Lake Mary Ronan Campground

Lake Mary Ronan State Park sits on the eastern edge of its namesake lake and about 15 miles west of Flathead Lake – one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the U.S. Campsites at Lake Mary Ronan Campground have electrical hookups and drinking water, but there are no sewer hookups available. There’s also no dump station, so you’ll need to drive into Lakeside or Kalispell to empty your holding tanks. There are pit toilets available, and if you need firewood or ice, it can be purchased from the campground host. The campground is rustic, though, and it’s best if you come prepared for self-sufficiency.

The Flathead Valley is one of the most unique regions in Montana, with a climate unlike anywhere else in the state. It’s more moderate and gets more rain during the spring and summer, making it possible to grow fruits and berries that would be impossible in the drier sections of the state. To get a taste of Flathead’s bountiful fruits, visit in June during the Flathead Cherry Festival, which draws tourists from all over the Pacific Northwest. Should you miss it, huckleberries are in season later in the year, and you’ll have no trouble finding a store or restaurant that wants to sell you a tasty treat filled with them.