Tally Lake Montana
Tally Lake offers stunning natural beauty with camping, a day-use beach, and nature trails. A popular spot for outdoor recreation in Montana.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Tally Lake Montana
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tally Lake offers stunning natural beauty with camping, a day-use beach, and nature trails. A popular spot for outdoor recreation in Montana.
"One of the most beautiful places I've ever camped, and may be top of the list."
🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road
The road to Tally Lake is long and dirt. Go slow, watch for potholes, and be mindful of dust. :car:
🏕️ Arrive Early for Campsites
Campsites fill up fast! Aim to arrive early, especially on weekends, or have a backup plan. :tent:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tally Lake Beach
Day Use Area
A beautiful spot for picnics, swimming, and enjoying the clear waters of Tally Lake. Perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
Nature Trail
Day Use Area
Explore the scenic nature trail for a peaceful walk amidst the Montana wilderness. Enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the lake.
Gravel Pit Shooting Spot
Tally Lake Rd & Mountain Meadows Rd
A popular public spot for shooting clays. Remember to pack out all your trash and leave no trace.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Tally Lake Road
Campsite Availability & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Shotgun Shooting
🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road
The road to Tally Lake is long and dirt. Go slow, watch for potholes, and be mindful of dust. :car:
🏕️ Arrive Early for Campsites
Campsites fill up fast! Aim to arrive early, especially on weekends, or have a backup plan. :tent:
🚫 Dog Beach Rules
While Tally Lake is dog-friendly, dogs are NOT allowed at the beach. Be aware of signage. :dog:
🦟 Pack Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially near the water. Bring plenty of repellent to enjoy your visit. :bug:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road
The road to Tally Lake is long and dirt. Go slow, watch for potholes, and be mindful of dust. :car:
🏕️ Arrive Early for Campsites
Campsites fill up fast! Aim to arrive early, especially on weekends, or have a backup plan. :tent:
🚫 Dog Beach Rules
While Tally Lake is dog-friendly, dogs are NOT allowed at the beach. Be aware of signage. :dog:
🦟 Pack Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially near the water. Bring plenty of repellent to enjoy your visit. :bug:
🗑️ Pack It In, Pack It Out
For shooting spots like the gravel pit, always pack out your trash and any extra litter you find. :wastebasket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tally Lake is a beautiful spot with clean facilities and a dog-friendly atmosphere, though dogs are restricted from the beach. Visitors praise the natural beauty and camping experience, but warn about the long dirt road and the potential for campsites to fill up quickly. Mosquitoes can also be a concern during warmer months.
"Lovely place. You do have to pay a park fee, even for day use. We didn’t camp but we plan to go back. We went down to the day use area and had a picnic and walked along the nature trail. Bathrooms are clean too. Lots of mosquitoes though, be warned. Also a very long dirt road to get back there. Go slow and watch out. Worth it though."
Dallas H
"dog friendly, and one of the most beautiful places i’ve ever camped, and may be top of the list. I highly recommend you camp here."
Daxton Frogley
"Awesome place to camp and dog friendly 😀"
Julie Bales
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tally Lake is accessed via Tally Lake Road, which turns into a long dirt road. Drive cautiously and be prepared for a bumpy ride.
No, the road leading to Tally Lake is primarily a dirt road. It can be rough in places, so slow down and watch your speed.
A standard vehicle can make it, but go slow and be aware of the terrain. An SUV or truck might offer a more comfortable ride.
Public transport is very limited in this rural area. Driving your own vehicle is the most practical way to reach Tally Lake.
Tally Lake is approximately a 40-minute drive from Kalispell, Montana, depending on traffic and road conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a park fee for both day use and camping at Tally Lake. Be prepared to pay upon arrival.
Tally Lake is generally accessible during daylight hours for day use, and campsites are available for overnight stays. Specific hours can vary seasonally.
Information on advance reservations is not widely available, and campsites often fill up on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early is recommended.
The exact day use fee can vary, but it's a standard park entry fee. It's best to have cash on hand or check for current rates.
While the main areas have fees, some unofficial access points might exist, but the designated day use areas offer amenities and are generally preferred.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Tally Lake is generally considered dog-friendly for camping and on trails, but dogs are NOT allowed at the beach area.
Yes, clean bathrooms are available in the day use and campground areas.
Activities include picnicking, swimming (without dogs), walking nature trails, boating, and fishing. There's also a popular spot for shooting clays.
Tally Lake can get quite crowded, especially during the summer months and on weekends, as it's a popular spot for locals and visitors.
Camping sites offer amenities and are often described as beautiful, though they can be crowded. It's a popular spot for those seeking a natural camping experience.
🎫 🦟 Wildlife & Nature
Yes, mosquitoes can be a significant issue at Tally Lake, particularly near the water. Be sure to bring effective insect repellent.
As with many Montana natural areas, you might encounter local wildlife. Always maintain a safe distance and store food properly.
The nature trail is generally considered easy to moderate, suitable for most visitors looking for a pleasant walk in nature.
The water at Tally Lake is typically clear and refreshing, making it a pleasant place for swimming and other water activities.
Standard precautions for outdoor areas apply, including being aware of your surroundings, staying on marked trails, and being prepared for changing weather conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When camping, be aware that sites can fill up quickly, so an early arrival is recommended to secure a spot for your family. The campground is generally dog-friendly, which is a bonus for families traveling with pets, but always double-check specific rules regarding pets in different areas of the campground and park.
🐶 Dog Owners
🎯 Shooting Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Tally Lake Road
Be prepared for dust, especially during drier periods. If you're visiting during peak season, you might encounter other vehicles, so maintaining a safe speed and being courteous is key. The length of the dirt road means it's important to have a full tank of gas before you head out, as services are limited once you're on the way.
Camping and Day Use at Tally Lake
The day-use area provides access to a beach, picnic spots, and a nature trail, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy the lake for a few hours.
Recreational Shooting at Tally Lake
It's crucial to practice responsible firearm use and adhere to Leave No Trace principles. Visitors are strongly encouraged to pack out all their trash, and some even suggest bringing extra bags to clean up any litter left by others.
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