Whitefish Lake State Park

At 57, I had only seen tv shows on people who have walked across a frozen lake. Today, I walked on one and it was amazing. So many beautiful things to see in this state- and, thanks to United Airlines for having their 3rd plane breakdown, we are able to enjoy Montana another day!!

My family (wife and son) tent camped here in late June. The park is on the small side for a state park, but the location is very pretty. The bathrooms are modern and clean, the lady at the entry booth was friendly and helpful, and the camping areas are generously sized. We arrived early and set up camp, then left for several hours to tour Glacier NP. We returned after dark and settled in. It was only a few minutes later that we realized the park is near a very active train line. Trains ran almost all night long. And they were loud! If you stay here, make sure you are prepared. Forget the bear spray; buy ear plugs!

Whitefish Lake State Park has decent, clearly marked campsites with foliage between for added privacy. Good location for access to downtown Whitefish. That being said, and this may only be spot 014 or could include others as well… the train tracks are about ten feet up a hill from the site. Trains were thundering through all night, disturbing our sleep more than every hour. Additionally, even though our last name was clearly stated on the site and the vehicle tag provided by the ranger, someone else was too easily able to steal our spot. They clearly don’t ID at the gate when handing out vehicle permits. We had to confront a man who didn’t answer upon first attempt and wait a long time a 8:45PM for this person to hook everything back up and pack everything up (he made himself quite comfortable for knowing someone else reserved the site) before we could finally pull in and go to bed after a long day of traveling. Very frustrating and poor experience. Won’t stay here again.

Incredibly well kept park that when we attended was very quiet. The lone staff member we encountered was more than friendly and have advice on what to do or see here when we brought our dogs. The lake was one of the more beautiful lakes we saw on our entire trip in Montana. I can absolutely see it being a mad house during the summer with campers and boaters. Came during early fall and only saw 8 other people, no other dogs There is a small "dog only" beach area that is right next to the human only beach. So during a busy peak time I could see that getting a bit problematic. But we were very happy to come here. Be advised that there is a $8 day use fee.

Beautiful setting. Friendly hosts. Add $3 for a 5 min shower, $6 for some firewood and a train that kills all the good this setting offers and I am thinking twice before another night. Bathrooms can be cleaner. The scenery is why you go there.

A lovely little State Park campground. Excellent campsites. A few can handle larger rigs. Clean bathrooms/shower house. The beach is beautiful. There is a dog exercise area on the beach. The only downside is the train traffic/noise. It feels like you are living under the F train in Queens.

The actual site was nice and not too close to other sites. There was foliage and trees between sites. The main reason I marked this site down is because there is no path down to the lake, and it would have to be a steap slope and across the road if there was one. The pit toilets could have been cleaner as this campground had a camp host.

Super legit state park. Location is great, besides the train. It’s super close to the tracks, and so loud at night you think the trains (3-4 each night) will derail and crash into you trailer. But being close to town and the lake is solid!!