Recreation on Flathead Lake in Northwest Montana

Big Arm(State Park)  
Camping, a long beach, nature trail, and a yurt rental are all here.
This park is a popular jump-off point to Wild Horse Island,
using the ramp to launch your own boat.
 
Easy Accessibility Easy Accessibility
Region 1 | Glacier Country
Open : Jan 1 — Dec 31
Stay Limit : 7 days
Trailers/RV : Trailer Length 30ft
Elevation : 2953 ft
Nearest Town : Polson
Size : 505 Acres

Camping, a long beach, nature trail, and a yurt rentals are all here. This park is a popular jump-off point to Wild Horse Island, using the ramp to launch your own boat. Camping under a stand of mature ponderosa pine and juniper is a major attraction and the long beach is popular with sunbathers and swimmers. A nature trail provides excellent bird watching opportunities. Please note: There are no ADA accessible campsites at this park. For more information on Flathead Lake State Parks, read Water, Water Everywhere, 2003 Montana Outdoors article.

Big Arm State Park is located on Flathead Lake. Big Arm is one of 12 FWP managed sites on Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake is a tributary of the Flathead River.

Directions

14 miles north of Polson on U.S. 93.   (Lat 47.811,  Lng  -114.312)

Contact Information

If you have questions or comments please send mail to: Big Arm, 490 North Meridian Kalispell, MT  59901 or call (406) 752-5501.

Restrictions & Closures
Pet Restriction
Leash required.
Tribal Fishing License Required
Tribal Fishing License Required
Activities
  • Easy Accessibility
    Boating
  • Difficult Accessibility
    Fishing
  • Difficult Accessibility
    Swimming
  • Easy Accessibility
    Camping
  • Easy Accessibility
    Picnicking
  • Easy Accessibility
    Bicycling
  • Easy Accessibility
    Group Use
  • Hiking - 2.5 mile hiking trail
  • Wildlife Viewing
Boat Services
  • Dock
  • Ramp (unspecified)
Campground
  • Camp Host
  • Group Site
  • Tent/RV Site
  • Most Difficult Accessibility
    Tent/RV Site
  • Yurt - More information about yurt rentals.
Miscellaneous
  • Firewood
  • Public Phone
Picnic Site
  • Fire Ring
  • Grill (Pedestal)
  • Group Use - Sheltered
  • Picnic Table
  • Sheltered
Sanitation/Water
  • Drinking Water
  • Garbage Bins
  • Showers
  • Toilet (Flush)
  • Toilet (Vault)
  • Water (Pressurized)
Trail
  • Hiking Trail
Fees

$5.00 - Day Use(Non-Resident, Vehicle)

$15.00 - State Park Camping
(May 1 - Sep 30)

$40.00 - Tipi/Yurt/Cabin
(May 1 - Sep 30)


Flathead Lake  |   Open Jan 1 — Dec 31  | Easy Accessibility Easy Accessibility

 
 

 

 

Yurt Rental


Yurt at Big Arm State Park.

The Big Arm unit of Flathead Lake State Park cordially invites you to the latest in circular camping comfort, a 20 feet wide, 10 feet tall yurt. The creatively designed sphere, that has been used for centuries by nomadic tribes of Siberia, sleeps up to six people and is furnished with most of the comforts of home. You need only bring bedding, cooking utensils, personal toiletries, a flashlight and a container for water. The domed tent has structural support that is designed to withstand high winds and retain heat in the winter. It has a framed lockable door, window screens and flaps, waterproof canvas covering, reflective insulation and an outdoor wooden deck. Electrical outlets, lights, electric heat and a propane barbecue for outdoor cooking are also provided. Surround yourself with the newest idea for outdoor camping enjoyment… spend a weekend, or a week, in the yurt at Big Arm!

  • Costs

    • $40.00 per night from 5/1 to 9/30
  • Maximum capacity of 6 persons
  • Maximum length of stay is 7 days
  • Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance
  • Two nights stay minimum
  • Check-out time is noon
  • Pets, cooking and smoking are not permitted in the yurt
  • Reserve by calling (406) 751-4577
 
 
  
 
Finley Point(State Park)  
This park is located in a secluded, mature pine forest near the south end of Flathead Lake. Enjoy one of the 16 campsites here with water and electrical hook ups, plus a boat pumpout station. For more information on Flathead Lake State Parks, read Water, Water Everywhere , 2003 Montana Outdoors article.
 

This park is located in a secluded, mature pine forest near the south end of Flathead Lake. Enjoy one of the 16 campsites here with water and electrical hook ups, plus a boat pumpout station.

For more information on Flathead Lake State Parks, read Water, Water Everywhere, 2003 Montana Outdoors article.

Finley Point State Park is located on Flathead Lake. Finley Point is one of 12 FWP managed sites on Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake is a tributary of the Flathead River.

Directions

11 miles north of Polson on Montana 35, then 4 miles west on county road.   (Lat 47.755,  Lng  -114.085)

Contact Information

If you have questions or comments please send mail to: Finley Point, 490 North Meridian Kalispell, MT  59901 or call (406) 887-2715.

Restrictions & Closures
Pet Restriction
Leash required.
Tribal Fishing License Required
Tribal Fishing License Required
Activities
  • Easy Accessibility
    Boating
  • Moderate Accessibility
    Fishing
  • Difficult Accessibility
    Swimming
  • Easy Accessibility
    Camping
  • Easy Accessibility
    Picnicking
  • Easy Accessibility
    Bicycling
Boat Services
  • Dock
  • Hookup
  • Pumpout
  • Ramp (unspecified)
Campground
  • Camp Host
  • Tent/RV Site
Miscellaneous
  • Firewood
Picnic Site
  • Fire Ring
  • Grill (Pedestal)
  • Grill (Ring)
  • Picnic Table
RV/Trailer
  • Hookup (Electric)
Sanitation/Water
  • Drinking Water
  • Garbage Bins
  • Toilet (Flush)
  • Toilet (Vault)
  • Water (Pressurized)
Fees

$4.00 - Boat Mooring
(May 1 - Sep 30)

$5.00 - Day Use(Non-Resident, Vehicle)

$15.00 - State Park Camping
(May 1 - Sep 30)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lake Mary Ronan(State Park)  
Just seven miles west of Flathead Lake off the beaten path and shaded by Douglas-fir and western larch, this park provides a quiet opportunity to pick huckleberries, hunt mushrooms, and spot interesting birds. Trails lead into the surrounding area which abound in wildflowers and wildlife. You can also fish, swim, and camp.

Just seven miles west of Flathead Lake off the beaten path and shaded by Douglas-fir and western larch, this park provides a quiet opportunity to pick huckleberries, hunt mushrooms, and spot interesting birds. Trails lead into the surrounding area which abound in wildflowers and wildlife. You can also fish, swim, and camp.

Lake Mary Ronan State Park is located on Lake Mary Ronan. Lake Mary Ronan State Park is the only FWP managed site on Lake Mary Ronan. Lake Mary Ronan is a tributary of Ronan Creek.

Directions

U.S. 93 at Dayton, then 7 miles northwest.   (Lat 47.927,  Lng  -114.383)

Contact Information

If you have questions or comments please send mail to: Lake Mary Ronan, 490 North Meridian Kalispell, MT  59901 or call (406) 849-5082.

Restrictions & Closures
Pet Restriction
Leash required.
Activities
  • Easy Accessibility
    Boating
  • Moderate Accessibility
    Fishing
  • Difficult Accessibility
    Swimming
  • Easy Accessibility
    Camping
  • Easy Accessibility
    Picnicking
  • Easy Accessibility
    Bicycling
  • Group Use
Boat Services
  • Dock
  • Ramp (unspecified)
Campground
  • Camp Host
  • Group Site
  • Tent/RV Site
Miscellaneous
  • Firewood
Picnic Site
  • Fire Ring
  • Picnic Table
Sanitation/Water
  • Drinking Water
  • Garbage Bins
  • Toilet (Vault)
  • Water (Pressurized)
Fees

$5.00 - Day Use(Non-Resident, Vehicle)

$12.00 - State Park Camping
(May 1 - Sep 30)

$10.00 - State Park Camping(Off Season)
(Oct 1 - Apr 30)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 Wayfarers(State Park)  
 
 
You’ll find this site right outside Bigfork located on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake.

You’ll find this site right outside Bigfork located on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake. Enjoy camping and walking, launch your boat, or use the boat and trailer dump stations within a mature, mixed forest pleasant for both camping and picnicking. Nature walks over the rocky shoreline to the cliffs are popular with excellent views of the lake, as well as, wildflowers which abound from spring to late fall.

For more information on Flathead Lake State Parks, read Water, Water Everywhere, 2003 Montana Outdoors article.

Wayfarers State Park is located on Flathead Lake. Wayfarers is one of 12 FWP managed sites on Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake is a tributary of the Flathead River.

Directions

.5 miles south of Bigfork on Montana 35.   (Lat 48.054,  Lng  -114.081)

Contact Information

If you have questions or comments please send mail to: Wayfarers, 490 North Meridian Kalispell, MT  59901 or call (406) 752-5501.

Restrictions & Closures
Know Before You Go!
A bear has been sited in this area, so remember you are in bear country. Keep all food items and garbage picked up and store in a vehicle or camper. Do not store items in a tent or soft-topped vehicles.
Pet Restriction
Leash required.
Activities
  • Easy Accessibility
    Boating
  • Difficult Accessibility
    Fishing
  • Difficult Accessibility
    Swimming
  • Easy Accessibility
    Camping
  • Easy Accessibility
    Picnicking
  • Easy Accessibility
    Bicycling
  • Easy Accessibility
    Group Use
  • Wildlife Viewing
Boat Services
  • Dock
  • Pumpout
  • Ramp (unspecified)
Campground
  • Camp Host
  • Tent/RV Site
Miscellaneous
  • Firewood
  • Public Phone
Picnic Site
  • Fire Ring
  • Grill (Ring)
  • Group Use - Sheltered
  • Picnic Table
RV/Trailer
  • Dump Station
Sanitation/Water
  • Drinking Water
  • Garbage Bins
  • Showers
  • Toilet (Flush)
  • Toilet (Vault)
  • Water (Pressurized)
Trail
  • Hiking Trail
Fees

$5.00 - Day Use(Non-Resident, Vehicle)

$15.00 - State Park Camping
(May 1 - Sep 30)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
West Shore(State Park)  
Glacially carved rock outcrops rise from Flathead Lake to overlooks with spectacular views of the lakeshore and the Swan and Mission Mountains. Considered the most private park on Flathead Lake, this site is distinguished by a mature fir, pine, and larch forest. The beach is rocky but you can still swim, boat, and camp here. For more information on Flathead Lake State Parks, read Water, Water Everywhere , 2003 Montana Outdoors article.
 

Difficult Accessibility Difficult Accessibility
Region 1 | Glacier Country
Open : Jan 1 — Dec 31
Stay Limit : 7 days
Trailers/RV : Combined Length 30ft
Elevation : 3130 ft
Nearest Town : Lakeside
Size : 129 Acres
Glacially carved rock outcrops rise from Flathead Lake to overlooks with spectacular views of the lakeshore and the Swan and Mission Mountains. Considered the most private park on Flathead Lake, this site is distinguished by a mature fir, pine, and larch forest. The beach is rocky but you can still swim, boat, and camp here.

For more information on Flathead Lake State Parks, read Water, Water Everywhere, 2003 Montana Outdoors article.

West Shore State Park is located on Flathead Lake. West Shore is one of 12 FWP managed sites on Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake is a tributary of the Flathead River.

Directions

20 miles south of Kalispell on U.S. 93.   (Lat 47.951,  Lng  -114.187)

Contact Information

If you have questions or comments please send mail to: West Shore, 490 North Meridian Kalispell, MT  59901 or call (406) 752-5501.

Restrictions & Closures
Know Before You Go!
A bear has been sited in this area, so remember you are in bear country. Keep all food items and garbage picked up and store in a vehicle or camper. Do not store items in a tent or soft-topped vehicles.
Pet Restriction
Leash required.
Activities
  • Easy Accessibility
    Boating
  • Difficult Accessibility
    Fishing
  • Difficult Accessibility
    Swimming
  • Easy Accessibility
    Camping
  • Easy Accessibility
    Picnicking
  • Easy Accessibility
    Bicycling
Boat Services
  • Ramp (Concrete)
Campground
  • Camp Host
  • Tent/RV Site
Miscellaneous
  • Firewood
Picnic Site
  • Fire Ring
  • Picnic Table
Sanitation/Water
  • Drinking Water
  • Garbage Bins
  • Toilet (Vault)
  • Water (Pressurized)
Fees

$5.00 - Day Use(Non-Resident, Vehicle)

$15.00 - State Park Camping
(May 1 - Sep 30)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 |   Open Jan 1 — Dec 31  | Difficult Accessibility Difficult Accessibility
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Wild Horse Island(State Park)  
 
Boat access to this day-use-only, primitive park is regulated to protect the 2,000-acre island.
Flathead Lake  |   Open Jan 1 — Dec 31  | Most Difficult Accessibility Most Difficult Accessibility
 
 
 
 Most Difficult Accessibility Most Difficult Accessibility
Region 1 | Glacier Country
Open : Jan 1 — Dec 31
Trailers/RV : Not Recommended
Elevation : 3392 ft
Nearest Town : Polson
Size : 2164 Acres

Boat access to this day-use-only, primitive park is regulated to protect the 2,000-acre island. The largest island in Flathead Lake, Wild Horse has been a landmark rich with history since the Salish-Kootenai Indians were reported to have used it to pasture horses to keep them from being stolen by other tribes. It preserves an endangered palouse prairie environment, incredible wildlife, and historic resources. Check with park staff on the best ways to reach the island and its trails and views. Private property is found along the perimeter of the island.

For more information on Flathead Lake State Parks, read Water, Water Everywhere, 2003 Montana Outdoors article.

Wild Horse Island State Park is located on Flathead Lake. Wild Horse Island is one of 12 FWP managed sites on Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake is a tributary of the Flathead River.

Directions

Access via boat.   (Lat 47.845,  Lng  -114.218)

Contact Information

If you have questions or comments please send mail to: Wild Horse Island, 490 North Meridian Kalispell, MT  59901 or call (406) 752-5501.

Restrictions & Closures
No Pets.
No pets.
Activities
  • Difficult Accessibility
    Fishing
  • Difficult Accessibility
    Swimming
  • Hiking - 1 mile of hiking trails
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Photography
Sanitation/Water
  • Pack in/Pack out
  • Toilet (Vault) - Composting toilet.
Wildlife Viewing

These locations represent physical occurences (visually confirmed) within the boundries of the site. Many more species may be present in the area which are not listed because we do not have a visually confirmed record.If you would like to report a species sighting, a form is available.

 
 
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yellow Bay(State Park)  
Yellow Bay is in the heart of the famous Montana sweet cherry orchards, blossoms color the hillsides during the spring. The park includes Yellow Bay Creek, four walk-in tent camping spots and a wide, sandy beach for swimming, sunbathing, scuba diving, boating, fishing, and bird watching. For more information on Flathead Lake State Parks, read Water, Water Everywhere , 2003 Montana Outdoors article.
  
Open Jan 1 — Dec 31  | Moderate Accessibility Moderate Accessibility
 
 

 Moderate Accessibility
Region 1 | Glacier Country
Open : Jan 1 — Dec 31
Stay Limit : 7 days
Trailers/RV : Combined Length 30ft
Elevation : 2907 ft
Nearest Town : Bigfork
Size : 15 Acres

Yellow Bay is in the heart of the famous Montana sweet cherry orchards, blossoms color the hillsides during the spring. The park includes Yellow Bay Creek, four walk-in tent camping spots and a wide, sandy beach for swimming, sunbathing, scuba diving, boating, fishing, and bird watching.

For more information on Flathead Lake State Parks, read Water, Water Everywhere, 2003 Montana Outdoors article.

Yellow Bay State Park is located on Flathead Lake. Yellow Bay is one of 12 FWP managed sites on Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake is a tributary of the Flathead River.

Directions

15 miles north of Polson on Montana 35.   (Lat 47.875,  Lng  -114.028)

Contact Information

If you have questions or comments please send mail to: Yellow Bay, 490 North Meridian Kalspell, MT  59901 or call (406) 752-5501.

Restrictions & Closures
Leash Required.
Leash required.
No Wood Fires, Charcoal Only.
No wood fires, charcoal only.
Activities
  • Easy Accessibility
    Boating
  • Difficult Accessibility
    Fishing
  • Difficult Accessibility
    Swimming
  • Easy Accessibility
    Camping
  • Easy Accessibility
    Picnicking
  • Easy Accessibility
    Bicycling
  • Easy Accessibility
    Group Use
  • Wildlife Viewing
Boat Services
  • Dock
  • Marina
  • Ramp (unspecified)
Campground
  • Camp Host
  • Campsite
  • Tent Site
Picnic Site
  • Fire Ring
  • Grill (Pedestal)
  • Picnic Table
  • Sheltered
Sanitation/Water
  • Drinking Water
  • Garbage Bins
  • Toilet (Flush)
  • Toilet (Vault)
  • Water (Pressurized)
Fees

$5.00 - Day Use(Non-Resident, Vehicle)

$15.00 - State Park Camping
(May 1 - Sep 30)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Flathead Lake Resorts

Flathead Lake Real Estate

Flathead Lake Boat Rentals

Flathead Lake Northwest Montana

Polson Real Estate

Bigfork Real Estate

Flathead Lake Vacation Rentals