Lakeside
Sunset at Glacier National Park overlooks a calm lake with a tall pine, orange paddleboards, a white kayak, and a docked marina.
Night scene at Lakeside in Glacier National Park: wooden dock, parked kayaks, tall trees, lit cabins, crescent moon.
+2 more

Lakeside

Nearby Town
Last Updated: December 2025

Overview

About This Town

Use Lakeside as a base for Glacier NP adventures while enjoying lakefront scenery, resort amenities, and a quieter pace when the crowds thin.

The Vibe

Lakeside is a resort-outpost rather than a full-on resort town. You’ll need a car to reach Glacier NP, but downtown Lakeside is walkable and lakefront lodging keeps you close to the water; Kalispell is a practical second base for more options and cheaper prices.

Stock Up Here

• Gas up at Aries Gas & Grocery or Exxon on US-93 (7:00 AM–10:00 PM). • Flathead Harbor fuel dock is seasonal and currently closed. • Blacktail Grocery (105 Stoner Creek Rd) is your main local shop. • Stock up in Kalispell or Missoula for specialized gear or bulk groceries; car rentals in Lakeside start around $24/day. • Bring cash where possible; verify hours the day of travel.

Late Night Intel

Most kitchens close by 9 PM; Tamarack Brewing Company and Harbor Grille Lakeside are local options, but plan ahead after 9 PM as choices shrink.

Town at a Glance

Town Type

Resort Town / Quiet Outpost

Population

2,730

Distance to Park

1h30m–2h

Highlights

Known For

Flathead Lake recreation and Glacier National Park access; Tamarack Brewing Company and Harbor Grille Lakeside

Main Attractions

Glacier National Park access, Flathead Lake waterfront, Tamarack Brewing Company, Harbor Grille Lakeside

What Makes It Special

Compact lakefront cluster with a resort vibe; traffic along US-93 spikes in peak season; winter access via nearby Blacktail Mountain

Seasonal Planning

Peak Season

Early July to mid-August

Shoulder Season

Spring and Fall

Winter

Lakeside remains active in winter; Blacktail Mountain Ski Area nearby

Best Time to Visit

Shoulder seasons (spring/fall) are calmer with nicer weather. Peak July–mid-August brings crowds; book lodging and make dining plans early.

Tips & Advice

  • Gas up before you head in. Aries Gas & Grocery and Exxon on US-93 run 7:00 AM–10:00 PM. Flathead Harbor fuel dock is seasonal and currently closed.
  • Kitchens around Lakeside may close by 9 PM; plan ahead for dinner.
  • Downtown Lakeside is walkable, but parking around the lakefront can be tight; seek designated spots.
  • Stock up in Kalispell or Missoula for specialized gear or bulk groceries before arriving in Lakeside.
  • Bring cash where possible; some places in resort towns lean cash-heavy.
ℹ️ Data Sources
📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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