Crystal Lake Campground
Currently closed for the season. Opens around June 2, 2026, weather and snowfall permitting, and closes in late October. All sites are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Campground fees are $20 per night.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
About
Crystal Lake Campground is nestled in the shadow of Mt. Harlow at 5,700 feet elevation in the Big Snowy Mountains of central Montana. The 28 large, widely-spaced campsites provide expansive mountain views following recent hazard tree removal. Each site includes a fire ring or grill and picnic table. Potable water is available via hand pump during warmer months, and the campground has vault toilets including at least one that is handicap accessible. The campground adjoins the 45-acre Crystal Lake, which is stocked with rainbow trout and popular for canoeing and kayaking. The lake has a maximum depth of 15 feet with fresh water seeping through a porous limestone bottom. During drought years, the lake may dry up by late July. Nearby trailheads lead to the Crystal Lake Loop Trail and the Ice Caves Trail, which climbs to the ridgetop of the Big Snowy Mountains. A food storage order is in effect from March 1st through December 1st to prevent human-bear conflicts. Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days in one location. Leashed dogs are welcome, but horses and motorized OHVs (except on the campground road) are not allowed.
Directions
From Lewistown, travel west on US Highway 87 for 8.7 miles to the Crystal Lake Road sign. Turn left onto Crystal Lake Road (dirt) and go 5.3 miles to a Y intersection. Bear left and go 3.9 miles to the Recreation Area sign. Turn left at the sign, continuing on Crystal Lake Road, and go 12.7 miles to the campground. The last 5.7 miles are paved but narrow, varying from two-lane to single-lane.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 566-2292 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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