Sylvia Lake Campground
04 reviewsSylvia Lake Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / 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 Use fees vary by location and activity, with campground fees ranging from $3 to $8 depending on reservation method. Non-refundable reservation fees are charged if booked through platforms such as online, app, or contact center.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Montana's wilderness, Sylvia Lake Campground offers an intimate escape with just three secluded campsites perfect for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This hidden gem provides all the essentials for a memorable outdoor experience: sturdy picnic tables for lakeside meals, fire rings for evening gatherings under starlit skies, and clean vault toilet facilities. Adventure beckons from the small boat ramp, where anglers launch their fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks in pursuit of the lake's prized native grayling and cutthroat trout that patrol these pristine waters.
Sylvia Lake Campground is a small, remote campground with three primitive tent camping sites.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Sylvia Lake into a snow-dusted wonderland, with gentle snowfalls depositing around 5 inches weekly during active weather periods. Temperatures dance between a crisp 19°F and 30°F, creating perfect conditions for those who appreciate the quiet beauty of winter camping. The area enjoys remarkably calm winds year-round, though dramatic cloud formations dominate the sky for much of the season, with clear blue skies gracing visitors about 19% of the time—making those sunny moments all the more precious.
ElevationPerched high in Montana's mountain country, Sylvia Lake Campground sits at an elevation where the air is crisp and clean, offering that distinctive mountain atmosphere that refreshes both body and spirit. While specific elevation data remains elusive, visitors immediately sense they've climbed into a special realm where the pressures of lower altitudes fade away.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of towering trees embraces this tranquil campground, creating a natural sanctuary where silence is broken only by birdsong and the gentle lap of water against the shore. Visitors consistently marvel at what they describe as a 'pretty nice mountain lake'—modest words that belie the stunning beauty of this forest-rimmed jewel. The surrounding woodland provides both shelter and scenery, while the lake itself serves as home to native grayling and cutthroat trout, their presence a testament to the purity of these mountain waters.
Geological RegionSylvia Lake Campground claims its place within the vast expanse of Flathead National Forest, where ancient geological forces carved out this peaceful mountain basin now filled with crystal-clear water. This freshwater ecosystem, cradled by Montana's rugged peaks, supports a thriving population of native grayling and cutthroat trout—species that have called these waters home for countless generations. The surrounding mountainous terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, where glaciers and time sculpted the dramatic landscape that frames this serene camping destination.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information regarding accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of 3 designated campsites, but specific size information for individual sites is not provided.
Sites PrivacyNo information is available regarding the level of privacy or spacing between campsites.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesDue to the small size of the campground (3 sites), early arrival is recommended to secure a spot. Sites are clean and well-maintained, as noted by visitors.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 3 individual sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. It also includes a vault toilet and a small boat ramp.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable for Sylvia Lake Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilitySylvia Lake Campground is available entirely on a walk-up basis as reservations are not permitted. However, limited sites (3 total) could fill quickly during peak times.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation fees apply differently across reservation types. Late cancellations for individual campsites incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees if canceled after midnight local time on the day before the reservation start date. No refunds for Scan & Pay transactions.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sylvia Lake Campground offers opportunities for fishing, boating with small non-motorized watercraft, and enjoying the natural tranquility of the area. Visitors have also mentioned a rope swing near the lake, making it popular for children.
Fishing
The lake is home to native grayling and cutthroat trout, making it suitable for fishing enthusiasts.Swimming
While designated swimming areas are not mentioned, one review describes visitors enjoying the lake for recreational swimming, including a rope swing that was a highlight for kids.Boating
A small boat ramp is available for launching fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks.Winter Activities
No information about winter-specific activities is provided.Water Sports
The small lake supports non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings at each campsite, ensuring safety and ecological protection.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife, particularly due to the remote nature of the campground and forest surroundings. Safe food storage practices are advised.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo details are provided about trash and recycling facilities at Sylvia Lake Campground.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Sylvia Lake, the campground offers direct access to the water for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention limited campsites and potential overcrowding: 'Not many camp sites. Tons of people.' Additionally, its unimproved nature could be a concern for some: 'Unimproved campground far off the maintained roads.'
Campground Map
Driving directionsLocated 33 miles from Whitefish. Take Highway 93 northwest out of Whitefish, Montana. Turn onto Farm to Market Road. Turn off Farm to Market Road onto Star Meadows Road (Forest Service Road 539). Take this road to Forest Service Road 113 that turns into FS Rd #538B go 3.5 miles look for the campground site sign. Signs mark the way to Sylvia Lake at most intersections along the route.
The campground is far off maintained roads and requires navigating dirt and forest roads. Forest Service Roads, such as FS Rd #538B, are unpaved and may pose challenges during wet conditions or for vehicles with low ground clearance.Nearby places
Whitefish: 33 miles.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Sylvia Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Sylvia Lake Campground are mixed. Some praise the serene, quiet environment and the recreational opportunities such as fishing and swimming. Others point out the limited number of sites and the unimproved, remote nature of the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciated the peaceful mountain lake setting, fishing opportunities, and family-friendly features like the rope swing. Reviews noted the campsites as 'clean and taken care of.'
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users were dissatisfied with the small number of campsites and the perception that the campground was crowded during their visit. The remote dirt road access and unimproved nature of the...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend coming prepared with all necessary supplies due to the remote location. Canoes and kayaks are popular for exploring the lake.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest the campground is more popular during the summer months, with activities like swimming and fishing being highlights.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Pretty nice mountain lake at the end of a dirt road. Has a good amount of trout in the lake.' - Bryan Flores
2. 'Not many camp sites. Tons of people.' - Hannah James
3. 'Camped here...it was...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The three campsites are described as clean and well-maintained, but no specific site numbers or unique attributes are mentioned.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention experiences with pets or pet policies.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025