Glamping near Bigfork, Montana offers visitors convenient access to both Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, Montana's largest freshwater lake at 197 square miles. The area sits at approximately 3,000 feet elevation in the northern Rocky Mountains, characterized by cool nights even during summer months when temperatures can fluctuate 30-40 degrees between day and night. Winter camping options remain limited with most facilities closing after Labor Day due to snowfall potential starting in October.
What to do
Hiking from campgrounds: At Glacier Campground, located just outside the West entrance of the park, campers find accessible trails for all skill levels. "There are hiking trails surrounding the campground, with a public beach on Swan Lake just half a mile away," notes one reviewer. This location provides an ideal base for exploration without the crowds.
Water activities at Flathead Lake: Big Arm State Unit features direct lake access with stunning views of Wild Horse Island. "If you're looking to sleep at the lake, this spot can't be beat. The sites are close together but everyone has enough space," shares a visitor. The park offers opportunities for swimming, fishing and kayaking directly from campsites.
Wildlife viewing excursions: West Glacier KOA Resort features educational programs about local wildlife. "My wife really enjoyed the fact that it had an electric fence around the perimeter to try and preclude wildlife from entering the park area. It keeps everything out, so you won't see deer walking through your campsite," explains one camper who appreciated the safety aspect.
What campers like
Quiet retreat settings: Murray Bay Campground offers remarkable seclusion despite being relatively close to Glacier. "Midweek is good. Like 5 other campers there. I stayed in spot 12, awesome," reports a visitor who appreciated the tranquility. The campground provides primitive facilities with vault toilets and limited amenities.
Alternative glamping options: While yurts get mentioned frequently, there are also distinctive cabins worth considering. "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," describes a visitor to Rocky Mountain Hi Campground.
Community atmosphere: Many campgrounds foster social connections. "There's live music, pool, ice cream shoppe, Gaga ball, hiking trails and so much more," explains a visitor about the family-friendly environment at West Glacier KOA Resort. This proves particularly valuable for solo travelers or those seeking to meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Some campgrounds require patience to reach. "The road to get there was so rough that we were afraid we were going to pop a tire getting there," warns a visitor about Murray Bay Campground. Four-wheel drive vehicles handle these roads more comfortably.
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A visitor to Moose Creek RV Resort advises, "We chose blindly online and was moved to a better site once we got there. They also offer Military and First Responder discounts."
Varying levels of privacy: Site layouts differ dramatically between campgrounds. "Our site is one of the better ones. We have a separate fire pit area, with kind of a split level effect," notes a camper at Glacier Campground, highlighting the importance of researching specific site numbers when booking.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Children need entertainment options between outings. "Great place to camp with children because of the large, grassy playground and swimming area. Showers and a laundry are on site," recommends a visitor to Rocky Mountain Hi Campground about family-friendly amenities.
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At La Salle RV Park, a visitor notes, "While there's nothing stand-outish about the tent area, at least it's furthest from the highway, tree-lined and secluded from the RVs." Request sites farther from main roads when traveling with light sleepers.
Check shower facilities: After outdoor adventures, clean facilities become essential. "The bathrooms/showers were seriously palatial and very tidy/clean, way better than many hotels I've stayed at," reports a La Salle RV Park visitor, noting the importance of quality facilities when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Big Arm State Unit, an RVer advises, "Nice campground, a bit tight if you are a bigger rig but doable in the right spot, 2-3 bars of AT&T 5g, good enough to work, and quite all night."
Hookup placement matters: Bring extension cords and hoses. "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 a visitor to Glacier Campground, pointing out a common oversight among newer RVers.
Consider seasonal timing: Rollins RV Park offers extended season options. "We enjoyed our stay so much that we ended up asking if they could extend their service past October 1st and they said YES!" shares a pleased camper, demonstrating flexibility some parks offer during shoulder seasons when most facilities close.
