ACKLEY LAKE STATE PARK
Ackley Lake, named after an early settler and frontiersman, offers diverse water sports opportunities. Stocked with rainbow trout, the lake is often good angling for 10 to 15 inch fish. The elevation of the park is 4,336 feet and is 160 acres in size. This park has been designated as 'Primitive' so there are no fees to use the site. There are 23 sites with vault toilets, picnic tables, grills/firerings, group use area, drinking water 5/1 - 9/30 and pets are allowed, but must be on leash. The maximum length of stay is 14 days during a 30 day period. There is a golf course and museum located nearby in Lewistown. This park is pack-in/pack-out.
Ackley Lake, located in central Montana near the Little Belt Mountains, was created by damming up Dog Creek in 1938. The Bureau of Reclamation oversaw its construction for irrigation storage purposes. Prior to becoming a recreational site, the surrounding land primarily served agricultural uses with grazing and crop production being predominant.
Ownership transitioned from federal hands when it became part of Montana's state parks system under a long-term lease agreement. Managed by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), it officially opened as a recreation area for public use.
The park features historical aspects such as remnants from homesteading days and early agricultural practices within Central Montana's rural landscape. It also offers views related to Lewis and Clark history; their expedition passed through this region more than two centuries ago.
In recent years before 2023, there were discussions about FWP potentially not renewing their lease due to budget constraints which put future management into question but local support has been strong for maintaining its status as an accessible outdoor space.
1. Ackley Lake Campground: Offers 26 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis around the perimeter of Ackley Lake.
2. Group Use Area: A designated area for larger groups with prior arrangement required.
3. Primitive Camping Sites: Multiple spots for tent camping without developed facilities are located throughout the park.
4. RV Camping Spots: Several sites can accommodate RVs but do not offer hookups; these are also on a first-come, first-served basis.
1. Ackley Lake State Park in Montana offers a variety of swimming options for visitors.
2. The park features a large, 160-acre lake perfect for cooling off during hot summer days.
3. Visitors can swim anywhere within the designated areas marked by buoys on the water surface.
4. Lifeguards are not present at this location; hence swimmers should exercise caution and supervise children closely while swimming.
5. Swimming is allowed from sunrise to sunset throughout the year depending upon weather conditions and temperatures.
6. The clear waters offer good visibility making it an ideal spot even for beginner swimmers.
7. Besides free-swimming, you may also bring floatation devices or inflatables to enjoy time on water safely.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake, providing opportunities for water skiing, wakeboarding or simply cruising around. There is also an accessible boat ramp available to launch your vessel into the 160-acre reservoir easily. However, it's important to note that there aren't any rental services provided within the park itself; thus guests need to bring their own equipment.
Enjoy fishing in a picturesque lake setting, home to rainbow trout and tiger muskies. Boating is also permitted here.
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