Campsites near Browning, Montana provide direct access to the eastern boundary of Glacier National Park at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 5,500 feet. The continental climate brings warm summer days that typically reach 75-85°F and cool nights that drop to 45-55°F. Summer thunderstorms develop quickly in the afternoon, requiring campers to secure equipment properly and be prepared for rapid weather changes.
What to do
Hiking from camp bases: Red Eagle Campground serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Two Medicine area. "This campground is right outside the Two Medicine entrance to Glacier National Park, just as you turn off of Highway 49 onto Two Medicine Rd. It is operated by members of the Blackfeet Tribe on their ancestral land and the hosts were friendly and welcoming," shares Anthony D. Many campers appreciate the proximity to less crowded park areas.
Water activities: Chewing Blackbones Campground offers lakeside access for swimming and boating. "Nice tent campsite on the waters edge protected by trees for shade," notes Doreen G. The campground provides canoe and kayak rentals for those wanting to explore the water. Bear Creek River Access serves as another option for water enthusiasts, with one visitor noting it's "Great spot for launching rafts."
Cultural experiences: Learn about Blackfeet heritage when staying near Browning. The campgrounds on tribal land provide opportunities to engage with indigenous history. Kevin O. mentions that Red Eagle offers "Small dispersed sites, half primitive half with electric. Clean porta potties available. Only 25$ a night, 50$ with electric."
What campers like
Seasonal flexibility: North American RV Park & Yurt Village operates from April to October, offering a longer camping season than many other facilities in the area. "We have a large group of 24 in 1 group site and we had plenty of space. They charged per person which came as a great surprise," explains a camper about their experience at a nearby KOA facility.
Privacy options: Despite being near popular destinations, some camps provide secluded spots. "We found ourselves a lovely site next to a creek that flows into the Two Medicine Reservoir, it was quiet and peaceful and just isolated enough to feel private without feeling dangerous," writes Anthony D. about Red Eagle Campground.
Family amenities: West Glacier KOA Resort provides extensive family-friendly facilities. "This place is resort level camping. Two pools, two dog parks, hottubs, two shower houses, and fancy restaurant," reports Chris P. Another visitor appreciates that "There is an adult pool, family pool and hot tubs! There is a camp store and the bathrooms are always nice and clean."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Summer storms develop rapidly in the afternoons. Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common, requiring layers and proper rain gear.
Road conditions: The approach to some campgrounds requires careful driving. "PSA: The road into the campground is rough and the bridge you have to cross is equally as rough. S.L.O.W," advises Nancy C. about Red Eagle Campground. Similar reports from other campgrounds suggest bringing vehicles with decent clearance.
Facility variations: Glacier Campground offers mixed accommodation options with variable amenities. "Sites are shady. The cafe serves a good quality and imaginative menu. Hang out at the lodge for WiFi," shares Annie B., while noting limitations: "Only negatives were loud music from a neighboring campground and only 4 showers for each sex for a pretty large campground."
Tips for camping with families
Affordable alternatives: When park campgrounds fill, less expensive options outside park boundaries exist. "We were staying at Two Medicine and found this campground. We drive through to see if it would be an option to not stress about jumping through the horrific reservation process to stay at Glacier," explains Bill P. about Red Eagle, adding it has "95 spots, all lot of shade but also some sunny options if you have solar panels."
Entertainment options: Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast provides family-friendly amenities near the West Glacier entrance. "Other amenities included playground, dog park, restrooms/showers, and I think there was a laundry room, too. The WiFi was excellent!" reports Darla. Another visitor notes, "Close by is a zip line attraction with a blow up slide in water for the little ones and bounce house obstacle with a slide."
Safety considerations: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "It is bear country, after all, so make sure to keep your food in your car and only burn wood in the firepits (if burning is allowed)," advises Anthony D. Multiple campgrounds report bear sightings, with Kennedy F. noting, "there was a bear near camp one of the nights and the staff was on top of the situation, monitoring and making sure we were safe."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Look for level sites with adequate space for slides and awnings. "We chose blindly online and was moved to a better site once we go there," shares Marc M. about Moose Creek RV Resort. Another camper advises, "Be sure and ask if your site will be paved, some are, ours wasn't. If it is raining, pine straw sticks to shoes and gets everywhere in unpaved sites."
Hookup availability: Verify utility connections before booking glamping close to Browning, Montana. "Repairs on electric mentioned in previous reviews is finished! $25 for non electric sites and $45 for electric. still no water or bathrooms but clean porta potty's provided," shares Kennedy F. about Red Eagle Campground.
Overflow options: During peak season when main glamping accommodations fill up, consider alternative campgrounds. "When we stayed there, all the campgrounds in the park were overflowing and there were long lines at 6:30 am for first-come sites, but this campground was basically empty," notes a visitor about Red Eagle Campground's availability compared to in-park facilities.
