142 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Big Arm State Park's waterfront campsites welcome pets throughout this scenic section of Flathead Lake, offering spacious tent sites and RV spots with picturesque views. Finley Point and West Shore units also accommodate pets with varied amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and lake access. Most sites at these state parks provide direct water access and ample room for families camping with dogs. Tent sites feature level ground suitable for standard camping setups, while RV sites accommodate larger vehicles with some providing hookups. Several campground hosts maintain friendly attitudes toward responsible pet owners, making these destinations ideal for travelers with animals. Pets must be leashed at all times in camping areas, though many sites provide enough space for controlled exercise.
Several hiking trails near the Flathead Lake campgrounds remain accessible to leashed pets, offering scenic lakeside walking routes and forest paths. The crystal clear waters of Flathead Lake provide swimming opportunities for both campers and their dogs during warmer months, though swimming conditions can change quickly with weather patterns. Wildlife is abundant in the region, requiring pet owners to maintain control of their animals to prevent unwanted encounters with local fauna. Bear-aware camping practices apply to pet food and waste, with secure storage required for all scented items. Dayton area campgrounds generally maintain quiet hours starting at 10 p.m., with barking policies enforced to ensure peaceful stays for all visitors. Blue Bay Campground provides additional pet-friendly accommodations with drinking water, showers, and waste disposal services that simplify extended stays with animals.
"Most of the sites are along the water, but seem a little close to one another. Fortunately, the woman at the gate told me about sites T1 and T3."
"Beautiful view of the lake and awesome site. The weather will change quite rapidly in early June so be prepared. This lake is great for kayaking or sup so bring toys."
from $18 - $90 / night
Check Availability"West Shore State Park was a beautiful way to spend an afternoon after kayaking to Wild Horse Horse Island State Park nearby. The water was clear and the dogs throughly enjoyed splashing around."
"Great Montana getaway. Facilities were very clean, lake was crispy and fun, sites were well maintained."
from $18 - $24 / night
Check Availability"Finley point is a unit of Flathead Lake State Park, and has both tent camping as well as RV camping. There are RV spots practically right on the water, as well as tent spots."
"It’s about 3 miles of the main road around Flathead lake , nestled in a beautiful lakeside neighborhood."
from $54 / night
Check Availability"My wife and I headed to Montana on a whim. We knew it would be difficult to find a campsite just for one night. After, many calls, Dennis had a single night availability."
"This was our first time visiting Lake Mary Ronan or the state park. The layout of the campground was very nice and spacious. It was extremely clean."
from $18 - $144 / night
Check Availability"There’s electric/water sites not on the water and I believe the ones right on the lake are not. Dogs allowed. Spacious spots, some with a decent amount of privacy. Bathrooms."
"Very clean,
- Dog friendly,
- Free showers (hot in the morning!), firewood, wifi near the day use areas,
- Unparalleled lake access."
from $10 - $90 / night
Check Availability"My family and I recently stayed at Rollings RV Park on Flathead Lake in Montana, and we loved it!"
"Our first time to Flathead lake. Spots were booking up quick around the lake. Found this gem, got a spot reserved for Labor Day weekend. The park is very clean and well maintained."
from $26 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Our campsite was a 2 min walk from the lake where we enjoyed playing with our dog and watching the sunset. Dogs must be on a leash in the park but can be off leash in the lake."
"I love living in Montana and being able to hike some of the best spots ever. Flathead is also an amazing spot, so really any campground in the area is good in my opinion."
"You are surrounded by beautiful mountains, crystal clear water and a place where you can do a lot of great outdoor activities!"
"I absolutely love Montana the yellow Bay Area keeps me coming back I live in beautiful Idaho however Montana just has something different to offer and I I'm always looking for excuses to go back to Montana"
from $9 - $28 / night
Check Availability"Great camping spot right off the highway with plenty of space view of a great River you get to fall asleep listening to. There's even trash disposal and campfire pits."
"Be prepared for a colder night because of your proximity to the water. The only negative thing about this campsite were the masses of mosquitoes and other bugs."
from $65 / night
Check Availability
RangerWe loved this campground!
Watch our video review!
Why?
Pet friendly! Kid friendly! Adult friendly!
Great dog park, kids area ok, walking distance to store. Driving (15 min) to Glacier National Park. Restaurants close, wonderful fire pits!
Staff was kind and helpful
GuideWe stayed here for 4 nights. Only 5 minutes away from West Glacier Park entrance. Close by is a zip line attraction with a blow up slide in water for the little ones and bounce house obstacle with a slide. Also an adventure park that has go karts, bumper cars, lazy river etc. Great location with so much to do outside the park. We had a corner spot which I really liked for some privacy. Each site has its own fire pit which was nice. Wi-Fi in my opinion worked great. Has a dog park and a little playground for kids. Laundry room and bath houses were very clean. Also has an arcade and loved how they use honesty policy during closed hours where you can pick up firewood or ice and pay the next morning:) I definitely recommend and will come back for another Montana adventure.
ScoutLove that they have 2 dog parks! WiFi is great, campsites are spacious, amenities are easily accessible and you’re a close walk to the village and entrance of the park.
Legend9/13/19 West Glacier, Montana
West Glacier KOA Resort
Most beautiful location of the KOAs I've stayed at. Nestled against the mountains and less than 3 miles to Glacier National Park.
Lots of sites to choose from. Ours was a pull thru with nice vegetation between. Fire pit with benches and picnic table. Some sites are close together with no privacy. Some have gas grills and patio furniture. There are cabins and tent sites as well. Bathhouse was average. The cafe was open for breakfast and dinner.Ice cream shop closed for the season. Amazing pool! Nice play area, dog parks. Really nice camp store, firewood available. KOA Workshop on site. RV wash and dog grooming by appointment.
GuideLOVED our stay here. We got a prized corner spot with privacy of trees. So nice to have a grassy site, too. Super close to West Glacier, East Glacier is much more of a drive, but we knew that. Quiet and peaceful. Some highway noise but not terrible. Great dog park that we thoroughly enjoyed. We were sad to leave after five days!
RangerThis place was nice. The staff was so friendly. Cafe with giant cinnamon rolls hit the spot. Showers were nice and hot. We were in the middle of tall trees which provided shade later in the day. Nice big dog park. Location is close the west Glacier entrance
LegendGreat amenities onsite. The staff was incredibly friendly and kind. The bathhouse near us was a dated design style but very clean and well stocked. Lots of families with kids onsite, I can see why with all the great amenities. During off season kids are allowed to swim in adult pool and hot tubs. Great spacious off leash dog park onsite. A second smaller K9 park onsite was still nicely maintained. It’s snug, so unless you pay for more spacious sites expect to be close to neighbors. Some of the cabin renters were loud with radios blaring but they were on the opposite side of the park so we didn’t report the noise. Plenty of supplies available at store. Some of the sites had lovely views of the mountains. The nature trail at the KOA was very muddy and some sections had such large mud holes that you couldn’t avoid getting your shoes wet. They should put some gravel or something back there. Just be prepared to get your shoes dirty if you walk it. Despite the muddiness, we found it was a lovely nightly loop to walk.
If you plan to drive going to the sun road: make sure it’s open. And be sure and get a reservation/register your vehicle for Glacier/going-to the-sun road if visiting summer 2022. Go eat at Dan d Lion cafe for a crazy savory meal. You won’t believe it’s vegan and gluten free. Insanely good. Great prices in Hungry Horse for souvenirs. West Glacier was definitely the better stay than East Glacier in our opinion. Much more easy access to stores, restaurants, etc. Whitefish MT had the coolest off leash dog park we’ve ever seen! If you have your 4-legged-bff with you - you simply must take your pup to that park (you’re welcome!) Lake McDonald is a great place to see the mountains and take beautiful pictures. You need bear spray if you go hiking anywhere here. Also, no dogs on trails, of course.
ScoutThis place is resort level camping. Two pools, two dog parks, hottubs, two shower houses, and fancy restaurant.
ScoutArrived late with no reservation and office closed but kind cheery owner, David found a spot for us, bending the rules a bit. Our stay was lovely, couldn’t ask for more, was mostly quiet since 41 is toward back, away from road. The bathrooms/showers were seriously palatial and very tidy/clean, way better than many hotels I’ve stayed at. Also liked the dog park at the front.
The Dayton area sits along the western shore of Flathead Lake in Montana, where camping elevation averages 2,900 feet above sea level with summer temperatures typically ranging from 50°F to 85°F. Shoreline camping areas feature predominantly ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forests, with peak visitation occurring between June and early September when lake temperatures reach their warmest point.
Boat access camping: Yellow Bay State Park Campground offers unique tent camping opportunities near the deepest part of Flathead Lake. "Yellow Bay is a very small park on the east side of Flathead Lake. There is a boat ramp and some shoreline, along with a few campsites for tents only. Yellow Bay is the deepest part of Flathead Lake and it's a very cool spot to swim or fish," notes Juliana H.
Hiking with pets: Trails through the forested areas offer moderate hiking options for pet owners. A camper at Blair Flats describes the area as having "woodsy spot in tons of beautiful pines and conifers" with "boat ramp and river access." The trails typically range from 1-3 miles and connect several camping areas.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: The clear waters around camping areas make perfect conditions for non-motorized watercraft. "We only got to use the day use area since camping was full but they have a nice ramp for you to put your boat in the water," mentions Elizabeth G. about West Shore State Park, adding that visitors can rent equipment: "They had a little 'shop' set up near the water where you could rent kayaks, etc."
Waterfront access: Many campers prioritize sites with direct lake views and access. At Finley Point Unit, campers appreciate the proximity to water: "There are a select few sites yards away from the water, each with a bit of beach. The biting bugs were minimal, but the swarms of other bugs were impressive, and the fish obviously loved them," says Gabrielle K.
Pet-friendly beaches: Several lake access points welcome pets for swimming. A visitor at Blue Bay Campground noted: "At least 20 lake front dry tent sites, second row back from the lake is tent sites or small rigs with power. There are swimming docks, a boat launch, sunning lawn and a newly added concession stand. The water shallow for a long distance of beautiful colorful rocks (like Lake McDonald) and perfect for swimming of all ages."
Wildlife viewing: The natural environment supports diverse wildlife observation opportunities. "I saw wildlife and even came into close contact with a little chipmunk!" shares Allyson T. about Yellow Bay State Park. Campers at Finley Point report: "Wildlife like it here too. Saw deer every night."
Limited availability: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "This is an awesome spot with beautiful views but it is extremely rare that it is not packed," warns a Wayfarers State Park visitor. Reservations are recommended 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Tribal lands regulations: Some camping areas have specific rules regarding alcohol and access. At Wayfarers State Park Campground, a visitor noted: "The bathrooms were very clean and we were able to shower with the quarter showers," highlighting available facilities. For Blue Bay Campground on tribal land, "No alcohol is allowed" according to reviewers.
Mosquito preparedness: Insects can be prevalent in certain seasons. "Mosquitos were pretty bad. Might be a little lighter during another time of year. We were there mid-June," notes a Blair Flats camper. Bug spray with DEET is recommended from May through August.
Shallow swimming areas: Parents appreciate designated swim zones with gradual depth changes. At Blue Bay Campground, one visitor shared: "The water shallow for a long distance of beautiful colorful rocks and perfect for swimming of all ages. Camp crowd was quiet and well behaved perhaps because no alcohol is allowed?"
Playgrounds and recreation: Some campgrounds offer dedicated family amenities. "Rollins RV Park has a great playground for kids. Our kids loved it!" reports Brian C. This provides entertainment options during downtime between lake activities.
Evening programs: Ranger-led activities enhance educational opportunities. "They also offer evening programs and guided hikes," mentions a Wayfarers State Park visitor. Programs typically run between Memorial Day and Labor Day, focusing on local wildlife and ecology.
Site selection: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. At Finley Point, a reviewer notes: "Nice quiet camp site near the lake. We were there during the off-season so it wasn't too busy. Had electric hookup and a water spout nearby you could get water if you needed."
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary between campgrounds. At Lake Mary Ronan State Park Campground, "Most of the sites have 50amp electrical hookups. There is a water spigot on the left as you start to go around the campground loop. There is not a dump station at the campground," according to Chris D.
Parking logistics: Some locations have limited space for larger vehicles. "The only thing we didn't love was the parking situation for guests or extra vehicles, but since it's a small place, we understand that it can be limited," mentions a Rollins RV Park visitor. RVs over 35 feet should verify access before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Dayton, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Dayton, MT is Big Arm State Unit — Flathead Lake State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Dayton, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 142 dog-friendly camping locations near Dayton, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
