Guest Ranches and Camping

Guest Ranches

One of Montana’s most famous and exclusive guest ranches, Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge (406/837-4391, www.flatheadlakelodge.com [1]) is a well-established full-service dude ranch that runs $3,143 per week per adult (includes all meals and activities; children and teens have lower rates). The ranch is located right on the shores of Flathead Lake [2], just south of Bigfork [3], so if you’re looking for a family ranch vacation that mixes swimming, fishing, tennis, and windsurfing with the traditional horseback riding and campfire sing-alongs, this is it.

Camping

Save an easy $100 by making Wayfarers State Recreation Area (406/837-4196, http://fwp.mt.gov [4], May–Sept., $15) your base in Bigfork [3]. This campground is just across Highway 35 from the main road into town. Because there are only 30 sites here, plan your arrival strategically, especially on holiday weekends.