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Flathead/Tally Lake
Overview
Tally Lake Campground is a scenic retreat nestled within the Flathead National Forest, just a short drive from Whitefish, Montana. Known for sitting on the shores of the deepest natural lake in the state, this destination offers a serene escape for those looking to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The area is characterized by towering trees and crystal-clear waters, providing a tranquil backdrop for any RV adventure. It serves as a perfect base for exploring the wilder side of Northwest Montana while enjoying the quietude of a forest setting.
Location & Surroundings
Situated approximately 20 miles west of Whitefish, the park is surrounded by the vast Tally Lake Ranger District. The drive to the campground takes visitors through winding forest roads that open up to breathtaking views of the water and surrounding peaks. The landscape is dominated by dense coniferous forests, creating a sense of privacy and seclusion at each site. Because it is slightly removed from the main highway, travelers can enjoy a quiet atmosphere away from the bustling tourist crowds typically found closer to the national park entrance.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a traditional forest service site, meaning it offers a rustic camping experience without electric or sewer hookups. However, it provides essential comforts such as vault toilets and potable water during the peak season. Each site is equipped with a fire ring and a picnic table. On-site recreation is abundant, featuring the following features:
- A concrete boat ramp for easy access to the water.
- A dedicated swimming beach area with a nearby volleyball court.
- Multiple horseshoe pits and an open-air pavilion for group gatherings.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities, starting with the Tally Lake Overlook Trail, which offers sweeping views of the entire basin. The lake itself is ideal for cliff jumping, paddleboarding, and fishing for trout or northern pike. Beyond the park, visitors are within reach of Glacier National Park for iconic day trips or the vibrant downtown area of Whitefish for local dining and shopping. During the summer months, Whitefish Mountain Resort provides lift-access activities and world-class scenery just a short drive away from the campground.
Who This Park Is Best For
Tally Lake is ideal for self-contained RV travelers who prioritize natural beauty over modern resort luxuries. It appeals most to boaters and anglers who want direct access to the water, as well as families looking for a classic mountain lake experience. If you enjoy boondocking-style camping with the added benefit of managed sites and proximity to high-adventure hiking trails, this park fits your travel style perfectly. It is a top choice for those seeking a deeper connection with the Montana wilderness in a quiet, forested environment.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Christopher Wright
Always a great campsite. Upgrades make it even better.
Amber Vogl
What an amazing campground, I was so impressed! The tall trees keep camp cool in the mornings which is great for people who don't wake at the crack of dawn! They had kayak rentals which was so awesome! We rented several sites and really had a great time! We will be back!
Tim W
A very nice campground that is quiet, peaceful and away from most tourists. Expect to drive a ways on some gravel road to get here, and drive cautiously. The camp sites don't have power, so bring a generator if you need power. The dump station is convenient, and the sites have plenty of trees, and great camp setup with fire rings and picnic tables. The lake is absolutely gorgeous. Bring kayaks and paddle boards!
Lisa Norris
Loved every minute of being there. Gave us close proximity to Glacier park. Nice camp host.
Amy Whitenack
Our little group had an incredible time camping for a week at Tally lake! The hosts, Rhonda and Ron, were so helpful and generous. I've never had a better experience with camp hosts! The lake itself is beautiful, and the camp sites were huge and well kept. We're hoping to come back again next summer!
Karen
Very nice campground, set many miles back off the main road, access via gravel road, not a bad gravel road though, but it is worth it if you want nice and secluded camping. Has nice camping spots, also has a "beach" area. We stopped to have a picnic lunch and it was really nice. Didn't see a lot of picnic tables in the are, just one near the "beach area" which is the river but still nice. Dogs were we to roam around while we had a nice quiet lunch.
Fracturedhourglass
Beautiful lake and good memories. Pretty crowded and you have to pay to park in the parking lot but it's worth it because it's the only spot that's not really steep.
Elise Vogels
Great beach! We weren't camping there but were able to use it for a $5 entry. You can rent paddle boards for $10/hour as well. Dogs aren't allowed but several people brought them anyways. Pretty busy with kids and families but we found a remote section just a few metres off the main Beach.
Karl & Sandy Goerner
I never imagined us camp hosting this year. But when we saw the ad that Tally Lake Campground needed a couple to finish out the last 6 weeks of the season, we simply could not resist. And here we are in one of the most beautiful campgrounds and the second largest lake in Montana. The people who hired us have years of experience and know how to train and treat their staff. They have made our first camp hosting gig a wonderful experience. A day has not gone by that a guest has not thanked us and told us their stories of coming to this Campground for years. They tell us we are doing a great job, but really the grounds and bathrooms and boat rental day use area have always been well cared for. Only a couple weeks left in the season and we will miss the guest, management and all the wonderful nature that surrounds Tally Lake Campground. Come on out... we would love to see you before the camp closes and we move on for the winter!
Paula Kidder
Will be coming back. Very quiet, plenty of restrooms, water spickets, the fire-pit reasonably sized, and plenty of bear-proof tras bins. Great staff, explained the fee process, it is 18.00 a night.(the night I stayed) Thank you very much, I will be coming back soon.