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The best camping near Flathead Lake State Park - Big Arm Unit

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Big Arm Unit adventure.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

Discover the serene beauty of Big Arm on Flathead Lake.  

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Community favorites near Flathead Lake State Park - Big Arm Unit

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Flathead Lake State Park - Big Arm Unit

97%
(131)

River Ranch - Private beach

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Kalispell, MT
Beautiful 5 acres wrapped by the Stillwater River. Great fishing with a private beach. The land is surrounded by large cottonwood and willow trees. The ground has large areas of leveled wood chips that make it easy for setting up camp. There is a restroom with a bath/shower available. Located just minutes from downtown Kalispell, 15 minutes from whitefish and 30 minutes from Glacier National Park.
from 
$65
 / night
100%
(11)

Creative Hideouts

2 sites ¡ RVs1 acre ¡ Columbia Falls, MT
Explore the 2 site, 1 acre property with spectacular views of Columbia Mountain, just 8 minutes from downtown Columbia Falls. Nestled under magnificent ponderosa pines it's the perfect spot to hang your hammock. Relax with stunning views of Blacktail ski area and enjoy beautiful alpine glows, sunsets and stary nights under the trees. Sit back and enjoy the Montana vibe with neighborhood horses and open field views. Come stay with us and let your Montana adventure begin! Each site has 30 amp service, potable water, picnic table, 2 Adirondack chairs and a fire pit. No septic. Just 25 minute to the gates of West Glacier National Park 30 minutes to Whitefish Mountain Resort 30 minutes to Flathead Lake Just 10 minutes to 4 Flathead River fishing accesses 8 minutes to town, groceries, restaurants and gas
from 
$59
 / night
Booked 1 time

Wild Horse RV Lot 1

1 site ¡ RV1 acre ¡ Big Arm, MT
Wild Horse RV Resort is a newer RV park that has individual owners and the lots are larger than a typical site. Our FRONT ROW lot is slightly larger than 50' x 100' and can accommodate large recreational vehicles. The views from our lot are the best - unobstructed views - no campers will be in from of you. Wild Horse RV is a wonderful community of owners who love being near Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park and all things Montana! Big Arm Marina is just across HWY 93 and you can bring your boat and rent a slip (if there is availability), have dinner and just enjoy amazing sunsets on the lake. From our wonderful camp spot, you will have a beautiful view of Flathead Lake and the surrounding mountains. It is just so peaceful! Our particular site is back-in and features wonderful lake views and we have full hook-ups for your convenience (50 amp). We have a gazebo with a picnic table (we plan to bring patio furniture this summer with a fire table). Dogs are allowed but need to be leashed and due to fire restrictions no wood fires are allowed (only gas). There is a community area with a grill and pickle ball. HOA rules stipulate the minimum booking stay is 7-nights. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to grant shorter stays. Month to Month is also available and we can negotiate the price for stays longer than a week. Also, if you are military (active, retired, vet), teacher or first responder let me know - we are happy to offer a 10% discount for your hard work! ***** Our layout is designed as a Pull-In Site for Motorcoaches. Hook-ups are on the left side. If you are in a 5th Wheel/Travel Trailer, you may need extra sewage hose, water line, and electric. You could possibly pull-in & unhook your truck, and pull your truck through - but you will need to back your 5th wheel out. *Please understand this RV park does not have laundry facilities, pool, or wifi - there is a small community center and pickle ball. You will enjoy the serenity of the location.
from 
$60
 / night
96%
(23)

Sage Oasis Garden Retreat

6 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres ¡ Hot Springs, MT
Sage Oasis is a permaculture garden retreat center with a variety of lodging options located just outside the town of Hot Springs, Montana, an area known for its sweeping high desert views and unique mineral-rich hot soaking options. Evolving as a model of self-sufficient living in support of personal health and well-being at the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. Sage Oasis hosts small hands-on workshops and retreat experiences for individuals and groups. We are located mid-way between Missoula and Kalispell, hot mineral soaks just minutes away in the Hot Springs valley of western Montana. It is 30 minutes from Flathead Lake, 45 minutes to the National Bison Range, and under 2 hours to Glacier National Park. All the activities and features listed here are within an hour's drive. We allow one pet per unit for a fee of $15 per trip, which you may kindly add to your payment. Please request permission for additional pets, as we often have several on the property and try to limit the numbers. Thank you.
from 
$40
 / night
97%
(44)

Bucketlist #1

2 sites ¡ RVs34 acres ¡ Big Arm, MT
Drive-in, park, and begin enjoying all the crazy, fun, or just relaxing things you want out of your private lakefront property. You're on the shores of Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake, this side of the Mississippi, and home of Wildhorse Island, where the Boone and Crocket world record Bighorn Sheep was discovered, killed by winter weather. This 2160 acre island is also the home of deer, mountain lions, bears, several species of eagles, and wild horses. Day hiking is allowed and is a 5-minute boat ride from your beach spot. Just slightly over an hour to Glacier National Park and access to all the mountain lakes, rivers and streams to explore, you won't be bored. Right around the corner, you have access to a boat ramp at one of the state-owned Parks with public showers, if the lake water is too cold. If you want to make her an honest women, while you're here, you're staying on our wedding and event venue (www.flatheadlakeforevers) and we will help make that happen too. Tell us what you want and we'll help you make it happen. Pictures posted on this site are all from this 34 acre, 900 ft. of lake frontage venue. Don't miss this one. Sorry no more instant booking, we don't ever want another Tod on our property.
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$100
 / night
94%
(104)

Flathead Lake Cherry Farm Camping

7 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Polson, MT
Learn more about this land: Enjoy lake view camping on an all Organic Cherry Farm. This 20-acre farm is nestled in the forest on Finley Point on Flathead Lake. It gives you a wide-open and cradled feeling at the same time. There is a view of the lake and mountains from almost all the camp spots. There are deer and turkeys that continuously roam the orchard. Enjoy the Big Montana Sky at night with an amazing view of the stars. You can pick your own fresh organic cherries for only $2 a pound. You can also just snack on some from your campsite. Cherry season this year will be from July 18th to Aug 5th. Nearby attractions include: Access to Flathead Lake is less than a 1/2 mile down the driveway. Flathead Lake (Finley Point) State Park is only 2 miles away. At the entrance to Finley Point, we have two great Restaurants, Finley Point Grill and the Smokehouse (Highly Recommended!). The town of Polson is 20 minutes away. You can find everything you need from supplies, to bars, restaurants, boat rentals, public parks, and even a casino. The town of Big Fork is only 45 minutes away and is a must-see. This town has an old-west feel with great shops, restaurants, a live theater, and an old iron bridge over the river. Glacier National Park is an hour and twenty minutes away. The driveway up to the orchard is made of gravel and is a bit steep at the beginning, At times there can be a few ruts so be cautious. Most standard passenger cars can make it up the driveway with no problem. Due to campers having trouble navigating the driveway with trailers we no longer allow trailers or RV's over 22 feet. Lowered vehicles are not recommended.
from 
$50
 / night
99%
(1177)

Glacier Park HipCamp

22 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents37 acres ¡ Coram, MT
Come enjoy peace and quiet in the beautiful meadows near our home. We are located on 37 acres that include forested trails, a large pond, two small ponds, a creek, and frequent wildlife as well as spectacular stargazing at night. All sites have a campfire ring and picnic table. We provide a unique eco-camping experience in contrast to the crowded campground/RV park, and we are only 6 miles away from the entrance to Glacier National Park! Please let us know if you have multiple tents or vehicles as some sites may be a better choice for you than others. No hookups are provided – dry camping only. Parking for larger vehicles/trailers is available at sites 1-6 - an open, flat meadow with the pond on the other side of the road. Tents are welcome in all sites; although, we recommend the back meadow sites (7 and up) for more secluded tent campers (especially in July) as it has less traffic and more privacy. Sites 7-20 (the back meadow sites) have parking for vehicles 26' or less in total length. All sites have access to vault toilets, and all sites are back-in sites with partial shade. **Be sure to visit recreation.gov to purchase the $2 entry reservation to Glacier Park...if you can't get one try again at 8am the day before or you can enter the park after 4pm without a ticket. Contact us if you need alternative ideas to get into the park. Because of the proximity to Glacier National Park and the main HWY, traffic noise and train noise can be heard at the campsites. Visitors are ask to keep their speed to a minimum to reduce dust on the dirt on Greens Road. We are just a short bike ride away (two minutes by car) from attractions such as the Whiskey Barn, Josephine’s Speak Easy, Glacier Hi-Line Ropes Course, Glacier Grill Restaurant and the Amazing Fun Center, maze, and mini golf. It is also easy access to the Gateway to Glacier Bike path. E-bike rentals are across the street from us. Closest Gas station is the Cenex in Coram (1.5 mi away). Closest public (free) landfill dump is 2.2 miles toward Columbia Falls at 9626 Us HWY 2 E. Near Paul Bunyan Bar and Grill (which is also a good restaurant near us). Look for the gated entry and small sign marking Flathead Landfill. Closest grocery is in Hungry Horse at Canyon Foods Grocery (3.5 miles away). There is a laundromat next to this grocery store. Closest dump and water fill up for a vehicle with a holding tank is Mikes Conoco at 1645 9th st W in Columbia Falls (8.9 mi away). Closest town with wifi, cafes, restaurants, urgent care and larger grocery stores is Columbia Falls (9 miles away). There is a freshwater spring where you can fill up containers of water in Bad Rock Canyon (between Columbia Falls and Hungry Horse on the way here... 10 min away from us). Look for the large pull off areas between the river and the rock canyon walls and a white pipe coming out of the rock. We've personally filled up at this spring for years! Showers are available at Pinewood Park Outdoor Pool in Columbia Falls (next to Cedar Creek Lodge) - It is $2 per person to enter the pool during Public Swim (Mon-Sun 1:30-4:15pm and Mon-Fri 6:30 pm- 8:15pm) or during Lap Swim (Mon-Fri 12-1pm and 5-6pm). They have a private bathroom with a shower and also open showers in the changing rooms. The pool opens the second week of June and closes the first or second week of August. To watch a video tour of the campground: https://youtu.be/EYYuGGWRtag
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$42
 / night
81%
(13)

Fountain Farm River Camp

10 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Kalispell, MT
This is a beautiful place with river frontage and mountain views. Enjoy a quiet river spot that a person can boat down the river into Flathead Lake or drive north 40 minutes to glacier Park. We have canoes, kayaks and paddle boards available. Large shade trees and lots of wildlife. Come rejuvenate your soul and get back to nature.
from 
$45
 / night
96%
(14)

Flathead Lake Hillside Escape

1 site ¡ RV6 acres ¡ Polson, MT
We have 5.5 acres of Parradise overlooking Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains which is part of the Rocky Mountain Range. Our driveway is a little steep so we recommend putting your vehicle in 4 WD low. Also out of respect for our neighbors we would appreciate not driving over 15 mph once the road turns to gravel. You will wake up to amazing sunsets and watch the deer, eagles, hawks and our local fox sometimes hunting for food. The National Bison Range is about 40 minutes south of us. Glacier National Park is about 90 miles away. Boating and white water rafting is in town as is renting a boat or kayaking or swimming. There is also a great brewery in town called Glacier Brewing among bars and restaurants.
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$72
 / night
100%
(1)

Wild Horse RV Resort

1 site ¡ RV1 acre ¡ Big Arm, MT
Serene location with Million Dollar views of Flat Head Lake. It is a typical RV Campground layout but is NOT like the typical “packed in like sardines” layout. The lots are all 50’ by 100’ giving you a lot of space to spread out and enjoy the experience. Restaurants and shopping are 14 miles south in Polson and 20 miles north in Kalispel and Whitefish State Park Lake access fishing and a Marina are within minutes. Glacier National Park southern entrance a little over an hour drive.
from 
$75
 / night
100%
(1)

MTN views in Big Arm MT

2 sites ¡ RVs2 acres ¡ Big Arm, MT
Centrally located only minutes from Big Arm State Park where you can enjoy Flathead Lake and all it has to offer, including boat launch and day use areas, beach access and more. Close to the Big Arm Marina amenities include boat gasoline, casino, bar and grill. Only 15 minutes to Polson, 45 min to Kalispell. 1hr15min to Glacier National Park.
from 
$50
 / night
93%
(48)

The Ponderosa

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Turtle Lake, MT
This property sits on a ridge line that ties into the Mission Mountains.  Very close to town but definitely in the wild.  Our views span the entire length of Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains.  A clear day shows the beautiful Glacier Park in the distance.
from 
$35
 / night

The best camping near Flathead Lake State Park - Big Arm Unit guide

Overview

About

It would take big arms, indeed, to swim across Flathead Lake, the 28 by 15 mile beast of a pond in western Montana. But Flathead Lake is no Dead Sea (in fact it’s much bigger than that little speck of an ocean). This place is teeming with fish, and there’s no better spot to go to town trout huntin’ than Flathead Lake State Park's Big Arm area, located right by the long pebble beach of Big Arm Bay. Looking for something a little more epic than a (completely absolutely perfect) day of fishing and sunbathing? Scuba dive into the deep or watch the wild horses and bald eagles at Wild Horse Island, a quick hop from Big Arm. But Big Arm isn’t all surf with no turf! A 2.5 mile trail through juniper trees and ponderosa pines leads to a view of the Mission Mountains so stunning we dare you not to snap a picture.

Notable campgrounds

  • The campground's 41 sites offer a mix of tent, RV, and group camping, complete with bear-resistant storage lockers.
  • Accessible camping is available, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park's natural splendor.
  • Three yurts provide a unique and comfortable lodging experience amid the park's wild beauty.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early through Reserve America to secure your ideal campsite, especially during peak season.
  • Consider staying mid-week for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellation policies for last-minute openings.
  • Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations when the park is full.

When to go

The best time to visit Big Arm is from April through October when the campground is open and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Mid-May to mid-September offers full amenities, including water access and shower facilities. For a quieter visit, consider the shoulder seasons when the crowds have thinned.

Know before you go

  • Check for any special restrictions or closures before your visit to ensure a smooth experience.
  • Remember that all recreation on tribal land outside of the park requires a tribal recreation permit.
  • Day-use areas are open year-round, offering continuous opportunities for adventure.
  • ADA accessible facilities are available, making the park's wonders accessible to all.
  • Non-resident visitors should be prepared to pay a day-use entrance fee, with discounts for walk-ins and cyclists.

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