Lake Alva Campground
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.
Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
More like this: first-come in Montana · reservable in Montana · big rigs in Montana · pets allowed in Montana
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 39 |
| Host/management | 3 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 64 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
39 sites in 2 loops. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Loop | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAS1 | 1 | Back-in | 52 | Paved | Partial | 10 / 2 | Yes | Prime |
| LAS2 | 1 | Back-in | 46 | Paved | Partial | 10 / 2 | Yes | Prime |
| LAS3 | 1 | Back-in | 52 | Paved | Partial | 10 / 2 | Yes | Prime |
| LAS4 | 1 | Back-in | 58 | Paved | Partial | 10 / 2 | Yes | Prime |
| LAS5 | 1 | Back-in | 60 | Paved | Partial | 10 / 2 | Yes | Prime |
| LAS6 | 1 | Back-in | 51 | Paved | Partial | 10 / 2 | Yes | Prime |
| LAS7 | 1 | Back-in | 50 | Paved | Partial | 10 / 2 | Yes | Prime |
| LAS8 | 1 | Back-in | 57 | Paved | Partial | 10 / 2 | Yes | Prime |
| LAS9 | 1 | Back-in | 56 | Paved | Partial | 10 / 2 | Yes | Prime |
| LAS12 | 1 | Back-in | 56 | Paved | Partial | 10 / 2 | Yes | Prime |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 3:00 PM, checkout 1:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 64 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | The nightly fee for individual RV/tent campsites is $20.00, beginning the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Parking is allowed in the designated parking spur for each campsite only. |
- 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.
- 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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Open |
| Forest | Lolo National Forest |
| Fees | Individual sites are $20 per night. $5 fee for each additional vehicle after two vehicles. |
| Rules | Food storage orders are in place. Please see our Bear Safety and Food storage Information for important information about food storage to protect you and the bears from unwanted encounters. All boats on Lake Alva must operate at a “no-wake” speed year-round. |
Weather by month
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.
| Nearest town | Seeley Lake, Montana |
| Coordinates | 47.3250° N, 113.5820° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- 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.
Fire nearby
- PrescribedRx D6 Horseshoe West Unit 37
15 mi from the campground
- PrescribedRx D6 Horseshoe West Unit 20
17 mi from the campground
- PrescribedRx D6 Horseshoe West Unit 23
18 mi from the campground
- PrescribedGlade Creek Piles Rx
35 mi from the campground · 1 acres
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 24.4 mi |
| RV sales & service | Bretz RV & Marine ↗ | 35.7 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Backcountry Racks ↗ | 36.3 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Lake Alva Campground Overview
Worth a stop
- 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
- 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.
- 4.9 miRiver Point Picnic Area ↗Day use
Trails nearby
- 0.9 miRichmond- Marshall Hookup ↗9 mi trail · snowmobile, snowshoe, ski
- 0.9 miRichmond Clearwater Loop South ↗6.9 mi trail · snowmobile, snowshoe, ski
- 1 miRainy Lake East0.6 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 1 miRainy Lake West0.7 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 1.6 miSouth Clearwater Loop3 mi trail · snowmobile, snowshoe, ski
- 1.9 miColt Creek ↗15.8 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, snowmobile and 2 more
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside Lolo National Forest.
- inLolo National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 2,625,457 acres
- 8.6 miBob Marshall Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 1,062,694 acres
- 9.9 miMission Mountains Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 74,524 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Laird's Lodge Historic DistrictHistoric district · Seeley Lake · 8.5 mi
- Camp Paxson Boy Scout Camp (24Mo77)Building · Lolo National Forest · 10 mi
- Double Arrow LookoutBuilding · Seeley Lake · 11.3 mi
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.
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.
Guidebooks for Montana
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Lake Alva Campground?
For some sites. Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Lake Alva Campground?
The nightly fee for individual RV/tent campsites is $20.00, beginning the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Parking is allowed in the designated parking spur for each campsite only.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Lake Alva Campground?
Check-in 3:00 PM, checkout 1:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Lake Alva Campground open right now?
Open as of Oct 16, 2026.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Lake Alva Campground have?
42 sites, including 39 standard sites without power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Lake Alva Campground?
The longest site here provides 64 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Lake Alva Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Alva Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Lake Alva Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there are 4 active fires within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one. Food storage orders are in place.
Source: Fire nearby
Is there cell service at Lake Alva Campground?
FCC coverage maps show AT&T 4G LTE and T-Mobile 5G at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is there to do at Lake Alva Campground?
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. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Lake Alva Campground?
Seeley Lake, Montana. 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 to
Source: Getting there
What if Lake Alva Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Lakeside Lolo Campground (0.4 mi), Rainy Lake Campground (0.9 mi, first-come), and Lake Inez Point 6 (Group Camp Site) (2.4 mi, partly first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby