Skip to main content
Go to search page
Alt image text here

Lake Elmo State Park

Bring your family and friends to swim, boat, paddleboard, fish, picnic, birdwatch or stroll around the lake at this popular urban park.

About the Park

This 64-acre Reservoir inside the city limits of Billings is a great place to swim, boat, paddleboard, fish, picnic, birdwatch or stroll on the 1.4 mile hiking/nature trail.

You can stretch your legs on a walk around the lake or stop by the south shore to fish from Roger's Pier.

Non-motorized boating only is allowed. Alcohol is prohibited in the park.

There is a playground, two shelters - one shelter is reservable for social events.

A special feature of Lake Elmo is its Dog Park. The 200-square-foot fenced in area includes a water area and is located on the west side of the lake. Each visitor is allowed a maximum of two dogs in this special area. Dogs must be 4 months or older. Dogs must be on a leash in all other areas of Lake Elmo State Park.

The park is 123 acres in size and at an elevation of 3,199 feet.

Action Trackchair

Action Trackchair all-terrain wheelchair available for reservation

FWP is enhancing the inclusive and welcoming environment for all at Lake Elmo with the new Action Trackchair, an all-terrain wheelchair designed to empower individuals of all abilities to explore the state park. This all-terrain wheelchair is available free of charge for the public to use.

FWP acquired the Action Trackchair thanks to support from the Montana State Parks Foundation, the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation’s Quality of Life Grants Program, and Hydro Flask’s Parks for All Grant Program.

How to reserve the Action Trackchair: Call the Lake Elmo State Park manager at (406) 422-2277 or the R5 Headquarters front desk (406) 247-2940 for a reservation.

Who can reserve the Action Trackchair? Anyone with a disability that limits them from using the primary Lake Elmo trail system. Users need to be accompanied by a non-disabled person when using the chair.

Where can someone use the Action Trackchair? Currently, the Action Trackchair can only be used on the primary Lake Elmo trail system and the ADA accessible fishing pier. 

Activities

  • Beach
  • Bird Watching
  • Boating
  • Canoeing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Ice Fishing
  • Ice Skating
  • Kayaking
  • Lake Fishing
  • Nature
  • Outdoor Activity
  • Paddleboarding (SUP)
  • Picnicking
  • Running
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Wind Surfing

Amenities

Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.

  • Action Trackchair (reservations required)
  • ADA Accessible
  • Boat Launch
  • Fishing Pier
  • Maps
  • Pets Allowed
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Playground
  • Public Restroom
  • Shower
  • Toilets (Flush)
  • Toilets (Vault)
  • Water

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.


Park
Day Use Only - no camping
Open daily all year
5am - 10pm
 
Potable water
DATES

Park Rules

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.

Volunteer

Contact the park manager for open volunteer positions at Lake Elmo State Park.

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

 

* 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.

Contact Information

Mailing Address:
Lake Elmo State Park
2300 Lake Elmo Drive
Billings, MT 59105

Phone: 406-422-2277
Email: emily.tyler@mt.gov

Recreate Responsibly

Tips to stay safe while getting outdoors

To keep our state parks safe and accessible to all, make sure you know before you go, practice physical distancing, plan ahead, play it safe, explore locally, leave no trace, respect wildlife, and do your part to build an inclusive outdoors. 

Visit the Recreate Responsibly page for more information 

Lake Elmo State Park

Address

2300 Lake Elmo Drive
Billings, MT 59105
Latitude/Longitude:
(45.83900 / -108.47700)

Find a Park >
Park map

View the park map to learn more about amenities, parking and camping details

View Park Map 
Park fees

Learn about fees and regulations for all Montana State Parks

View Fees >

Meet The Park Manager

Emily Tyler

Emily Tyler oversees Lake Elmo State Park and several FAS sites along the Yellowstone River. She previously served as the park ranger at Chief Plenty Coups State Park for six years before her promotion to park manager. She has a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources and Rangeland Management from Montana State University, is an experienced interpreter, and enjoys teaching others a love for the outdoors.  

CONTACT INFO
Mailing Address:
Lake Elmo State Park
2300 Lake Elmo Drive
Billings, MT 59105

Phone: 406-247-2955
Email: Emily.Tyler@mt.gov

Photo of Park Manager Emily Tyler