Cabin camping near Bigfork, Montana provides access to Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River covering 191 square miles. The Bigfork area sits at approximately 3,000 feet elevation and experiences warm summer days averaging 75-85°F and cool evenings dropping to 45-55°F. During peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, cabin reservations often need to be made 3-6 months in advance.
What to do
Water activities at Swan Lake: Located 15 miles northeast of Bigfork, Swan Lake Trading Post & Campground offers cabin accommodations with easy lake access. According to a visitor, "The campground has a great vibe and everyone is very friendly. Between the pond and Swan Lake just across the street, it is buggy, but you cannot beat the location!"
Wildlife viewing: Big Arm State Unit offers cabins and yurts with opportunities to see local wildlife. One reviewer mentions, "Nice campground, a bit tight if you are a bigger rig but doable in the right spot... quite all night."
Glacier National Park day trips: Book a cabin at Glacier Campground for easy access to the park. A camper notes, "This popular campground is only one mile from the entrance to Glacier NP which makes it a good base camp when exploring and day hiking in the park."
Mountain hiking trails: The Bigfork area connects to numerous National Forest trails where, unlike Glacier National Park, dogs are permitted. At Rollins RV Park, one visitor shared, "We rented a pontoon boat from the rv park and explored the lake. The boat rental for a whole day is equivalent to a 4 hour rental near Spokane."
What campers like
Private cabin settings: At Rocky Mountain Hi Campground, cabins offer a secluded feel with mountain views. One reviewer shared, "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."
Lakefront proximity: Finley Point Unit cabins provide immediate water access. A visitor mentioned, "I had site T-001, which is very accessible and has amazing views of the lake. When I first arrived I was immediately greeted by cheerful, friendly and outgoing camp host Steven, who is very knowledgeable of the area."
Cleanliness and maintenance: Cabins at Columbia Falls RV Park receive praise for their upkeep. One camper stated, "Campsite was very clean and well kept. Nice gravel and grass area with picnic table. Check in was very easy and friendly!"
Community amenities: Many cabin renters appreciate shared facilities like fire pits, pavilions, and recreation areas. At Outback Montana RV Park & Campground, a guest observed, "It was perfect for our needs that week. Quiet, remote, but only a mile walk to Lake Flathead where you can hop in and go for a swim. They also have water toys you can rent (kayaks, paddle boards, etc)."
What you should know
Limited electrical outlets: Some cabins have minimal electrical capacity. At Outback Montana RV Park & Campground, a camper noted, "The campground was alright…don't know if it would make top of our list. Staff was friendly. Site was inexpensive. Bathrooms were a 7 out of 10."
Varying shower quality: Hot water availability differs by campground and time of day. A reviewer at Swan Lake Trading Post & Campground shared, "The bathrooms and showers were cleaned up on a regular basis which was really nice but no hot water later on in the day. After a long, hard day of riding I just wanted to wash all the grossness off and was in freezing cold water."
Fire restrictions: Not all cabin sites permit individual fires. At Rollins RV Park, a visitor explained, "You can't have a fire in your own spot but they have several community fire pits stocked with wood that you can use."
Seasonal operation: Most cabin facilities near Bigfork operate primarily from May through September. Some notes from visitors indicate limited off-season options: "Stumbled on this campground last August while looking for a place to park the RV for a night on the way up to GNP. Got lucky with spot 17, lower loop is right by the lake, with the best views ever!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: West Glacier KOA Resort offers extensive child-friendly amenities. A visitor noted, "This KOA is pretty nice. They have 2 pools (which, though heated, is super cold), a hot tub (but it's adult only, so if you have kids that cannot be alone, it's a no go), and a nature trail."
Kid-friendly cabin configurations: Some cabins specifically cater to families with multiple bed options. At Rocky Mountain Hi Campground, one visitor appreciated that "The park was paved all the way through and had nice level gravel sites. Our kids took advantage of the large playground and we used the laundromat as well."
Swimming areas: Cabins near designated swimming spots reduce transportation needs. A visitor to Glacier Campground mentioned, "Great place to camp with children because of the large, grassy playground and swimming area. Showers and a laundry are on site. Sites have trees and a fire ring."
Rainy day alternatives: Consider cabins with covered porches or nearby indoor facilities. At Rollins RV Park, a family mentioned, "One of the best things about the park is the great playground for kids. Our kids loved it!"
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives to RV spots: During peak season when RV sites are full, cabins may still be available. At Columbia Falls RV Park, an RVer shared, "Easy in/out, clean, spotless bathrooms/showers. Close quarters, especially if you and your neighbor have slide outs."
Combined stays: Some RVers book cabins for part of their trip. A guest at Edgewater RV Resort noted, "Very nice staff! It's an ok camping spot if you like full hookups with a lot of campers. Lots of concrete and nice bathrooms. I just prefer boondocking in the woods."
Access considerations: RVers recommend checking cabin locations for convenience to bathhouses and hookups. One visitor to Glacier Campground advised, "Our site is one of the better ones. We have a separate fire pit area, with kind of a split level effect."
