Flathead Lake near Lakeside, Montana offers excellent camping at 2,900 feet elevation with water temperatures reaching 70°F during summer months. The area features a mix of alpine and lake environments with ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forests surrounding the shoreline. July and August typically see the warmest lake temperatures for swimming and water activities.
What to do
Kayak rentals on Flathead Lake: West Shore State Park provides kayak and SUP rentals during summer months. "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. They have picnic tables nicely spaced and bathrooms nearby including a water spigot which was helpful for our thirsty pups," notes a visitor to West Shore Unit — Flathead Lake State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Lake Mary Ronan State Park, 20 minutes from Lakeside, offers excellent wildlife watching. "Small lake with beautiful foothills surrounding it. Tons of wildlife around the water!" reports a camper who stayed at Lake Mary Ronan State Park Campground. The park's quieter atmosphere makes it ideal for early morning wildlife spotting.
Fishing from campground docks: Blue Bay Campground on the east side of the lake provides direct fishing access. A camper notes, "This is a private, tribal run campground about half way up the eastern shore of Flathead Lake. This well run and clean campground has lots to offer- separate dry sites from RV hook up sites, showers, a boat ramp/marina, lodges for tribal activities, sites right on the lake, swimming docks, and ice at the entrance."
What campers like
Direct lake access for swimming: Finley Point State Park features sites with private beach areas. "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," shares a camper at Finley Point Unit — Flathead Lake State Park.
Quiet weekday camping: Rollins RV Park offers a more peaceful experience during weekdays. "We enjoyed our stay so much that we ended up asking if they could extend their service past October 1st and they said YES! They will take care of you, they have everything you will need," reports a camper who visited Rollins RV Park.
Varied swimming options: Different campgrounds offer unique swimming experiences based on shoreline type. "The swimming docks are wonderful to dive off into crystal clear flathead lake... The water shallow for a long distance of beautiful colorful rocks (like Lake McDonald) and perfect for swimming of all ages," describes a visitor to Blue Bay Campground.
What you should know
Campground availability patterns: Weekday arrivals significantly improve site selection chances. "We arrived around 4pm only to find our parking space taken by day users. Disappointed that at a reserved site this was allowed. It was pure chaos boaters everywhere, people all over and very noisy," reports a camper at Finley Point State Park.
Seasonal operation differences: Many campgrounds reduce services after Labor Day. "We've stayed here twice (my husband 3 times) and it gets better every time! The people are always kind, the views are incredible and the cyclist/walk in sites keep improving!" shares a visitor to Wayfarers State Park Campground.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Most state park units have vault toilets rather than flush toilets or showers. "Bathrooms are a vault toilet with too many bugs, but oh well, it's camping," notes a Finley Point camper, while another mentions, "Bathrooms were very clean and we were able to shower with the quarter showers."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly amenities: Rocky Mountain Hi Campground offers extensive play areas. "The kids could play all day in the great park with a whole western town set up and swimming hole in the creek, volleyball net and paved roads to scooter and roller blade," shares a camper at Rocky Mountain Hi Campground.
Family-friendly hiking options: West Shore State Park features accessible hiking trails. "Facilities are clean and nice. Good drinking water. The lake is lovely and super clear," notes a visitor, while another mentions, "This campground has everything you would ever want in a campground! Lots of trails for light hiking, right on the water."
Shallow swimming areas: Some campgrounds feature gradually sloping beaches better for young children. "The water shallow for a long distance of beautiful colorful rocks and perfect for swimming of all ages," mentions a Blue Bay Campground visitor. Parents frequently note the clean, clear water for monitoring children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability considerations: Big Arm State Park offers electric sites with lake views. "Campsites are among the trees and at least half of them are right along the lake. There are showers but overall a nice simple campground. There are some hiking trails here, great wildlife, but boating is the main attraction," reports a camper at Big Arm State Unit — Flathead Lake State Park.
Leveling challenges: Most sites require leveling equipment. "Getting into our site was a bit challenging. For all of those who are looking for a back-in challenge, this is your spot! We had to go in the out which was up hill and then back in between pine trees because they are everywhere," notes a visitor to Outback Montana RV Park.
Water access points: RV sites often require a short walk to lake access. "A couple of walk-in sites still available at 3 pm on a Saturday in late June!" reports a Big Arm State Park visitor, while another mentions, "Our site 19 had a trail that was 200 yards to the boat ramp area. None of the sites sit on or near the water so you have a lot of woods."
