Lee Creek Campground
4.4014 reviewsFrom Lolo, MT, take US Rt. 12 west 26.5 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.
Lee Creek Campground
$0.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Overnight camping costs $15 per night during peak season (May through Labor Day), with a $5 fee for additional vehicles beyond the first two. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsites they occupy.
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About this campground
Nestled where Lee Creek meets the rushing waters of Lolo Creek, this tranquil forest retreat offers campers a perfect blend of wilderness serenity and modern convenience. Towering pines create a natural cathedral of shade, while thoughtfully designed sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings invite you to settle in for memorable evenings under the stars. With 30-foot parking spurs welcoming RV adventurers and easy access to captivating hiking trails, interpretive areas, and historic sites, Lee Creek Campground serves as your gateway to exploring the rich tapestry of the Lolo National Forest.
The campground features single campsites suitable for tent camping or small RVs, as well as areas for group gatherings.
Historical SignificanceStep into the footsteps of legends at the nearby Lolo Pass Visitor Center, where the epic tales of Lewis and Clark's treacherous crossing of the Bitterroot Mountains come alive. Here, the poignant story of the Nez Perce's Flight unfolds against the backdrop of these ancient peaks. Historic structures dating back to 1923 stand as silent witnesses to the region's rich past, offering visitors a tangible connection to the explorers, Native peoples, and pioneers who shaped this remarkable landscape.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Lee Creek into an outdoor paradise, with comfortable temperatures dancing between 50°F and 82°F, creating perfect conditions for everything from morning hikes to evening campfires. While occasional rain showers keep the forest lush and vibrant, the predominantly dry summer weather ensures your outdoor adventures remain uninterrupted. As autumn approaches, crisp mountain air gives way to winter's snowy embrace, making late spring through summer the sweet spot for camping enthusiasts seeking that perfect balance of warm days and cool, starlit nights.
ElevationPerched at 4,200 feet above sea level, Lee Creek Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat. This mountain elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, where cool breezes whisper through the pines and morning mist dances across the creeks. The elevated setting not only provides relief from lowland temperatures but also frames spectacular vistas that remind you why mountain camping captures the heart like no other outdoor experience.
Natural Features and SceneryA living canvas of natural beauty unfolds at Lee Creek, where dense stands of pine create an emerald canopy overhead. Though nature has claimed some trees through the cycles of insect activity and disease, the forest's resilience shines through in the healthy specimens that continue to thrive. Ancient granite formations rise like sculptures from the forest floor, while the melodic duet of Lee and Lolo Creeks provides a constant soundtrack to your wilderness experience. This dynamic landscape offers photographers, nature lovers, and quiet seekers alike a front-row seat to the Pacific Northwest's raw beauty.
Geological RegionDeep within the embrace of Lolo National Forest, Lee Creek Campground occupies a special corner where water, stone, and forest converge in perfect harmony. The campground's position at the confluence of Lee and Lolo Creeks creates a unique microenvironment where the geological story of the region unfolds. Massive granite formations tell tales of ancient volcanic activity, while the surrounding pine forest represents centuries of ecological succession. This remarkable setting places you at the heart of one of Montana's most geologically diverse and visually stunning landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityRestrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeEach site has a 30-foot parking spur.
Sites PrivacyThe lower loop near the creek offers more shade and better water access, while the upper loop is more open and exposed due to tree removal.
Total Campsites21 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites in the lower loop for shade and creek proximity. Users recommend Site 1 and Site 3 for tent camping.
Best CampsitesSites 1-5 are located near the creek, offering better views and proximity to water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Two vehicles per site
- specific guest count limit not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of two unnamed loops. The lower loop is located near Lee Creek, while the upper loop is on a hillside.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day through Labor Day (May 17 - September 16).
Reservation PlatformsReservations not available; walk-up only.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only; no reservations allowed.
Cancellation PolicyNot specified.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities at Lee Creek Campground include hiking on nearby trails and learning opportunities at the interpretive site. Fishing in the creek is popular, particularly for cutthroat trout.
Hiking
Three primary trails are available: Wagon Mountain Trail #300 (6 miles, foot and horse), Lee Creek Interpretive Trail (2-mile loop, foot), and Lee Ridge Trail (6 miles, foot and horse). The interpretive trail is frequently praised for its beauty and educational value.Fishing
Cutthroat trout fishing is available in the nearby creek.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive areas and exhibits on the Lewis and Clark/Nez Perce National Historic Trail are located nearby.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within provided rings.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife due to the surrounding forest environment, and cold temperatures outside peak season.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.1 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
The nearest emergency services are likely located in Lolo or Missoula, 26 miles and 50 minutes drive respectively.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information on trash or recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Lolo Creek and Lee Creek; no swimming or boating options.
Common complaintsSome user reviews highlight unclean bathrooms and limited shade due to tree removals.
HostCamp hosts are noted as being friendly and attentive by multiple user reviews.
Campground Map
From Lolo, MT, take US Rt. 12 west 26.5 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.
Driving directionsFrom Lolo, Montana drive 26 miles west on U.S. Highway 12.
The campground is conveniently accessed via U.S. Highway 12, which is paved and easily navigable. There are no seasonal closures mentioned in the source materials.Nearby places
Lolo (26 miles east), Missoula (approximately 50 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and gas are located 26 miles east in Lolo. Additional supplies may be found in Missoula approximately 50 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
14 reviews
Lee Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm, the nearby interpretive trail, and the convenience of its location near Lolo Hot Springs and hiking trails. Clean, though limited, amenities are appreciated. Opinions on shade availability vary between loops.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors have praised the interpretive trail, the peaceful environment, the proximity to hiking trails, and the friendly campground hosts. The creek and its surroundings are also noted as a highlight.
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users mentioned the lack of potable water and cell service as drawbacks. Others noted that the upper loop is less shaded due to logging. Occasional concerns about vault toilet maintenance were...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Try to secure a site in the lower loop for better shade and closer water access. Bring your own potable water, as none is available on-site.
Based on 14 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews emphasize high occupancy during peak times and the campground’s popularity as a base for nearby activities. Fall reviews focus on the tranquility and cooler weather, with fewer...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Nice Forest Service campground. We had site 3, with a level place to pitch our tent and right next to the creek." - David Roberts. "This place was sweet--I especially liked campsite #1 for us tent...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 3 is praised for its proximity to the creek and level ground. Site 1 is highlighted as a great option for tent campers.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Restrooms are wheelchair accessible, but no further details about overall site accessibility are provided.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions of pet-related policies or experiences are included.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025