Lake Elmo State Park
Montana’s Urban Oasis in Billings — 64-Acre Lake, Swimming Beach, Stocked Fishing, Dog Park, ADA Trackchair, Interpretive Center & Year-Round Day-Use Recreation
Lake Elmo State Park is a day-use urban park in Billings, Montana, centered on a 64-acre reservoir that provides swimming beaches, stocked fishing (trout, bass, catfish), non-motorized boating, a 1.4-mile lakeside trail, a fenced dog park with lake access, accessible fishing piers, and an ADA Action Trackchair for visitors with mobility limitations. The park also houses the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 5 headquarters, which includes an interpretive center with wildlife displays.
Lake Elmo is Billings’ premier outdoor recreation destination — a genuine state park within city limits. The 64-acre reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, bass, and catfish, and supports ice fishing in winter. Non-motorized watercraft only (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards) ensure a quiet, peaceful water experience. The dedicated dog park with water access is one of the most popular features. For Billings residents and visitors, Lake Elmo delivers accessible, year-round outdoor recreation without leaving town.
Things to Do
Swimming
- Designated beach areas: Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
- No lifeguards: Swim at your own risk
Fishing
- Species: Rainbow trout (stocked), bass, catfish
- Roger’s Pier: ADA-accessible fishing pier on south shore
- Ice fishing: Permitted in winter months
- Montana fishing license required
Boating
- Non-motorized only: Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other non-motorized watercraft
- Boat ramp: Available for launching
Hiking & Walking
- 1.4-mile nature trail: Circles the lake — suitable for walking, jogging, and light exercise
- ADA Action Trackchair: Available for reservation — all-terrain electric wheelchair for trail access
Dog Park
- Fenced dog park: West side of the lake with dedicated water access for pets
- One of Billings’ most popular off-leash areas
Additional Amenities
- FWP interpretive center: Wildlife displays at the Region 5 headquarters
- Picnic shelters (one reservable)
- Playground
- Bird watching: Waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Day-use only — no overnight camping |
| Hours | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily |
| Address | 2300 Lake Elmo Drive, Billings, MT 59105 |
| Facilities | Restrooms; paved parking; picnic shelters; playground |
| ADA | Accessible fishing pier; Action Trackchair available |
| Pets | Dedicated fenced dog park with lake access |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Swimming beach open; paddleboarding; fishing active; dog park; picnicking; longest days | Popular on weekends; arrive early for parking; sunscreen essential |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ Migrating waterfowl; fall color around lake; trout active; cool walking; quiet | Beach closed; shorter days; cooling |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Ice fishing; ice skating (conditions permitting); winter birding; solitude | Cold; limited facilities; check ice conditions; shorter hours (8 AM–5 PM) |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Trout stocking; birding peak; trail drying; warming; dog park active | Variable weather; muddy trails possible; cool water |
Visitor Tips
- Urban state park: Lake Elmo is a genuine state park within Billings city limits — no long drive required. Perfect for a half-day outing or evening walk.
- Non-motorized only: No motorized boats are allowed — the lake stays quiet and serene. Bring your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
- Dog park: The fenced dog park with lake access is one of Billings’ best off-leash areas — dogs can swim and play freely in a designated section.
- ADA Trackchair: Lake Elmo offers an Action Trackchair — a reservation-available all-terrain electric wheelchair for visitors with mobility limitations. Contact the park to reserve.
- Ice fishing: The 64-acre lake supports winter ice fishing for trout — check ice conditions with Montana FWP before venturing out.
- Day-use only: There is no camping at Lake Elmo. For camping near Billings, check Cooney State Park or Pictograph Cave State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Lake Elmo State Park?
Yes — Lake Elmo State Park has designated beach swimming areas open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are no lifeguards on duty; swimming is at your own risk. The 64-acre reservoir provides calm, warm-water swimming conditions during summer months. The park is located within Billings city limits, making it one of the most accessible swimming destinations in southeastern Montana.
Is there a dog park at Lake Elmo?
Yes — Lake Elmo State Park features a fenced dog park on the west side of the lake with dedicated water access for pets. Dogs can swim and play off-leash within the designated area. The dog park is one of the most popular features of the park and one of Billings’ premier off-leash areas. Outside the designated dog park, dogs must be kept on a leash in all other areas of the state park.
Last updated: May 2026
