Flathead Lake is the largest natural body of freshwater (by surface area) in the western U.S. and is also one of the cleanest lakes in the world. Flathead Lake State Park (FHLSP) has five mainland units circling the lake’s 191 square miles and covering 160 miles of shoreline. The distribution of park units around the lake gives each site a unique feel and view of the valley and surrounding mountains. The Wild Horse Island unit is the largest of several islands on Flathead Lake at 2,160 acres.
FHLSP provides a total of 140 campsites and an abundance of recreational opportunities. Swimming, hiking, wildlife watching, boating, and fishing are popular. For more information about each unit of the park, visit their webpages linked above.
Big Arm
The Big Arm park unit is located 15 miles north of Polson on U.S. Highway 93 on Big Arm Bay along the west side of Flathead Lake. The park offers views of the Swan and Mission mountain ranges, as well as Wild Horse Island. The site offers camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities, as well as a newly developed archery range.
The campground has 41 campsites, including one wheelchair accessible site; one group campsite; and three yurts. The maximum RV/trailer length is 40 feet. Bear resistant storage lockers are available. For more information about camping or specific campsites, visit montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 855-922-6768.
This park is located within the Flathead Reservation and all recreation on tribal land outside of the park requires a tribal recreation permit and is subject to all tribal rules and regulations. A tribal fishing license is required for fishing on the southern half of Flathead Lake and all other waters within the reservation. For more information regarding the Flathead Reservation, visit csktribes.org.
The Finley Point park unit is located 12 miles north of Polson on the southeast shore of Flathead Lake. This park sits in an open ponderosa pine forest.
The campground has 18 RV campsites with electricity, including one wheelchair accessible site; 7 tent-only campsites; 4 boat camping slips with electricity; and 14 boat slips. The maximum RV/trailer length is 40 feet. Bear resistant storage lockers are available. For more information about camping or specific campsites, visit montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 855-922-6768.
This park is located within the Flathead Reservation and all recreation on tribal land outside of the park requires a tribal recreation permit and is subject to all tribal rules and regulations. A tribal fishing license is required for fishing on the southern half of Flathead Lake and all other waters within the reservation. For more information regarding the Flathead Reservation, visit csktribes.org.
The Wayfarers park unit is located near Bigfork on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake. A mature, mixed forest makes this site very pleasant for camping and picnicking. From spring to late fall, the area abounds in wildflowers. The rocky shoreline and cliffs are popular with photographers, hikers, and swimmers.
There are 30 campsites in the park, including a shared hike-bike campsite with 9 tent pads that are convenient for cyclists traveling the nearby Continental Divide route. The campground provides showers and one fully ADA accessible site. The maximum length for RV/trailer units is 40 feet. Bear resistant storage lockers are available. For more information about camping or specific campsites, visit montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 855-922-6768.
The West Shore park unit is located 6 miles south of Lakeside on U.S. Highway 93 along the west side of Flathead Lake. Situated on glacially carved dolomite outcroppings, this park provides views of the Swan and Mission mountain ranges. In addition, the deep water off the shore of this park provides a deep-water boat launch that is typically ice-free throughout the winter months.
At 129 forested acres, West Shore provides hiking trails and an extensive shoreline that is excellent for picnicking and swimming. The campground has 33 campsites, including 7 tent-only sites and one wheelchair accessible site. The maximum length for RV/trailer units is 40 feet. Bear resistant storage lockers are available. For more information about camping or specific campsites, visit montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 855-922-6768.
Sea Me Paddle Kayaking Tours, concessionaire at the West Shore unit of Flathead Lake State Park, offers rental equipment, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats. Open daily from June 15 through Labor Day; hours of operation may vary. Call 406-709-2124 or visit seamepaddle.com.
Wild Horse Island
Wild Horse Island has been a landmark since the Kootenai Indians were reported to have used it to pasture horses to keep them from being stolen by other tribes.
The park unit is noted for its wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, songbirds, waterfowl, bald eagles, and falcons, as well as five wild horses. To protect wildlife viewing opportunities, pets are not permitted on the island. Bears do frequent the island. Please store food properly on your boat or carry with you; there are no food storage lockers on the island.
Rare and endangered plant species have also been found on its Palouse Prairie grasslands. The island's scenic shoreline is a favorite of hikers, boaters, swimmers and sailboat enthusiasts.
The Yellow Bay unit is located 14 miles south of Bigfork on the eastern shore of Flathead Lake. The park includes Yellow Bay Creek and a wide, gravelly beach that is a popular location for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking. In addition, the deep water off the shore of this park provides a deep-water boat launch that is typically ice-free throughout the winter months.
The campground has 5 tent campsites that are available on a first come basis. Bear resistant storage lockers are available. For more information about camping or specific sites, call the Flathead Lake Ranger Station at 406-837-3041, ext. 0.
This park is located within the Flathead Reservation and all recreation on tribal land outside of the park requires a tribal recreation permit and is subject to all tribal rules and regulations. A tribal fishing license is required for fishing on the southern half of Flathead Lake, and all other waters within the reservation. For more information regarding the Flathead Reservation, visit csktribes.org
Amy Grout began her career in Montana State Parks in 2004 as an intern at Lone Pine State Park, later becoming the Northwest District Park Ranger. She has a B.A. in Parks and Protected Area Management from Colorado State University at Fort Collins. Speaking about her love of the outdoors, Amy said, “Most of my childhood was spent outside of Anchorage, Alaska and so that is the one place I consider my hometown and where my love for the outdoors really began."
