Lakeside was initially called Stoner after hotelier John J. Stone who constructed a boarding house at Stone Creek and Flathead Lake. While some early settlers moved to the area in search of a homestead to call their own, it was not until the railroad arrived in 1883 that this community started to flourish. A group of Methodists from Kalispell intended to establish a mission in Lakeside and renamed the town Chautauqua. Their plans did not work out, and officials renamed the city Lacon. In 1920, citizens voted to rename the town Lakeside.
As you drive around Lakeside, you will discover that many of these early settlers have roads named after them. While in town, consider dining at Beargrass Bistro on Stoner Loop and Tamarack Brewing Company on Blacktail Road.
Flathead Lake, which is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, has always been a significant draw to the area. Wealthy farmers and business executives from western Montana built small cabins on the lake’s shores. Soon, West Coast visitors joined them. Word continued to spread, and soon Canadians joined those building cabins around the lake. Then, more people from the east arrived to join the group. Thankfully, there is no need to build a house near the lake. Just take your motorhome to West Shore State Park or other lakefront campgrounds.
When Blacktail Mountain Ski Area opened in 1998, more visitors arrived in the area, and some decided to stay. Approximately 45,000 people a year go skiing, snowboarding, and sledding at this facility that employs over 100 people.
Flathead Cherry Festival – Learn about the history of growing cherries in this area and taste some beautiful ways to prepare them at this four-day late-July festival in Polson.
ThursdayFest – This downtown Kalispell festival featuring music and shopping fun occurs every Thursday night in July and August.
Great Bear Festival – Taste liquors from regional vendors and listen to musicians perform at this August festival in Kalispell’s Depot Park.
Art Walk and Tree Lighting – Visit local artists and watch the Christmas tree lighting in downtown Bigfork.
Christmas at the Fairgrounds – Visit vendors of homemade goods and eat food from food trucks at this festival at Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Lakeside, MT, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Lakeside?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Lakeside from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Lakeside?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.