Best Camping in and near Flathead Lake State Park

Discover the serene beauty of Yellow Bay in Montana's Flathead Lake State Park.

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Community favorites near Flathead Lake State Park - Yellow Bay Unit

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Stay at a public campground in Flathead Lake State Park - Yellow Bay Unit

Yellow Bay Unit Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In Flathead Lake State Park - Yellow Bay Unit

Top-rated campgrounds near Flathead Lake State Park - Yellow Bay Unit

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❤️ Glacier Park HipCamp 🏕️

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Coram, MT

Come enjoy peace and quiet in the beautiful meadows near our home. We are located on 40 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

Booked 6 times

Wildhorse Island Overlook

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Dayton, MT

Private camping pad on 5 acres right off Highway 93 on Flathead Lake. One of the best views on the entire lake. Overlooks Wildhorse Island and the Mission/Swan Mountain range. 3 minutes from gas/convenience store and 15 minutes from groceries/amenities in the town of Lakeside. Lake access is just short walk away and plenty of State Parks/recreation areas nearby. The pad has a fire pit with a picnic table and a 20'x20' shed where you can store items and escape the rain. Will accommodate a RV up to 35ft. No RV Hook Ups.

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MeadowSweet Farm

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Bigfork, MT

Historic farm acreage featuring rolling hills and a stunning view of the Swan Mountains. Centrally located to enjoy Flathead Valley - 10 minutes to Flathead Lake, 45 minutes to Glacier National Park, 15 minutes to Jewel Basin trailhead, 10 minutes to Historic downtown Bigfork and so much more. We light the community fire pit most evenings and children can enjoy a large swing set in the field. You'll find your hosts working on several projects as we're continuing to restore this 100 year old property. We enjoy sharing all the work we've done to turn the land and outbuildings into a great place to visit!

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Desert Mountain Oasis

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Coram, MT

Quiet forested camping with mountain views and only seven miles from Glacier National Park. We require campers to have their own toilet and currently not allowing fires due to current fire danger. We have immediate access to National Forest land so you can recreate from your campsite if you desire. There is a community fire pit with chairs and picnic table and BBQ when requested. There is WiFi access within 100 feet of the cabin, but not the sites. Great star gazing as well! My wife Jesse and I live on the property with our two dogs Powder and Kintla. We live here full time and spend all of our days off recreating in the surrounding mountains and Glacier National Park. Happy to help answer any questions or offer insights as you might need! Hope you enjoy our oasis.

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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.

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Camp Lakeside

2 sites · RVs3 acres · Lakeside, MT

Located 2 miles from the public beach at Flathead lake, this beautiful and shaded campsite is the perfect place to soak up the peace and quiet of country living while enjoying the views of the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. This is the ultimate base camp for adventures in Lakeside, Montana. Our Humble 2.5 Acre property has two campsites. Our sites are private and close to public lake access, Fishing, trailheads, Legacy Bike Park, Blacktail Ski Mountain, Wild Bill OHV trail system, Alpine Coaster, Far West Boast Tours, Huckleberry and Cherry picking, local restaurants and a grocery store. We are located only 45 minutes from Glacier National Park so you will find plenty of activities to do outside of our charming community. Each site was designed with privacy and a special experience in mind.

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Glacier Park Camping

6 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Coram, MT

Welcome to my property, just a stones throw from Glacier National Park! I have some beautiful wooded tent sites with drinking water accessible at brown shed upon entry of driveway at brown shed. Parking and campsites are designated by signage. Five minutes from Glacier National Park. Five minutes to grocery store. Property used to be the old Grizzly bear park that you could drive through to see the bears. Driveway is directly across from North American RV Park. Driveway is marked Hipcamp. Pets are allowed. Need to be leashed Please make sure you pick up after them.

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Wildiron Bigfork

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · MT

We live on 10 acres of mixed forest and field. In the summer we have an active blacksmithing school and flower farm here. The idea of a sustainable, self reliant lifestyle has always been part of our life and passing it down to others is a joy for us. We sustainably manage our food and forest to be the best stewards we can for our environment and our neighbors. Our Cabin and structures were built primarily of materials that were recycled or milled on site. which makes them warm and inviting. The Cabin is located close to our shop which houses an active blacksmithing school in the summer months where the rest of the structures are separate and in an area tucked away on the edge of the woods.Jeffrey and Betsy work to make your stay as welcoming as possible. We maintain a small orchard of fruit trees, a garden which feeds us year round and a small flower farm on the property. Avid skiers, bikers, paddlers and hikers, offering the property for others to enjoy was a conscious decision made when planning all of our infrastructure. Come and enjoy all the beautiful Flathead Valley has to offer.

Booked 1 time

Log Cabin with Dock on Flathead

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Polson, MT

The cabin sleep 10 people. Swimming, fishing and boating available off of the dock. The town of Bigfork is a picturesque and charming place. World class art galleries, fine restaurants, a 27-hole golf course, live theatre and unique shops can all be found within a quaint Western setting. Located near by, Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall and the Swan Wilderness areas are full of wildlife and offer endless recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Bigfork offers you and your family a part of the West that you will never forget. Many hiking trails are close by the property. Winter opens up a whole new world of outdoor adventure across Montana’s diverse landscape. Flathead Valley's 2 ski resorts mean fewer people, shorter lift lines and a lot more untracked snow. Learn more about this land: Charming log cabin nestled in the trees with a dock on Flathead lake. Perfect location for winter & summer time adventures. Cross country skiing, hike or bike right out the door. Close proximity to 2 ski resorts, and Glacier Park. The cabin sleeps 10 people. Swimming, fishing and boating available off of the dock. The town of Bigfork is a picturesque and charming place. World class art galleries, fine restaurants, a 27-hole golf course, live theatre and unique shops can all be found within a quaint Western setting. Located near by, Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall and the Swan Wilderness areas are full of wildlife and offer endless recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Bigfork offers you and your family a part of the West that you will never forget. Many hiking trails are close by the property. Winter opens up a whole new world of outdoor adventure across Montana’s diverse landscape. Flathead Valley's 2 ski resorts mean fewer people, shorter lift lines and a lot more untracked snow.

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⭐️Glacier RV Oasis/Mountain Views

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Columbia Falls, MT

Ask me about our discounts for stays 7 nights or longer! These perfect RV sites are equipped with everything you will need during your stay. * Free Full size washer and dryer and .5 bathroom supplied with toilet paper and paper towels * Easily back in on a level packed gravel drive that can accommodate any size RV, camper trailer, or camper van * Electrical hookup-Site 1# 50 amp &Site #2 30 amp * Potable water * Septic hookup * Free WIFI * Private fire ring ( firewood not supplied, but available at Super 1 or Smith’s) * Shared BBQ grill, picnic table, and horseshoe pit * Parking for two vehicles This property is perfect for a family reunion or a retreat! We also have a 2 bed 2 bath home (sleeps 10), a 2 bed 1 bath home( sleeps 6) that may be available during your stay. This property is located: 4.4 miles from Columbia Falls. Columbia Falls has everything you will need with two major grocery stores and some great restaurants. 13.1 miles from Whitefish. Whitefish has unique shopping and amazing dining options. 16.2 miles from Kalispell. Kalispell is the heart of the Flathead Valley and has multiple shopping options, restaurants, and anything else you may need! FAMILY FUN: Glacier National Park- 17 miles Big Sky Waterpark -2.2 miles Montana Vortex and House of Mystery -3.9 miles Whitefish Mt. Resort -skiing, hiking, biking, zip line, aerial adventure- 20 miles Teakettle River Access -3.1 miles West Glacier Rafting Companies-15 miles Columbia Mountain Trailhead-4.5 miles Meadow Lake Golf Course- 6.3 miles Flathead Lake - 23 miles Glacier View Golf Course -18 miles Blacktail Mountain Ski Area-43 miles Don't Miss the Columbia Falls Farmers' Market every Thursday night May 19 - September 29 @ 5PM

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Aspen Lane Hideaway

2 sites · RVs4 acres · Kalispell, MT

These are newly developed sites (2021) nested on the back of our property about 200ft from our house on a dead-end road. We have rural neighborhood vibe, with a 2 mile scenic paved walking path nearby. We have newly planted trees and shrubs, so no afternoon shade except in tent areas. With the open areas sunrises and sunsets are fantastic! Both back in sites are 40’ in length with extra vehicle parking available. Please confirm your measurements before booking. There is enough room to easily pull in and then back into your spot. Ideal for Class-A motor-homes, fifth wheels, tent trailers, travel trailers, pick-up campers and self-contained van campers. Additionally, 1 tent is allowed at each site. Because there are no bathrooms we are unable to accept TENT ONLY camping at this time. Both campsites have full hookups including artisan well water, septic, with 50 amp electric on site #2 and 30 & 50 amp electric on site #3. Garbage receptacle is located at the entrance of the property. Plenty to see and do in the Flathead Valley. Lots of wonderful local restaurants, pubs, breweries and wineries. Tons of trails to hike, rivers to raft, lakes to boat and parks to stroll. We have a list of our favorites, don’t hesitate to ask!

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Glacier Acres Guest Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Columbia Falls, MT

Once part of a sprawling ranch on the Flathead Valley floor, we've managed to capture five acres of some of the most beautiful country in Montana for your enjoyment. You will love the peaceful country setting with spectacular mountain views! We are less than 20 minutes from the west entrance of Glacier National Park, less than 30 minutes from enjoyment of Flathead Lake, and less than 15 minutes from many city amenities. Additionally, a family water park is just 5 minutes away. Come enjoy!

The best camping near Flathead Lake State Park - Yellow Bay Unit guide

Overview

About

Located on the eastern shore of Flathead Lake, Yellow Bay offers the best sunset east of San Diego. Come in spring to beat the crowds and enjoy the sight of Montana’s famous sweet cherries growing on the hillside. It’s a feast for your eyes and tastebuds, but don’t eat so many cherries you forget to enjoy the beautiful lake view! Cherry pie, cherry crisp, cherry tarts, cherry clafouti! If Julia Child liked to camp, there’d be a site named after her here here at Yellow Bay. And if you’re looking for some activities a little lower on the glycemic index, visit Yellow Bay for a summery weekend of canoeing in the middle of sprawling Flathead Lake, or get your adrenaline fix with a day of water skiing. Just don’t go being a big shot on a lake this big—if you drop a ski, you might never find it again.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Arrive early to secure a spot, as the campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visit during off-peak seasons for a better chance at snagging a campsite.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast to plan your trip during favorable conditions.
Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan if Yellow Bay is full.

When to go

The best time to visit Yellow Bay is from mid-May through Labor Day when the water is available and facilities are fully operational. The park is open year-round, but services like flush toilets and the dock are seasonal. Winter offers a tranquil escape, though with limited amenities.

Know before you go

Check the park's Facebook page or call the ranger station for updates on dock status and facility availability.
Remember to store food properly as the area is bear country, with bear-resistant dumpsters provided.
Non-residents should expect to pay a day-use entrance fee, with discounts for walk-ins and cyclists.
Accessibility is a priority, with ADA accessible features ensuring everyone can enjoy the park.
For fishing within the reservation, a tribal license is required, so plan accordingly.