About SOUTH DICKEY LAKE
Overview South Dickey Lake is a popular day use group picnic area on the shores of beautiful Dickey Lake. It provides access to a grassy swimming beach. There are 5 day use sites, but only one site can be reserved. All other sites are first come-first serve. Recreation The lake provides ample opportunity for boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing. Anglers can expect a catch of kokanee salmon, kamloop and rainbow trout. A grassy lawn gently slopes down to the lake.Facilities The reservable group picnic area can accommodate up to 50 people and is equipped with two tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and potable drinking water are also provided. The swimming beach is available for use, but is open to the public as well. This site is a day use area, open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Overnight camping is not allowed. Visitors who wish to stay overnight can make reservations at North Dickey Lake Campground. Natural Features The facility is located in northwestern Montana, next to 800-acre Dickey Lake. Larch and fir trees surround the lake and dot the landscape at the picnic area. It is situated at an elevation of about 3,100 feet. In the spring and early summer, the sound of the loon can often be heard from the beach. Nearby Attractions The facility is 20 miles from the United States-Canadian border, and 65 miles from the entrance to Glacier National Park.
How to Get There
From Eureka travel South on Hwy 93 for approximately 20 miles. Take a left on Lake Shore road 3788 and follow for 2 miles to the day use site.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SOUTH DICKEY LAKE
Heading to SOUTH DICKEY LAKE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SOUTH DICKEY LAKE?
No central reservation system listed for SOUTH DICKEY LAKE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234464) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SOUTH DICKEY LAKE?
From Eureka travel South on Hwy 93 for approximately 20 miles. Take a left on Lake Shore road 3788 and follow for 2 miles to the day use site.
How do I contact SOUTH DICKEY LAKE?
You can reach the park at phone: 406-296-2536.
References & Official Resources
