Crystal Lake Group Campsite

About this campsite

Overview

The Crystal Lake Group Campground is located in the beautiful Big Snowies south of Lewistown, Montana, at 5,700 feet. Home to the Crystal Lake recreation area, visitors enjoy hiking and fishing in the Snowies.

Recreation

The lake provides opportunities for swimming, fishing and canoeing. The various trails that stem from the Crystal Lake complex provide excellent views and interesting photo opportunities. One trail displays old hieroglyphs in a cave allowing visitors a glimpse of the past.

Facilities

Water is available via a spring faucet and is just down from the camping site. An outhouse is provided next to the parking area for the group site. There is room for parking behind the gate in a parking area or to have two (up to 35’) campers parked there as well. Asphalt walkways and tent pads are present but room in the adjacent meadow can be used for bigger tents. Two large picnic tables are on site and a metal fire ring.

Natural Features

Settled in the basin of Crystal Lake, the group site offers great access to trails and ta short drive or walk to the lake. Some trees are around the campsite but may not offer much shade.

Nearby Attractions

Ice Caves Trail, Cascade Trails and the lake are all located in the complex.

Location

CRYSTAL LAKE GROUP CAMPSITE•MT

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

SAT🌧️

12° / 7°

💧 62%

SUN☁️

14° / 7°

💧 38%

MON☀️

19° / 8°

💧 13%

TUE☁️

21° / 11°

💧 1%

WED☀️

23° / 13°

💧 3%

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

500m away

CRYSTAL LAKE CABIN

Overview Crystal Lake Cabin provides sweeping views of Crystal Lake in the heart of the Big Snowy Mountains of Central Montana. Located about 20 miles south of Lewistown, the cabin adjoins Crystal Lake Campground, providing conveniences like a picnic area and boat ramp for non-motorized boats. Recreation opportunities abound, including floating, fishing, canoeing and hiking. Access from December 1 through June 15 is by snowshoe, snowmobile, cross country skiing or hiking for 6 miles. Recreation The Ice Caves Trail leads hikers to the ridgetop of the Big Snowy Mountains, where it intersects with the Crystal Cascades Trail Bypass. The Lake Loop Trail trailhead, located at the north end of the Crystal Lake Campground, takes hikers to Grand View Trail Junction and additional ridgetop views. Both the Ice Caves Trail and Grand View Trail may be impacted by winter snow as late as the first part of July. The lake freezes over and ice fishing is possible if the ice is thin enough for fish to survive. In summer months, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout. Kayaking and canoeing is popular. Facilities The one-room rustic cabin, accommodates up to six guests. Beds with mattresses, a cooking stove and a wood stove for heat is included. The firewood supplied is limited and only for use in the wood stove and guests are asked to restock the wood box in the cabin prior to departure. DO NOT USE THE SUPPLIED FIREWOOD FOR OUTSIDE FIRES . A vault toilet is located outside for year-round use. The cabin is furnished with pots, pans, dishes and utensils. Propane lights are provided but no electricity is available. Guests should plan to bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes. Other items to bring: cleaning supplies, bedding, food, cooler, toilet paper, matches, flashlight, garbage bags and other personal necessities. Guest must clean the cabin/toilet completely, pack out all food and trash upon departure. NO PETS ALLOWED INSIDE CABIN. ( Click here for more cabin details. ) Natural Features The cabin sits near the shores of Crystal Lake. The beautiful lake spans 45 acres at an elevation of 5,700 feet. With a maximum depth of 15 feet, the lake seeps fresh water through a porous limestone bottom. The lake generally freezes in the winter. The Big Snowy Mountains, lush with mixed conifers, rise up from the lake, providing spectacular views. The highest peaks in the mountain range reach 8,600 feet. Nearby Attractions Crystal Lake, Ice Caves

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