Lake Alva Campground campground
Seeley Lake, Montana

Lake Alva Campground

Mostly first-come
42 campsites
Open in maps

42

Total Campsites

Campground

Reservable Sites

Mostly first-come

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Lake Alva Campground

Overview Lake Alva Campground is located on the North shore of Lake Alva, approximately 11 miles north of Seeley Lake, and offers visitors the chance to camp and enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The lake is home to a loon population and has protected nesting areas. The birds' mesmerizing calls can often be heard in the campground. All boats on Lake Alva must operate at a "no-wake" speed year-round. Recreation The campground is a popular destination for swimming, boating, paddling, picnicking, and fishing. There are a variety of freshwater fish including Kokanee salmon, perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, and trout, among other species. Motorized boating is allowed on Lake Alva within the "No-Wake" regulation. Many non-motorized boaters find solace during the evening and morning hours on the lake. The Mission Mountain Wilderness Area is about 15 miles northwest of the campground. The area is popular for its scenic views and abundant wildlife. Active glaciers, alpine lakes, meadows and clear, icy streams, along with vertical cliffs and jagged peaks make up the area. Facilities 19 individual RV/tent campsites within Loop 1 are available for reservation the Friday before Memorial Day to the Tuesday after Labor Day. These sites will transition to first-come/first-serve outside of these dates. 20 campsites within Loop 2 are available on a first-come/first-serve basis . These campsites can be paid for onsite by scanning a QR Code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Visitors will need to download the free recreation.gov mobile app through Android or iOS. This is best done prior to arrival. All campsites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a paved parking stall. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash receptacles are available throughout the campground. Campground hosts are on site 24 hours a day. The campground also offers a spacious day use area that includes a swimming beach, a concrete boat ramp, paved parking for vehicles/boat trailers, and several picnic areas. Day use facilities are open year-round from 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Mountain Time. No fees or reservations are required for day use. Natural Features Lake Alva is a glacial-formed lake situated in a valley between the Swan and Mission mountain ranges. It is one of a half a dozen lakes within the valley known as the 'Chain of Lakes' through which the Clearwater River flows. At an elavation of approximately 4,200 feet, temperatures are relatively cool on summer days. The area contains a wide variety of wildlife and is home to white-tailed deer, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, grizzly and black bears (learn about bear safety ). Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of ducks. The lake is home to a loon population and has protected nesting areas. The birds' mesmerizing calls can often be heard in the campground. Nearby Attractions The town of Seeley Lake, MT is about 11 miles south of the campground. A variety of recreation services such as boat, canoe, and kayak rentals as well as guide services and resorts are offered there. Services like gas, groceries, restaurants, and lodging can also be found in town. Access to a variety of forests, sweeping views, mountain lakes, and rugged peaks can be discovered just a short drive up any of the nearby Forest Service roads. Just a day trip away, Glacier National Park is known for a variety of opportunities to explore alpine landscapes, active glaciers, and view unique wildlife. Contact the park for current conditions. Missoula, one of Western Montana’s outdoor recreation hubs is about an hour from Seeley Lake, MT. Missoula is a full-service city with 2 hospitals, an international airport, and access to services, hotels, and outdoor activities. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (406) 677-2233.

  • 42 total campsites listed.
  • Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
  • Most common site type: unknown (42).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Lake Alva Campground photo 2
Lake Alva Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes Lake Alva Campground special

Lake Alva Campground occupies a peaceful stretch of the north shore of Lake Alva, a quiet mountain lake situated about eleven miles north of the town of Seeley Lake in western Montana. With 42 sites, it is one of the larger campgrounds in the area, yet it maintains an unhurried, backcountry atmosphere that makes it feel wonderfully secluded. Lake Alva is part of the famed Clearwater Chain of Lakes, a series of interconnected waterways that wind through dense forests of larch, pine, and Douglas fir. The lake itself is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for stocked trout. The water is typically calm and inviting, with forested ridgelines reflecting off the surface on still mornings. A boat launch makes it easy to get on the water, and the lack of heavy motorboat traffic keeps the lake peaceful and paddle-friendly. The campground is also well positioned for exploring the broader Seeley-Swan corridor on foot or by bike. Trails lead into the surrounding national forest, offering everything from easy lakeside strolls to more ambitious ridge hikes with panoramic views. At night, the forest grows wonderfully quiet, with stars visible through gaps in the canopy overhead. Lake Alva is the sort of campground that feels like a well-kept local secret, perfect for anyone seeking genuine Montana solitude.

Campsite Inventory

42 sites to choose from

Unknown

42total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

3:00 PM

Check-out time

1:00 PM

Condition Rating

Standard

Driveway entry

Back-in

Driveway Grade

Slight

Driveway length (ft)

46, 50, 51, 52

Driveway surface

Paved

Location Rating

Prime

Max guests

10

Max vehicle length (ft)

46, 50, 51, 52

Minimum guests

Yes

Pets allowed

Yes

Shade

Yes

Site length (ft)

25

Site Rating

Prime

Site width (ft)

25, 52

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mostly first-come

Getting There

From I-90 take exit 109 for MT-200 E and travel for 32.3 mi. Turn left onto MT-83 N and travel 14 mi to the town of Seeley Lake, MT. Continue north on Montana Highway 83 for 26.1 mi and turn left into the entrance of Lake Alva Campground.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Lake Alva Campground.

How do reservations work for Lake Alva Campground?

Reservation availability for Lake Alva Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Lake Alva Campground?

Lake Alva Campground currently lists Unknown (42).

Where is Lake Alva Campground located?

Lake Alva Campground is in Montana near Seeley Lake. Coordinates: 47.3250, -113.5820.

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