Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Lolo/Big Larch
Overview
Big Larch Campground, situated within the Lolo National Forest, provides a quintessential Montana camping experience on the eastern shores of Seeley Lake. Known for its massive western larch trees that tower over the campsites, this park offers a serene environment for travelers looking to disconnect from the digital world. It functions as a rustic retreat where the focus remains on the natural beauty of the Seeley-Swan Valley rather than high-end resort amenities. This is a place where the scent of pine and the call of loons define the atmosphere.
Location & Surroundings
The park is located just north of the town of Seeley Lake along Highway 83, a scenic corridor known for its lush forests and mountain vistas. The sites are nestled between the Clearwater River and the sprawling lake, providing a sense of seclusion while remaining accessible to the main road. The Mission Mountain Wilderness to the west creates a dramatic backdrop for sunsets over the water, making the location a favorite for landscape enthusiasts and nature lovers traveling through the northern Rockies.
Amenities & Park Features
As a Forest Service managed site, the amenities are designed for traditional outdoor living. The campground offers paved interior roads and parking spurs that can accommodate moderate-sized RVs and trailers. While you will not find electric or sewer hookups here, the park provides access to potable water and well-maintained vault toilets throughout the loops. Guests can take advantage of the private concrete boat launch and a large designated swimming area with a sandy beach, which serves as the social hub of the park during the warm summer months.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The immediate area is a playground for water sports, from kayaking and paddleboarding to powerboating. A short drive leads to the trailhead for Morrell Falls, a rewarding hike that leads to a spectacular double waterfall. For a more relaxed experience, the Clearwater River Canoe Trail offers a gentle paddle through dense willow thickets and prime bird-watching territory. The nearby town of Seeley Lake offers local charm, including small shops and grocery runs, ensuring you are never too far from essential supplies.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is best suited for adventurous RVers who enjoy dry camping in exchange for prime waterfront real estate. It is an excellent choice for families who want a classic basecamp for swimming and boating, as well as solo travelers seeking the quiet of the Montana wilderness. If you prefer the sound of wind through the trees and the lap of lake waves over the hum of a crowded commercial resort, Big Larch is an ideal match for your travel style.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Candice Talbot
2025 there are 13 first come sites. Toilets, available water at picnic ground. Boat ramp with aluminum pier. Lots of short bike, and hike trails. Beach is so pretty. Tons of shade. If it had electricity I would stay for 2 weeks!!!!
Avery Boyd
Went on a rainy weekend, but still had an amazing time. Can see why it's called Big Larch! 🌲
rangerlee
Lot's of potential here. Previous posters observations are accurate. Sign at entry says it is not maintained and minimal restroom maintenance. But there's also no fee. Most sites look ok. In the interior they are slanted so each site has a long and a short side. Long side is between 40 and 50 feet. Got a 40 foot coach in with little difficulty. Overall not the worst boondock spot.
Deanna Minetola
While access to the lake is great and a welcome diversion while camping, we only used the parking section of the campsite because it was so overgrown. There were obvious paths where others had tramped through the high grass, but we were unwilling to get ticks, or find snakes in that grass.
Susan Vian
Big Larch does need Big Large help, it’s a mess. The individual camping spots were maintained well and clean. Camp hosts were very helpful and willing to get our bear box and refilled TP on their day off. Camp hosts were picking up trash others left. Pack it in, pack it out people.