Doug R.
Scout
ScoutWhispering Pines RV Park
Easy access. 2 different types of camping (no trees, lots of trees) deer a d wild Turkeys visit daily. Good rates. Camped in oct to nov
Camping near Bigfork, MT
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Campgrounds around Bigfork, Montana range from developed sites with amenities to rustic dispersed camping areas along Flathead Lake. Wayfarers State Park Campground provides waterfront access with tent and RV sites featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. Several miles from town, Outback Montana RV Park & Campground offers full hookup options for RVs along with cabin accommodations. Rocky Mountain Hi Campground provides additional options with glamping facilities, while more primitive camping can be found along the Middle Fork Flathead River dispersed area near Columbia Falls.
The camping season generally runs from mid-May through mid-October, with most campgrounds closing during winter months due to snow and freezing conditions. Wayfarers State Park operates from March 15 to November 15, while West Shore Unit at Flathead Lake State Park remains open year-round for hardier campers. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when lakeside sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds feature potable water and restroom facilities during peak season, though services may be limited in spring and fall. "The last time we went, the flowers were in bloom and were amazing. Highly recommend this campground! I will be coming back again and again," noted one visitor about the seasonal beauty at Wayfarers.
Flathead Lake access represents a primary draw for campers in the Bigfork area, with multiple reviewers highlighting the lake views and water recreation opportunities. Sites at Wayfarers State Park offer direct paths to swimming areas and cliff overlooks with benches for enjoying sunsets over the water. Several campers mentioned the privacy of wooded sites despite proximity to town amenities. One reviewer described their experience: "This campground was fantastic and Flathead Lake is gorgeous. We had site 10 and it was private, quiet, spacious, and had a direct path down to both the swim beach/cove and the cliffs overlooking the lake with plenty of benches and nooks to find some serenity." Campers seeking more solitude may prefer the less developed options along forest roads or the Middle Fork Flathead River dispersed camping area, which offers free primitive camping with limited facilities.
Best Campgrounds near Bigfork (249)
1. Wayfarers State Park Campground
"Very close to the beautiful town of Bigfork and great amenities, yet it feels tucked away. Right on Flathead lake, can’t beat the views!"
"Flathead Lake, boat launch, nice views, short walk from campsites. Big Fork nice nearby small town with a theater, shops, and restaurants."
2. West Shore Unit — Flathead Lake State Park
"Great Montana getaway. Facilities were very clean, lake was crispy and fun, sites were well maintained."
"Flathead lake started my love affair with Montana. The campground is right on the lake with amazing views, lots of hiking trails. Very friendly camp hosts."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when available3. Rocky Mountain Hi Campground
"Awesome location. Quiet. Montana views ..."
"Grinnell Cabin is set on the eastern edge of the campground and on the edge of a beautiful meadow. The full moon rose over the meadow and the sunrise was magical the next morning."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $56 / night
4. Spruce Park On The River
"Close to town and lots of amenities nearby. Would stay here again!"
"Sunsets, hot air balloons, massage on rivers edge (covid free). Staff is fabulous."
Check Availabilityfrom $52 / night
5. Blair Flats
"PD took 2 hrs to show up after several people called it in (oof …) which left us all on edge until their arrival around 10 pm … There’s a really secluded solo spot on the right before you get to the"
"Be prepared for a colder night because of your proximity to the water. The only negative thing about this campsite were the masses of mosquitoes and other bugs."
6. Honey's Place RV Spot
"We brought our short RV and camped next to a horse corral. Our two kids had a great time petting and feeding the two horses and riding bikes around the property. "
"Grateful for the option to use electricity and have access to water. Would love to stay again if ever in the area!"
Check Availabilityfrom $55 / night
7. Swan Lake Campground
"Swan Lake Campground in the Flathead in National in Forest near Ferndale/Bigfork Mt is a beautiful wooded campground with lots of wooded private campground spots."
"Short walk to day use and water access on Swan lake and 16 min to Bigfork, hour to West Glacier. The camp hosts were so nice and sold firewood for $6/bundle."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $250 / night
8. West Glacier KOA Resort
"This is a big RV resort close to West Glacier town and park entrance. We came with our 25’ RV and reserved a tent pad site to ensure we were up against the edge of the resort."
"9/13/19 West Glacier, Montana West Glacier KOA Resort
Most beautiful location of the KOAs I've stayed at. Nestled against the mountains and less than 3 miles to Glacier National Park. "
9. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed
"It’s so close to the National Park entrance and a beautiful place to stay. The road is a bit bumpy getting down here but there’s plenty of room for tent camping and RVs. Be careful though!"
"Perfect spot for camping outside the west entrance, about 25 minutes away. That road is a little rough coming in but it’s short and manageable, even saw a little Mazda make it in."
10. Wayfarers Unit — Flathead Lake State Park
"What a fantastic campground right on the shores of Flathead lake with a combo of sun and shade, clean, well maintained camp with bathrooms (flush) with token needed showers that are cleaned daily."
"You are right next to a bridge so you will hear boats and cars"
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 47 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 19 min from Great Falls, MT
- 3 hrs 24 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
Recent Camping Photos near Bigfork, MT
351 Photos of 249 Bigfork Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Wayfarers State Park CampgroundF
Outback Montana RV Park and Campground
Pine Meadows RV ResortA
Outback Montana RV Park & CampgroundK
Red Owl RetreatM
Honey's Place RV SpotM
Swan Lake Trading Post & Campground
West Shore Unit — Flathead Lake State Park
3 Bears Campground and RV Park
Swan Lake Campground
Lakeview
Rocky Mountain Hi CampgroundE
Recent Reviews near Bigfork, MT
1259 Reviews of 249 Bigfork Campgrounds
Connie H.
RangerWhitefish Lake State Park Campground
Nice little campground on the lake near the town of Whitefish. Reservations were unavailable because of the season, so it was first come, first served. Upper loop was closed for the season, and the lower loop only had a few sites that would fit us with our 29 foot camper. We ended up in site 13. Sites had picnic tables and fire rings. Bathhouses and restrooms were closed for the season as well. We purchased the Nonresident annual state park pass online ($50), and paid for our 4 nights with cash ($14 a night). I’ve included a picture of the park fees schedule. The campground was fairly busy on the weekend as the lake and boat launch is right there. Railroad tracks are literally running up right along the campground. The trains run all day and all night long, multiple times in an hour, so be prepared for the noise and occasional rattle/shaking! It didn’t really bother us much, but I’m sure it would not be pleasant for some folks!
- Connie H.Ranger
Round Meadow Trails Camp
There is no actual campground or “camping spots” located here. No overnight camping allowed in the parking lot. There is a vault toilet available here and was actually very clean when we stopped.
Hayley F.
TravelerApgar Campground — Glacier National Park
Perfect spot for RV camping in Glacier
We camped in October so there was no access to water. No electricity for the campsites, but for $20 by Glacier it was perfect. 5 min from the visitor center. Sites are pull thru but pretty un-level so bring lots of stuff to level. We camped with our 27ft. travel trailer and was perfect.
Aaron S.RangerMoose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast
The Ultimate West Glacier Basecamp (With Starlink & Scenic Loop Tips)
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are planning an epic trip to explore Glacier National Park, your choice of home base can make or break your trip logistics. We stayed four nights at Moose Creek RV Resort in West Glacier, Montana, and it served as the ultimate launchpad for exploring every corner of this iconic national park.
Location & West Glacier Access
When visiting Glacier, proximity to the park gates is everything. Moose Creek is super close and remarkably convenient to the West Glacier entrance, allowing you to beat the morning rush onto Going-to-the-Sun Road without spending hours in transit beforehand. (Still arrive early at park entrance!)
Campground Vibe, Grounds & Amenities
The park has that authentic, rustic Montana feel while providing all the modern comforts you need after long days on the trail:
- The Setting: The resort is tucked into a dense forest of tall pine trees on all sides, offering a serene, quiet, and shaded environment that feels completely immersed in nature.
- Facilities & Resupply: The campground is spotless and well-maintained. The laundry facilities were very clean and a huge help halfway through a long road trip.
- Camp Store & Morning Perks: Having a solid on-site convenience store stocked with essentials was great, and having hot breakfast options available right on the property made fueling up for early morning park excursions effortless.
- Staff: The team here was exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the surrounding area.
Starlink Performance Under the Pines
For RVers who work remotely or rely on satellite internet like we do, camping under heavy pine canopies can often be a connectivity nightmare. However, even with dense pine trees surrounding our site, our Starlink dish locked onto signal and worked reliably throughout our entire four-night stay—a massive plus for staying connected in the Montana backcountry.
Glacier Park Routes & A Must-Do Tow-Vehicle Loop
During our four days, we were able to make the jaw-dropping drive across the Going-to-the-Sun Road twice round-trip, plus an additional one-way trek on our final day.
For your tow vehicle or passenger car, here is a scenic driving loop you should not miss:
- The Route: Take Going-to-the-Sun Road all the way east to Saint Mary. Head south along Highway 89 to Kiowa, then cut onto Montana Highway 49 up and over the pass down to Highway 2. From there, take Highway 2 west along the southern boundary of the park all the way back to West Glacier.
- CRITICAL Big-Rig Warning: Do NOT attempt Highway 49 in a motorhome, fifth wheel, or large trailer. It is extremely steep, narrow, and winding. It is strictly meant for your unhitched tow vehicle or car.
- The Payoff: With your truck or car, it is an unforgettable drive. There are virtually no crowds, the panoramic mountain vistas are stunning, and we even spotted a bear hanging out right along the side of the road!
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Moose Creek RV Resort is everything a national park gateway camp should be: clean, quiet, scenic, and packed with practical amenities that make traveling easy. Whether you are looking for reliable Starlink connectivity under the pines or quick access to the best drives in North America, this park delivers. We highly recommend it to anyone heading into Big Sky Country!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
- Barb T.
GuideWest Glacier KOA Resort
Not a fan of KOAs but this one is the cleanest
We usually use KOAs for full hook ups, showers and laundry this KOA is probably the nicest and cleanest one I have been in. There are trees which most are in flat fields. I think 4 or 5 pools which are heated because it is now October and kids were in the pool. It has a nice store. The ice cream shop and restaurant are closed. The thing I like is it has grass between sites so my dogs can pee. It also has 2 dog runs a walking path it is outstanding if you like clamping to the fullest. It also has many cottages. Some sites also have their own patio and gas grills. The ladies in the office are the nicest people. I would stay again.
- KKarin G.Guide
Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park
One of the best places for access to Glacier NP
We stayed in site A27 for 5 nights. The site was great other than the auto headlights as we were across from the only 2 showers in the campground. There was plenty of room for our 17’ trailer and truck and a large tent area and sitting area. Deer came through often and the squirrels were entertaining. We could walk to the visitor center and village. The time of year was great. GoingToTheSun road was fine warning but we had to arrive at Logan Pass at 7 pm to get parking. Great paths all attorneys and access to the lake. It was a good first experience.
- Barb T.Guide
Whitefish Lake State Park Campground
Very small campground
You won't fit a full sized camper in there. Mostly for small travel trailers and tents. Also its kind of in town not my idea of camping.
- Barb T.Guide
Lake Mary Ronan State Park Campground
Here in October so the water is shut off. Pit toilets are open and pretty clean just a little smelly. This is the first state park I have been in and all the sites are paved. It's very nice nothing like Montana in the fall. Plenty of room between sites. It's pretty empty and nice and quiet. I love it. There is a hiking trail around the grounds, nothing long but enough for the dogs to get some exercise.
Nice and quiet in October. .ite been 80+ degrees this fall we will have a few more days of this then back to cold and rainy. We were so lucky.
Guide to Bigfork
Camping spots near Bigfork, Montana range from developed sites to primitive locations set among the dense pine forests and mountain terrain. Located at 3,100 feet elevation in the northern Flathead Valley, the area experiences warm summer days often reaching into the 80s with cooler nights dropping to the 40s even in July. Most campgrounds have fire restrictions during late summer when wildfire danger increases.
What to do
Swimming at natural beaches: West Shore Unit at Flathead Lake State Park offers clear water swimming spots where you can see what's beneath you. "The water was clear and the dogs throughly enjoyed splashing around. Us humans enjoyed swimming in water where we could actually see if anything was swimming around us," notes Elizabeth G. about the day-use area.
Wildlife viewing: Set up at Swan Lake Campground where visitors often report seeing diverse wildlife. "In the evening we could hear the wolves howling," shares Sallie H., highlighting the natural soundscape of the area. The campground is across from the lake but offers easy access to water activities.
Rafting and water sports: Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed camping area provides primitive riverside camping with opportunities to watch or join rafters. "We were able to sit in the river and relax. We also saw a bald eagle!" reports Lynsey M. The site requires vehicles with higher clearance due to rough access roads.
Horseback riding: Campers at Honey's Place RV Spot enjoy unique encounters with horses on-site. "We parked our RV next to a fenced in pasture with two friendly horses, Foxy and Lil Dwight," writes Max N., describing the rustic setting with mountain views. The site offers water and electrical hookups.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at Rocky Mountain Hi Campground. "Spacing is great with trees in-between you. Full Hookups, picnic bench, recessed firepit," notes Sandy G. The campground balances privacy with amenities like electricity and water.
Family-friendly facilities: West Glacier KOA Resort receives high marks for its range of amenities catering to families. "There is an adult pool, family pool and hot tubs! There is a camp store and the bathrooms are always nice and clean," shares Terrie M., highlighting features beyond basic camping.
Quiet camping environments: Campers seeking peace appreciate the secluded feeling at some Bigfork area campgrounds. "We stayed overnight at Wayfarers State Park in our campervan and we enjoyed every minute. Our campsite was a 2 min walk from the lake where we enjoyed playing with our dog and watching the sunset," writes Krissy P.
Lakefront access: The proximity to Flathead Lake drives many camping choices. "It's a stunning view of the swan and mission mountain ranges across the lake, and there's a small island off the shore," explains Juliana H. about West Shore Unit, highlighting the scenic setting that attracts visitors.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Summer camping near Bigfork requires advance planning. "Reserve WAY ahead!" advises Shelly S. regarding West Glacier KOA. Most lakeside campgrounds fill months in advance, especially for weekend dates between June and August.
Seasonal openings: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Swan Lake Campground runs "mid May to mid September" according to its official season information. Visiting outside these windows often means finding alternative camping locations.
Fire restrictions: Summer fire bans frequently affect the area. "They also deliver wood each evening," notes Claudette C. about West Shore, but check current fire restrictions as campfires may be prohibited during dry periods regardless of firewood availability.
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping areas can be challenging. "Road has huge and I mean huge puddles. Very tight fit for truck and trailer for sure in a lot of the spots," warns Terrie L. about the Middle Fork Flathead River area. Vehicles with low clearance may struggle at some locations.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly recreation areas: Rocky Mountain Hi Campground offers extensive play spaces for children. "The kids could play all day in the great park with a whole western town set up and swimming hole in the creek, volleyball net and paved roads to scooter and roller blade," shares Jennifer H., highlighting the variety of activities available.
Dog-friendly swimming spots: Families traveling with pets appreciate designated areas where dogs can enjoy water. "Dogs must be on a leash in the park but can be off leash in the lake. She loved playing fetch in the water with the sticks she found," notes Krissy P. about Wayfarers State Park.
Campground activities: Some locations organize special events for younger campers. "Host even planned a Scavenger hunt with treats!" mentions Lynn A. about Spruce Park on the River, showing how organized activities can enhance a family camping trip.
Playground access: When selecting a campsite, check for dedicated play areas. "Great place to camp with children because of the large, grassy playground and swimming area," recommends Kimberly Y. about Rocky Mountain Hi Campground, noting how this feature keeps children entertained.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RVers should carefully choose their sites based on size constraints. "Not all have fire pits, so if that is important, be sure to ask," advises Lynn A. about Spruce Park on the River, highlighting the need to specify requirements when booking.
Hookup variations: Spruce Park On The River offers different connection options. "Choice of full hookups, water and electric or dry camping," notes Jim M., explaining the flexibility for different RV setups.
Extension cord needs: Electrical connections may require additional equipment. "Make sure you bring an extension cord to hook up your electric just in case you have a short standard cord on your camper," suggests Marcus K. about Glacier Campground, providing practical advice for ensuring power access.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. "No dump station in the park so make sure you dump beforehand," warns Erin A. about Swan Lake Campground, reminding RVers to plan for waste management before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Bigfork, Montana?
Where are the best campgrounds in Bigfork, Montana?
Bigfork, Montana offers excellent camping options with Wayfarers State Park Campground being a standout choice right on Flathead Lake with stunning views. It provides clean bathhouses, water access, and fire pits, all within a short distance to downtown Bigfork's shops, restaurants, and theater. Another excellent option is Swan Lake Campground, located about 16 minutes from Bigfork. This wooded campground offers spacious sites with paved pads, shade, and easy access to Swan Lake. Both locations serve as perfect base camps for exploring the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park.
What camping options are available near Bigfork, Minnesota?
What camping options are available near Bigfork, Minnesota?
While the reviews focus on Montana, Bigfork, Minnesota offers several camping options in the northern wilderness region. Tally Lake Campground represents the type of experience available with clean facilities, hiking trails, and water recreation opportunities. For RV travelers, options similar to Outback Montana RV Park and Campground provide full hookups and amenities. Minnesota's Bigfork area offers a mix of state forest campgrounds, lakeside camping, and private RV parks within the scenic wilderness of northern Minnesota.
How do I find the nearest campgrounds to Bigfork?
How do I find the nearest campgrounds to Bigfork?
To find campgrounds near Bigfork, The Dyrt app and website allow you to search by location and filter results based on your preferences (tent, RV, cabin, etc.). For Bigfork, Montana area, consider Yellow Bay State Park Campground on Flathead Lake or Mcgregor Lakes RV for RV accommodations. Most campgrounds are within a 30-minute drive of town. For the best experience, check availability and make reservations in advance, especially during peak summer season (June-August) when Flathead Valley campgrounds fill quickly.
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