MURPHY LAKE
Murphy Lake is a day-use picnic and wildlife viewing area. No developed campground facilities exist at this location. Camping is not available on-site.
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.
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.
About
Murphy Lake is a scenic day-use destination in the Tobacco Plains area of Kootenai National Forest, approximately 14 miles southeast of Eureka, Montana. The small lake sits in a heavily forested setting with adjacent marshland, creating ideal habitat for wildlife including the common loons for which the site is best known. The picnic area features interpretive signs describing loon ecology and habitat. A moderate 1-mile hiking trail leads to an observation deck where visitors can watch for common loons, horned grebes, waterfowl, bald eagles, osprey, and beavers. White-tailed and mule deer frequent the area, with lands north of Murphy Lake serving as key winter range. Nesting loons are sensitive to disturbance, and signed buoys mark areas closed to public access during nesting season. This is primarily a day-use facility; no developed camping is available at this site.
Directions
From Eureka, follow US Highway 93 southeast for 14 miles, then take Forest Road 7008 at the northwest corner of Murphy Lake and follow the road to the picnic area and trailhead.
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | — |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 296-2536 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Visit Montana - Murphy Lake | |
| Kootenai NF Camping & Cabins |
Community Posts
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