has sharp hairpin corners and is not recommended for RVs. The road is rocky with large roots sticking out, requiring a larger vehicle for safe navigation.Nearby places
Kalispell (12 miles), null
Nearby supplies
null
Camper Reviews
4.5
6 reviews
Ashley Lake South Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Ashley Lake South Campground are mixed. While some campers enjoy the scenic beauty, rustic nature, and lake access, others highlight issues such as rough access roads, occasional litter, and unfavorable interactions with other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the scenic and peaceful location of the campground, describing the lake as beautiful and ideal for paddling, fishing, and swimming. One review emphasized the presence of trees and...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Issues commonly raised by users include the rough condition of the access road (rocks and large roots), occasional presence of litter, and a lack of amenities such as running water. Some campers also...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own water as there is no potable water available on-site. - Use a high-clearance vehicle to navigate the rough access road. - Carry out all trash and follow 'Leave No Trace' guidelines....
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Peak camping season appears to be spring through summer, with April to July being particularly busy. Some users noted that tourist activity during these months could detract from the experience.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This is one of the better free campsites I've visited. There's a tiny pit toilet with no TP, and fire rings with some garbage, but it's a beautiful lake for paddling or swimming." - Daniel Kremer...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One reviewer noted that the campground offers an open area for camping by the lake, stating there is room for 4-5 groups to camp comfortably apart. However, official records state there are only 2...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No detailed accessibility reviews were provided beyond the mention of the rough access road and accessible outhouse.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically discuss pet-related experiences.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025