Lake Elmo State Park

4.29

7 reviews

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

Quick Facts

3,205 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Lake Elmo State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,205 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Lake Elmo State Park site

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.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 7 reviews

979 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowers

"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."

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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

Driving directionsLake Elmo State Park is located In Billings; Main Street (U.S. 87) north to Pemberton Lane, then .5 mile west.

The campground is easily accessible from Billings, with paved roads leading to the park. There are no mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Elmo State Park

Lake Elmo transforms with Montana's dramatic seasons, offering year-round appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Winter wraps the park in a crystalline blanket of snow, with temperatures that invite bundled-up nature walks and frost-kissed photography. As spring arrives, the landscape awakens to birdsong and warming days. Summer brings the park to its full glory—long, sun-drenched days with dry, warm conditions create perfect swimming weather and endless opportunities for picnicking beneath Montana's famous big sky. Autumn paints the surrounding grasslands in golden hues, offering crisp air ideal for hiking and wildlife watching.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer highlighted as best time: swimming, fishing, boating and peak usage.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Seasonal changes noted; pleasant for walks and birding though fewer summer amenities apply.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring likely good for birding and emerging greenery; fewer reviews but park open year-round.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Park open year-round with snow, but no winter-specific facilities described.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak usage likely occurs in summer months, but exact dates are not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The park is open year-round for day-use activities.
Current Alerts: /

About Lake Elmo State Park

Nestled within the bustling city of Billings, Lake Elmo State Park offers a surprising 64-acre aquatic oasis where urban life meets natural recreation. This thoughtfully designed day-use paradise invites visitors to escape the city without leaving it, featuring crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and peaceful paddling in non-motorized boats. Families gather here for lakeside picnics while anglers cast their lines from shore, and nature enthusiasts explore winding trails that reveal unexpected wildlife encounters. The park's amenities cater to every member of the family—including four-legged ones at the dedicated dog park—while children's laughter echoes from the playground. For those seeking deeper connections with Montana's natural heritage, the nearby FWP Regional Office houses an interpretive center that brings the region's ecological story to life.

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.

Historical SignificanceWhile Lake Elmo may be a modern recreational treasure, its waters reflect the evolving relationship between Montana's urban communities and natural spaces, serving as a testament to thoughtful conservation within city boundaries.

Weather and SeasonsLake Elmo transforms with Montana's dramatic seasons, offering year-round appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Winter wraps the park in a crystalline blanket of snow, with temperatures that invite bundled-up nature walks and frost-kissed photography. As spring arrives, the landscape awakens to birdsong and warming days. Summer brings the park to its full glory—long, sun-drenched days with dry, warm conditions create perfect swimming weather and endless opportunities for picnicking beneath Montana's famous big sky. Autumn paints the surrounding grasslands in golden hues, offering crisp air ideal for hiking and wildlife watching.

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 SceneryLake Elmo presents a fascinating study in contrasts—a shimmering man-made reservoir that has become a thriving ecosystem in its own right. The 64-acre lake mirrors Montana's endless sky while native grasslands sweep toward the urban horizon, creating a unique blend where manicured park spaces meet wild prairie edges. This urban sanctuary attracts diverse birdlife, making it a hidden gem for wildlife photographers and birdwatchers who appreciate the unexpected nature encounters possible just minutes from downtown Billings.

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.

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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

Site layoutThe park includes a day-use area with a playground, picnic areas, and a dog park.

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

Showers

Picnic tables

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.

HikingThe park offers a 1.4-mile hiking and nature trail that circles the lake. User reviews describe it as an easy and scenic trail, suitable for walking or running. For example, one user states: "There’s a running/walking trail that goes around the lake."

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Lake Elmo State Park. The lake is stocked with various fish, and reviews mention good fishing, especially for catfish. One review highlights: "We love to go night fishing there for catfish."

SwimmingSwimming is available in the park’s lake. However, some reviews describe the water as murky, which is typical of a lake setting. One user notes: "The lake is a bit murky, but it’s what you would expect from a lake."

BoatingThe park supports non-motorized boating, making it ideal for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Motorized boats are not allowed.

Wildlife viewingBird watching is one of the activities mentioned in the park’s description. While specific species are not noted, visitors can enjoy viewing local wildlife.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park offers an interpretive center at the FWP Regional Office, which is open on weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Policies & Safety

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

Active Alerts/

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.

Camp Host/

Weather at Lake Elmo State Park

Reviews

4.3

7 reviews

Satisfactory

Lake Elmo State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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

Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

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

Based on 7 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 7 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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