With 43 sites along Flathead Lake's western shore, Big Arm State Unit accommodates RVs up to 40 feet with full hookups and operates from early May through late September. The campground charges $14-70 per night and accepts reservations, making it accessible for both planned trips and spontaneous stops. Most sites park alongside the main road rather than offering traditional pull-through configurations.
The majority of campsites sit directly on the lakeshore, though Celina M. notes that "most of the lakeside sites also have a small amount of slope." Walk-in tent sites T1 and T3 at the campground's end provide more space and privacy, with T3 offering nearly 100 feet of private lakefront according to multiple reviews. Chris O. stayed at T3 and found it "large" with "plenty of sun but also enough trees to provide shade."
Campers launch kayaks and canoes directly from their sites, with boat rentals available two miles down the road. The lake supports water skiing, wakeboarding, and swimming, though several reviewers mention that water temperatures remain cold well into summer. Wild Horse Island sits within paddling distance for those wanting to explore. An eagle observation area and hiking trails provide land-based activities.
Camp hosts sell firewood and ice on-site, while flush toilets and coin-operated showers serve the campground. Bear lockers appear scattered throughout rather than at individual sites. The town of Polson sits 20-30 minutes away for grocery runs and dining options. Late-season visitors report having their pick of sites, while summer brings heavier crowds and busier lake conditions.
Description
Big Arm is located on Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. Twenty-eight miles long and 15 miles wide, Flathead Lake is renowned for its fishing.
Located on the lake's Big Arm Bay, its long pebble beach is popular with sunbathers and swimmers. Camping under a stand of mature ponderosa pine and juniper is a major attraction. The hiking trail provides excellent vistas of surrounding mountain ranges and high peaks with abundant watchable wildlife opportunities. Other opportunities include: fishing for lake trout, board sailing, boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, bicycling, hiking the 2.5 mile trail, wildlife viewing, scuba diving, and water-skiing.
This site is 2,953 feet in elevation and covers 240 acres. The campground has 41 campsites, including one wheelchair accessible site; one group campsite; and three yurts. Maximum RV/trailer length is 40 feet. Bear resistant storage lockers are available.
Yurts offer the latest in circular camping comfort. The Mission yurt is 20’ in diameter, Salish and Swan are 16’ in diameter, and the Swan yurt is ADA accessible. All yurts have furniture, electrical outlets, lights, and electric heat. Yurt sites includes a picnic table and a fire pit for cooking.
A tribal fishing license is needed for fishing at this park. Campers may stay only 14 days during a 30-day period. Pets are required to be on leashes.
Big Arm is a popular jumping-off point to Wild Horse Island, a 2,163-acre island in Flathead Lake State Park, located off the west shore of the lake. The island is home to bald eagles, bighorn sheep, yellow-pine chipmunks, and wild horses.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Self-check-in option is now available. If you arrive after hours, please sign into your account and let us know you have arrived.
All watercraft entering Montana must be inspected before launching. Boaters must stop at all inspection stations.For more information visit cleandraindry.mt.gov
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Arm State Unit is located in Montana near Big Arm
Directions
Big Arm State Park is located 13 miles north of Polson on U.S. 93.
Address
28031 Big Arm State Park Rd.
Big Arm, MT 59910
Coordinates
47.80534096 N
114.31339067 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 5/8/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 5/8/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/8/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 5/8/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 5/8/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/8/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 35 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 44 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 3 hrs 16 min from Helena, MT
- 4 hrs 4 min from Great Falls, MT













































