Whitefish Lake State Park

Lakeside camping minutes from downtown Whitefish.

A small wooded campground and beach on Whitefish Lake, minutes from downtown Whitefish and part of the Whitefish Trail network, with Glacier’s west entrance about 35 minutes away. The lake is usually calm, good for swimming, paddling and water-skiing, and a concessioner rents kayaks and paddleboards in summer. Freight trains run and stop right beside the campground, so pack earplugs.

At a glance

Sites

25 + a hike/bike site

Max RV

40 ft

Showers

Seasonal

Reservations

3 months ahead, rolling; $10 booking fee

Park size

10 acres at 3,012 ft

Fees

$4–$34 a night by season and amenities

What’s here

• Tent sites
• RV hookups
• Showers
• Lake or riverfront
• Swimming beach
• Pets allowed
• Open in winter

Gear, rentals and guides

• Sea Me Paddle

  Kayak, paddleboard and pedal boat rentals at the park, mid-June to Labor Day.

• Glacier Cyclery & Nordic

  Whitefish bike shop in summer, Nordic ski shop in winter.

• Whitefish Mountain Resort

  Summer lift rides and lift-served mountain biking on Big Mountain.

Events

“Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• FestivalFeb 5–7, 2027

  Whitefish Winter Carnival

  Three days of parades and winter fun in town, in its 68th year.

Where to stay

• lodgeThe Lodge at Whitefish Lake

  Lakefront resort with a spa.

  5 min drive
• lodgeGrouse Mountain Lodge

  Lodge-style hotel with a golf course next door and a shuttle to downtown.

  5 min drive
• hotelThe Firebrand Hotel

  Downtown Whitefish hotel steps from shops and restaurants.

  5 min drive

Nearby

• The Whitefish Trail · 5 min drive

  Network of hiking and biking trails in the hills around the lake.

• City Beach · 5 min drive

  The town’s swimming beach at the south end of the lake.

• Going-to-the-Sun Road · 35 min drive

  Glacier’s alpine drive starts at the park’s west entrance.

Getting there

• Glacier Park International (FCA) · about 20 min drive
• Missoula · about 2.5 hr
• Spokane · about 4.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps