A photo of the campground entrance sign. It reads: Lake Alva Campground, Lolo National Forest, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Lake Alva Campground

Closed

The campground is closed for winter and reopens May 22, 2026 (Friday before Memorial Day). Loop 1 sites are reservable via Recreation.gov from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; Loop 2 operates first-come-first-serve. Day use area and boat launch are open year-round, snow conditions permitting.

Winter Weather Advisory issued October 9 at 11:35AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

October 9th, 11:35 AM — 11:45 AM

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth, Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon, Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, Lolo Pass, and Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass. * WHEN...From 6 PM Saturday to 6 AM MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Prepare for difficult backcountry travel.

Lolo National Forest

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

Lolo National Forest

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.

About

Lake Alva Campground occupies the north shore of Lake Alva, a glacial lake in a valley between the Swan and Mission mountain ranges at approximately 4,200 feet elevation. Located about 11 miles north of Seeley Lake on Montana Highway 83, the campground provides access to excellent fishing for kokanee salmon, perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, and trout. The lake maintains a year-round no-wake speed regulation, making it ideal for paddling and non-motorized boating. The campground contains 39 sites divided into two loops. Loop 1 offers 19 RV/tent sites available for reservation from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, then transitions to first-come-first-serve. Loop 2 has 20 first-come-first-serve sites payable via QR code through the Recreation.gov mobile app. All sites include a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and paved parking stall. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water, and trash receptacles are distributed throughout. The area supports diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, bald and golden eagles, and a resident loon population with protected nesting areas. The Mission Mountain Wilderness lies about 15 miles northwest, offering alpine lakes, active glaciers, and rugged peaks.

Directions

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

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 No
Price $20

Vehicle

Max RV Length 64ft
Max Trailer Length 64ft
Big Rig Friendly —
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (406) 677-2233

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

A photo of the campground entrance sign. It reads: Lake Alva Campground, Lolo National Forest, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
A photo of a Lake Alva Campground vault toilet. There is a paved, accessible walkway.
A photo of Lake Alva on a sunny day. The water and skies are bright blue, and trees and the swan range can be seen in the background.
A photo of Lake Alva on a sunny day. The water and skies are bright blue, and trees and the swan range can be seen in the background.

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