Best Camping in and near Flathead Lake State Park

Discover the scenic beauty of Wayfarers at Flathead Lake State Park.

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Community favorites near Flathead Lake State Park - Wayfarers Unit

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

Wayfarers Campground

30 sites · RVs, Tents In Flathead Lake State Park - Wayfarers Unit

Top-rated campgrounds near Flathead Lake State Park - Wayfarers Unit

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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.

99%

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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

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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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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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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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(25)

SJ's Somer Escape

1 site · RV1 acre · Somers, MT

Learn more about this land:A peaceful area off highway 93 in Somers, MT. My property is a half mile up the road from Somers public park on Flathead Lake with a swimming area and boat launch (kayak, paddle board, and jet ski rentals available near the boat launch as well as a fishing charter company). Plenty of hiking, water sports, snow skiing (downhill and cross country), snow shoeing, hunting and fishing in the area.If you stay here you will be....-1.5 hours away from the West Glacier entrance-35 Min from Whitefish-20 min from Kalispell-15 min from Bigfork-10 min from Lakeside-45 min from Polson-2 hours from Missoula-3.5 hours from Dutton Ranch if you are into the hit series Yellowstone-6 hours from Yellowstone National ParkThe property is in a semi forested neighborhood (houses are spaced decently far apart) area with plenty of sun all day long no matter the season. Most RV sizes should fit some leveling may be required . There is internet, electric and water available but unfortunately no sewer (there are dump stations in the area). Stay for a night as you are passing through or a couple weeks to check off all your desired outdoor activities! Sorry no tents, I do not have the facilities nor locations for tents to be able to set up - Roof top tents are acceptable, keeping in mind I have no bathroom or shower facilities. The area you are in is very safe and full of deer, with the occasional Mountain lion or bear wandering through, so please be mindful of your garbage! The owner (SJ) lives on site in a house next to the RV site and is usually available for questions or concerns. She comes and goes through out the day don't be afraid to wave her down if you need something.

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Echoing View

4 sites · RVs1 acre · Bigfork, MT

Learn more about this land:Private hillside camping with mountain views and available lake shore access. Recreation opportunities and secluded private camping area for groups or individuals.

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Three Ducks on a Pond

3 sites · RVs15 acres · Bigfork, MT

Fifteen quiet acres nestled between the Swan and Mission ranges. Both treed and open spaces with mountain views. Morning shade for the camping spots and trees for a hammock. Deer are regulars. Occasional bald eagle, osprey, turkey and pheasant. Geese and ducks in the spring. Rarely present but possible fox, racoon, coyote, bear, mountain lion. No hookups. Dry camping only. Minutes to Bigfork (Wild Mile, Bigfork Playhouse Theater, famous 4th of July parade, FLBC, Echo Lake Cafe, festivals, Flathead Lake, float Swan River, hike Jewel Basin, golfing at Eagle Bend). 1 Hour to skiing at Whitefish or Blacktail. 1 Hour to Glacier National Park.

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Cabins on Montana's Ocean

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Woods Bay, MT

These are great sleeping cabins nestled in the trees, with easy access. They are just steps away from a large pebble beach on beautiful Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake is surrounded by Swan Range in the north, the Salish Mountains in the west and the Mission Mountains in the eastRelax on the beach chairs or bring your kayak and enjoy a great day on the Lake. Sit around the camp fire in the evening, and watch the sunset. The Lake delivers firewood daily. There are numerous other adventures waiting for you in the area. Drinking water is available, barbecue & grill on the beach, with power in the cabins, port-a-potty . Fun restaurants, bars & music are within walking distance.Flathead National Forest is just east of us. Enjoy hiking and amazing site seeing. For mountain biking you have Jewel Basin Road, Intermediate, 16.0 ; Legacy Bike Park, 5 ; Old Bigfork Canyon Road, Easiest, 4.0 ; Peters Ridge Trail #37. Bring your kayak, canoe, & paddle boat, or rent one near by. Glacier Park West entrance is only 48 miles away, where you can find climbing and hiking as well. We also have snow sports cover with Ski area Big Mtn &Whitefish Mtn 45miles, Nordic trails Junction Foothills and, Jewel Basin Rd, Bigfork, MT 59911.No pets allowed.

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Mossy Mountain Lodge Cabin

3 sites · Lodging8 acres · Bigfork, MT

Mountain Views Close to the Lake

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Kalispell, MT

Learn more about this land: Simple spot on five acres, enjoy the beautiful mountain views. Pull in your RV or just pitch a tent. Only minutes away from Sportsman's Bridge where you can fish on the Flathead River or launch your boat. Glacier National Park is 45 minutes away and access to Flalthead Lake is 6 miles away. The cute quaint towns of Bigfork, Lakeside and Somers are only minutes away with amazing restaurants and unique shopping. Kalispell is 15 minutes northwest where you will find Target, TJ Maxx or Costco. Well behaved dogs are welcome, just please keep them in control at all times. We do have dogs and horses. Should you need paddle boards, fire wood, bikes or any other items you may have not packed, they are available for an additional fee. Enjoy your stay and welcome!

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.

The best camping near Flathead Lake State Park - Wayfarers Unit guide

Overview

About

When you hear the word wayfarer, what comes to mind? A wanderer traveling by foot? Or Ray-Ban’s iconic sunglasses, passed down from Baby Boomers to Millenials? Lucky for you, all wayfarers are welcome at this state park, where cliffside views of Flathead Lake offer some of the best sunsets in the state. It’s the perfect chance to slip your sunglasses off your nose and enjoy an easy saunter down to the water’s edge. Wander the rocky shoreline cliffs with your camera for some out-of-this-world lake shots, or explore the area’s abundant array of wildflowers. Lakeside campsites make this park ideal for enjoying boating, fishing, and swimming, but even a day trip and picnic will suffice if you’re only looking for a few hours of spectacular views. Wayfarers is an unexpected feast for the senses, and this little piece of lakeside beauty will be a welcomed surprise to any weary hiker or biker who stops for the night.

Notable campgrounds

The shared hike-bike campsite features 9 tent pads, perfect for cyclists on the Continental Divide route.
Enjoy the convenience of showers and bear-resistant storage lockers at the family-friendly main campground.
For larger setups, select campsites accommodate RV/trailer units up to 40 feet in length.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early through Reserve America to secure your preferred campsite, especially during peak season.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies for last-minute openings at this popular destination.
Explore nearby camping options if Wayfarers is fully booked, ensuring you don't miss out on the Flathead Lake experience.

When to go

The prime time to visit Wayfarers is between May and September when the park's full suite of facilities is available, including water access and shower houses. For a tranquil visit, aim for the shoulder months of April or October, though some amenities may be limited.

Know before you go

Check the park's seasonal hours, with day-use areas open from 7am to 10pm daily.
Adhere to food storage rules to keep the area safe from wildlife encounters.
Accessibility is a priority, with ADA accessible sites and facilities ensuring an inclusive experience.
Stay informed about any restrictions or closures by visiting the State Parks Fees & Regulations page.
Remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the park's natural beauty.