Seeley Lake Campground in Montana has welcomed visitors once again. The Seeley Lake Ranger District announced that the campground and day-use area officially reopened on July 19 following extensive water system repairs. Reservations can now be made through recreation.gov.
The campground’s reopening was initially delayed due to the need for a partial replacement of the waterline. However, workers discovered during construction that the entire water system needed replacement, necessitating a more comprehensive overhaul.
Despite this unforeseen challenge, the Forest Service adapted by modifying the existing contract to accommodate the additional work, resulting in only a minor setback of a few weeks from the originally planned opening date.
These improvements are part of a broader initiative to enhance the Seeley Lake Recreation Areas and day-use sites. The project, which received approval in 2021 with a budget of $750,000, is made possible through the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, established by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).
The scope of the Seeley Lake project extends beyond the water system upgrades. Plans are in place for the reconstruction of the boat launch and day-use parking areas, with the entire initiative scheduled for completion by September 2025.
“Having our sites on the reservation site allows visitors to plan their trips ahead of time and ensure they have a spot that fits their needs,” Quinn Carver, district ranger for the Seeley Lake Ranger District, said.
For those who prefer spontaneity in their outdoor adventures, campers who discover an unoccupied site without an incoming reservation can utilize the recreation.gov mobile app’s Scan & Pay feature. This system enables instant reservations via QR code scanning, streamlining the process for last-minute bookings.
According to a press release, modernizing recreation reservation services reflects a continued commitment to providing quality recreation experiences to the public. Efforts are also underway to add more sites to the reservation system and introduce the Scan & Pay option at other campgrounds throughout the Lolo National Forest.
For more information about Seeley Lake Campground, visit fs.usda.gov/lolo.
