Lake Alva Campground
Closed — Loop 1 is open year-round, though snow load determines winter accessibility. Loop 2 is closed for the season and reopens the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Day-use area and boat launch are open year-round. Group sites are closed due to hazardous conditions. Drinking water is not available at the campground.
R1-2024-01 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.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
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.
Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions
Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathe
Deer Creek Bridge Closure - Superior Ranger District
Due to the recent weather event the Deer Creek Bridge on the Superior Ranger District was severely damaged and is unsafe for travel. For your health and safety please avoid travel in this area.
Ward Creek Road Closure- Superior Ranger District
Due to the recent weather event a portion of the Ward Creek Road is closed. For your health and safety please avoid travel in this area.
25-021-Lolo-D4 Stony Creek Cutoff Closure
The Stony Creek Cutoff Road (Road #5490) is closed for protection of Forest Service stock.
241-023-Lolo-D3 Plant Creek Road Closure
Motor vehicles are prohibited on a portion of Plant Creek Road, National Forest System Road 2132, due to damage following the Miller Peak Fire on the Missoula Ranger District.
About
Lake Alva Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Alva, approximately 11 miles north of Seeley Lake in the Lolo National Forest. At an elevation of 4,200 feet, this glacial-formed lake sits in a valley between the Swan and Mission Mountain ranges, part of the Chain of Lakes system through which the Clearwater River flows. The campground offers 39 campsites divided into two loops. Loop 1 contains 19 RV/tent sites available for reservation during peak season, transitioning to first-come, first-served outside those dates. Loop 2 has 20 first-come, first-served sites that can be paid for onsite via QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. All sites include a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and paved parking stall. The campground provides accessible vault toilets and trash receptacles, with hosts on-site 24 hours a day during the operating season. Lake Alva is home to a protected loon population, and their distinctive calls frequently echo across the water. All boats must operate at no-wake speed year-round to protect nesting areas. The lake offers fishing for Kokanee salmon, perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, and trout. A spacious day-use area features a swimming beach, concrete boat ramp, and picnic areas, open year-round from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The area supports abundant wildlife including white-tailed deer, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, grizzly and black bears, bald and golden eagles, trumpeter swans, and herons.
Directions
From Seeley Lake, travel 11 miles north on Montana Highway 83. The campground is on the west side of the highway at the north end of Lake Alva.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| 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 | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 677-2233 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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