Camp, hike and swim in this beautiful setting on Flathead Lake among mature ponderosa pines, juniper trees and spectacular views of the Mission Mountains.
The Big Arm park unit of Flathead Lake State Park is located 15 miles north of Polson on U.S. Highway 93 on Big Arm Bay along the west side of Flathead Lake. The park offers views of the Swan and Mission mountain ranges, as well as Wild Horse Island. The site offers camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities, as well as a newly developed archery range.
The campground has 41 campsites, including one wheelchair accessible site; one group campsite; and three yurts. Maximum RV/trailer length is 40 feet. Bear resistant storage lockers are available. For more information about camping or specific campsites please visit montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 855-922-6768.
This park is located within the Flathead Reservation and all recreation on tribal land outside of the park requires a tribal recreation permit and is subject to all tribal rules and regulations. A tribal fishing license is required for fishing on the southern half of Flathead Lake and all other waters within the reservation. For more information regarding the Flathead Reservation, visit csktribes.org.
Big Arm is a popular jumping-off point to Wild Horse Island, a 2,163-acre island in Flathead Lake State Park, located off the west shore of the lake.
Activities
Bird Watching
Boating
Camping
Canoeing
Fishing
Group Camping
Hiking
Kayaking
Lake Fishing
Motor Boating
Photography
Picnicking
RV Camping
Sailing
Swimming
Tent Camping
Water Skiing
Wildlife Viewing
Wind Surfing
Amenities
Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.
ADA Accessible
Bear Resistant Storage Lockers
Boat Launch
Campsite
Established Fire Pits
Firewood for Sale
Grills/Fire Rings
Parking
Pets Allowed
Picnic Shelter
Public Restroom
Shower
Toilets (Flush)
Toilets (Vault)
Trails
Trash Removal
Water
Yurt
Seasons & Hours
Hours listed below are normal operating hours and may not apply when there is a special restriction or closure. Check Alerts and Closures in the tab below.
Park
Day use area open year-round
Campground
Open April through October
Water
Available mid-May through mid-September
Shower House & Flush Toilets
Open mid-May through mid-September
Dock
Normally available mid-March through November, weather permitting. For status updates please visit our Facebook page or call Flathead Lake State Park Ranger Station, 406-837-3041
Contact the park manager for open volunteer positions at Flathead Lake State Park.
For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page.
Fees
Montana Residents
Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don't include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.
Nonresidents
Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free
Campsites
Campsite fees range from $4-$34 per night, depending on season and available amenities.
Food Storage Rules: Store all attractants, day or night, in a closed, hard sided container or vehicle when not in immediate use. Tent campers without a vehicle may use available food lockers. Do not burn waste in fire ring or leave litter around camp-site. Dispose of garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters provided.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Big Arm / Flathead Lake State Park
Flathead Lake Ranger Station
8600 MT Hwy 35
Bigfork, MT 59911
Enjoy this aerial tour of the Big Arm Unit of Flathead Lake State Park
Located on the lake's Big Arm Bay, its long pebble beach is popular with sunbathers and swimmers. Camping under a stand of mature ponderosa pine and juniper is a major attraction. The hiking trail provides excellent vistas of surrounding mountain ranges and high peaks with abundant watchable wildlife opportunities.
Flathead Lake State Park - Big Arm
Address
28031 Big Arm State Park Rd. Big Arm, MT 59910 Latitude/Longitude: (47.80534 / -114.31339)
Amy Grout began her career in Montana State Parks in 2004 as an intern at Lone Pine State Park, later becoming the Northwest District Park Ranger. She has a B.A. in Parks and Protected Area Management from Colorado State University at Fort Collins. Speaking about her love of the outdoors, Amy said, “Most of my childhood was spent outside of Anchorage, Alaska and so that is the one place I consider my hometown and where my love for the outdoors really began."
