Best Flathead Lake Campgrounds for an Epic Camping Trip

Camping on Flathead Lake is undoubtedly one of Montana’s most sought-after summertime experiences. Yes, we have Glacier National Park and even a sliver of Yellowstone, but when it comes to a lazy summer weekend, nothing beats relaxing on this gigantic lake south of Kalispell. 

Staying at one of the campgrounds on Flathead Lake is also a smart financial decision! While hotels in nearby Kalispell, Bigfork, and Polson run upwards of $200 per night during the summer, public campsites on the lake start around $20, making them especially attractive to budget-conscious travelers. 

The only problem is that everyone else wants to be doing the same thing. Many of the campgrounds need to be reserved while there’s still snow on the ground, and you’ll be checking multiple websites to find them. And on such a huge lake, there are a lot of places to camp, so how do you choose the right one?

That’s why we put together this Flathead Lake camping guide, which will walk you through when to visit, where to camp, how to choose the site best suited to your itinerary, and how to make sure you snag a reservation before it’s too late (plus what to do if you can’t).  

When to Go Camping at Flathead Lake

Whether it’s crowds, opening dates, or just Montana’s unpredictable weather itself, timing can make or break your camping experience. Each season on Flathead Lake offers something different, so think about what you want to do there (and what kind of temperatures you can tolerate) when you’re deciding when to visit.

Spring (April-May)

April and May are a bit of a gamble on the lake. While you can get lucky with just cooler temperatures and somewhat wetter weather, you also could wake up to a foot of snow. 

Most Flathead Lake campgrounds open in early- or mid-April, and that volatile weather ensures they won’t be too crowded until closer to Memorial Day. Sites usually have limited amenities for the first month or so of the season, as overnight freezes are still a very real possibility. 

That being said, the lake moderates the Flathead Valley’s climate enough that big temperature swings aren’t as common there as in other parts of the state. But if early season tent camping is a part of your plans, be sure you have an extra warm sleeping bag and a tent strong to hold a bit of snow without collapsing.

Summer (June-August)

This is peak camping season, when the weather’s hot and sunny, the campgrounds are full, and the mosquitos are at their liveliest. In late summer, high temps are consistently in the 80s, with 90- and even 100-degree days not unheard of. A lakeside campsite is invaluable on these days, as you’ll probably want to spend most of your time just lounging in the water. 

Unfortunately, such warm temperatures also make for dangerous forest fire conditions in Montana. The air can get unbearably smoky, and outdoor activities are a lot less fun when you can barely breathe.  

Still, this is the most popular time for camping, so book as soon as the campsites become available if you want a summer spot. Reservation periods differ for campsites on state, federal, and private land, so have your ducks in a row starting on Valentine’s Day, and be ready to book the moment those campsites become available. 

Fall (September-October)

Honestly, this is my favorite time of year to camp. Yeah, it’s getting cooler – nighttime lows are at the edge of comfortable for tent camping, and swimming isn’t nearly as enticing. But the crowds are thinning, and it’s a whole lot more fun to sit around the campfire when there’s a bit of a chill in the air.

If you’re an avid hiker, fall is the time to go, as the sun won’t bake you mid-day, and there’s still time to hit up some big peaks before the snow falls. Unfortunately, if it’s been a bad forest fire season, the smoke won’t really dissipate until the first big snow storm. As with springtime camping, make sure you bring a warm sleeping bag if you’ll be in a tent.

Winter (November-March)

Yes, I’m counting the “winter” season as five full months. I cannot imagine a scenario in which camping on Flathead Lake at any point in this period would be a positive experience. I love winter as much as the next person, and there’s some incredible cross-country and downhill skiing near the lake, but camping is just not that fun when it’s below freezing. The good news is if you’re looking to save money, there are an abundance of affordable places to stay in Kalispell during the winter.  

There’s not all that much to do on the lake during the winter, either. Given its massive size, the water doesn’t really freeze over, so ice fishing and skating are only possible in the shallow bays at its edges. 

It still gets ridiculously cold, though, so a heated RV would be the only feasible option for camping. Only a select few private RV parks on Flathead stay open through the winter, and those are geared towards long-term tenants, not intrepid travelers seeking unconventional adventures. 

Public Campgrounds Near Flathead Lake

The public campsites around the lake are all within the various units of Flathead Lake State Park, and they are much cheaper than private campgrounds. They usually need to be reserved months in advance, though; otherwise, you’ll have to either hope someone cancels or pray you get one of the very limited first-come, first-served sites. 

All of the public campsites on Flathead Lake can be booked on the Montana State Parks website, while Recreation.gov lets you book the Forest Service campsites in the Flathead National Forest, which aren’t on the lake, but are fairly close by. The reservation process is similar between the two, but there are some differences in the rules for campgrounds on state and federal land.

Fishing on Flathead Lake

Catching a fish on Flathead tops many visitor’s Montana bucket lists, but there are few things you need to know before breaking out the poles and lures. If you’re fishing on the northern half of the lake, you’ll need both a conservation license and a fishing license from the state. These can be purchased from any sporting goods store, or you get them on the Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks app. 

To fish the southern half of the lake, which is on the Flathead Indian Reservation, you’ll instead need a license from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), available either online or at a sporting goods store on the reservation. Children under 12 do not need a license to fish anywhere on the lake.

Flathead Lake Campgrounds

Before we dive into the campgrounds near Flathead Lake, let’s get oriented with the towns and services available. At the north end of the lake are Bigfork on the east side and Lakeside on the west, and at the southern tip is Polson. 

All three have basic amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and even breweries, but as they’re heavily frequented by tourists, prices are a bit higher. Fifteen minutes north of the lake is Kalispell, where you’ll find all the amenities of a larger town and more local-friendly prices. 

As you can see on our custom map of Flathead Lake, you’ll find campgrounds all the way around the edge of the lake, none of them terribly far from one of the main towns. The campgrounds below are listed counter-clockwise, starting by Bigfork in the northeast corner of the lake.

Wayfarers State Park

This is one of the best state park campgrounds on Flathead Lake, providing a good mix of amenities at the low public campground price. It’s also the closest campground to Kalispell (about 25 minutes away) should you need to make a supply run. About a third of the sites are first-come, first-served, so you may be able to snatch one up if you arrive early or go during the week. 

Wayfarers is an excellent put-in point for kayaks, being only a half-mile from the harbor in Bigfork. The currents at the mouth of the harbor can be a bit rough, but once you’re inside, it’s pretty calm and a cute spot to paddle around. A couple short hiking trails leave from the campground to explore the cliffs overlooking the lake, which are an ideal spot to watch the sunset or get some spectacular photos. 

Outback Montana RV Park & Campground

Just down the road from Bigfork (and just under half an hour from Kalispell), Outback is one of the larger private campgrounds on Flathead’s eastern shores. Sites are especially spacious, which is helpful for owners of large RV and those who haven’t quite mastered the art of backing up a trailer. 

Weekly discounts are also given to long-term campers, if you’re planning on spending a few weeks or even a few months on the lake (you’ll need to reserve far in advance, though). They’re also open year-round with fully winterized hook-ups. 

While Outback isn’t as cheap as the public campgrounds, the primitive (no hook-ups) tent sites usually don’t book up as quickly, either, so it’s a good place to check if you need a last-minute site.

Yellow Bay State Park

The most undeveloped of the state parks on Flathead Lake, Yellow Bay is best for campers wanting a more rustic experience. All five of its sites are first-come, first-serve, so you’ll want to have a back-up plan in case they’re all full. It’s open year-round, though this sounds more aspirational than anything, as it’s a tent-only campground. 

The campground sits on a protected cove, making Yellow Bay a popular spot to launch a kayak. For the same reason, its gravel beach gets a lot of use from swimmers and sunbathers wanting to avoid the waves and boat traffic found in other sections of the lake.. 

Blue Bay Campground

Blue Bay Campground is owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and is primarily managed for tribe members’ benefit. However, it’s also open to non-members, and every site is first-come, first-served. 

If you’re trying to take a last-minute trip, this is one of your best options for snagging a site. Just note that the campground is alcohol-free, and some visitors have complained that the sites are closely spaced.

Finley Point State Park

I think this is one of the most scenic Flathead Lake campgrounds. Finley Point is a five-mile-long finger jutting into the lake’s  southern end, and the campground sits on its western shore. It has beautiful views of the Bull Islands and Paradise Island, which you can paddle out to if you’re an experienced kayaker. 

Its tent campsites are all right on the water, and sites with hook-ups are just back from them. There’s also an excellent swimming beach right next to the tent sites and docks. 

Eagle Nest RV Resort

Conveniently located just outside of Polson and with breathtaking views of the Mission Mountains, Eagles Nest RV Resort is a great option for those wanting a more luxurious camping experience. Unlike most of the campgrounds at Flathead Lake, it doesn’t have lakeshore access, but with a swimming pool and hot tub available, having a day or two away from the lake isn’t so bad. There’s also a bevy of fitness and recreational facilities to keep you entertained.

The other downside, like with most private campgrounds, is cost. In the off-season, sites here cost almost double what they do during peak season at the public campgrounds. You can’t beat the convenience of camping next to one of the lake’s main towns, though.Be sure to check out the Miracle of America Museum, especially if you’re having a rainy day.

Polson/Flathead Lake KOA

Another amenity-heavy private campground right outside of Polson, the KOA has just about everything you could need for a fun-filled family vacation. Like Eagle Nest, though, the KOA does not have direct access to the lake. The closest access is almost two miles away at Salish Point in Polson. 

Most of the campground’s facilities are in good shape, and it offers the only dump station on the southern end of the lake. However, many travelers complain that the sites are too narrow for larger RVs – despite having an ample long length allowance. It’s also one of the more expensive places to stay near Flathead Lake, so only book a site here if you know you’ll make good use of the amenities.

Big Arm State Park

One of the nicest public campgrounds on the lake, Big Arm is also the only campground in the Montana state park system where you can rent a yurt – though you’ll definitely need to reserve those months in advance. It also has several lakeshore campsites, which are in high demand as well. 

It’s still not too long of a drive from Polson, which will give you access to grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and one of my favorite breweries in the state: Glacier Brewing. 

Rollins RV Park

This massive campground on the lake’s western shore is the largest in the area and primarily caters to RV travelers, though there are a handful of tent sites, too. It’s consistently ranked as one of the most well-kept campgrounds at Flathead Lake, and the on-site restaurant is known for its bison burgers and huckleberry milkshakes, served with incredible views of the lake. 

Like most of the private campgrounds, there is no lake access. However, the Dayton boat ramp is just a few minutes away, and is one of the best spots to put-in for paddling adventures out to Wild Horse Island State Park – Montana’s only state park on an island. 

West Shore State Park

West Shore is the largest public campground on Flathead Lake, though not one of the more developed. With only electrical hook-ups and vault toilets, it attracts more minimalist campers than the private campgrounds or nearby Big Arm State Park. None of the campsites are on the shore, but it’s only a short walk to the boat launch, where there’s a decent swimming beach. 

During the summer, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats are available for rent right at the park from Sea Me Paddle. For a fun little paddling trip, Goose Island is only a quarter-mile away, and it’s on public land, so you can actually come ashore and stretch your legs, even if it is all of 300 feet long. 

Flathead Harbor RV Resort

This RV-only campground in downtown Lakeside is one of the larger parks in the Flathead Lake area, and one of the few to stay open throughout the winter. No tents are allowed here, though, and sites are quite pricey, so it’s not the most budget-friendly Flathead Lake camping option. But the higher price tag does keep it from filling it up, so it’s worth checking if you’ve exhausted the other accommodation options on the lake.

The resort’s Harbor Grille restaurant is just across the street from the campground. In addition to making an excellent jambalaya (one of few places in Montana to get it), it has some of the best sunset views in the state. It’s well worth stopping in for a meal even if you aren’t camping there.

Flathead Lake Hostel

While Flathead Lake is obviously popular as a camping destination, many travelers just want a cheap place to stay while recreating on the lake, no nightly mosquito swarms or odorous pit toilets required. If a warm bed and solid roof are more your style but you’re on a budget, this hostel in Lakeside is definitely the best place to stay on Flathead Lake.

Rooms are basic, but offer plenty of Montana charm (just check out the log bed frames), and you get access to a kitchen for preparing basic meals. Unlike traditional hostels, all rooms are private (no dorms here), but the bathrooms are shared. Their rates are far cheaper than just about any other hotel in the area, and it gets rave reviews.

Camping Near Flathead Lake

While there are quite a few campgrounds on the shores of Flathead Lake, it can be downright impossible to find a site on busy summer weekends. Fortunately, there are a few places to stay just off the lake that are just as enjoyable and much less crowded.

Lake Mary Ronan State Park

Only 15 minutes from Flathead Lake’s shore, Lake Mary Ronan is a solid back-up option if all of the previously mentioned campsites are filled up. Sites are fairly primitive, but what it lacks in amenities it more than makes up for with privacy. It’s still lakeside camping, but without the throngs of tourists coming and going at all hours of the day and night. 

Unlike the most privately-owned shores of Flathead Lake, there are over three miles of trails to explore here, and even more trailheads to be found if you venture up some of the nearby Forest Service roads. If you don’t have a canoe or kayak with you, the Lodge at Lake Mary Ronan has rentals available for non-guests at very reasonable prices.

Swan Lake Campground

While this is getting a bit far from Flathead Lake, Swan Lake is a destination in its own right. While only five percent the size of Flathead, Swan Lake is popular with locals and those put-off by the busyness of its larger cousin. More than a third of this Forest Service campground’s sites are designated first-come, first-served, so if you’re planning a trip on short notice, this may be your best bet for snagging accommodations. 

There aren’t many amenities available at the lake, but the Swan Lake Trading Post is just down the road from the campground and has all the basics available.

Hipcamp Camping near Flathead Lake

The Airbnb of camping, Hipcamp lets private landowners set up mini-campgrounds, sometimes with just one or two sites. Price-wise, the Hipcamps on Flathead Lake are usually on par with private campgrounds, but often don’t have as extensive of amenities. The upside is that most landowners only have a handful of sites, so you’ll have plenty of privacy. 

Wild Horse Island Overlook: A single RV parking space that offers perhaps the best view of Flathead Lake and Wild Horse Island. It has a picnic table and firepit but no water, toilets, or showers, so you’ll need to be entirely self-sufficient. 

Flathead Lake Cherry Farm: Six RV or tent campsites dot this beautiful cherry orchard on Finley Point, with drinking water, composting toilets, and hot showers available. During cherry season, you can pick your own cherries for a nominal fee(typically from mid-July to early-August). 

Camp Lakeside: A pair of primitive campsites just south of Lakeside that are perfect for smaller RVs, vans, or tent campers. Amenities are very limited, and you’ll need to bring your own water and camp toilet.

Map of Flathead Lake Campgrounds

Our custom map shows all the best campgrounds near Flathead Lake, as well as the main towns in the area.

Click here for an interactive version of the map!

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