Whitefish Lake State Park

Star3.65
77 reviews
1615 West Lakeshore Drive, Whitefish, Montana, 59937, United States
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,009 ft

Price

$3 - $6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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Whitefish Lake State Park
$3.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Showers cost $3 for six minutes, and firewood is available for $6. Entry fees for day use are $8 according to one user review.
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

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What Campers Say

3.65

Mixed Reviews

Based on 77 reviews

387 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowerslakebeach

Some mention

noisecrowdedsmall

"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."

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Campground Map

1615 West Lakeshore Drive, Whitefish, Montana, 59937, United States

Whitefish Lake State Park

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.

Best Time to Camp at Whitefish Lake State Park

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer is busiest; reviewers note crowds and increased train activity during peak season.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall likely offers scenic colors and fewer crowds; quieter than summer per seasonal notes.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Shoulder season with variable weather and fewer crowds; lake access remains a draw.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round with ice fishing and quieter conditions, though very cold (~16°F reported).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. User reviews mention ice fishing in winter and camping in summer.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts provided.

About Whitefish Lake State Park

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.
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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.

Amenities available

Showers
Flush toilets
Firewood available
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.
FishingFishing 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.
SwimmingSwimming 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.
BoatingBoating is a key activity, with kayak rentals available. The lake’s calm waters make it ideal for various boating activities.
Wildlife viewingSome 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 activitiesThe beach area, while rocky, offers opportunities for sunbathing and relaxation. A designated dog exercise area is also part of the beachfront.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe proximity to train tracks results in constant noise that disrupts sleep. Mosquitos are mentioned as a seasonal issue.
Active AlertsNo active alerts provided.

Weather at Whitefish Lake State Park

Reviews

3.7
77 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Whitefish Lake State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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
Based on 77 reviews

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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Based on 77 reviews

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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Based on 77 reviews

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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Based on 77 reviews

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.
Based on 77 reviews

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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Based on 77 reviews

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.
Based on 77 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA-compliant sites are available, but no user reviews specifically addressed their experiences with these features.
Based on 77 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park is highly appreciated by pet owners for its designated dog exercise beach.
Based on 77 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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