Ackley Lake State Park in Montana, USA - map and visitor information

Ackley Lake State Park near Hobson, Montana, centers on fishing, boating, and a rustic lakeside stay. The Little Belt and Snowy Mountains frame the surrounding agricultural country. Bring your own drinking water and plan for a campsite assigned on arrival rather than an advance reservation.

Highlights at Ackley Lake

• Fish a lake stocked with rainbow trout and tiger muskie.
• Launch a boat or spend a day beside the water.
• Choose a simple overnight stop with mountain views and limited services.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Safety information

Wear a properly fitted life jacket when boating and leave adequate space around other craft. Montana FWP warns that cold-water immersion remains a serious hazard. Check the conditions and your boat’s carrying limits before launching; see the official boating safety guidance.

Visit responsibly

Pack out your trash and prevent the transfer of aquatic invasive species on boats and equipment. The official park entry links to Montana’s prevention guidance. Keep the lakeshore and shared camping areas usable for other visitors.

Reservations and permits

Ackley Lake’s rustic campsites are first-come, first-served. An online listing for another Montana campground does not reserve a place here. Check the state fee information and ask staff which nightly rate applies to your dates and residency status.

Maps, location, and access

Navigate to 989 Ackley Lake Road, Hobson, MT 59452. Montana’s tourism directions approach Hobson from US 87, then follow Secondary 400 south and a county road to the park. Use the map linked from the official park entry to orient yourself on arrival rather than treating a general lake marker as a boat launch.

Nearby parks

• Sluice Boxes State Park is a regional onward option near Belt, with its entrance at 38 Evans Riceville Road. Check its rockslide advisory before planning a trail or creek outing.
• Giant Springs State Park is another option when continuing toward Great Falls, at 4803 Giant Springs Road. It is a day-use park.

Things to do

• Fishing: Rainbow trout and tiger muskie are identified in the FWP stocking description. Confirm fishing rules for the water and your intended method before casting.
• Boating: The park has two boat launches. Check lake conditions and seasonal dock availability rather than assuming the shoreline setup remains the same throughout the year.
• Shore time: Picnicking, birdwatching, and photography offer alternatives to launching a boat.

Facilities and accessibility

Expect vault toilets, picnic shelters, fire rings, and rustic camping. There is no potable water, electrical service, or dump service at the campsites. Carry enough drinking water for the stay.

About this park

History

The official park entry connects the surrounding landscape with artist Charles M. Russell.

Wildlife and habitat

Birdwatching and wildlife observation are listed activities. Watch from established visitor routes.

Contact

The park’s listed management contact is 406-788-3057. Its mailing address is care of FWP Region 4 Headquarters, 4600 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT 59405. Use the Hobson address for travel to the lake.