Whitefish Lake State Park
00 review1615 West Lakeshore Drive, Whitefish, Montana, 59937, United States
Whitefish Lake State Park
$3.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$3.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Showers cost $3 for six minutes, and firewood is available for $6. Entry fees for day use are $8 according to one user review.
About this campground
Nestled on the tranquil shores of Whitefish Lake, this intimate state park campground beckons travelers with its towering old-growth forest canopy and crystal-clear waters. Just moments from the charming mountain town of Whitefish, visitors can launch their boats at dawn, cast fishing lines into pristine waters, or simply float the afternoon away. The rhythmic rumble of passing trains adds an unexpected soundtrack to your wilderness escape—a reminder of Montana's storied railroad heritage that some find nostalgic while others may need a moment to embrace.
Whitefish Lake State Park offers a mix of camping options, primarily focused on traditional tent and RV camping. No luxury accommodations or unique camping styles like glamping are available.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Montana's dramatic seasonal tapestry, where winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland with temperatures dipping to a crisp 16°F, perfect for those seeking a true cold-weather camping adventure. Summer arrives like a warm embrace, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 81°F—ideal for lazy lake days and evening campfires under star-filled skies. Spring and fall paint the forest in vibrant transitions, offering cooler temperatures and fewer crowds for those who prefer solitude.
ElevationElevation is not explicitly stated.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic mature forests create a natural cathedral around your campsite, where sunlight filters through ancient branches to dapple the forest floor. The jewel of the park is undoubtedly Whitefish Lake itself, its waters reflecting the surrounding wilderness like a mirror. A charming rocky beach invites brave swimmers to test the mountain-fed waters, though its intimate size means arriving early to claim your spot during peak summer weekends. The interplay of forest, water, and sky creates an ever-changing canvas that photographers and nature lovers will treasure.
Geological RegionSituated in the breathtaking northwestern corner of Montana, this campground rests in the embrace of the Northern Rocky Mountains ecosystem. The ancient forests surrounding Whitefish Lake tell the story of centuries of growth, creating a rich tapestry of Douglas fir, western larch, and ponderosa pine that shelter diverse wildlife and provide a true Montana wilderness experience.
Campsite details
AccessibilityADA-designated campsites are available, but proof of disability is required upon arrival. These sites are designed to accommodate campers with specific mobility needs.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as relatively spacious, suitable for both tents and RVs, though some users suggested additional landscaping to enhance privacy.
Sites PrivacyThe level of privacy varies, with some sites offering semi-private settings due to natural foliage, while others are closer together, making them less secluded.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesEarplugs are recommended for campers sensitive to noise. Sites farther from train tracks may offer better sleep quality.
Best CampsitesUser reviews do not specify particular campsites; recommendations include sites farther from train tracks.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is 2:00pm for campsites.
Check-out
Check-out time is 1:00pm for campsites.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is not explicitly stated in the authoritative sources.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- The maximum capacity for each campsite is eight people
- double sites allow up to 16 people.
Groups
No specific group camping facilities are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of two loops, described as small and tight with limited privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. User reviews mention ice fishing in winter and camping in summer.
Reservation PlatformsReservations recommended; no direct platforms mentioned.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations recommended during peak times. Several reviews mention full campsites in summer.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are non-transferable and cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. ADA-designated sites require proof of disability upon arrival; failure to provide proof leads to cancellation and forfeiture of fees.
Amenities available
Showers
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at Whitefish Lake State Park can engage in a variety of activities, with swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing being the highlights. The park's proximity to Whitefish Lake allows for convenient access to water-based recreation. However, few reviews mentioned organized activities or educational programs, suggesting that the park is more suited for self-directed recreation.
Fishing
Fishing is available at Whitefish Lake, though specific details on fish species or regulations are not provided. Users noted the lake’s accessibility and tranquility for fishing activities.Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity, with Whitefish Lake offering a beach area. However, the beach is described as rocky, which may require water shoes for comfort.Boating
Boating is a key activity, with kayak rentals available. The lake’s calm waters make it ideal for various boating activities.Wildlife viewing
Some reviewers mentioned encounters with local wildlife, such as deer, enhancing the natural experience. However, the constant noise from trains may deter some wildlife activity.Beach activities
The beach area, while rocky, offers opportunities for sunbathing and relaxation. A designated dog exercise area is also part of the beachfront.Winter Activities
The park is open year-round, offering parking for winter activities like ice fishing.Water Sports
Popular water sports include paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming in Whitefish Lake. Kayak rentals are available at the park.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated areas only.
- Quiet hours are 10:00pm to 7:00am.
Hazards
General hazardsThe proximity to train tracks results in constant noise that disrupts sleep. Mosquitos are mentioned as a seasonal issue.
Active alertsNo active alerts provided.
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 11%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
In case of emergency, dial 911. The contact numbers provided are 4068623991 (Direct Line) and 4067525501 (Ranger Station). Nearest hospital information not explicitly available.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are present, but no specific details on recycling or pickup schedules have been provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Whitefish Lake and offers a small beach, boat launch, and kayak rental.
Common complaintsFrequent train noise, crowded and small campsites, cleanliness issues in bathrooms, and noisy neighbors during peak season are recurring complaints.
HostMultiple reviews describe friendly and helpful hosts. However, one review mentions rude hosts during their stay.
Campground Map
1615 West Lakeshore Drive, Whitefish, Montana, 59937, United States
Driving directionsWhitefish Lake State Park is located 1 mile west of Whitefish on U.S. 93, then 1 mile north.
The campground is accessible from U.S. 93 via paved roads. No mention of seasonal closings or challenging terrain was provided.Nearby places
Whitefish (1 mile), Glacier National Park (approximately 20 miles - user review mentions 20-minute drive), Kalispell (15 miles).
Nearby supplies
Whitefish, located 1 mile away, is described as having 'everything you need' in user reviews. Supplies include grocery stores and camping essentials.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Whitefish Lake State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park's beautiful scenery, excellent lake access, and well-maintained facilities. However, the constant noise from trains running close to the campground is a major drawback for many visitors, with numerous complaints about disrupted sleep. The park is described as family-friendly, though some noted issues with party-like atmospheres during certain stays.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the park’s proximity to Whitefish Lake, the availability of clean bathrooms and showers, and the friendly staff. The dog exercise area on the beach and kayak rentals were also...
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Common Concerns
The most frequent complaint across reviews is the noise from trains passing near the campground, which occurs day and night. Other issues include the cost and functionality of coin-operated showers,...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring earplugs to mitigate train noise. Consider water shoes for comfort on the rocky beach. Plan to use coin-operated showers and ensure you have $1 coins ready. The dog-friendly beach is excellent...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer is the busiest season, with reviewers noting crowded conditions and increased train activity. Winter visits are quieter, with activities like ice fishing available.
Camper Quotes
"The train goes by every half to 45 minutes and sounds like it’s coming through the woods." - Peggy Gerner. "Children’s faces light up as they wave to Thomas the Train." - Chris Eddington. "You will...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews are limited, though some users noted that sites close to the train tracks experience more noise. Sites with more foliage offer better privacy.
Accessibility Features
ADA-compliant sites are available, but no user reviews specifically addressed their experiences with these features.
Pet-Friendly Features
The park is highly appreciated by pet owners for its designated dog exercise beach.
Last updated August 10, 2025