Dog-Friendly Camping near Lakeside, MT

144 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    West Shore Unit — Flathead Lake State Park maintains designated pet-friendly campsites spread across its two campground loops, offering a mix of RV and tent camping options for dog owners. Dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet throughout the campground and trails. The park's trails provide ample space for walking pets, with convenient dog waste stations positioned near high-traffic areas. Visitors appreciate the pet-friendly atmosphere and clean facilities, with several mentioning the well-maintained walking paths as perfect for morning dog walks. Finley Point, Wayfarers, and Big Arm State Park units also welcome pets at their Flathead Lake campsites, with similar leash restrictions but varying site privacy levels.

    Flathead Lake's pet-friendly campgrounds offer direct lake access where dogs can enjoy water activities, though swimming areas may have specific pet policies. Multiple hiking trails throughout the state park units accommodate leashed dogs, with most trails offering easy to moderate terrain suitable for all sizes of dogs. Rocky Mountain Hi Campground and Outback Montana RV Park both provide additional pet amenities including designated pet waste disposal areas. The pet policies remain consistent throughout Montana state parks, requiring dogs to remain leashed, cleaned up after, and never left unattended at campsites. During summer months, early morning or evening walks are recommended to avoid hot ground surfaces that can injure paw pads. Nearby Kalispell provides emergency veterinary services approximately 15-20 minutes from most lakeside campgrounds.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Lakeside (144)

      1. West Shore Unit — Flathead Lake State Park

      4.7(20)5mi from Lakeside33 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "On Flathead Lake with views of the lake. Choose loop B if you want electric. Loop A doesn't have electric and is closer to the highway. Good trails to the lake."

      "This campground is the furthest north on the west side of the lake making Kalispell and Lakeside extremely accessible if need be."

      from $18 - $24 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Wayfarers State Park Campground

      4.5(14)8mi from LakesideRVs, Tents

      "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."

      3. Big Arm State Unit — Flathead Lake State Park

      4.6(25)15mi from Lakeside45 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "Flathead Lake is a very large wonder of nature and the town of Polson is perfectly situated.  You will not see a more gorgeous mountain range.  "

      from $18 - $90 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Lake Mary Ronan State Park Campground

      4.3(8)9mi from Lakeside25 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

      5. Rocky Mountain Hi Campground

      4.7(16)17mi from LakesideRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Nice dog park. Sites are nicely spaced. All hookups worked. Didn’t use bathrooms or showers. Trash dumpsters were conveniently placed around the park. Small store seemed to have all the essentials."

      "Awesome location. Quiet. Montana views ..."

      from $30 - $56 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Spruce Park On The River

      3.9(13)15mi from LakesideRVs, Tents

      "Some highway traffic noise. Spots are close, but plenty of grass space. Not all have fire pits, so if that is important, be sure to ask. Big unfenced dog playground. Friendly and helpful staff."

      "Close to town and lots of amenities nearby. Would stay here again!"

      from $52 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Outback Montana RV Park & Campground

      3.5(6)8mi from LakesideRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "It was the cheapest option around the Flathead we could find and we were not disappointed! It was perfect for our needs that week."

      from $18 - $140 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Rollins RV Park

      4.4(5)8mi from LakesideRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

      9. Finley Point Unit — Flathead Lake State Park

      4.6(17)19mi from Lakeside45 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "It’s about 3 miles of the main road around Flathead lake , nestled in a beautiful lakeside neighborhood."

      "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."

      from $54 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Blue Bay Campground

      4.4(10)16mi from LakesideRVs, Tents

      "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

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time


    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Lakeside, MT

    1049 Reviews of 144 Lakeside Campgrounds


    • Brian C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 23, 2022

      North American RV Park & Yurt Village

      Peaceful & clean

      We 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

    • Danielle F.
      Jul. 16, 2022

      North American RV Park & Yurt Village

      Great location, convenient, clean and friendly!

      We 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.

    • Steve R.
      Jun. 14, 2022

      West Glacier RV & Cabin Resort

      Clean, spacious and well kept

      Love 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.

    • j
      Sep. 14, 2019

      West Glacier KOA Resort

      Beauty, nestled against the mountains

      9/13/19 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.

    • M
      Jul. 16, 2022

      North American RV Park & Yurt Village

      Awesome park, great for big rigs, close to Glacier

      LOVED 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!

    • Cindy S.
      Jul. 12, 2024

      Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast

      Cute quite place to relax

      This 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

    • Amy E.
      May. 24, 2022

      West Glacier KOA Resort

      Great location for Glacier NP - family and dog friendly

      Great 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.

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 5, 2021

      West Glacier KOA Resort

      Very nice camping to see Glacier

      This place is resort level camping. Two pools, two dog parks, hottubs, two shower houses, and fancy restaurant.

    • R
      Jul. 31, 2022

      LaSalle RV Park

      Nice RV/tent campground

      Arrived 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.


    Guide to Lakeside

    Lakeside, Montana camping sites offer direct access to Flathead Lake at approximately 2,995 feet elevation. The lake spans 197 square miles with water temperatures reaching 70°F during summer months. Most campgrounds remain open from April through mid-October, with primitive camping available year-round at select locations.

    What to do

    Kayaking access points: Lake Mary Ronan State Park Campground provides boat launch facilities with calm water conditions ideal for paddling. "I came on a Thursday before a holiday weekend and loved it so much I changed my plans to extend...I was about 10' from one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in the populated world," reported one visitor.

    Hiking trails: Multiple trails near Finley Point Unit — Flathead Lake State Park accommodate various skill levels. "Solo camper. I had site T-001, which is very accessible and has amazing views of the lake," shared one camper who enjoyed the point's walking paths.

    Swimming docks: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated swimming areas with platforms. "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," notes one visitor about Blue Bay Campground.

    What campers like

    Privacy between sites: Big Arm State Unit — Flathead Lake State Park offers secluded spots with lake views. "Camped in one of the spots that is right on the lake and could get in the water easily. Water is really clear," states one camper who appreciated the lakefront positioning.

    Fire pits with cooking attachments: Many campsites provide metal fire rings with grill components. "Fire ring with grill attachment and a picnic table. There's electric/water sites not on the water and I believe the ones right on the lake are not," reports a camper about the Blue Bay area.

    Clean facilities: Rollins RV Park maintains well-kept restrooms and common areas. "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," shares one satisfied visitor.

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: Most state park units fill quickly during summer months. "Definitely reserve your spot online or calling because there is no way you will be able to walk up and get a spot in the summer!!" advises a Wayfarers visitor.

    Weather patterns: Evening temperatures can drop significantly even in summer. "In the evenings the campground is quiet and dark, a great place to view stars," notes a Lake Mary Ronan camper about nighttime conditions.

    First-come spots: Blue Bay Campground operates without reservations. "Blue Bay Campground is on a first come first serve basis, but they have plenty of spots and we were able to call ahead and confirm there were still openings for the night we stayed."

    Alternative accommodations: Several campgrounds offer cabins or yurts for those without tents or RVs. "Yo mr the most amazing way to stay here is in a yurt! These circular traditional structures are an experience not soon forgotten buy kids or adults alike," mentions a camper at Big Arm State Park.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Rocky Mountain Hi Campground maintains a children's play area. "Great place to camp with children because of the large, grassy playground and swimming area. Showers and a laundry are on site. Sites have trees and a fire ring."

    Kid-friendly swimming: Dog friendly campgrounds near Lakeside often feature gradual water entry points. "We had a great time here in may despite the water still being cold it didn't stop my kids from plunging in. The reservable sites have lake access and views," shares a Big Arm State Park visitor.

    Noise considerations: Weekends typically bring more families. "When you first pull into the campground it feels like you are pulling into a junk yard. Check in was quick and easy...The campground was quiet and well maintained even with some more permanent residents," notes a camper at Outback Montana RV Park.

    Tips from RVers

    Hookup availability: West Shore Unit — Flathead Lake State Park offers electrical connections in specific loops. "Staff were incredibly nice and helpful with my short notice stay. B15 has incredible views of the lake and close to the bathroom."

    Site positioning: Many campgrounds have specific RV-friendly sections. "Nice campground, a bit tight if you are a bigger rig but doable in the right spot, 2-3 bars of AT&T 5g, good enough to work, and quite all night," reports a Big Arm visitor.

    Water access points: RV campsites often require short walks to reach the lake. "This is a great campground that can accommodate just about any RV as well as tent campers. Choice of full hookups, water and electric or dry camping," mentions a camper at Spruce Park On The River.

    Dump station locations: Not all pet friendly campgrounds near Lakeside Montana provide onsite dump facilities. "The developed lodges down the road on the lake had restaurants and bar which were nice to stop at for a drink," notes a Lake Mary Ronan camper who appreciated the nearby amenities when staying at sites without full hookups.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Lakeside, MT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Lakeside, MT is West Shore Unit — Flathead Lake State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 20 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Lakeside, MT?

    TheDyrt.com has all 144 dog-friendly camping locations near Lakeside, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.