Big Larch Campground
4.1422 reviewsBig Larch Campground, 3335 MT-HWY 83 N, Seeley Lake, MT, 59868
Big Larch Campground
$0.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Nightly fees are $20 for individual tent/RV sites, $50 for group sites, and $10 for bicycle campsites during peak season. Outside of peak season, all sites are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional vehicle fee is $5. Day-use facilities are free year-round.
About this campground
Discover Big Larch Campground, where spacious sites nestle along the pristine east shore of Seeley Lake, creating an ideal basecamp for Montana adventures. This well-appointed haven features thoughtful amenities including vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and a designated swimming beach with rope boundaries for safe family fun. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, diving into crystal-clear waters, or setting off on scenic trails, Big Larch serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits in the heart of Lolo National Forest.
Big Larch Campground provides options for individual RV/tent camping sites, group camping sites, and bicycle camping sites. The campground operates on a reservable basis during peak season and transitions to first-come, first-serve in the off-season.
Historical SignificanceSeeley Lake holds its place as a sparkling jewel in the renowned 'Chain of Lakes,' a testament to ancient glaciers that carved this spectacular valley thousands of years ago. The surrounding landscape tells stories through its trails, with paths like the popular Morrell Falls revealing layers of ecological history—from old-growth forests to meadows that have sustained wildlife for millennia. This area has long served as a crossroads for outdoor enthusiasts and nature seekers drawn to its pristine waters and abundant forests.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 4,000 feet, Big Larch enjoys a delightful mountain climate where summer days bring warmth perfect for lake activities, while evenings cool down just enough for cozy campfires and restful sleep. As autumn arrives, the namesake larch trees transform into golden torches against evergreen neighbors. Winter blankets the area in snow, transforming the landscape into a quiet wonderland and limiting access to the more adventurous souls.
ElevationAt 4,000 feet above sea level, Big Larch occupies that sweet spot of mountain elevation where the air feels crisp and clean without being thin. This perfect altitude delivers comfortable summer camping conditions—warm enough for swimming and water sports during the day, yet refreshingly cool when the sun dips behind the western peaks. The elevation creates an ideal microclimate that extends the camping season while keeping those pesky lowland bugs at bay.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering larch and pine sentinels create a majestic canopy overhead, their branches reaching skyward in a natural cathedral. The campground's open forest floor, while offering less screening between sites, provides an airy, spacious feel and allows glimpses of Seeley Lake's shimmering waters through the trees. This openness also means better wildlife viewing opportunities—keep your camera ready for visits from curious deer browsing at dusk, majestic elk passing through, and the occasional black bear foraging in the distance. The interplay of water, forest, and mountain creates a quintessential Montana backdrop.
Geological RegionBig Larch Campground claims prime real estate on Seeley Lake's eastern shoreline, where ancient glacial forces sculpted a breathtaking landscape of interconnected waterways known as the 'Chain of Lakes.' This geological masterpiece sits cradled within Lolo National Forest's vast expanse of mixed coniferous woodland, where Douglas fir, western larch, and lodgepole pine thrive. The surrounding mountainous terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, from volcanic origins to ice age sculpture, creating the dramatic peaks and peaceful valleys that define this corner of Montana wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets, drinking water, parking spaces, and campsites are available throughout the campground.
Sites SizeIndividual campsites are described as accommodating various RV sizes, with lengths ranging from 40 to 50 feet. Group sites are spacious, with room for multiple families.
Sites PrivacySites provide ample space but minimal privacy due to a lack of understory between campsites. Several user reviews note the close proximity between sites and reduced shade due to logging.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLoop 1 sites are closer to the entrance; Loop 4 offers access to the beach and bike sites. Choose sites based on proximity to desired activities.
Best CampsitesGroup campsites are noted for their amenities, while hiker/biker sites are recommended for their proximity to the lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3:00 PM Mountain Time
Check-out
1:00 PM Mountain Time
Stay Limit
Scan and Pay camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis outside peak season. Peak season reservations are capped at 16 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy per site is not explicitly defined.
Groups
Group camping areas are equipped with three picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and large paved parking areas. They are reservable during peak season and accommodate up to five families, according to user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops (1-4) with varying site layouts, including group and hiker/biker sites.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season operates from May 23 through September 1. Outside these dates, sites are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website or mobile app.
Walk-in Availability19 individual sites and all campsites outside the peak season can be used on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds for Scan and Pay reservations. Standard reservations cancelled on the day prior incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night’s fees.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Larch Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and water sports. It features a roped-off swimming beach, a boat ramp, and trails for exploration. Fishing is popular, with anglers casting for Kokanee salmon, bass, whitefish, pike, trout, and perch.
Hiking
Nearby trails include the Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail and Clearwater Canoe Trailhead. Morrell Falls provides a day hike with dense forests and a waterfall, while Clearwater Canoe Trail offers a flat-water experience stretching 3.5 miles for viewing wildlife such as herons and otters.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include Kokanee salmon, bass, pike, trout, perch, and whitefish in Seeley Lake. Water skiing is also popular among visitors.Swimming
A roped-off swimming beach is part of the campground's day-use area, offering easy access to swimming.Biking
Biking trails are available for campers, although specific details about trail types or lengths are not provided.Boating
A boat ramp and dock provide easy access to Seeley Lake for boating activities. Non-motorized options like paddleboarding and kayaking are also popular.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife commonly spotted includes white-tailed deer, elk, mountain goats, bears, bald eagles, golden eagles, trumpeter swans, herons, and various duck species.Beach activities
Beach activities include swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the sand for children. The beach area is described as clean and spacious with sandy terrain.Winter Activities
Winter recreation options include snowshoeing and ice fishing. Access is limited during winter months due to intermittent snowplowing.Water Sports
Water skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating are available, with Seeley Lake providing an ideal environment for non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must be completely extinguished when unattended.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is common; bear-resistant trash and food storage protocols are mandatory. Ticks and snakes are noted in overgrown areas.
Active alertsNo current alerts.
Weather forecast
89
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 11%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 0.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
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
Missoula (approx. 50 miles, 1 hour) provides full emergency services, including two hospitals. Local ranger stations are also nearby.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 to September 1.
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available throughout the campground. Bear-resistant trash containers are provided and must be properly secured by users to avoid citations.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Seeley Lake's shoreline, with a roped-off swimming area, boat ramp, and dock.
Common complaintsSome user reviews highlight inadequacies in campground maintenance, including overgrown sites and lack of privacy. Complaints about camp host behavior and dog management are recurrent.
HostCampground hosts are available on-site 24 hours. Mixed reviews regarding host attentiveness and behavior.
Campground Map
Big Larch Campground, 3335 MT-HWY 83 N, Seeley Lake, MT, 59868
Driving directionsFrom I-90 take exit 109 for MT-200 E and travel for 32.3 mi. Turn left onto MT-83 N and travel 14.0 mi to Seeley Lake, MT. Continue north on Highway 83 for 1 mile. The campground entrance is located on the west side of the highway. Continue straight at the fork and the group sites will be on the left.
Access is via paved roads from Highway 83. Seasonal snowplowing is intermittent, limiting access during winter months to the entrance and boat launch.Nearby places
Seeley Lake (1 mile, 5 min), Missoula (approx. 50 miles, 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Seeley Lake (1 mile) offers gas, groceries, restaurants, lodging, and recreation services like boat rentals.
Camper Reviews
4.1
22 reviews
Big Larch Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reflect mixed experiences at Big Larch Campground. Positive feedback highlights its scenic location, clean facilities, and variety of activities, while concerns include poor maintenance, noisy generators, and camp host issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground's proximity to Seeley Lake, clean vault toilets, and availability of bear boxes. Activities like hiking, swimming, and fishing are highly regarded.
Based on 22 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include overgrown campsites, minimal privacy, barking dogs, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, and insufficient toilet maintenance ('The smell from that bathroom was completely...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing a weed-whacker for overgrown sites, securing bear boxes, and visiting during off-season for free camping. It is also advised to park in designated areas to avoid...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Peak season reviews often note a lack of privacy and crowded conditions, while off-season camping is described as peaceful and free of charge.
Based on 22 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Great place! Awesome, friendly camp host. Clean facilities and campsites.' - Bud Man
2. 'Camp host did not enforce any rules. Load till really late. Generators all night.' - Tim A
3. 'Pack it in...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Loop-specific reviews highlight sites 00B and 00A. Site 00A accommodates up to five families and has a large clean beach area. Site 00B includes a bear box but nearby vault toilets are reported as...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Vault toilets and paved parking areas are accessible, but minimal privacy and overgrown vegetation may pose challenges for some visitors.
Based on 22 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but several reviews express concerns about camp host dogs barking and chasing campers at night.
Based on 22 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025