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Camping · Montana

Crystal Lake Campground

USFS · Campground · Fee

Fast facts

Cost
Fee charged
Managed by
USFS
Type
Campground
Hours
Open 24 hours/day
Season
June 15 to September 30
Reservations
recreation.gov
Coordinates
46.7939, -109.5111
Last verified
September 18, 2026
46.7939° N · 109.5111° W
Last verifiedSeptember 18, 2026

About this place

Crystal Lake Campground is in the shadow of Mt. Harlow at an elevation of 5,700 feet. The 28 campsites are large and widely spaced, and recent removal of hazard trees has left each camp site with expansive views of the surrounding mountains. The largest slot can accommodate a maximum trailer length of 45 feet and is a suitable campground for large RVs. Crystal Lake Campground opens around June 2nd and closes in late October. Nearby trailheads lead to the Crystal Lake Loop Trail and a trail which leads to ice caves. In the summer, Crystal Lake is well-suited for canoeing. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. During drought years, the lake may dry up by late July. All campgrounds on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest are first-come, first-served. Reservations are not available. Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days in one location. A campground fee is required. Please pay at the self-serve campground fee station. Campsites cannot be reserved by simply paying for the site camper must be present. A food storage order is in effect from March 1st to December 1st to prevent human-bear conflicts on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Store all unattended food and attractants properly. Please see Food Storage Order for specifics. Open and close dates can vary depending on snowfall conditions. Please call the local district office or check our website. Leashed dogs are welcome. Horses are not allowed in campgrounds. Motorized OHVs must stay on the campground road. The campgrounds include access to drinking water during the warmer months, and all have at least one handicap accessible vault toilet. Each campsite has a fire ring and/or grill, and a picnic table. Even if water is unavailable, campground fees are still required.

From the USFS.Official page

Is Crystal Lake Campground free?

No. Crystal Lake Campground charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.

When is Crystal Lake Campground open?

The season on record runs June 15 to September 30. Dates move with weather and with the managing office, so check before a shoulder-season trip.

How do I get to Crystal Lake Campground?

From Lewistown travel west on US HWY 87 (aka: US Hwy 87-North)8.7 miles to Forest Access sign (Crystal Lake Road). Turn left onto Crystal Lake Road (dirt) and go 5.3 miles to a Y intersection. Bear left and go 3.9 miles to Recreation Area sign. Turn left at sign, continuing on Crystal Lake Road, and go 12.7 miles to campground. Crystal Lake Road varies from a narrow two-lane road to single-lane. The last 5.7 miles are paved.

Nearby

No other services within 50 mi on the record.

SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.

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Disclaimer TerrainKit is an independent product with no affiliation with, sponsorship from or endorsement by the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service or any other public agency. Site and access information is compiled from publicly available sources and can go out of date without notice. Confirm current rules, closures, fire restrictions and stay limits with the managing ranger district or field office before you camp.
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47.5053° N · 111.3008° W
Crystal Lake Campground, Camping in Montana - TerrainKit