Holland Lake, Montana: Complete Visitor’s Guide

Holland Lake is a pristine 413-acre mountain lake in Swan Valley, Montana, offering crystal-clear water, stunning Mission Mountain views, and endless outdoor recreation. Whether you’re planning a camping trip, day visit, or water activities, this complete guide covers everything you need to know about Holland Lake.

Holland Lake at a Glance

Location: 7 miles south of Condon, Montana on Highway 83
Size: 413-416 acres
Elevation: 4,050 feet
Maximum Depth: Varies by season
Managed By: Flathead National Forest
Best For: Camping, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing

Getting to Holland Lake

From Highway 83, turn east on Holland Lake Road (Forest Road #44) near mile marker 35. Follow this paved road for 3.5 miles to reach Holland Lake.

The road ends at the day use area and campground. Cell service is extremely limited to non-existent at Holland Lake, so download maps and directions before leaving town.

Distances:

• 7 miles from Condon, Montana
• 20 miles north of Seeley Lake, Montana
• 90 minutes from Glacier National Park’s west entrance
• 60 miles from Missoula

Holland Lake Day Use Area

The day use area provides excellent lake access without camping. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Facilities Include:

• Public swimming beach with gravel shoreline
• Picnic tables and grills near the water
• Vault toilets (clean and well-maintained)
• Boat launch with trailer parking
• Parking areas (can fill quickly on summer weekends)

Day Use Fee: $6 per vehicle or $50 annual pass

Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid weekend crowds. The beach area gets busy on summer weekends, especially July and August.

Swimming at Holland Lake

Holland Lake’s clear, cold water provides refreshing summer swimming with spectacular mountain views.

Beach Details:

• Gravel beach (not sand)
• Gradual entry into water
• Safe for families with children
• Stunning views of the Mission Mountains
• Shaded picnic areas nearby

Water Temperature: Typically 60-70°F in summer (July-August). Early season (June) and late season (September) water is much colder.

Swimming Tips:

• Water shoes recommended for gravel bottom
• Bring towels and sun protection
• Lifeguards are NOT on duty—swim at your own risk
• Watch children carefully, especially near deeper water

Boating at Holland Lake

Holland Lake is popular for motorboating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and water skiing.

Boat Launch

A public boat launch with trailer parking is available at the day use area. The ramp can accommodate boats and trailers of various sizes.

Launch Details:

• Dawn to dusk access
• Trailer parking available
• Can get crowded on summer weekends
• Arrive early on busy days

Boat Rentals

Paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are available for rent:

• $10 per hour
• $25 for 4 hours
• $40 for 8 hours

Check with Holland Lake Lodge or local outfitters for current rental availability.

Boating Regulations

All Montana boating regulations apply at Holland Lake:

• All motorboats and sailboats 12+ feet must be registered
• Personal flotation devices (PFDs) required for all passengers
• Children under 12 must wear PFDs when boat is in motion
• No-wake zones within 200 feet of shoreline
• Be courteous to other boaters, swimmers, and wildlife

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention: Clean, drain, and dry all watercraft before launching. Montana takes AIS prevention seriously to protect pristine waters.

Fishing at Holland Lake

Holland Lake offers excellent fishing in a spectacular setting, though pressure is relatively light compared to other regional lakes.

Fish Species

Regularly Stocked:

• Kokanee salmon
• Westslope cutthroat trout

Also Present:

• Rainbow trout (most common catch)
• Bull trout (catch and release only)
• Yellow perch
• Mountain whitefish
• Pygmy whitefish

Fishing Regulations

A valid Montana fishing license is required for anyone 12 and older. Standard Montana fishing regulations apply.

Important: Bull trout are protected—catch and release only with special handling requirements. Check current Montana fishing regulations for:

• Daily bag limits
• Size restrictions
• Seasonal closures
• Special regulations

Best Fishing Areas

Shore fishing is difficult due to private property around much of the lake. Boat fishing is most effective, with the best action found:

• Along the shoreline
• Early morning and evening hours
• Near creek inlets
• Drop-offs and structure areas

Holland Lake Campground

Holland Lake Campground offers 38 individual campsites in two loops (Bay Loop and Larch Loop), plus one group site.

Reservations & Availability

Reservable Sites: 24 sites available through Recreation.gov
First-Come, First-Served: 14 walk-up sites
Booking Window: Reserve up to 6 months in advance
Peak Season: Mid-June through Labor Day (book early!)

Phone: (406) 210-8199 for facility information

Campsite Details

Each site includes:

• Picnic table
• Fire ring with grill
• Parking area (gravel, dirt, or grass)
• Some sites have lake views

RV Information:

• Sites accommodate RVs up to 48 feet
• NO electrical hookups
• NO sewer hookups
• Dump station within 1/4 mile
• Generator hours: Daytime only (be considerate)

Campground Facilities

Restrooms: Vault toilets (well-maintained, no flush toilets)
Water: Drinking water available at spigots throughout campground
Trash: Provided by concessionaire for campers
Host: Campground host on-site during summer season
Firewood: Sometimes available for purchase from host

Camping Fees & Rules

Individual Sites: $22 per night
Extra Vehicle: $5 per vehicle
Group Site: $200-350 depending on size
Maximum Stay: 16 consecutive nights

Check-In: 2:00 PM
Check-Out: 11:00 AM

Loop Information

Bay Loop:

• Sites at lake level
• Easier lake access
• Some lakefront sites available
• More popular (books faster)

Larch Loop:

• Sites above lake level
• Short walk down to water
• More private/wooded
• Slightly quieter

Hiking from Holland Lake

Holland Lake serves as a major trailhead for multiple hiking options.

Holland Lake Falls Trail

The most popular hike—an easy 3.1-mile round trip to a stunning 40-foot waterfall. Read our complete Holland Lake Falls Trail Guide.

Upper Holland Lake Trail

A strenuous 16-mile round trip to an alpine backcountry lake with camping. See our Upper Holland Lake Trail Guide.

Bob Marshall Wilderness Access

Holland Lake is a gateway trailhead for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Multiple trails lead deep into this 1+ million acre wilderness area.

Holland Lake Lodge

Holland Lake Lodge is a historic mountain resort offering:

• Restaurant and bar
• Cabin rentals
• Day use for non-guests
• Special events and dining

The lodge operates seasonally. Visit their website or call ahead for current hours and availability.

Wildlife at Holland Lake

The area is home to diverse wildlife including:

• Grizzly bears (common—carry bear spray!)
• Black bears
• Moose
• Elk
• White-tailed deer
• Bald eagles
• Osprey
• Various songbirds

Safety: Practice proper food storage, keep a clean campsite, and make noise while hiking. Never approach or feed wildlife.

Best Time to Visit Holland Lake

Late May – Early June: Campground opens, water is cold, fewer crowds, spring wildflowers

Mid-June – August: Peak season with warmest water, best weather, most crowds (book campsites early!)

September – Early October: Fewer people, cooler weather, golden larch trees, possible early snow

Late October – April: Road may be gated, winter access only

What to Bring

For Day Visits:

• Swimsuit and towels
• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
• Water and snacks
• Picnic supplies
• Camera
• Water shoes for gravel beach
• Life jackets if boating
• Fishing gear and license

For Camping:

• Camping gear (tent, sleeping bags, etc.)
• Cooking supplies
• Extra clothes and layers
• Flashlight/headlamp
• First aid kit
• Cash (no credit cards at some facilities)
• Firewood (don’t transport from afar—buy locally)
• Bear spray
• Bug spray (mosquitoes can be heavy)

Rules & Regulations

• Pack out all trash
• No glass containers on beach
• Dogs must be leashed
• Respect quiet hours (10 PM – 6 AM)
• No fireworks
• Certified weed-free hay only for horses
• Follow all posted signage

Stay Nearby at Swan River Lodge

Swan River Lodge is located just 5 minutes from Holland Lake, offering comfortable vacation rental accommodations with full kitchen, WiFi, and private setting on 10 acres.

Perfect for:

• Families planning multiple days at Holland Lake
• Fishing enthusiasts
• Hikers exploring Bob Marshall Wilderness
• Anyone seeking Swan Valley adventure

Book direct and save 15% compared to Airbnb fees: swanvalleystay.com

Nearby Attractions

• Mission Mountain Mercantile (general store, 15 minutes)
• Condon (small town with basic services, 7 miles)
• Seeley Lake (larger town, 20 miles south)
• Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex
• Hungry Bear Restaurant (seasonal)

Tips for Your Visit

1. Arrive Early: Parking fills quickly on summer weekends
2. Book Campsites Far in Advance: Popular sites book up 6 months out
3. Bring Cash: Not all facilities accept cards
4. Download Maps: Cell service is nonexistent
5. Check Weather: Mountain weather changes quickly
6. Respect Wildlife: This is bear country—be prepared
7. Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in

Holland Lake offers a perfect blend of accessible recreation and wilderness beauty. Whether you’re camping for a week, spending a day swimming, or using it as a trailhead for backcountry adventure, Holland Lake is one of Swan Valley’s crown jewels.