Montana / Fergus County / Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Crystal Lake Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens around June 2nd and closes in late October. The access road is gated starting December 1, and access beyond the gate is by snowmobile, skis, snowshoes, or hiking only.

About

Crystal Lake Campground is situated in the heart of the Big Snowy Mountains at an elevation of 5,700 feet, about 20 miles south of Lewistown. The campground features 28 large, widely-spaced campsites with expansive views of the surrounding mountains following recent hazard tree removal. The largest sites can accommodate trailers up to 45 feet, making it suitable for large RVs. Each site includes a fire ring or grill and picnic table. The 45-acre Crystal Lake sits at the campground's doorstep, stocked with rainbow trout and ideal for non-motorized boating including canoeing and kayaking. Note that during drought years, the lake may dry up by late July. Multiple trailheads provide access to the Crystal Lake Loop Trail and a trail leading to ice caves in the ridgetop of the Big Snowy Mountains. The campground operates first-come, first-served with no reservations available. A food storage order is in effect from March 1st to December 1st to prevent human-bear conflicts. The last 5.7 miles of Crystal Lake Road are paved but mostly single-lane. Access from December 1 through June 15 requires snowmobile, skis, snowshoes, or hiking for the final 6 miles due to a road gate.

Directions

From Lewistown travel west on US Highway 87 for 8.7 miles to the Forest Access sign at Crystal Lake Road. Turn left onto Crystal Lake Road 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. Crystal Lake Road varies from a narrow two-lane road to single-lane. The last 5.7 miles are paved.

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