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

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

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

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Flathead Lake State Park - Yellow Bay Unit

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

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

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.

99%

(1177)

❤️ 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

100%

(2)

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.

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.

97%

(115)

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.

96%

(12)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

100%

(2)

LEGACY BIKE PARK camping

31 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Lakeside, MT

Legacy Bike Park is an active mountain bike shuttle park. The park operates Friday 12-7 and Saturday thru Sunday with occasional holiday Mondays from the hours of 10-5. If you enjoy riding mountain bikes, we recommend buying a ticket to the Bike Park from our website. Camping is divided into two distinct zones: Meadow Village and Logging Camp. Camping is primitive and roads are bumpy, but it’s a great place to spend the night! Please be sure your vehicle is capable of travel on gravel/forest-service type roads. PLEASE NOTE: We do not have water or electricity on site. Meadow Village campground is intended to be more social. We recommend sticking to tent camping and Sprinter vans for these Meadow Village sites. Logging Camp is farther from the action and can host trailers. These sites may be quieter and a bit more family friendly. Fire rings are in the communal base area and are subject to local fire restrictions. Small propane fit pits are permitted in campsites. Bike Park shuttle tickets (available at www.legacybikepark.com) are required to ride the Park, but not required for camping. Please anticipate traffic and possible delays while bike park shuttles are running. If you're planning on coming and going frequently during Bike Park operational hours (10-7), this may not be the spot for you. Logging Camp is farther from the action. These sites may be quieter and a bit more family friendly. Fire rings are located in the communal base area, and are subject to local fire restrictions. Often summer weather closes fire rings. Small propane fit pits are permitted in campsites. Expect evening gatherings at the base area. Please enjoy our pump track, communal base area, and hiking trails.

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.

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.