Tally Lake Campground

For Montanans seeking an exceptional lakeside camping experience, Tally Lake Campground near Whitefish stands out as a consistently favored destination. Tucked away in the serene Flathead National Forest, this "always great campsite" has recently received "upgrades make it even better," according to enthusiastic visitors. Tally Lake, known as the second deepest natural lake in Montana, provides a stunning backdrop for all kinds of outdoor adventures, from peaceful mornings by the water to active days exploring trails and paddling across its clear, deep waters.

Tally Lake Campground truly embodies the spirit of Montana's outdoor lifestyle, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty and thoughtful amenities. Visitors consistently praise its quiet atmosphere, the convenience of ample restrooms and water spigots, and the commitment to safety with bear-proof trash bins. Whether you're a seasoned camper, a family looking for a memorable summer vacation, or an angler hoping for a trophy catch, Tally Lake Campground provides a welcoming and well-equipped environment to enjoy the grandeur of Northwest Montana. Its reputation for "great staff" and a clear fee process further enhances the positive experience, making it a place Montanans will "be coming back" to again and again.

Tally Lake Campground is conveniently located at Tally Lake Campground Rd, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA, situated on the northern shores of its namesake lake within the vast Flathead National Forest. While it offers a sense of remote wilderness, it's comfortably accessible from Whitefish, a popular gateway town in Northwest Montana. To reach the campground from Whitefish, you'll typically take US Highway 93 north, then turn onto Farm-to-Market Road, followed by a turn onto Star Meadow Road, and finally onto Forest Road #913 which leads directly to the campground entrance. The drive is scenic, winding through mature forests of Western Larch and Douglas fir trees, setting the tone for a tranquil outdoor escape.

The campground is generally accessible by both tents and RVs, with various site types accommodating different setups. While a review mentioned a fee of $18.00 a night, official sources indicate a range from $22.00 per night for single occupancy sites, with additional fees for extra vehicles and different pricing for group sites and the pavilion. It's always a good idea to check current rates and availability, especially for the 21 reservable sites or the 17 first-come, first-served sites. The presence of an on-site host ensures that visitors have assistance and information readily available, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable arrival and stay.

• Campsites:

  Tally Lake Campground offers a total of 39 campsites, suitable for both tent and RV camping. These include 21 reservable sites and 17 first-come, first-served sites, providing flexibility for various travel plans. Additionally, there's a specific group site (Site 39) and an open-air pavilion group site, both available for reservations. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill, perfect for cooking and enjoying evenings outdoors.

• Restrooms:

  The campground provides accessible vault toilets, which are noted by visitors to be "plenty" and contribute to a comfortable camping experience.

• Potable Water:

  Drinking water spigots are conveniently located "throughout the campground," ensuring easy access to potable water for filling jugs. It's important to note that these spigots are generally not for filling RV holding tanks directly, but a dedicated water fill station for RVs is available at the dump station.

• RV Dump Station:

  A significant amenity for RV campers is the on-site dump station, which includes a water fill station, making it easy to manage wastewater and replenish fresh water supplies before or after your stay.

• On-Site Host:

  The campground benefits from an on-site host, praised by visitors for explaining the fee process and providing assistance, ensuring a welcoming and well-managed environment.

• Boat Launch:

  For water enthusiasts, a boat ramp is conveniently located within the campground, offering easy access to Tally Lake for various boating activities.

• Equipment Rentals:

  Tally Lake Campground offers rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes, providing an excellent opportunity for visitors to enjoy the lake even if they don't bring their own equipment. Fees apply for rentals.

• Bear-Proof Bins:

  Given that the Flathead National Forest is bear country, the campground provides "plenty of bear-proof trash bins" and enforces a food storage order, requiring proper storage of all attractants to ensure visitor safety and protect wildlife.

• Montana's Second Deepest Lake:

  Tally Lake itself is a major highlight, being the second deepest natural lake in Montana, with a maximum depth of 492 feet. Its oligotrophic nature means clean, clear waters, and the tannins in the water allow it to warm up nicely in late summer for swimming.

• Abundant Water Recreation:

  The lake is a hub for various water activities, including fishing (for kokanee salmon, various trout species, northern pike, and even occasional sturgeon), boating, water skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. The campground offers direct lake access, a dock, and boat rentals.

• Extensive Trail System:

  A network of hiking, horseback riding (though not within the campground itself), and biking trails wind around Tally Lake and the surrounding forest. The 3-mile Tally Lake Overlook Trail, accessible from within the campground, offers scenic views of the lake and mountains.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities:

  The mature forest and lake environment attract diverse wildlife, including waterfowl, bald eagles, migratory birds, deer, elk, moose, and occasionally larger mammals like bears and mountain lions (necessitating strict bear safety protocols).

• Family-Friendly Amenities:

  Beyond individual campsites, the campground features a beach area, picnic areas, and a public volleyball net, making it an excellent choice for families seeking active outdoor fun. The open-air pavilion is also available for larger groups.

• Scenic Forest Setting:

  Nestled in a beautiful mature forest of Western Larch and Douglas fir trees, the campground provides natural shade and an immersive forest experience, offering a tranquil escape from urban environments.

• Upgraded Facilities:

  Recent upgrades enhance the camping experience, ensuring that facilities like restrooms, water spigots, and fire pits are well-maintained and convenient for visitors.

Address: Tally Lake Campground Rd, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA

For the most current information regarding Tally Lake Campground, including seasonal opening/closing dates, real-time availability, fee updates, and any fire restrictions or bear alerts, it is recommended to contact the Flathead National Forest directly. The Tally Lake Ranger District manages this area.

You can often find contact details for the Flathead National Forest's main office or the Tally Lake Ranger District online. General inquiries can also be made through the recreation.gov website for reservations and specific site details.

For Montanans, Tally Lake Campground stands as an ideal recreational haven, perfectly embodying the state's love for accessible, high-quality outdoor experiences. The recent "upgrades" ensure that locals returning to their favorite spots will find them even more comfortable and enjoyable, fostering a sense of pride in their public lands. The blend of "quiet" campsites, ample amenities like "restrooms, water spickets," and "bear-proof trash bins," along with "great staff," speaks directly to the desires of seasoned Montana campers who value well-maintained facilities and knowledgeable assistance. The stated fee of "$18.00 a night" (or current rates) is a reasonable investment for the comprehensive experience offered.

The versatility of activities available at Tally Lake—from the diverse fishing opportunities in Montana's second deepest natural lake to the extensive hiking and biking trails, and the option for kayaking and paddleboarding with on-site rentals—caters to the wide spectrum of Montana outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it's a family looking for a safe and engaging environment for the "kiddos" to play and explore, or an individual seeking solace by the lake, Tally Lake offers something for everyone. Its proximity to Whitefish, while still feeling wonderfully secluded, provides the perfect balance of convenience and wilderness immersion that Montanans cherish.

Furthermore, the emphasis on bear safety reflects a shared understanding among locals of recreating responsibly in Montana's wild landscapes. Tally Lake Campground isn't just a place to camp; it's a testament to the thriving outdoor culture of Montana, providing a consistently rewarding experience that encourages repeat visits and deepens residents' connection to their spectacular home state. It's a place where memories are made, and the spirit of the Big Sky Country truly comes alive.