Paddleboarding (SUP)

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Whitefish Lake State Park

Whitefish Lake State Park

Whitefish Lake State Park

A quick drive, walk, or bike ride from downtown Whitefish, you’ll find Whitefish Lake State Park or just State Park as the locals call it. Part of the Whitefish hiking and biking trail system, this park has something for everyone!

Looking to camp?

Whitefish Lake is host to 25 campsites made up of a mix of tent only, bike travel, and RV camping. You’re sure to find what you need if you plan to stay a night or two!

Many of the campsites here have a secluded feeling as they’re divided by tall trees. If you plan to bring in your RV or trailer, be aware that RV/trailer length is limited to 40 feet.

Kids love watching trains move just along the park’s edge near the campground!

A new hike and bike campsite is perfect for cyclists traveling along the Great Divide route!

The lake is rarely windy making is the perfect destination for water-skiing and other water activities!

Stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats are available to rent June 15-Labor Day from Sea Me Paddle Kayaking Tours, Inc. Be sure to call ahead as hours of operation vary! You can reach them at 406-709-2124 or https://www.tourglacier.com/sea-me-paddle.

While the shallow water at the beach isn’t known for swimming, your four-legged friend will love the designated swimming area for dogs!

Did You Know

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"Clean and well organized. Park rangers enforce the law properly"

"Nice clean campground. Friendly hosts. Easy access to lake. Perfect for swimming and for the pups. Decent public restrooms"

"Great little camp ground with a dog exercise/swimming area, huge beachfront picnic area, boat launch, with spacious, semi-private campsites. The best part though was the helpful, friendly staff! We'll be back! Also, very close to the Whitefish Trail system, some of the best mountain biking/hiking in the Northwest!"

"Really nice quiet place with amazing views of big mountain."

 

Quick Facts
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    Park

    Open

    Gates Closed December - April

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    Campground

    Open

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    Water and showers

    Open

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    Location

    1615 W Lakeshore Whitefish, MT 59937

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Les Mason State Park

Les Mason State Park

Les Mason State Park

Les Mason State Park

Les Mason State Park is a great day-use spot! With 585 feet of sand and gravel lakeshore, Les Mason is perfect for swimming, cross-country skiing, and picnicking.

Les Mason State Park is the only state park on the east shore of Whitefish Lake. The 585 feet shoreline of sand and gravel beaches and clear blue water are perfect for swimming in the summers.

Things to do:

Dogs are only allowed in specifically marked areas of the park and a limited portion of the beach. Dog waste cleanup is very important to stop contamination of the lake.

While this park doesn't have the campgrounds and developed facilities that Whitefish Lake and other State Parks in the area have, it is quiet and serene most of the year with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains on a clear day.

Stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats are available to rent June 15-Labor Day from Sea Me Paddle Kayaking Tours, Inc. Be sure to call ahead as hours of operation vary! You can reach them at 406-709-2124 or https://www.tourglacier.com/sea-me-paddle.

Bring Back the Les Mason Dock in 2024!

  • The old swim dock, a cherished feature at Les Mason State Park on Whitefish Lake, was removed due to poor condition. Due to a lack of funding, it has not been replaced.
  • Seeing the need for the dock, a local volunteer, Les Mason staff, and the Montana State Parks Foundation are teaming up to replace it.
  • Our goal is $10,000 to cover the dock a 8x10 swim dock provided by Lake Life EZ Dock in Whitefish, MT, installation and other expenses.
  • Help us meet this goal and bring back the dock - donate and share!
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    Spend a day on the lake and rent a kayak or canoe from Sea Me Paddle in at Whitefish Lake State Park during the summer

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    Visit downtown Whitefish for shopping, dining, and nightlife

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    Check out the local wildlife, including great birdwatching!

Although there is only a non-motorized boat launch at Les Mason, you can still get out on the water!

Sea Me Paddle Kayaking Tours, Inc., the concessionaire at Whitefish Lake State Park and Les Mason State Park, offers rental equipment, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats.

Looking to bring your canine friend along? There is a designated dog swimming area for your furry friend to enjoy!

Be sure to stick around for sunset! The park is in a perfect position to catch great views as the sun sinks into the mountains across the lake.

While Les Mason State Park is open year-round, once the gates are closed for the winter you’ll find you’ll only be able to travel into the park via foot or skis.

Did You Know

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"A great state park with a large pebble beach, roped off swim area with sunning platform, picnic tables, toilets, and dedicated dog area. Lots of sun here until sunset, and paddle rentals, as well. It gets very busy in summer, so get their early to claim your spot in the sun."

"Most beautiful park in whitefish lake. Shore fishing access and swimming access. Crystal clear water and colorful pebble beach rocks smooth. Ahhhh wish i was there everyday."

"Good place for swimming and the most sun. Clean beach area with pick nick tables in the trees. Beautiful."

"Hidden gem in Whitefish. This is the best beach in town and much less crowded than City Beach. Dog-friendly beach is a perfect spot to people watch and relax a day away. Parking can be a bit tough so get here early! There are limited rentals and bathroom facilities. There are some pit-grills and tables as well. Highly recommend - bit of a drive from town but more than worth it!"

 

Quick Facts
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    Park

    Park is day use only. 
    Park is open to foot traffic/walk-in only during winter months. 
    Gates will close to vehicles on 10/31/22. 

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    Location

    2650 E. Lake Shore Drive Whitefish, MT 59937

Les Mason State Park Read More »

Lake Elmo State Park

Lake Elmo State Park

Lake Elmo State Park

Inside the city limits of Billings is Lake Elmo State Park. A large 64-acre reservoir, Lake Elmo is the perfect place to swim, paddle, fish, picnic, bird watch, or hike the 1.4-mile nature trail.  The Lake, originally known as Holling Lake Reservoir, was constructed to provide water to irrigated farmland as part of the Carey Land Act of 1894.  The water that fills the man-made lake is diverted from the Yellowstone River near Laurel, MT, and flows through 63 miles of gravity-fed canals before reaching the lake.

We are able to bring you valuable information about this amazing state park thanks to the support of:

Things to do:

Prior to becoming a State Park in 1983, Lake Elmo was once the site of a two-story restaurant and night club known for dancing, big band music, and two-inch thick T-bone steaks.  Nearby property owners created beaches for swimming and even cleared snow from the lake in the winter to host ice skating.  At once point a thriving boat club was formed by local water skiing and motor boating enthusiasts.

The Regional Office for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is now located in the park.  The Regional Office houses an impressive collection of taxidermied birds, fish, and wildlife.  You can also purchase conservation licenses and apply for permits at the office which is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A special feature of Lake Elmo is its Dog Park. The 200-square-foot fenced-in area includes a water area and is located on the west side of the lake. Each visitor is allowed a maximum of two dogs in this special area. Dogs must be 4 months or older. Dogs must be on a leash in all other areas of Lake Elmo State Park.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the Lake Elmo Supper Club drew people for dining, dancing, and watching water skiers just out the back door. The Supper Club burned down in 1946, but Lake Elmo continues to be a popular place today.

The reservoir was constructed in 1906 and serves as the storage basin for the Billings Bench Water Association. 

Your four-legged friends will love Lake Elmo State Park as much as you! The dog park at Lake Elmo is a 200-square-foot fenced area that includes access to the water located on the west side of the lake. You and two of your furry friends are allowed to run off-leash in this area, but must be on a leash in all other parts of the park. 

During the summer, the lake is stocked with fish regularly and Roger’s Pier is an excellent fishing spot on the south shore of the lake. And although a popular place to cool off in the summer, the lake can be accessed from many points which means these parks never feel too overcrowded. 

Only non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake though, so you won’t find any water skiing here like you could in the 30s and 40s!

Did You Know

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"It's basically on the outskirts of town. Fair sized, man made lake with stocked, variety of fish. No motorized craft allowed on the lake. There are picnic shelters, kids play ground, paved parking and restrooms. The water's edge is a work in progress with some beach areas and a boat ramp. No overnight camping. A great day trip."

"I really like this lake, not only is it large enough to explore it has great picknick areas, walking trails. It's very clean and well taken care of."

"Great family place. Canoeing, swimming, and just fun in the sun with people you care about."

"A beautiful lake right in town and watching the sunset there was breathtaking."

 

Quick Facts
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    Park

    Day Use Only - no camping
    Open daily all year
    5am - 10pm

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    Location

    2300 Lake Elmo Drive Billings, MT 59105

Parks That Others Are Visiting

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Finley Point State Park 1

Finley Point State Park

Finley Point State Park

Finley Point State Park

Located on a narrow point on the south side of Flathead Lake, Finley Point is an ideal park for boaters and RV campers.

Finley Point is one of Montana's oldest state parks and has been open to the public since July 12th, 1965. The park is known as an excellent fishing location for Lake Trout and Kokanee Salmon. Anglers should note that state and tribal fishing licenses are required for fishing in the area.

Looking to boat?

Boaters can rent a slip in the marina, some of which offer electric and water hookups for those camping on their boats. Along with the camping slips, the marina also offers 12 boat slips without electricity.

Camping, boating, and other visitor facilities at Finley Point State Park were recently rebuilt or expanded by WGM Group of Missoula, MT.

The new park layout and expanded facilities allow for more visitors to enjoy the park without feeling crowded and reducing impacts on sensitive lakeshore habitat.

Thinking of camping? Finley Point offers 18 RV campsites, seven tent sites and four boat camping slips. Maximum RV length will vary by campsite, so be sure to check out the ReserveAmerica website for additional details. 

MT State Parks Rangers frequently host interpretive storytelling and other special events at the park.  These programs usually take place in the evening and are free to registered campers at the park.  

While in close proximity to Polson and very busy during the summer months, Finley Point’s mature conifer forest helps the campground feel secluded. 

Did You Know

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"One simple word “AMAZING!” We love Finely Point!!"

"Beautiful scenic area, even if it's for a quick stop on your road trip. There was also an amazing massive field of pinkish flowers just on the north end of it when we were there!"

"The site was amazing!! It had amazing views right on the shore."

"Nice sites and many close to the water. Trees, nice base for tents. Dogs ok"

 

Quick Facts
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    Park

    Open April through October

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    Campground

    Open April through October

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    Dock

    Contact park for availability.
    Dock is unusable when lake level is low. Typically lake level is high enough mid-June through early-September.

    For waves & wind forecast, check NOAA Graphical Flathead Lake Forecast

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    Location

    31453 S. Finley Point Rd. Finley Pt., MT 59806

Finley Point State Park Read More »

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