State Parks of Flathead Lake: Everything You Need to Know

Located 15 miles north of Polson on the lake’s western shore is the Big Arm unit. Surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and offering sweeping views of the Swan and Mission mountains, this waterfront oasis provides a lakeside escape with ample camping, hiking, swimming and fishing opportunities. The park also allows for easy access to nearby Wild Horse Island.

Hugging the southeastern shores of the lake is Finley Point, a secluded campground just 12 miles north of Polson. From tent camping to electric hookups and cabins, the park offers an array of overnight options, as well as several boat slips for prime access to Flathead Lake. For anglers, this is a popular spot to score lake trout and whitefish.

The Wayfarers unit lies near Bigfork on the lake’s northeastern shore. This park is characterized by its dramatic, rocky cliffs that border the water, offering panoramic views of the Salish Mountains to the west. Made up of 30 campsites, including a dedicated hike-bike campsite with tent pads, this is the ideal stop for adventurers traveling on the nearby Continental Divide Trail.

Just outside of Lakeside is the West Shore unit. As its name suggests, the unit’s western location provides stunning views of the Swan and Mission mountain ranges. For avid boaters, the park features a deep-water boat launch that is usually free from ice in winter. An on-site concessionaire offers rental equipment for day-use, including paddleboards, kayaks and pedal boats, to explore the lake in the summertime.

On the lake’s eastern shore is Yellow Bay, a park encompassing Yellow Bay Creek and a gravel beach that is perfect for summertime relaxation. The park is situated among a stretch of Flathead cherry orchards, with easy access to the roadside stands that dot Highway 35. The bay also offers a deep-water boat launch for year-round boating.

Made up of five islands — Wild Horse, Cedar, Bird, Douglas and Goose — the Flathead Lake Islands offer a unique perspective of the water. These secluded islands offer varying levels of resources, with designated campsites on Cedar and Bird islands and scenic, day-use activities on Wild Horse, Douglas and Goose islands. Note that Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks does not provide charters to the islands, and transportation must be secured on your own.

The largest of the Flathead Lake Islands, Wild Horse Island has long been a landmark for the Kootenai Indians, who were reported to have used it to keep their horses hidden from other nearby tribes. Along with a few remaining wild horses, you may see bighorn sheep, mule deer and a variety of birds when visiting. From walking through the unique landscape to fishing along the shores, this is an ideal day trip for those camping nearby. The state park lands on Wild Horse Island are day-use only and are only accessible by boat — visitors are asked to dock at one of the six designated landing sites around the perimeter of the island. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks does not provide transportation to Wild Horse Island.

Head to the north shore of Flathead Lake and you’ll find Somers Beach State Park. While summertime water levels make this seem like your typical bay, a vast sand beach is revealed when water levels lower during the colder months of the year. This is a birders’ paradise with more than 220 documented species having been spotted from the water’s edge. The day-use park is perfect for swimming, picnicking, walking and, of course, bird-watching.