LAKESIDE GROUP CAMPING SITE #3
The campground opens the Friday before Memorial Day (May 22, 2026) and operates through Labor Day. Reservations are available via Recreation.gov. No potable water is available; campers must bring their own water supply and pack out all trash.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 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 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. 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
Lakeside Group Camping Site #3 (LSG3) is a reservable group campsite nestled at the south end of Lake Alva in Montana's Lolo National Forest, about 10 miles north of Seeley Lake along Highway 83. This accessible group site can accommodate up to 25 people and supports a variety of camping equipment including tents, RVs, trailers, and fifth wheels up to 48 feet in length, with parking for up to 6 vehicles. The site features a picnic table, campfire ring with grill, and tent pads with a lakefront water access path. Accessible vault toilets serve the campground, but there is no potable water available, so campers must bring their own supply. Trash service is not provided; all refuse must be packed out. Dogs are permitted but must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. Lake Alva offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities, with all watercraft required to operate at no-wake speed year-round. The lake hosts a protected loon population whose calls can often be heard from the campground. Bears are active in the area, so all food and attractants must be stored in a locked vehicle or certified bear-resistant container.
Directions
From Clearwater Junction (the intersection of Montana Highways 200 and 83), travel north on Highway 83 for approximately 24.9 miles. The campground entrance is on the west side of the highway.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 48ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 48ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 677-2233 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Photos
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