Yellow Bay State Park
Montana’s Flathead Lake Gem — 5 Tent-Only Campsites, Sandy Beach Swimming, Deep-Water Boat Launch, Bear-Resistant Food Lockers & Crystal-Clear Lake Views Near Bigfork
Yellow Bay State Park is a unit of the Flathead Lake State Park system on the eastern shore of Flathead Lake near Bigfork, Montana. The park features 5 tent-only campsites (first-come, first-served), a wide gravelly/sandy swimming beach, a deep-water boat launch, bear-resistant food lockers, seasonal flush toilets, and panoramic views of Flathead Lake — the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.
Yellow Bay offers an intimate, tent-only camping experience on the shore of one of North America’s most stunning lakes. Flathead Lake stretches 28 miles long and 15 miles wide, with water so clear you can see 30+ feet below the surface. The park’s 5 campsites are deliberately kept small and quiet — there are no RV hookups and no reservations — creating a first-come, first-served wilderness feel on the lakeshore. The deep-water boat launch provides easy access to the lake’s 191 square miles of open water for fishing, sailing, and water sports. Because the park is located within the Flathead Indian Reservation, fishing requires both a Montana state fishing license and a Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal fishing license.
Things to Do
Swimming
- Wide gravelly/sandy beach: Popular for swimming and sunbathing
- Crystal-clear water: 30+ foot visibility
- No lifeguards
Camping
- 5 tent-only campsites
- First-come, first-served: No reservations
- Season: May through September
- Bear-resistant food lockers at each site
- Fire rings/grills and picnic tables
Boating & Water Sports
- Deep-water boat launch: On-site
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, sailing
- 191 square miles of open water on Flathead Lake
Fishing
- Lake trout (mackinaw), lake whitefish, yellow perch, bull trout, pike
- ⚠️ Dual license required: Montana state + CSKT tribal fishing permit
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Campsites | 5 tent-only (no RV hookups) |
| Reservations | None — first-come, first-served |
| Restrooms | Flush toilets (seasonal mid-May–Labor Day), vault toilets (year-round) |
| Water | Available seasonally (mid-May–Labor Day) |
| Boat Launch | Deep-water launch on-site |
| ADA Accessible | Yes |
| Season | May through September |
| Lake Size | 191 sq mi (largest natural freshwater lake west of Mississippi) |
| Address | 23861 MT Hwy 35, Bigfork, MT 59911 |
| Contact | Flathead Lake Ranger Station: 406-837-3041 |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Warmest water; swimming; boating; camping; long days; full services | Sites fill early — arrive by noon; bears active; thunderstorms |
| Early Summer (Jun) | Uncrowded; cool water; fishing season; wildflowers; green hillsides | Water still cold; variable weather; some services opening |
| Fall (Sep) | Fall colors; uncrowded; cool hiking; photography; lake still swimmable | Season ending; cooling nights; services closing; shorter days |
| Off-Season (Oct–Apr) | Vault toilets available; winter lake views; solitude | No camping; no water; cold; limited access |
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early: With only 5 tent-only sites, Yellow Bay fills fast on summer weekends — arrive by noon on Fridays.
- Dual fishing license: Because the park is on the Flathead Indian Reservation, you need both a Montana state fishing license and a CSKT tribal fishing permit.
- Bear country: Use the bear-resistant food lockers at each campsite — this is grizzly and black bear habitat.
- Flathead Lake clarity: The water is crystal clear with 30+ foot visibility — bring snorkel gear!
- No RVs: This is a tent-only park — no RV hookups or generators.
- Other Flathead Lake units: If Yellow Bay is full, check nearby Wayfarers, Finley Point, or West Shore units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Yellow Bay SP — on the eastern shore of Flathead Lake. The park’s lake, cherry orchards, and forest support bald eagles, ospreys, and white-tailed deer.
Nearby Attractions
Bigfork — nearby — a charming arts village. Flathead Lake — at the park. Jewel Basin Hiking Area — nearby.
Can you camp at Yellow Bay State Park?
Yes — Yellow Bay State Park on Flathead Lake near Bigfork, Montana, offers 5 tent-only campsites. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations available. Each campsite includes a fire ring/grill, picnic table, and bear-resistant food locker. Seasonal flush toilets and water are available from mid-May through Labor Day, with vault toilets available year-round. The park also features a sandy swimming beach and a deep-water boat launch. Camping is available from May through September.
Do you need a tribal fishing license at Flathead Lake?
Yes — because Yellow Bay State Park and much of Flathead Lake are located within the Flathead Indian Reservation, anglers must carry both a Montana state fishing license and a Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) tribal fishing permit. CSKT permits can be purchased at local sporting goods stores and online. Flathead Lake supports lake trout (mackinaw), lake whitefish, yellow perch, bull trout, and northern pike. The lake spans 191 square miles, making it the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River.
Last updated: May 2026
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