Lake Alva Campground
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.
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
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.
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 |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| Lolo NF Lake Alva Campground |
Availability
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