See the beautiful mountain views and rich agricultural land that inspired legendary Western artist, Charlie Russell, a hundred years ago.
About the Park
Ackley Lake is nestled right in the heart of Montana's Big Sky Country. One glimpse and you'll easily understand how the beautiful views of the surrounding Little Belt and Snowy Mountains and rich agricultural land captured the heart of the legendary Western artist, Charlie Russell, a hundred years ago.
Today, the diverse recreation opportunities at this 290-acre park include fishing, boating, swimming, birdwatching, picnicking, and camping. Stocked with rainbow trout and tiger muskie, the lake often provides good angling. Ackley Lake has 26 first-come first-served, rustic (no electricity, water or dump services) campsites and two boat launches.
On a warm summer day, enjoy the cool waters of Ackley Lake on Montana's open plains!
Alerts & Closures
Restrictions and Closures
See a current list of Restrictions and Closures on State Parks and other FWP lands that may be affected by floods, fire, drought or major maintenance activities.
Activities
Bird Watching
Boating
Camping
Fishing
Ice Fishing
Lake Fishing
Photography
Picnicking
RV Camping
Swimming
Tent Camping
Water Skiing
Wildlife Viewing
Amenities
Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.
Boat Launch
Campsite
Dock
Established Fire Pits
Grills/Fire Rings
Pets Allowed
Picnic Shelter
Pack-in/Pack-out
Toilets (Vault)
Seasons & Hours
Hours listed below are normal operating hours and may not apply when there is a special restriction or closure. Check Alerts and Closures in the tab below.
For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page.
Fees
Montana Residents
Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don't include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.
Nonresidents
Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free
Campsite Fees
Campsite fees range from $4-$34 per night, depending on season and available amenities.
Ackley Lake has 26 first-come first-served, rustic (no electricity, water or dump services) campsites.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Ackley Lake State Park
c/o FWP Region 4 Headquarters
4600 Giant Springs Rd
Great Falls, MT 59405
AIS can be easily spread from one waterbody to the other. Anglers, boaters, construction workers, pond owners, gardeners, seaplane pilots, field workers - virtually anyone who works or plays in or around water can unknowingly transport these pests on their boats and equipment. It takes only one mistake to potentially infest a new water body.
Steffen Janikula is the manager of Ackley Lake and Giant Springs state parks. Steffen attended college at Jamestown College, in Jamestown North Dakota as well as at the University of Montana. Steffen brings over 18 years of experience from the City of Great Falls where he worked in Parks and Recreation, Forestry, Natural Resources, and the Trails Division. Steffen spent the last 7+ years as the City of Great Falls’ Trails Coordinator where he helped establish the Trails Division and oversaw a significant portion of the Rivers Edge Trail System.
CONTACT INFO Mailing Address:
FWP Region 4 Headquarters
4600 Giant Springs Rd
Great Falls, MT 59405
