Montana State Parks in Glacier Country
Western Montana is home to 24 of Montana’s 55 state parks. These protected natural treasures feature sparkling waters, incredible recreation opportunities, camping, stargazing and a unique cultural history. They serve as monuments of our dedication to preserving Montana’s wild places, so we ask that you please recreate responsibly while visiting these special places. Plan ahead and know seasons and hours, park rules, fees, amenities and activities before you go.
1. Big Arm State Park
Nestled on the shores of Flathead Lake, Big Arm State Park offers a picturesque beachfront, perfect for lake adventures. Enjoy hiking, camping and swimming, as well as boating and fishing, against the backdrop of the stunning Mission Mountains. More info.
Note: This park is located within the Flathead Reservation and all recreation on tribal land outside of the park requires a tribal recreation permit and is subject to all tribal rules and regulations. A tribal fishing license is required for fishing on the southern half of Flathead Lake and all other waters within the reservation. For more information regarding the Flathead Reservation, visit csktribes.org.
2. Fish Creek State Park, Alberton
Fish Creek State Park is perfect for nature lovers, with lush woodlands and creekside trails for hiking and wildlife watching. From Williams Peak Lookout to the emerald pools of Fish Creek, it's a wildlife-rich park with stunning scenery and great fishing. More info.
3. Lake Mary Ronan State Park, Proctor
With its tranquil waters and rugged natural beauty, Lake Mary Ronan State Park is a hidden gem for anglers, kayakers and hikers alike. The park's secluded forest setting and well-maintained trails make it the perfect escape. More info.
4. Lone Pine State Park, Kalispell
Lone Pine State Park is a haven for hikers, offering panoramic views of the Flathead Valley and the Mission and Swan mountain ranges. The park’s extensive trail system caters to all skill levels, while its visitor center provides valuable insights into the region's ecology. On a clear day, you can see Flathead Lake, Big Mountain, the Jewel Basin and Glacier National Park. Day use only. More info.
5. Painted Rocks State Park, Darby
Painted Rocks State Park, known for its iconic rock formations and stunning reservoir, is a great spot for watersports and OHV adventures. From boating to picnicking, this park beckons outdoor enthusiasts to explore its unique landscape and off-the-beaten-path, pine-forest setting. More info.
6. Thompson Falls State Park
Nestled along the scenic Clark Fork River, Thompson Falls State Park offers abundant trout fishing and wildlife watching opportunities. Its peaceful setting, family fishing pond and riverfront campsites provide a serene retreat. More info.
7. Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park, Libby
With shoreline access to 18 lakes, Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park is perfect for boating, fishing, swimming and more. This interconnected chain of lakes offers endless opportunities for water recreation as well as abundant wildlife. More info.
8. Travelers’ Rest State Park, Lolo
A historical treasure, Travelers’ Rest State Park offers the chance to explore the only archaeologically verified campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the country—a site used by the Salish and other native peoples for centuries. Day use only. More info.
9. Beavertail Hill State Park, Clinton
Situated along the Clark Fork River, Beavertail Hill State Park offers a peaceful escape with its lush cottonwood canopy, refreshing waters and self-guided nature trail. Enjoy picnicking by the river, walking through the quiet woods, and camping under Montana’s starlit sky. More info.
10. Council Grove State Park, Missoula
On the outskirts of Missoula, Council Grove State Park lets you get off the beaten path along the Clark Fork River, where you’ll even find a little beach area. This historic site holds cultural significance for the Salish, Kalispel and Kootenai Indians, making it a great destination for learning about the region's rich heritage while enjoying a riverside picnic or leisurely stroll. Day use only. More info.
11. Finley Point State Park, Polson
Amid the captivating landscapes of Flathead Lake, Finley Point State Park offers breathtaking views and abundant recreational opportunities. Enjoy water activities like boating and fishing, explore scenic hiking trails, or simply relax on the sandy shores of this idyllic location. More info.
Note: This park is located within the Flathead Reservation and all recreation on tribal land outside of the park requires a tribal recreation permit and is subject to all tribal rules and regulations. A tribal fishing license is required for fishing on the southern half of Flathead Lake and all other waters within the reservation. For more information regarding the Flathead Reservation, visit csktribes.org.
12. Fort Owen State Park, Stevensville
Steeped in history—and listed on the National Register of Historic Places—Fort Owen State Park is the site of many Montana “firsts,” including the state’s first Catholic church, sawmill, grist mill, school for settlers and more. Explore the preserved remnants and restored historic buildings of this early settlement, delve into the region's fascinating past, and admire the picturesque surroundings along the banks of the Bitterroot River. Day use only. More info.
13. Frenchtown Pond State Park
Frenchtown Pond State Park is a community-centric respite and picturesque pond is perfect for a picnic lunch or some family-friendly fishing and makes a great place to cool off with a summer swim. Day use only. More info.
14. Les Mason State Park, Whitefish
On the eastern shore of Whitefish Lake, Les Mason State Park, beckons with a smooth cobble beach, clear waters and panoramic mountain views. Indulge in a variety of water activities, including swimming, boating and paddleboarding, while soaking in the breathtaking beauty of the Flathead Valley. Rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and pedal boats on-site. More info.
15. Logan State Park, Libby
Tucked away in the Kootenai National Forest and situated in the middle of the Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park, Logan State Park offers a secluded haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. With its quiet camping spots, scenic hiking trails, and pristine fishing waters, this park is a northwest Montana gem. More info.
16. Milltown State Park, Missoula
Milltown State Park commemorates the restoration of the confluence of the Blackfoot and Clark Fork rivers, a significant environmental milestone in Montana's history. Explore the scenic riverbanks, learn about the area's ecological restoration efforts, and enjoy a picnic and wildlife viewing in this picturesque natural setting. Day use only. More info.
17. Placid Lake State Park, Seeley Lake
Placid Lake State Park offers a serene environment ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. Surrounded by dense forests and snowcapped peaks, it’s an ideal spot for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The park’s interpretive panels—and massive western larch stumps—provide insight into the area's logging history. More info.
18. Salmon Lake State Park, Seeley Lake
On the shores of scenic Salmon Lake, Salmon Lake State Park offers a picturesque vacation destination for camping, fishing and water recreation. Enjoy boating, paddling, water skiing and wildlife watching—including excellent birding. With its stunning mountain views and pristine waters, this captivating state park is an ideal retreat for nature lovers. More info.
19. Somers Beach State Park
Somers Beach State Park, located on the northern shore of Flathead Lake, offers a sandy beach (seasonally) and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect place to spend a day by the water soaking in the beauty of the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Day use only. More info.
20. Wayfarers State Park, Bigfork
Wayfarers State Park beckons Flathead Lake boaters, photographers and bird watchers with its glacial-carved rocky cliffs and scenic picnic areas. Explore hiking trails, enjoy water activities like swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, or simply relax and take in the majestic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. More info.
21. West Shore State Park, Lakeside
West Shore State Park offers quietude along the western shore of Flathead Lake, and is a great place to begin a boating adventure. Nestled in a mature fir, pine and larch forest, enjoy a refreshing swim or peaceful picnic with spectacular views of the Swan and Mission mountains. More info.
22. Whitefish Lake State Park
Whitefish Lake State Park offers a secluded campground and beach along the shores of sparkling Whitefish Lake, offering an idyllic backdrop for an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing and paddleboarding in the crystal-clear waters, or explore hiking trails that wind through lush forests and meadows. Rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and pedal boats on-site. More info.
23. Wild Horse Island State Park, Big Arm
Wild Horse Island State Park—the largest island on Flathead Lake—is an untouched wilderness sanctuary renowned for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. Legend has it that the Kootenai Indians to pasture horses, today visitors can spot wild horses, bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles, falcons and more amid panoramic mountain vistas. Boat access is required to reach the island. More info.
Note: This park is located within the Flathead Reservation and all recreation on tribal land outside of the park requires a tribal recreation permit and is subject to all tribal rules and regulations. A tribal fishing license is required for fishing on the southern half of Flathead Lake and all other waters within the reservation. For more information regarding the Flathead Reservation, visit csktribes.org.
24. Yellow Bay State Park, Bigfork
Located in the heart of Flathead’s cherry orchards on the east side of the lake, Yellow Bay State Park offers stunning vistas and a beach perfect for swimming and picnicking. The park also has a deep-water boat launch, which usually remains ice-free during the winter months. Explore hiking trails, fish for lake trout, or simply relax and soak in the scenic beauty. More info.
Note: This park is located within the Flathead Reservation and all recreation on tribal land outside of the park requires a tribal recreation permit and is subject to all tribal rules and regulations. A tribal fishing license is required for fishing on the southern half of Flathead Lake and all other waters within the reservation. For more information regarding the Flathead Reservation, visit csktribes.org.
