Placid Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Placid Lake State Park, spanning 31 acres, is situated within Montana's Swan River and Clearwater River valleys. This park is known for calm waters and beautiful, picturesque views. The year-round destination offers many outdoor activities, including bird and wildlife watching, boating, camping, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, picnicking, swimming, and water skiing. It's a popular locale for photographers who love the breathtaking lake views, green foliage, and amazing animals. Local attractions within close proximity to the park are Double Arrow Lookout, Morrell Mountain Lookout, and Holland Falls.
Spring 20-39 F
Summer 48-80 F
Fall 30-52 F
Winter 11-20 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Placid Lake State Park
The Placid Lake State Park Campground has 40 tent or RV camping sites, and up to eight guests are allowed on each camping spot. Campground amenities include grills, fire rings, boat launch, picnic shelters, showers, flush and vaulted toilets, trash removal services, and electrical and water hookups. Visitors can bring pets to the campground, but they must be leashed. There aren't any ADA-accessible features at the camping spots, and Wi-Fi is unavailable to guests.
What to Do at
Placid Lake State Park
Summer months at the park are spent swimming, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and boating, and the winter months are perfect for quiet visits to get away from city life. Many guests come to enjoy bird or nature watching, as many bird species live within the forests. If you visit during the summer, you can rent boats, canoes, and kayaks for long rides along the lake.
You can enjoy an incredible adventure at Placid Lake State Park, including long summer days swimming or sunbathing, plus peaceful nights watching the stars.
Fishing
You must have a valid fishing license to fish in the park, and you can launch your boat from the park's boat ramp. Anglers can catch mountain whitefish, kokanee salmon, and rainbow, brook, brown, or cutthroat trout.
Nature Watching
Guests see many bird species at the park, including bald eagles, yellow warblers, blue herons, osprey, common loons, red-necked grebes, and waterfowl. See posted signs throughout the park for wildlife warnings.
Stargazing
Campers can stargaze from the campgrounds on clear evenings. Telescopes are recommended for viewing planets and constellations.
Flora and Fauna
The local flora includes wild roses, oxeye daisies, pearly everlasting, western salsify, penstemon, thimbleberry, Canada goldenrod, wild blue flax, clematis seed hood, arnica Montana, rose meadowsweet, and bear grass. Wildlife you'll see at the park includes white-tail and mule deer, foxes, moose, mink, muskrat, otters, beavers, black and grizzly bears, lynx, pine marten, wolverine, porcupines, bighorn sheep, badgers, coyotes, and wolves.
Hiking
The Placid Lakeview Trail is 2 miles long and provides fantastic views. It's a multi-use trail where you can hike, climb, or bike.
Boating
Motorized boats, kayaks, and canoes are permitted in the state park. However, you need to visit the park office to get a permit for motorized boat use.
Swimming
Swimming is allowed in designated beach areas of the park only. A lifeguard isn't posted at the park, so guests swim at their own risk.
Climbing
Guests can climb around the Placid Lakeview Trail or explore the Lewis and Clark Caverns.
Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on the Placid Lakeview Trail. Pay attention to posted signs regarding weather-related hazards.
How to Get to
Placid Lake State Park
From Lake Seeley, head south on MT-83 South toward Cedar Lane. Turn right onto Placid Creek Road. Turn left onto South Placid Lake Road. Turn right onto North Placid Lake Road. Turn left onto Placide Lakefront, and you'll see the park on your left.
Entering Placid Lake State Park
The summer season is from May 1 through November 30, with quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. You can enter the park with motorized vehicles and park in adjacent parking lots. The winter season lasts from December 1 to April 30. No motorized vehicles are permitted in winter; guests must enter the park on foot and for day use only. Campers must check in at the park office by 2 p.m. and check out by 1 p.m. Pay attention to posted campfire signs.
Montana residents can pay the $9 state park fee when renewing their auto tag or pay $8 per day. The nonresident entrance fee per vehicle is $8, and the fee for walk-ins, bus passengers, or guests entering on a bicycle is $4.
Daily Entrance Fee : $8.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Placid Lake State Park
Summer is the best time to visit the park, as you can enjoy all outdoor activities, including camping. The state park is closed to camping during the winter.
The state park is a terrific place for bird-watching, and you'll see bald eagles, yellow warblers, blue herons, osprey, common loons, red-necked grebes, and waterfowl. While exploring, you may also spot white-tail and mule deer, foxes, moose, mink, muskrat, otters, beavers, black and grizzly bears, lynx, pine marten, wolverine, porcupines, bighorn sheep, badgers, coyotes, and wolves.
Lake Placid State Park has rustic sites without hookups. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring, and restrooms nearby.
You aren't required to reserve a camping spot, but it is recommended for peak seasons as the park reaches maximum capacity fast. Placid Lake State Park camping rates range from $4 to $34 per night. You must pay a $10 non-refundable reservation fee for individuals and $25 for groups.
Pets are allowed at Placid Lake State Park, but you must keep your dogs on leashes no longer than 6 feet. You may keep your pets inside your RV when unleased; otherwise, they must remain in a crate. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their furry companions.