The best camping near Wild Horse Island State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Wild Horse Island State Park adventure.

Discover Wild Horse Island's pristine trails and abundant wildlife.

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Community favorites near Wild Horse Island State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Wild Horse Island State Park

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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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❤️ 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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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 Kapapa Old US Hwy 93

5 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Elmo, MT

We are a family-oriented eco-friendly campsite located on the beautiful Flathead Lake of Elmo, Montana. With direct access to the lake and an hour's drive to Glacier National Park. Whether you are a family or only one person, we are here to make your stay at our campground an enjoyable one. Our campground is one of the last places along the shores of Flathead Lake that is pristine and undeveloped.

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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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Wildiron Bigfork

15 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.

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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.

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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.

Booked 2 times

Flathead River Campsite

5 sites · Lodging, Tents80 acres · Kalispell, MT

Nestled within the sprawling beauty of a 80-acre property, Flathead Ranch introduces an unparalleled camping experience merging the serene wilderness with the comforts of modern luxury, with our state-of-the-art Jupe tents or pick out your own campsite. Whether you're witnessing the majestic stroll of deer at dawn from your tent, winding down with a nightcap by the campfire after a day of exploration, or horseback riding through our hiking trails, there is something for everyone here! HIGHLIGHTS ⟩ Secluded Wilderness with Urban Proximity: Tucked away with your own private wooded area with direct nature access, yet only minutes away from the lively towns of Whitefish and Columbia Falls ⟩ Natural Beauty and Exploration: Our ranch offers 80 acres of land for you to explore, including direct access to the Flathead River and hiking trails, all under the gaze of the majestic Swan Mountain Range and Glacier Park. ⟩ Stargazer’s Paradise: Experience the awe of the night sky, unspoiled by light pollution, offering a stellar stargazing experience amidst the silhouettes of Montana’s mountain ranges. ⟩ Rich in Activities: From horseback riding to fly fishing, kayaking to hiking, our location is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. COMMUNITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS ⟩ Shared Spaces for Relaxation and Fun: Discover picnic tables, benches, and hammocks in secluded nooks, designated meditation/yoga platforms, various outdoor games, community grills, and a pavilion for gathering. ⟩ Experience the Great Outdoors: Engage in group activities or solo adventures with our large fire-pit, lounge chairs, and ample space for yoga, meditation, or simply soaking in the views. LOCATION ⟩ Glacier National Park Entrance: 25 minutes ⟩ Downtown Whitefish: 10 minutes ⟩ Flathead Lake: 20 minutes ⟩ Pressentine Fishing Access Site: 3 minute drive or 20 minute walk ⟩ Glacier International Airport: 5 minutes

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The Mooseshroom

13 sites · Lodging, Tents9 acres · Coram, MT

The Mooseshroom is an awesome camping community that is just 7 miles from the west side of Glacier National Park. Community fire pits near the Commons are a short walk from whichever tent spot guests are assigned. The Commons also houses the bathrooms and inside/outside kitchen areas. There is plenty of seating, hammocks and picnic tables for guests to use as well. We also have two yurts available for booking on our property. The Mooseshroom is a licensed business that is limited to hosting 18 guests per night. Guests should expect a quiet, peaceful camping experience with plenty of room to enjoy their surroundings. ***This property is adjacent Highway 2 and there is a fair amount of road noise. There's also a train that's fairly close. The noise kinda comes with the territory, guests are also 10 minutes from the west entrance to the park. The noise does tend to subside considerably at night, but for those bothered by this type of noise, you might consider an alternate location. Most guests are truly fine with it.

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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!

Camp Meadowlark

1 site · RV5 acres · Elmo, MT

Welcome to Camp Meadowlark! Your spot is the only campsite tucked privately to the side of our house and maximizing lake views. Flathead lake is clean and warm and ready for you to jump in! You’ll have use of the dock for getting in the water and relaxing. You’re a short boat ride to WildHorse island and there are hiking trails directly from your campsite. We are just down the lane from Flathead State Park Big Arm Unit and also the Big Arm Resort RV park. Your own lake access awaits! Only self contained RVs and vans are allowed.

The best camping near Wild Horse Island State Park guide

Overview

About

Prepare to be captivated by a unique mix of nature and history on your next Wild Horse Island State Park camping trip. The park, the largest island on Flathead Lake, can only be reached by boat, promising an adventure before you even arrive.

Walking through old-growth Ponderosa pine forests, visitors find a network of trails perfect for hikers of all skill levels. These paths span a total of four miles, with the freedom to explore beyond them. Each step takes you deeper into a rich, green world filled with the songs of native birds and the quiet rustle of other wildlife.

Camping near Wild Horse Island is much more than serene lakeviews and sandy beaches. Bighorn sheep, mule deer, and several bird species, including bald eagles and falcons, call this park home. And, living up to its name, the island houses five wild horses, a sight that harks back to its historical use as a horse pasture by the Kootenai Indians.

Adding to the diverse ecosystem are the island's prairie grasslands, akin to the Palouse region. These areas nurture rare and endangered plants, further enhancing the park's biodiversity. Water lovers will also appreciate the park's scenic shoreline, appealing to boaters, swimmers, and sailing enthusiasts alike. So, gear up for a Wild Horse Island camping trip, and prepare for a journey where history and wilderness converge.

When to go

The allure of Wild Horse Island State Park is year-round, but the best time to visit is during the warmer months when the trails are most accessible and the wildlife is most active. Winter can bring harsh conditions, making some areas less accessible.

Know before you go

Wild Horse Island is a day-use only park, with no overnight camping allowed.
Access to the island is exclusively by boat, and there are no public docks available.
Remember, this is bear country; store your food properly and be bear aware.
A tribal fishing license is required for fishing due to the park's location within the Flathead Indian Reservation.
For group activities over 15 people, a permit is required; contact the Park Manager for details.