Camping Bliss at Placid Lake State Park: Your Guide to a Scenic Getaway
For many outdoor enthusiasts, Placid Lake State Park offers an idyllic setting to unwind under the vast Montana sky. Located just 30 miles from Missoula, this 2,800-acre park features a 60-acre lake surrounded by lush forests and majestic mountains, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for camping. The park boasts well-maintained campgrounds that cater to various styles, from family camping to solo retreats. Each summer, visitors flock to Placid Lake for its tranquil waters, ideal for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Hikers can access miles of trails that wind through dense woodlands, showcasing the area's stunning natural features. Whether you're roasting marshmallows around a fire or stargazing at night, the park’s immersive beauty makes it a prime location for outdoor adventures and relaxation.
Adventure Guide to Camping at Placid Lake State Park
Key Facts and Details:
Location: Placid Lake State Park, approximately 30 miles from Missoula, Montana.
Campground Information: The park features two main campgrounds—Secluded Lake Campground and Placid Lake Campground—with a total of 25 campsites. Campsites include picnic tables, fire pits, and nearby access to restrooms and water.
Reservations: Advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months. Check the Montana State Parks website for details.
Recommended Suggestions:
Bring your kayak or canoe to enjoy a paddle on the calm waters, best experienced in the early morning light.
Plan a day hike on nearby trails, such as the Placid Lake Interpretive Trail, which offers scenic views and information about local flora and fauna.
Interesting Facts:
Placid Lake State Park was established in 1977, preserving the area's natural beauty and recreational opportunities for future generations.
The park is a habitat for diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species, making it a great spot for wildlife watching.
History of the Area:
Historically, the land surrounding Placid Lake was utilized by Native American tribes for hunting and fishing long before it became a designated park. The establishment of the state park helped protect and promote the area's recreational resources, allowing visitors to experience its natural wonders.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Disabled in the Wild2 years ago
Placid Lake State Park is a small public day use recreation site on Placid Lake, featuring picnic tables and a fishing dock.
Accessibility info and site description: To find Placid Lake State Park, travel on Hwy 83 north of Missoula or south of Seeley Lake, and turn west at the signs. Go straight past the Placid Lake State Park campground and follow the small picnic table sign ahead. Drive 1.6 miles through a residential area, and on the left you'll find the small day use area. The main parking lot can hold around 5 cars, and there is a narrow van accessible spot with a paved path that connects to the accessible restroom. There's a small wooded area with a few picnic tables scattered around, and a short paved path that goes down to the fishing dock.
I want to point out that all the information listed online for this state park (including FWP, Visit MT, and stateparks.com) is actually information about the campground. The campground does not have a day use area. The actual state park day use area is almost two miles from the campground and is very small. But the good thing about a small state park is that it requires much less walking! It's a beautiful lake with mountain views, and this spot is tucked away from busy roads and crowds. It's also the only public day use site on Placid Lake. As long as you adjust your expectations before visiting and know this is not a large or fancy location, I think it can be a very enjoyable spot!
JamiSue Sharp5 years ago
Pure heaven if you are looking for a place to boat, camp, hike, pick huckleberries, bike ride, or fish.. Just a few ideas for an amazing getaway. The lake is beautiful, warm and not extremely large. You can pick huckleberries right off the main roads in the summer.. Go explore and visit this little gem in Montana.
Sophie Burke3 months ago
We got the last campsite on Labor Day weekend. The place was popping and the weather was perfect. However it still completely quieted down during the evening time. There’s a dock with boat slips lots of great dog walking. We enjoyed our stay.
Theresa H3 months ago
We were fortunate to find an open campsite on a Friday night. The lake is beautiful and peaceful. The flush toilets and showers are a little walk away if you're camped on the outside, but they are clean. The showers are $1 for 3 minutes, which I guess isn't too bad. The park hosts are very helpful. I can't say anything about the fishing, but most of the campers there are fishermen.
Cecelia Ferguson6 months ago
Real nice park but a little confusing coming in because there are no directional signs to tell you which way to go for your site. Dogs loved it especially the golden retriever
