Swan Lake Swimming Site
Swan Lake, Montana
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $5 per vehicle
- SEASON
- Varies by conditions
About Swan Lake Swimming Site
Swan Lake Swimming Site is a U.S. Forest Service-managed public beach on the shore of Swan Lake in Montana's Flathead National Forest, within the Swan Lake Day Use Area near the town of Swan Lake and about 9 miles from Bigfork. It is an officially designated swimming beach with a day-use fee, distinct from but adjacent to Swan Lake Campground, a proper beach rather than a rough swimming hole and one of the easiest places to swim in the area.
The site sits on Swan Lake in the Swan Valley, part of the Flathead National Forest's Swan Lake Ranger District, an area encompassing the headwaters of the Swan River, a portion of the Mission Mountains Wilderness, and the Swan Mountain Range. Recreation.gov describes the lake as surrounded by Rocky Mountain peaks.
Swimming at Swan Lake Swimming Site
A lakeside beach designated by the Forest Service for public swimming, with a natural (not chlorinated) freshwater lake setting; suited to general day-use swimming, wading, and lake recreation rather than technical or adventurous swimming.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Bigfork, Montana: take Route 209 east about 4.9 miles, then turn right on Route 83 and continue about 10.9 miles to the Swan Lake Campground/Day Use Area entrance, which includes the swimming beach.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up Forest Service day-use beach on the shore of Swan Lake, reached directly from the paved parking area at the Swan Lake Campground/Day Use Area off MT-83; no hike is needed. Exact walk time from car to sand was not stated in official sources, but the beach is described as directly adjacent to the parking/campground area.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Designated sandy/lake beach suited to wading and lake swimming, but it shares the day-use area with a boat ramp and dock (boat traffic nearby) and no lifeguard presence is documented in official sources, so supervision is warranted.
Parking
Paid, $5 per vehicle day-use fee
Recreation.gov describes paved parking areas at the adjacent Swan Lake Campground; the swimming beach and boat ramp are accessed from the same Day Use Area entrance off MT-83. No separate day-use-only parking lot is documented apart from the campground/day-use area lot.
Restrooms
Yes
Vault toilets serve the Swan Lake Campground/Day Use Area (shared with the swimming beach); a water fill station is located near the entrance pay kiosk. The swim site's own facility list (per Recreation.gov) includes restrooms.
On the water
Recreation.gov states 'both power and non-motorized boating is permitted' at Swan Lake Campground, which shares the boat ramp and dock with the swimming site. No wake zones, horsepower limits, or seasonal watercraft restrictions were found in official sources.
Rentals nearby
Kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals
At Swan Lake Campground, adjacent to the Swan Lake Swimming Site boat ramp/dock, off MT-83 near the town of Swan Lake, MT
Swan Lake Swimming Site: FAQ
Does Swan Lake Swimming Site charge a fee?
$5 per vehicle day-use fee (per Recreation.gov listing for the Swan Lake Swimming Site).
Is Swan Lake Swimming Site kid friendly?
Designated sandy/lake beach suited to wading and lake swimming, but it shares the day-use area with a boat ramp and dock (boat traffic nearby) and no lifeguard presence is documented in official sources, so supervision is warranted.
Do I need to hike to reach Swan Lake Swimming Site?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Swan Lake Swimming Site?
Recreation.gov describes paved parking areas at the adjacent Swan Lake Campground; the swimming beach and boat ramp are accessed from the same Day Use Area entrance off MT-83. No separate day-use-only parking lot is documented apart from the campground/day-use area lot.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Swan Lake Swimming Site?
Recreation.gov states 'both power and non-motorized boating is permitted' at Swan Lake Campground, which shares the boat ramp and dock with the swimming site. No wake zones, horsepower limits, or seasonal watercraft restrictions were found in official sources.
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