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Flathead Lake Islands

State Parks > Flathead Lake Flathead Lake Islands

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks manages five islands on Flathead Lake. Different rules and regulations apply depending on the site, and information is listed below.

For more information on FWP's Flathead Lake sites, contact the Flathead Lake State Park Ranger Station at 406-837-3041.

Wild Horse Island State Park

Wild Horse Island is the largest island on Flathead Lake and includes a 2,160-acre state park. Enjoy hiking on over 3 miles of trails throughout the island with vistas of Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • State park page
  • Map (PDF)
  • Day use only, camping prohibited.
  • Pets are not allowed on the island.
  • Non-residents must pay $4 per person at a self-serve fee station. Cash or check only.
  • Groups over 15 people must obtain a special-use permit.
  • Visitors must secure their own transport to the island. FWP does not provide rides or charters.
  • No visitor is allowed to approach within 100 ft of any wildlife including the horses.
  • There are six landing sites on the island, none of which have a dock. Any docks on the island are private property.

Cedar Island

Cedar Island is located offshore from Rollins and is covered in a thick Douglas fir and juniper forest.

  • Map (PDF)

  • Camping only in designated sites.

  • Six campsites are available on a first-come, first served basis.

  • Camping limited to 3 days in a 14-day period.

  • Maximum occupancy of 4 people per campsite.

  • Camping fees are $12/night for Montana residents, $6/night for Montana resident seniors, and $20/night for nonresidents. Pay at self-serve fee station on site. Cash or check only.

  • Fires are prohibited. Camp stoves with shutoff valve are allowed.

  • Pets must be on leash at all times.

  • This is a pack it in, pack it out site. There are no trash cans available.

  • Please use the latrine on the island. Follow trail to center of island.

  • Entering any historic structures on the island is prohibited.

  • Bears have been documented on the island. Food must be stored in IGBC-approved containers.

  • Conservation license required to access this site.

Bird Island

Bird Island is located off the east shore near Finley Point. It caught fire in 2020 and the burn helped rejuvenate the forest understory on the island and improved bird habitat.

  • Map (PDF)

  • Closed to all use from March 1 – July 15 to conserve bird nesting.

  • Camping only in designated sites.

  • Three campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Camping limited to 3 days in a 14-day period.

  • Maximum occupancy of 4 people per campsite.

  • Camping fees are $12/night for Montana residents, $6/ night for Montana resident seniors, and $20/night for nonresidents. Pay at self-serve fee station on site. Cash or check only.

  • Fires are prohibited. Camp stoves with shutoff valve are allowed.

  • Pets must be on leash at all times.

  • This is a pack it in, pack it out site. There are no trash cans available.

  • Please use the latrine on the island.

  • Bears have been recorded on the island. Food must be stored in IGBC-approved containers.

  • Conservation license required to access this site.

Douglas Island

Douglas Island is a small island located off the shore from the West Shore Unit of Flathead Lake State Park.

  • Map (PDF)

  • Closed to all use from March 1 – July 15 to conserve bird nesting.

  • Day-use only. Camping prohibited.

  • Pets must be on leash at all times.

  • Fires and the use of camp stoves are prohibited.

  • This is a pack it in, pack it out site. There are no trash cans
    available.

  • Conservation license required to access this site.

Goose Island

Goose Island is a small island located off the shore from the West Shore Unit of Flathead Lake State Park.

  • Map (PDF)

  • Closed to all use from March 1 – July 15 to conserve bird nesting.

  • Day-use only. Camping prohibited.

  • Pets must be on leash at all times.

  • Fires and the use of camp stoves are prohibited.

  • This is a pack it in, pack it out site. There are no trash cans available.

  • Conservation license required to access this site.