River Point Campground
Seeley Lake, Montana · on Clearwater River · Lolo National Forest
Verified · 5 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $20/night
- SEASON
- Winter
About River Point Campground
River Point Campground is a U.S. Forest Service campground in the Lolo National Forest, sitting on the west shore of Seeley Lake, Montana at the point where the lake meets the Clearwater River. For a campground swimming hole it is well set up: a day-use beach with a roped-off swimming area makes Seeley an easy lake to swim in, and 27 campsites sit alongside, several with direct river/lake frontage.
The campground sits on a point of land where Seeley Lake's west shore meets the Clearwater River to the north, in a mature Western Larch forest (some trees over 500 years old, including the nearby 1,000+-year-old 'Gus' larch in Girard Grove). Bald eagles and osprey are reported fishing the area in early morning and evening.
Swimming at River Point Campground
A designated day-use beach adjacent to the campground has a roped-off swimming area suitable for casual, calm-water swimming; camper reviews call it 'a nice little swimming beach to cool off.' Several campsites (notably 11, 12, and 14) have direct river/lake frontage allowing boat launching and water access straight from the site.
How to get to this swimming hole
From the town of Seeley Lake, turn left onto Boy Scout Rd and travel 2.1 miles, then turn right into River Point Campground; take the first left on the paved road through the single-lane gate to reach the camping loop and day-use beach.
Parking: Each campsite has its own paved parking stall; the day-use area is accessible by a short walk from the campground and requires no fee or reservation.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up/short-walk spot: the day-use swimming beach is a short walk from the campground's paved parking stalls and the day-use parking area, with no trail hike required.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
There is a designated, roped-off day-use swimming beach with calm lake water (no strong current reported), which suits families, but no lifeguard is posted and the area sees frequent bear activity requiring active supervision and strict food storage.
Parking
Free
Day-use of the beach is free with no fee or reservation; the day-use area has ample parking, including space for boat trailers, since there is no boat ramp/dock on site. Each campsite has its own paved parking stall (campers exceeding the stall pay an extra $5 vehicle fee), but day-use parking is separate and free.
Restrooms
Yes
Three vault/pit toilets distributed through the campground and day-use area, cleaned twice daily by the on-site camp host; also drinking water and trash receptacles.
Hours
Day-use beach hours are 6:00am-10:00pm (Mountain Time), no fee or reservation required. Campground season runs from the Friday before Memorial Day through the Tuesday after Labor Day; the access road gate closes for winter outside that window.
On the water
Restrictions: No boat ramp or dock exists at River Point Campground itself, so watercraft must be hand-launched from the beach or trailered in via the day-use parking area (which has room for trailers); no motorized-craft horsepower or no-wake regulation specific to this site was found in the sources checked.
The official Recreation.gov listing notes the campground has no boat launch but that boat, canoe, and kayak rentals are available more broadly around Seeley Lake; some riverfront campsites (11, 12, 14) allow launching small craft directly from the site frontage per camper reviews.
What regulars say
Visitor reports from campers describe River Point as quieter and less crowded than other Seeley Lake campgrounds, with bigger, more spaced-out campsites; several highlight 'a nice little swimming beach to cool off' and note there is no boat ramp/dock, just ample day-use parking for trailers. Beyond those camper reviews, little additional visitor commentary on water clarity or crowding at this beach could be found.
River Point Campground: FAQ
Does River Point Campground charge a fee?
Camping is $20/night. Day-use of the beach area is free, with no fee or reservation required.
Is River Point Campground kid friendly?
There is a designated, roped-off day-use swimming beach with calm lake water (no strong current reported), which suits families, but no lifeguard is posted and the area sees frequent bear activity requiring active supervision and strict food storage.
Do I need to hike to reach River Point Campground?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for River Point Campground?
Day-use of the beach is free with no fee or reservation; the day-use area has ample parking, including space for boat trailers, since there is no boat ramp/dock on site. Each campsite has its own paved parking stall (campers exceeding the stall pay an extra $5 vehicle fee), but day-use parking is separate and free.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to River Point Campground?
The official Recreation.gov listing notes the campground has no boat launch but that boat, canoe, and kayak rentals are available more broadly around Seeley Lake; some riverfront campsites (11, 12, 14) allow launching small craft directly from the site frontage per camper reviews.
When is the best time to visit River Point Campground?
Campground is open from the Friday before Memorial Day through the Tuesday after Labor Day, when the access gate closes for winter; spring/fall access is limited by unplowed roads.
What are the rules at River Point Campground?
Quiet hours 10pm-6am (including generators); dogs must be leashed; campfires must be fully extinguished when unattended; food must be stored in a locked vehicle or certified bear-resistant container due to frequent bear activity; day-use hours are 6am-10pm.
What water body is River Point Campground on?
River Point Campground is on Clearwater River, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
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