State Parks and National Parks

Flathead Lake State Park

Flathead Lake State Park covers 2,606 acres in six sections around the largest freshwater lake east of the Mississippi.

The largest and most interesting is Wild Horse Island, a 2,163-acre island primitive park only accessible by boat.

Camping is prohibited but day visitors enjoy trout fishing and can view rare prairie plant species, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and wild horses.

Big Arm, Finley Point, Wayfarers, West Shore and Yellow Bay are the other areas of the park. Each offers seasonal camping, totaling 113 sites (16 with water and electricity, at Finley Point) and good water access with pebble beaches and boat launches. Canoeists must be wary of rapid weather changes, which are common.

There are wheelchair-accessible campsites at Wayfarer, Westmore and Finley Point.

While not as distinctive as the island, each of the mainland sites has its own natural charms, such as sweet cherry orchards at Yellow Bay and spectacular sunsets at Wayfarers.

Contact the Region I office in Kalispell for more information. All those who are not Montana residents must pay a park entry fee. Montana residents may use the park for free.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Division.