Big Arm Unit - Flathead Lake State Park

Star4.45
62 reviews
28031 Big Arm State Park Rd., Big Arm, Montana, 59910, United States
Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,982 ft

Price

$8 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Camping season ends ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

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Big Arm Unit - Flathead Lake State Park
$8.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Yurt rates range from $50 to $60 per night plus a $10 reservation fee. Entrance fee is $8 for out-of-state vehicles.
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

4.45

Recommended

Based on 62 reviews

332 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowerslake

"User reviews for Big Arm Unit at Flathead Lake State Park are overwhelmingly positive, with praise for its cleanliness, beautiful lake views, and friendly camp hosts. However, some users raised concerns about tight campsites and parking limitations."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

28031 Big Arm State Park Rd., Big Arm, Montana, 59910, United States

Big Arm Unit - Flathead Lake State Park

28031 Big Arm State Park Rd., Big Arm, Montana, 59910, United States

Driving directionsBig Arm State Park is located 13 miles north of Polson on U.S. 93.
Access is straightforward via U.S. 93, a major paved highway. No seasonal closures are mentioned.
Nearby places
Polson (13 miles, approximately 20 minutes driving), null for other cities
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as firewood and ice are sold at the campground by camp hosts. Other grocery or supply locations are not specified.

Best Time to Camp at Big Arm Unit - Flathead Lake State Park

Experience the dramatic beauty of Montana's changing seasons at Big Arm Unit, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched paradise, with comfortable temperatures in the mid-70s perfect for lake activities, while evening temperatures dip into the 50s—ideal for gathering around the campfire. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests burst into golden flames before winter blankets the region in pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland where freezing temperatures and snowfall transform the familiar shoreline into an entirely different world.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 4% in MT

Summer highlighted for swimming, boating and sunbathing; peak season satisfaction is high.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Cooler seasons noted; yurts provide warmth and fall offers quieter scenery and wildlife viewing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers reopening and scenery but variable weather and fewer peak activities early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Camping season ends Nov 1; winter camping generally not available at the unit.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Exact peak season dates not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Camping season ends on November 1, exact reopening not specified.
  • Current Alerts: None mentioned.

About Big Arm Unit - Flathead Lake State Park

Nestled along the pristine southwest shore of Flathead Lake, Big Arm Unit beckons outdoor enthusiasts to experience Montana's crown jewel from within the sacred lands of the Flathead Indian Reservation. This waterfront haven features 40 thoughtfully positioned campsites and 3 cozy yurts, each offering easy access to the crystalline waters that stretch endlessly toward the horizon. Modern amenities including flush toilets and hot showers ensure comfort after days spent swimming in the lake's refreshing waters, launching boats for island explorations, or casting lines for the legendary trout that call these depths home.
The campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and yurt rentals. Sites are located along the shoreline and include accessible ADA-designated spots.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
Stay limits for general campsites are not explicitly mentioned.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

The Big Arm Unit offers a wide range of recreational opportunities. Activities include swimming, sunbathing, boating, fishing, and hiking on the nature trail. The park is a popular launch point for boat trips to Wild Horse Island.
HikingHiking trails are available, including a short 2-mile hike, as noted by one user: 'Short 2mi hike.' Specific difficulty levels or trail conditions were not detailed.
FishingFishing is a popular activity here. However, a Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe fishing license is required. The fishing experience is described by a user as 'very nice with phenomenal views.'
SwimmingThe park features swimming areas and beaches, which are highly appreciated by visitors. One user stated, 'Awesome beaches for swimming,' and another mentioned, 'lots of spots to swim.'
BoatingBoating is a major activity at the park, facilitated by a designated boat launch and dock. One user praised the facilities, saying, 'Boat launch and dock made getting in and out to the lake easy.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include observing local fauna like chipmunks. One user noted, 'Chipmunks were everywhere, running and chattering.'
Beach activitiesBeach activities are popular, with visitors enjoying sunbathing and playing in the water. 'Nice beaches for swimming' and 'many spots with shade and open areas' were highlighted by users.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is noted; campers are advised to store food in airtight containers or cars. Some sites have inclined ground, which may affect sleeping comfort.
Active AlertsNone mentioned.

Weather at Big Arm Unit - Flathead Lake State Park

Reviews

4.5
62 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Big Arm Unit - Flathead Lake State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Big Arm Unit at Flathead Lake State Park are overwhelmingly positive, with praise for its cleanliness, beautiful lake views, and friendly camp hosts. However, some users raised concerns about tight campsites and parking limitations.
Review Summaries
Based on 62 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean bathrooms and showers. - Friendly and helpful camp hosts. - Stunning lakeside views. - Easy access to the lake for swimming and boating. - Availability of firewood and ice on-site.
Based on 62 reviews

Common Concerns

- Limited parking at some sites, requiring campers to park on the roadway. - Some campsites are described as tight or crowded. - Flush toilets are located far from certain campsites. - Potential bear...
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Based on 62 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Reserve campsites in advance as they fill up quickly. - Bring additional heaters for yurt stays during cooler nights. - Follow all food storage guidelines to avoid attracting bears.
Based on 62 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the popularity of swimming, boating, and sunbathing, while cooler seasons bring attention to yurt accommodations for warmth and comfort. Availability during peak seasons is...
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Based on 62 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Camp site was nice and big. Right on the water.' - 'Bathrooms had a shower. Had a good day and night.' - 'The camp hosts were great. Very friendly and jovial.' - 'Stunning lake views and very...
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Based on 62 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site B2 is 'really enjoyable,' according to one user. - Many sites are directly along the shoreline, providing easy beach access.
Based on 62 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some reviews mention ADA-accessible yurts and campsites, but no user-specific accessibility experiences were documented.
Based on 62 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed, as reminded by camp hosts. 'Dog loved every minute we were there,' shared one user.
Based on 62 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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