Camping in the Beautiful Backcountry: Sureshot Lake, Montana

Is there anything better than camping under the stars with a serene lake next to you? Sureshot Lake in Montana is one of the most beautiful ✨ hidden gems ✨. This lake is nestled into the mountains and Montanans use it as a spot to get away. Spend a weekend camping by the lake ⛺️, paddling on its waters 🛶, or fishing on its shores 🎣. 

My partner and I have been camping around the country for the last 9 months, but this spot blew me away! I went with my friend and her partner who live in Montana. They love to find new camping destinations that are quiet. Besides the occasional ATVer or cow, this place was utterly pristine 😌. Read all about Sureshot Lake including how to find it and what to do there!

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Everything You Need to Know About Sureshot Lake Montana

What is Sureshot Lake?

Sureshot Lake is actually two different freshwater lakes 💦 tucked away in the foothills of Montana. There are two lakes that are connected on recreational roads: Upper and Lower. These lakes are popular spots for locals to spend a nice day fly fishing or swimming in the beautiful waters. Most people don’t know about these lakes, so they are great places to hang and explore. 

Where is it?

Sureshot Lake is in the Southwestern area of Montana 🏔 and the exact coordinates are (45.5442,-111.90036). The closest town to this beautiful area is Ennis, Montana, which is about 20 minutes away. It’s an adorable old town with soda shops, saloons, and coffee spots.

It’s about an hour and a half from the Bozeman area. In order to access this beautiful lake you will need to be able to drive through the rough roads up the mountains there. It’s a fairly remote camping area, which makes it perfect to get out and enjoy the peace and quiet. 

How do I get there?

In order to get to Sureshot Lake, you will want a car that has 4WD and high clearance 🚙. The roads to get to the ridge are rough and hard to navigate. However, once you make it to the top, you’ll realize that the treacherous drive was worth it!

You will want to take MT Route 84 to get to North Creek Meadow Road. Turn onto North Creek Meadow Road and you will follow that for 13.5 miles. As the road continues, it will become unpaved and it will eventually get very rocky. Avoid driving in the ruts and stick to the ridges. Eventually, you will see an area on the left side of the road where you can park your car and walk up the hill to the lake. 

What Can You Do There?

Sureshot is a great place to visit with the whole family during the summer time. There are plenty of outdoor activities that you can do around the water’s edge. You can complete most lakeside activities listed below. Many people visit the Upper portion, but the lower portion of the lake is 〰 much quieter 〰. I recommend starting there and avoiding the crowds. 

Activities to do at Sureshot Lake:

• Kayaking, canoeing, or paddling
• Fishing
• Swimming
• Hiking around the lakes
• ATVing

Camping Packing List

• Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Day Pack
• 2-3 Liters of Water
• Camping Meals
• Storage for Food (Stay Bear aware!)
• Camping Stove
• Fire starter 
• Firewood
• First Aid Kit
• Layers including rain jacket
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Bug Spray
• Hat to block sun
• Bear Spray
• Tent
• Swimsuit
• Hammock
• Paddleboards, kayaks, fishing poles
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat

Things to Know Before You Go

⛺️ You may dispersed camp in the area up to 14 days. There is no charge, but you should find a spot that does not disturb other visitors. 

🚗 In order to get to the lake, you will need a car with high clearance and preferably 4WD. The road is incredibly rough. 

☀️ Weather changes quickly up by this lake. Make sure that you bring things to stay dry and take shelter if you need. 

🐻 Sureshot Lake Montana is bear country, so make sure to stay bear aware and bring bear spray when you camp. Pack all of your food in the proper bear storage, so that you don’t attract these animals. 

🦮 Pets are allowed in this area. There were plenty of dogs hanging around.

🎣 You may fish on both portions of the lake. Make sure that you follow all of the Montana restrictions when you fish. 

🏍You may drive ATVs and off road vehicles in this area. However, make sure to follow the posted signage and be courteous of other visitors. 

🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.