Fairy Lake Campground
Currently closed due to Fairy Lake Road maintenance. The access road is closed from April 20 through July 1, 2026 while heavy equipment work is underway. The campground season typically runs June 16 through December 1, weather dependent.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
About
Fairy Lake Campground is a small, primitive Forest Service campground nestled in the Bridger Mountains at approximately 7,680 feet elevation, about 27 miles from Bozeman. The campground offers 9 sites on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees and no reservation system. Amenities are basic but functional: vault toilets with accessible facilities and potable water available from a hand pump during summer months. Campers must pack out all trash as no pickup service is provided. The drive to Fairy Lake requires commitment. From Highway 86, Fairy Lake Road climbs 5 miles on steep, rough gravel that becomes slippery when wet. The Forest Service explicitly states the road is not suitable for RVs or towed units, and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Despite the challenging access, the campground fills quickly on summer weekends due to its proximity to excellent hiking and the scenic alpine lake. Fishing is available directly from shore, and the trailhead for Sacagawea Peak is nearby. The operating season typically runs from mid-June through early December, though opening dates depend on snow conditions and road accessibility. Given the elevation and northern exposure, snow can linger well into June in heavy snow years.
Directions
From Bozeman, drive 22.5 miles north on MT Highway 86 to Fairy Lake Road. Turn west and continue 5 miles on steep gravel road to the campground. Road is slippery when wet and not suitable for RVs or towed units. High-clearance vehicle recommended.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 522-2520 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Fairy Lake Campground | |
| Fairy Lake Road Closure Order |
Photos
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