Yellow Bay State Park sits on the east shore of Flathead Lake, managing a compact tent-only campground with six sites arranged roughly 25 yards from the parking area. A small stream runs along the edge of the camp before emptying into the lake nearby, and the bay itself features a smooth rock bottom and a roped swim area. Sites sit in an open layout with limited privacy between neighbors, though trees screen the campground from the highway above. Road noise filters in during the day and quiets after dark.
Water access drives most visits here. The bay is notably shallow and relatively protected, making it a workable spot for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Anglers note that Yellow Bay marks the deepest section of Flathead Lake, which draws fishing activity as well. A small boat dock and boat launch round out the lake access. Campers should note the 14-day stay limit and bear-resistant trash bins on site; rangers enforce trash disposal rules strictly.
Amenities are basic but functional: fire rings at each site, a pit toilet and regular restrooms at the parking area, picnic tables, and a wheelbarrow available for hauling gear. Cell service is reliable. Todd M. notes the closest resupply is "Papa's Woods Bay Market, about 10 minutes north," with a basic selection. The campground runs May 1 through September 30, with nightly rates from $9 to $28. Campers looking for more options can browse campsites near Yellow Bay State Park, or consider Blue Bay Campground a few miles south along the lake.
Description
Yellow Bay-Flathead Lake State Park has 5 tent campsites that are first-come, first-serve.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsYellow Bay State Park Campground is located in Montana near Dayton
Public CampgroundDirections
Located 15 miles north of Polson on Montana 35. Milepost 17.
Address
23861 Mt Hwy 35
Bigfork, MT 59911
Coordinates
47.87828361 N
114.029174 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/20/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/28/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/28/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/20/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/28/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 24 min from Missoula, MT
- 3 hrs 2 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 9 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 3 hrs 33 min from Great Falls, MT
