West Shore State Park
Flathead Lake’s Western Shore — Deep-Water Boat Launch, 33 Campsites, Kayak Rentals & Mountain-Lake Hiking Near Lakeside
West Shore State Park is part of the Flathead Lake State Park system, located approximately 6 miles south of Lakeside, Montana, along U.S. Highway 93 on the western shore of Flathead Lake — the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River at 191 square miles. The park offers 33 campsites, a deep-water boat launch, seasonal kayak and paddleboard rentals, and 2.5–4 miles of single-track hiking trails with views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Flathead Lake’s crystal-clear water, mountain backdrop, and year-round deep-water boat access make West Shore one of Montana’s most scenic lakeside campgrounds. The park’s bear-resistant storage lockers remind visitors they’re in genuine Montana wilderness, while the proximity to Lakeside, Polson, and Glacier National Park (approximately 30 miles north) makes it a practical basecamp for exploring the entire Flathead Valley corridor.
Things to Do
Boating & Water Sports
- Deep-water boat launch: Accessible year-round in most conditions — one of the most reliable launches on the west shore
- Kayak, SUP & pedal boat rentals: Available seasonally (mid-June through Labor Day) via on-site concessionaire
- Flathead Lake: 191 square miles of pristine water — sailing, powerboating, fishing, and paddling
Hiking
- 2.5–4 miles of single-track trails: Ranging from easy lakeside walks to steep climbs with mountain views
- Views: Panoramic overlooks of Flathead Lake and the surrounding Mission Mountains and Swan Range
Fishing
- Species: Lake trout, bull trout, yellow perch, lake whitefish, and westslope cutthroat trout
- Access: Shore fishing and boat-based fishing via the launch
- State and tribal licenses required (Flathead Lake straddles the Flathead Reservation)
Swimming
Rocky shoreline swimming access — the water is remarkably clear but cold, even in summer. No formal beach.
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sites | 33 (7 tent-only + 26 multi-use); 1 ADA-accessible |
| Hookups | Some sites with electric |
| Max RV Length | 40 feet |
| Facilities | Vault toilets; potable water (May–Sep); picnic tables; fire rings; bear-resistant lockers; firewood for sale |
Hours: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM daily. Reservations via Montana State Parks / ReserveAmerica.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Water sports; kayak rentals; warmest swimming; full services; cherry harvest in Flathead Valley | Busy; reserve well ahead; bears active; afternoon storms |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ Western larch golden needles; quiet camping; cool hiking; clear lake views; fall fishing | Cold water; rentals ended; some services reduced |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildflowers; spring birding; trout active; quiet; opening season | Cold; water may not be available yet; variable weather |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Deep-water launch often still accessible; ice fishing (when conditions allow); solitude | Limited facilities; cold; check conditions before visiting |
Visitor Tips
- Largest natural lake: Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River — 191 square miles of crystal-clear water in a mountain setting. West Shore provides some of the best access on the quieter western shore.
- Bear country: The park provides bear-resistant storage lockers — use them for all food, coolers, and scented items. Black bears and occasional grizzlies frequent the area.
- Dual licenses: Fishing on Flathead Lake requires both a Montana state fishing license and a Flathead Reservation (CSKT) license, as the lake straddles tribal land. Purchase both before fishing.
- Kayak rentals: The seasonal concessionaire (mid-June through Labor Day) rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats — no need to bring your own watercraft.
- Glacier proximity: West Shore is approximately 30 miles from Glacier National Park’s west entrance — making it a more affordable and less crowded alternative to camping inside the national park.
- Cherry season: July brings Flathead Valley cherry harvest — roadside stands and u-pick orchards dot Highway 93. A uniquely Montana camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Flathead Lake?
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River, covering 191 square miles (approximately 28 miles long and 15 miles wide) in northwestern Montana. The lake reaches depths of nearly 370 feet and is renowned for its crystal-clear water. West Shore State Park provides access to the quieter western shore via a deep-water boat launch that is often accessible year-round. The lake supports fishing for lake trout, bull trout, yellow perch, and westslope cutthroat trout.
Can you camp near Glacier National Park at West Shore State Park?
Yes — West Shore State Park is approximately 30 miles from Glacier National Park’s west entrance, making it a convenient and typically less crowded alternative to camping inside the national park. The park offers 33 campsites (some with electric hookups) accommodating tents and RVs up to 40 feet. Reservations are made through the Montana State Parks reservation system. The combination of Flathead Lake access and Glacier proximity makes West Shore an ideal basecamp for exploring both.
Last updated: April 2026
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