Lake Elmo State Park

Closed — Day use only, no camping available. Open daily year-round from 5am to 10pm.

About

Lake Elmo State Park is a popular urban recreation area located within the city limits of Billings, featuring a 64-acre reservoir on 123 acres of parkland at 3,199 feet elevation. Originally known as Holling Lake Reservoir and constructed in 1894 under the Carey Land Act to irrigate farmland, the lake now serves as a community hub for outdoor recreation. The park offers swimming, non-motorized boating including kayaking and paddleboarding, and fishing from the accessible Roger's Pier. A 1.4-mile hiking and nature trail circles the lake, providing opportunities for walking, running, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. Park amenities include two picnic shelters (one reservable for events), a playground, flush and vault toilets, showers, and potable water. A special feature is the 200-square-foot fenced dog park on the west side of the lake, which includes a water area and accommodates up to two dogs per visitor. An Action Trackchair all-terrain wheelchair is available free of charge by reservation for visitors with disabilities to access the trail system and ADA-accessible fishing pier. Lake Elmo operates as a day use park only with no camping facilities. The park is open daily year-round from 5am to 10pm. Alcohol is prohibited throughout the park, and all watercraft must be non-motorized. Dogs must be leashed except within the designated dog park area and must be at least 4 months old to use the dog park.

Directions

In Billings, take US Highway 87 north to Pemberton Lane, then go 0.5 miles west to 2300 Lake Elmo Drive.

Nearby Campgrounds