How much does camping cost at Lake Elmo State Park?

Camping fees at Lake Elmo State Park range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Lake Elmo State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Elmo State Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis. No walk-up availability for camping, day-use only.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lake Elmo State Park before I book?

Yes! Lake Elmo State Park has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Lake Elmo State Park?

Lake Elmo State Park is open Peak usage likely occurs in summer months, but exact dates are not specified.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lake Elmo State Park?

Yes, Lake Elmo State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Lake Elmo State Park?

Fire policies at Lake Elmo State Park: No specific policies mentioned, but there are places for barbecuing.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Elmo State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Elmo State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lake Elmo State Park?

Lake Elmo State Park offers: Showers, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Elmo State Park?

Popular activities at Lake Elmo State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Elmo State Park

4.53

11 reviews

2300 Lake Elmo, Billings, Montana, 59105, United States

Top 23% in MTSpring

Family FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,205 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Day Use Only - no ca...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Lake Elmo State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,205 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Day Use Only - no ca...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Lake Elmo State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Elmo State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no information regarding fees for Lake Elmo State Park, and camping is not available.

No paid fee categories listed.

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4062472940/

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

2300 Lake Elmo, Billings, Montana, 59105, United States

Lake Elmo State Park

2300 Lake Elmo, Billings, Montana, 59105, United States

Nearby places

Billings (within city limits).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available within the city limits of Billings, which surrounds the park.

Weather at Lake Elmo State Park

Best Time to Camp at Lake Elmo State Park

Summer delivers the best conditions, with daytime highs from the mid-70s to mid-90s°F and cool evenings. The reservoir reaches its warmest temperatures for swimming and paddling, and the trails stay dry and accessible. Weekends can get crowded with local families. Early visits help avoid both heat and crowds.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is peak: warm water, best for swimming, boating, and family visits; reviewers highlight summer visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak usage likely occurs in summer months, but exact dates are not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Day Use Only - no camping Open daily all year 5am - 10pm

About Lake Elmo State Park

Lake Elmo State Park sits just outside Billings, offering a 64-acre reservoir for day-use recreation on Montana's high plains. The park attracts families for swimming, fishing, and picnicking, with amenities including showers, a playground, and a dog park. No overnight camping is available. Reviews mention murky water and occasional speeding vehicles, but visitors appreciate the clean facilities and easy access from the city.

Lake Elmo State Park is a day-use facility with no camping accommodations. Visitors can enjoy the park for recreational activities during the day, but there are no provisions for overnight stays.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions, with daytime highs from the mid-70s to mid-90s°F and cool evenings. The reservoir reaches its warmest temperatures for swimming and paddling, and the trails stay dry and accessible. Weekends can get crowded with local families. Early visits help avoid both heat and crowds.

ElevationPerched on Montana's sweeping high plains within Billings' city limits, Lake Elmo sits at an elevation that offers expansive views and that characteristic big-sky feeling, where the horizon seems to stretch endlessly in every direction.

Natural Features and SceneryThe 64-acre reservoir sits at 3,205 feet elevation, surrounded by rolling grasslands characteristic of Montana's high plains. Though human-made, the lake has integrated into the prairie landscape and attracts diverse birdlife. The park blends maintained picnic areas with native grassland edges. Visitors report that the water can be murky, particularly during busy periods.

Geological RegionSet within Montana's iconic high plains, Lake Elmo State Park showcases the region's characteristic rolling grasslands that once stretched unbroken across the continent. The 64-acre reservoir, though human-made, has seamlessly integrated into this prairie landscape, creating a water feature that complements the natural topography while providing a vital recreational resource amid the surrounding urban development.

Scenic ViewsThe park offers views of Lake Elmo, which is described as murky but picturesque, and surrounding urban areas.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings available. Lake Elmo State Park is strictly a day-use park with no overnight accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park offers an interpretive center at the FWP Regional Office, which is open on weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-out

Stay Limit

Guests Allowed Per Site

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as there are no reservations required.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability for camping, day-use only.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations required as camping is not available.

AccessibilityAccessibility options were not explicitly mentioned, but the park offers accessible bathrooms and outdoor showers as noted in user reviews.

Site SizeThis is a day-use park, so there are no campsites.

PrivacyAs there are no overnight camping sites, privacy is not applicable.

Recommended Sites/

Amenities available

Lake Elmo State Park is a 64-acre reservoir located within the city limits of Billings, Montana. It offers a variety of amenities for day-use visitors including a playground, restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic areas with picnic tables and picnic shelters, and an interpretive center available on weekdays. The park also features a unique dog park with a 200-square-foot fenced area including access to water for dogs. A 1.4-mile hiking/nature trail circles the lake, and visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. The park prohibits overnight camping.

Showers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Elmo State Park provides recreational activities suitable for all ages. Visitors can swim in the park’s lake, hike a 1.4-mile trail, fish from Rogers Pier, enjoy non-motorized boating, and bird-watch. The park also features a playground and a dog park for pet owners. Educational opportunities are available at the interpretive center on weekdays.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPossible hazards include murky water and urban proximity. Some reviews noted incidents of speeding vehicles.

Fire PolicyNo specific policies mentioned, but there are places for barbecuing.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are None specified.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available nearby in Billings, Montana, which includes hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Water FeaturesThe park is centered around the 64-acre Lake Elmo, which is used for swimming, fishing, and boating.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

11 reviews

Top-Rated

Lake Elmo State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Lake Elmo State Park receives positive reviews for its family-friendly atmosphere, clean facilities, and variety of recreational activities. Users appreciate its proximity to the city and mention that it feels remote despite being near residential areas. However, concerns include the murkiness of the lake water and disruptive behavior by some visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the park as a great place for family outings, noting clean bathrooms and the availability of showers, picnic areas, and a playground. The dog park is described as a unique and...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mention that the lake water is murky, which is a natural characteristic but may deter some swimmers. Speeding vehicles in slow zones at night have also been noted as a concern.

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no specific campsites as the park does not support camping.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own equipment for non-motorized boating and fishing. Early visits are recommended to avoid crowds. Pet owners should use the dog park but remember to follow leash rules in other areas.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highlighted as the best time to visit, with activities like swimming and fishing being more enjoyable. However, the park can become crowded during peak season.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Great place to spend the day with friends and family! Swimming, playground, bathrooms, and showers, dog park!" 2. "A very beautiful and even though there are houses nearby, it has a remote...

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews do not specifically address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews highlight the dog-friendly nature of the park, specifically mentioning the fenced dog park with water access. Leash rules are enforced outside the designated dog park.

Based on 11 reviews

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Go if

Billings families or anyone passing through who wants a free afternoon outside will find clean restrooms, outdoor showers, a fenced dog park, and a playground all in one spot. The 1.4-mile lake loop is easy enough for any fitness level.

Skip if

Overnight camping isn't available at all, so if you need a place to sleep, this isn't it. Murky water is the norm, and reviewers have flagged speeding vehicles after dark.

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