Flathead Lake State Park: Camping, Boating, Hiking, and Hotels (2023)
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Planning on visiting Flathead Lake on your trip to Montana?
Growing up, having a home on Flathead Lake and right near the Flathead Lake State Park units was such an amazing experience. My brother and sister and I spent our summers swimming in the freezing cold water and going tubing behind our family boat. The lake is huge so no matter what you choose to do while you’re there you’re guaranteed to have plenty of space. Just make sure to watch the weather report since storms can pick up fast on a lake that size!
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Everything you need to know for your trip to Flathead Lake State Park: FAQs
Here’s what you need to know for your trip to Flathead Lake in Montana!
Map of Flathead Lake State Park
Where is Flathead Lake?
One of the most beautiful and cleanest lakes in Western Montana, Flathead Lake is known as the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Flathead Lake State Park sits at the base of the Mission and Swan mountain ranges. The Flathead and Swan Rivers converge to make this giant lake.
You’ll find ample recreation opportunities within the park, from boating to picnicking, hiking, swimming, and sightseeing. Areas around the lake offer different landscapes, some featuring pebble beaches and others with lush forests.
There are also several small towns on the highway surrounding the lake that you should check out. Lakeside, Bigfork, and Polson offer wonderful places to stay, restaurants, roadside stands selling cherries and other goodies.
How do I get to Flathead Lake, MT?
Getting to Flathead Lake in Montana is quite straightforward, and there are several travel options to choose from. The most convenient way to reach the lake is by flying into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) near Kalispell, which is serviced by major airlines and offers connections to many cities across the country.
From the airport, it’s just a short 30-minute drive to the lake. Alternatively, you can also fly into Missoula International Airport (MSO) and take a scenic 2-hour drive north to reach Flathead Lake. If you prefer road trips, you can easily access the lake via U.S. Highway 93, which runs along the western shore, or Montana Highway 35, which traces the eastern shore.
How deep is Flathead Lake?
Flathead Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and magnificent surroundings, is an impressive natural wonder in Montana. The lake boasts a remarkable maximum depth of approximately 370 feet (113 meters) at its deepest point. This impressive depth, combined with its expansive surface area, makes Flathead Lake the largest natural fresh water lake by surface area in the western United States.
When is the best time to visit Flathead Lake?
The best time to visit really depends on what activities you have in mind. For warm weather enthusiasts, the summer months of June through mid-August are ideal, as you’ll enjoy sunny days with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, and water sports.
The lake level doesn’t reach full capacity from the Kerr Dam until June, so for those interested in more active things to do, you might want to wait until the summer months to visit.
Can I go fishing on Flathead Lake?
Absolutely! Flathead Lake, located in northwest Montana, is a fantastic destination for fishing enthusiasts. Known as the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States, it offers a rich and diverse aquatic environment that houses various fish species.
You’ll find an abundance of yellow perch, lake trout, whitefish, westslope cutthroat trout, and even the occasional northern pike. Be sure to check the local regulations and obtain a valid Montana fishing license from Montana Fish Wildlife before casting your line.
Can I go boating on Flathead Lake, MT?
Yes! Flathead Lake in Montana is a fantastic spot for boating enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature. With its crystal-clear waters and stunning surrounding landscape, the lake provides an idyllic setting for various boating activities, including sailing, motorboating, and even kayaking.
There are several marinas and boat launch facilities around the lake, making it easy to access the water. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with local boating regulations and safety guidelines before setting sail.
What are some other things do in the Flathead Valley near Flathead Lake?
The Flathead Valley, surrounding the stunning Flathead Lake in Montana, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering a myriad of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Apart from the lake itself, you can explore Glacier National Park, with its awe-inspiring mountain vistas, abundant wildlife, and over 700 miles of hiking trails.
The charming towns of Bigfork, Whitefish, and Kalispell provide opportunities for shopping, dining, and immersing yourself in local culture. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the Miracle of America Museum or the Conrad Mansion Museum. For adrenaline seekers, try zip-lining, mountain biking, or skiing at the nearby Whitefish Mountain Resort.
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How many parks units are around Flathead Lake?
If you decide to drive around Flathead Lake, you’ll notice that there are multiple Flathead Lake State Parks on the outskirts. You’ll find six park units within the boundaries of Flathead Lake State Park. These parks include West Shore, Big Arm, Yellow Bay, Finley Point, Wild Horse Island State Park, and Wayfarers State Park
If you’re short on time but still want to see the area, you may wonder, “how long does it take to drive around Flathead Lake?” It only takes about two hours to drive around the lake, making it a great day trip. The beauty of Flathead Lake State Park is that you can explore the area for a few hours or schedule a longer trip to become more fully immersed in nature here through Flathead Lake, Montana camping.
Below, you’ll find details on the six state parks in Flathead Lake State Park to help you better plan an itinerary for the area.
1. Finley Point Unit
You’ll find this campground on the lake’s southern end in Flathead Lake State Park near Polson bay. This Flathead Lake State Park campground is situated in a lush forest filled with Ponderosa pine trees, offering plenty of shady areas for warmer days. This campground can accommodate RV and tent camping, with 16 RV campsites, four boat camping slips, and two walk-in sites.
Those camping with boats will have access to water and 30-amp electric hookups. Additionally, there are 18 boat slips where you can dock your boat, though these are unsuitable for camping.
Additional amenities include a Flathead Lake boat launch area, a dock, and a boat ramp. You’ll also find pit and vault restrooms at the campground, drinkable water, and an area to purchase firewood. RV users can take advantage of the dump station at Finley Point Unit.
As a quick note, this campground is on the Flathead Indian Reservation and owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. So, if you plan to fish, you’ll need to acquire a tribal recreation permit beforehand.
2. Yellow Bay Unit
On the east shore of the lake, you’ll find the Yellow Bay Unit in Flathead Lake State Park. This campground lies in the Montana sweet cherry orchards, providing a unique experience for campers in Flathead State Park. During spring, these orchards offer pretty blooms, while in the summer, cherries are available for purchase along the route to Yellow Bay Unit in Flathead State Park.
It’s also the location of the Flathead Lake Biological Station.
Many activities are available at this unit, including boating, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and water skiing. If you plan to fish, you’ll also need a tribal fishing permit, like the first campground. Other activities include birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Quite a few amenities are available within this campground at Flathead Park. Flushing and vault toilets are found on the premises. A boat lunch and picnic shelter are also available for use here. Trash removal and water are part of the amenities. Additionally, the unit is ADA accessible and pet-friendly.
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3. Wayfarers State Park
This state park offers incredible views of rocky cliffs, lush forests, and the lake, no matter where you camp. It is on the lake’s northeast side. Wayfarers State Park is one of the larger Flathead Lake parks, stretching 67 acres. The forest present at the camp ensures the area is shaded in the summer for a more pleasant experience.
This is one of the Montana state parks which draws in many photographers annually. Beyond photography, you can also hike, bird watch, water ski, motorboat, sail, and swim in the area. Additional water activities can also be done here, such as fishing.
Some of the amenities at this state park include a helpful camp host, bear-resistant storage lockers, a playground, restrooms, an RV dump site, and trash removal.
4. West Shore Unit
The West Shore Unit is ideal for campers who want a more serene camping experience, as it’s one of the quieter campgrounds in Flathead Lake State Park. This campground is a lush forest area filled with fir, pine, and larch. Within this Flathead Lake Park campground, a few rocky outcrops and a rocky shoreline provide stunning views of the lake. The West Shore State Park stretches 129 acres and features 33 campsites in total.
The West Shore Unit is popular with water enthusiasts, as it offers many water-based activities. Canoeing, fishing, kayaking, and sailing are all popular activities here. You can also rent a paddleboard, kayak, or pedal boat at the campground.
Many amenities are available here, including a camp host, a boat launch, a dock, grills and fire rings, and firewood that you can purchase. Additionally, RV electrical hookups are found at this campground.
5. Big Arm Unit
Big Arm State Park, MT features stunning views of the surrounding mountains at the southern half of the lake. The landscapes at the Big Arm Unit in Flathead Lake State Park are quite diverse, with pebble beaches and thick forests along the lake, as well as a glimpse of the Mission Mountain Ranges. The Big Arm Bay Unit is one of the larger campgrounds, covering 240 acres. This unit is also located on the east shore and on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes land.
This is one of the state parks on Flathead Lake, which many people use as an access point for Wild Horse Island, a piece of land filled with various wildlife, including bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and wild horses. You can partake in many of the same activities at the Big Arm Unit as the above campgrounds, including various water activities like windsurfing.
6. Wild Horse Island State Park
If you want a closer view of the wildlife on Wild Horse Island, you can visit the island as a day excursion. Besides horses, sheep, and chipmunks, there are bears on the island, so it’s important to take precautions and store food items properly. It’s worth noting that Flathead State Park, Montana is only reachable via boat, and the park does not provide transportation to visitors. Upon arrival at the island, you must use one of the landing sites for your vehicle.
Unfortunately, camping is prohibited at Wild Horse Island State Park, the lakes largest island. However, many activities are available at this Flathead Lake State Park to help keep you entertained. Fishing is available, though a tribal fishing license is necessary. Other activities include bird and wildlife viewing, hiking, swimming, photography, and picnicking.
A few amenities are available on the island, including restrooms and trails for hiking. As this area has rare and endangered plant species, it’s important to always stay on the trails. Additionally, pets are not allowed at this state park due to the other wildlife on the island.
As a note, if you’re traveling in a group larger than 15 people to this Flathead Lake State Park, you’ll need a special permit to be on the island.
Flathead Lake camping
Flathead Lake campingFlathead Lake State Park offers a variety of campgrounds for visitors to choose from, each providing a unique experience and easy access to the lake’s recreational opportunities. Here’s a list of the campgrounds you can consider for your next outdoor adventure:
- Wayfarers State Park: Located near Bigfork, Wayfarers offers picturesque views, a boat ramp, and great swimming spots. The campground has 30 sites, including tent and RV spots.
- Yellow Bay State Park: This peaceful campground, situated on the lake’s east shore, has 6 tent-only campsites and is perfect for a more secluded experience. It also features a boat launch, picnic area, and a pebble beach for swimming.
- Finley Point State Park: Located on a peninsula jutting into the lake, Finley Point has 16 RV sites and 4 boat camping slips, making it an ideal spot for boaters and those with larger RVs.
- Big Arm State Park: With 41 campsites, including tent and RV spots, Big Arm offers a range of amenities such as a boat launch, picnic area, and a swimming beach. It’s also a popular spot for wildlife watching.
- West Shore State Park: This campground, nestled in a mature forest on the west shore, has 31 campsites for both tents and RVs. It boasts hiking trails, a boat launch, and fishing access.
No matter which campground you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the breathtaking beauty and endless outdoor activities that Flathead Lake State Park has to offer!
Flathead Lake hotels
Flathead Lake hotelsAnother way to enjoy views of the gorgeous Mission Mountains is to consider some accommodations. Here are my recommendations for places to stay on the west side of the lake and beyond.
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⭐BEST FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS: BEST WESTERN PLUS FLATHEAD INN AND SUITES⭐
⭐BEST FOR COUPLES: THE ISLANDER INN⭐
⭐BEST FOR FAMILIES: RED LION RIDGEWATER INN & SUITES POLSON⭐
⭐BEST FOR INSTAGRAM: BLACKTAIL CABIN⭐
⭐BEST FOR ADVENTURERS: BUFFALO LODGE BIGFORK⭐
⭐BEST AIRBNB: ROMANTIC SOMERS BAY BOATHOUSE⭐
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Tips for visiting Flathead Lake
Tips for visiting Flathead LakePlanning a trip to Flathead Lake? Here are some handy tips to make the most of your visit to this beautiful outdoor destination:
- Check the weather: Flathead Lake’s weather can vary, so be prepared by checking the forecast before you go and pack appropriate clothing and gear.
- Obtain necessary permits: Ensure you have a valid Montana fishing license and any required boating permits before embarking on your adventure.
- Practice water safety: Always wear a life jacket while boating or swimming, and be aware of local safety guidelines and regulations.
- Explore nearby attractions: Don’t miss out on other amazing sights and activities in the Flathead Valley, such as Glacier National Park, the charming towns of Bigfork, Whitefish, and Kalispell, and the numerous hiking and biking trails.
- Respect the environment: Help protect Flathead Lake’s natural beauty by following Leave No Trace principles, disposing of trash properly, and respecting wildlife and their habitats.
- Book campsites in advance: Campgrounds in Flathead Lake State Park can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so make reservations early to secure your preferred spot.
- Pack essentials: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water to stay comfortable and hydrated during your visit.
- Capture the memories: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture stunning photos of the breathtaking scenery and share your adventures with friends and family.
Conclusion: beautiful Flathead Lake
In conclusion, Flathead Lake is a true gem in Montana’s outdoor offerings, boasting crystal-clear waters, diverse recreational opportunities, and awe-inspiring landscapes. From fishing and boating to exploring charming towns and nearby attractions like Glacier National Park, there’s something for everyone in this stunning region.
Have you ever been to one of the Flathead Lake State parks? Let me know in the comments!
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