Kobayashi Beach
Ennis, Montana · Dillon Field Office
Verified · 4 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- Free
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Kobayashi Beach
Kobayashi Beach is a free BLM day-use area on the north shore of Ennis Lake in Madison County, Montana, about 9 miles north of Ennis. Managed by the BLM's Dillon Field Office, this swimming hole is officially designated for picnicking, swimming, boating, waterskiing, and fishing, making Ennis Lake a sanctioned lake to swim in.
The beach sits on the north end of Ennis Lake, a Madison River impoundment near the small community of McAllister in southwestern Montana's Madison Valley, reached via a county road off US Highway 287.
Swimming at Kobayashi Beach
Swimming is an official designated use of the site; sources describe the lake's shallow water warming to roughly 85F in summer, making it comfortable for casual lake swimming, though one aggregator source flags swimmer's itch as a known issue in Ennis Lake and states the spot is not generally regarded as a great swimming beach.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Ennis, travel north about 9 miles; from McAllister, turn east off US Highway 287 and follow the county road approximately 3 miles to the signed beach.
Parking: Accounts conflict: one visitor describes lots of parking on site, while others say there is no dedicated lot, only street parking near the entrance.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up BLM day-use beach on the north shore of Ennis Lake; no trail or hike is needed to reach the water, and no trail associated with the site is documented.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
BLM/Recreation.gov list swimming as an official designated use and the shore is described as level (not steep), but there are no lifeguards. Some visitors flag swimmer's itch as a known issue in Ennis Lake and call the site not family-friendly due to missing amenities, while one visitor describes it more favorably with a clean restroom and ample parking. No current data on posted depths, drop-offs, or a swim buoy line, so supervise kids closely.
Parking
Free
Visitor reports disagree on parking format: one visitor describes ample on-site parking, while others say there is no dedicated lot and only limited free street parking near the entrance that fills on peak summer days. BLM confirms no fees for the site itself.
On the water
BLM and Recreation.gov both officially list 'boating' and 'waterskiing' as designated uses of the site, and Sandee.com confirms a boat ramp on site. No no-wake zone, horsepower limit, or craft-type restriction was found in any source; 'boating' and 'waterskiing' are the exact terms used by the land manager, so non-motorized craft are inferred as generally permitted on this open public lake rather than explicitly named.
What regulars say
One visitor reports the shoreline is 'not sandy but level' with ample parking and a clean restroom; other reports counter that the beach lacks both restrooms and a dedicated lot, call it not especially family-friendly, and flag swimmer's itch as a known lake issue, adding it is not generally regarded as a top swimming beach despite the BLM's official swim designation.
Kobayashi Beach: FAQ
Does Kobayashi Beach charge a fee?
No fees to use the facility (per BLM).
Is Kobayashi Beach kid friendly?
BLM/Recreation.gov list swimming as an official designated use and the shore is described as level (not steep), but there are no lifeguards. Some visitors flag swimmer's itch as a known issue in Ennis Lake and call the site not family-friendly due to missing amenities, while one visitor describes it more favorably with a clean restroom and ample parking. No current data on posted depths, drop-offs, or a swim buoy line, so supervise kids closely.
Do I need to hike to reach Kobayashi Beach?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Kobayashi Beach?
Visitor reports disagree on parking format: one visitor describes ample on-site parking, while others say there is no dedicated lot and only limited free street parking near the entrance that fills on peak summer days. BLM confirms no fees for the site itself.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Kobayashi Beach?
BLM and Recreation.gov both officially list 'boating' and 'waterskiing' as designated uses of the site, and Sandee.com confirms a boat ramp on site. No no-wake zone, horsepower limit, or craft-type restriction was found in any source; 'boating' and 'waterskiing' are the exact terms used by the land manager, so non-motorized craft are inferred as generally permitted on this open public lake rather than explicitly named.
When is the best time to visit Kobayashi Beach?
Summer, when Ennis Lake water reportedly warms to around 85F.
What are the rules at Kobayashi Beach?
Day-use area only; no overnight camping.
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