Best Campgrounds near Columbia Falls, MT

Join the fun near Columbia Falls. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Columbia Falls, Montana (276)

    1. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    43 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    8 miles
    Website

    "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."

    2. Glacier Campground

    51 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5689

    $45 - $120 / night

    "Montana is absolutely gorgeous! I may be biased because I go to college in Montana, but there is so many great outdoor activities. The mountains and scenery are my favorite."

    "Great place tucked away from the road. Sites are smaller. Place was clear even the showers. Hot water in the morning not so much at night."

    3. West Glacier KOA Resort

    48 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5341

    "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. "

    4. Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park

    58 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $45 - $90 / night

    "Apgar is walking distance from the Apgar Visitor Center and park shuttles, as well as Apgar Village, camp store, equipment rentals, etc."

    "I could see 6 or 7 other camp fires burning while sitting next to mine.

    We stayed three nights and every night heard someone a site or two over as he was talking too loud (and too much)."

    5. Fish Creek Campground — Glacier National Park

    62 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $30 / night

    "We have stayed in Many Glacier and Avalanche Creek but this is our favorite campsite in the park because of its proximity to Lake Mcdonald as well as Apgar village."

    "Now the good: We were really close to Apgar village and other sites along the Road to the Sun road. The rangers were nice and pleasant to interact with."

    6. Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    31 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    8 miles

    "In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."

    "Only about 15 minutes away from Glacier National Park Westgate. I was able to stay here for multiple days. Each time was no trouble in finding a place to park."

    7. Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast

    21 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5280

    "It’s very close to the West entrance to Glacier National Park. We found fun things to do in nearby Hungry Horse, CowY, and Columbia Falls."

    "Campground was relatively quiet despite its close proximity to the highway. Everything was very clean and organized. Camp host was friendly."

    8. Rocky Mountain Hi Campground

    16 Reviews
    Kalispell, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 755-9573

    $30 - $56 / night

    "Good Verizon cell signal and close to all the area attractions; Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, & Glacier NP."

    "Awesome location. Quiet. Montana views ..."

    9. Columbia Falls RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Columbia Falls, MT
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (406) 892-1122

    $100 - $180 / night

    "Walking distance to a fun coffee shop. There is often a farmers market in Columbia Falls. Great location to explore Glacier National Park. Nice clean bathrooms."

    "You are close to your neighbors. There is a brewery and restaurant close by. The Gunsight restaurant in downtown Columbia Falls is a must, especially on Taco Tues."

    10. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping

    23 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-3800

    "Arrived August 1st...was hoping to find a spot close to Glacier NP with some privacy but I think I was asking for too much lol. However, I am happy to have a place close to the park free of charge!"

    "Located close to the west entrance, this dispersed camping location is quiet and easily accessible to most vehicles. It did fill up, so get there early. Mosquitos were pretty bad."

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Recent Reviews near Columbia Falls, MT

1317 Reviews of 276 Columbia Falls Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Swan Lake Campground

    Favorite Spot in 2025

    Our family stayed a couple nights here in July and it was a terrific experience. Very well laid out. Super accessible bathrooms that were nearby and clean. The hosts did an outstanding job of managing this campground. They never stopped to snoop on us or get nosey. This place is fantastic for families. Our site was next to a big open field so you could throw a frisbee or whatnot. Our dog had come along and he was at the very end of his life and it was nice to have him along. The lake is a 3 minute walk across the highway. Our kids had a fantastic time out in the water. I did 35 nights of camping this summer and this was my favorite family spot/experience.

  • Denny L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Kintla Lake Campground — Glacier National Park

    Guys Camping Trip

    Kintla Lake sees less visitors despite how amazingly scenic it is due to its remote location inside Glacier National Park. To access the campground, visitors will need to travel on a bumpy dirt road. However, when you reach the lake, it is quite and beautiful with first come first serve campsites. We kayaked and tent camped for 2 nights. Highly recommend making the effort.

  • Jeff R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Camp off North Fork Road

    Beautiful spot

    Just a big field, room for about 20 figs of any size. About 20 minutes from West Glacier, Columbia Falls closer has everything you'd need.

  • Greg J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Blair Flats

    blair flats

    Stayed for two days in site #2 . Awesome experience.

  • Phil P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Big Creek Campground (flathead National Forest, Mt)

    Great if you can stand the road

    Pretty campsite. The 2 miles of gravel over to Glacier Park hasn't improved any. Literally 5 mph was too fast. I hear there is 7 miles of the same stuff if you come via north fork road so I wouldn't do that. The hosts are super nice as reported elsewhere. Very remote area. Recent bear campground activity when I was there. Starlink was difficult due to talk trees without a super long 100' cord that reaches the river clearing.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Busy beach, rough road

    I parked in a turnout across the street and walked down to this location. The road was filled with huge pot holes. The beach was crowded with several campers and other boaters that weren't camping there. It would be worth it, probably, with kids, but I'm alone with my dog and decided i want her to have more freedom, so I moved on. However, there are several other turnouts on the road, so it is worth exploring if you don't have a large vehicle.

  • Mason O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park

    Pretty basic campsites

    Used to dispersed camping so a bit different for us. Sites were good distance from each other to not feel crowded. Campground has 1 shower location on loop A so a bit inconvenient but hey at least it’s a shower. Check in was a bit confusing so we ended up just going to our site and there were no problems. Firewood only available for purchase, no scavenging for wood. Another good spot for a one night stop for us.

  • Mason O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    St Mary Campground - Glacier National Park — Glacier National Park

    Good accessibility to park

    Stoped here overnight before the going to the sun road. Nice site and decent privacy. No showers and bathrooms are just ok. Close to beaver pond hiking trail for a good evening hike. All around a good quick stop. Pictures are from hike

  • Matthew R.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Beaver Creek

    Peaceful, Private, and Picturesque

    The sites are just spaced out enough to feel private. In our site, we could barely see any other fires at night. It was great having easy access to the abandoned "D Loop" walking trail.

    As others have said, these were some of the cleaner vault toilets we've seen.


Guide to Columbia Falls

Camping near Columbia Falls, Montana, offers a fantastic mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Glacier National Park: Just a short drive away, Glacier National Park is a must-see. One camper mentioned, “Glacier provides world-class hiking and scenery. Be bear prepared,” highlighting the park's breathtaking views and wildlife encounters.
  • Visit Lake McDonald: Many campgrounds, like Fish Creek Campground, are right by Lake McDonald. A reviewer noted, “We were able to walk directly to the lake from our campsite in less than 2 minutes to enjoy sunrises and sunsets.”
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area. One camper shared, “We enjoyed our hike around the lake,” emphasizing the accessibility of beautiful hiking paths.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Bowman Lake Campground stated, “The remote location is amazing, and the campsites are nicely spread out in a moody, dark forested area.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many prefer the peacefulness of campgrounds like Sprague Creek Campground. One camper said, “The lake access, tree canopy, and small non-generator campground was just our style.”
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds like West Glacier KOA Resort offer fun activities for kids. A family shared, “The grandkids loved the pool and the Gaga ball pit.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Facilities: Some campgrounds, like Fish Creek Campground, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, “The bathrooms were closed when we drove in, so had to walk quite a bit to use bathrooms.”
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly. One camper mentioned, “If you are looking for a little additional adventure, take the forest service roads to Polebridge,” suggesting that planning ahead is wise.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area. A reviewer advised, “This is in bear country and you should definitely take the precautions seriously and follow park guidelines.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like West Glacier KOA Resort that offer family-friendly amenities. A camper said, “Kids loved the music each night.”
  • Pack for All Weather: Weather can change quickly. One family shared, “Be prepared for all types of weather; we saw it all during our 4 days in late May.”
  • Bring Games and Activities: Keeping kids entertained is key. A reviewer noted, “The visitor tent is pretty cool, especially for families with kids. It has activities and games.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A camper at Glacier Campground mentioned, “Many of the sites are small pull-throughs on both sides of the road.”
  • Look for Hookups: If you need amenities, choose campgrounds like Glacier Campground that offer electric hookups. A reviewer said, “The showers were small, but were hot and free!”
  • Plan for Parking: Some campgrounds have limited parking near facilities. A camper noted, “If you opt to drive to the showers, there is nowhere to park nearby.”

Camping near Columbia Falls, Montana, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the beautiful wilderness that awaits!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Columbia Falls, Montana?

Columbia Falls offers excellent camping options for every style. Columbia Falls RV Park provides solid WiFi, clean bathrooms, and a convenient location within walking distance to town amenities including a coffee shop and farmers market. For those seeking free camping experiences, North fork Flathead River dispersed camping offers riverside sites with the soothing sounds of flowing water, though it has a 3-day maximum stay and can get busy at the boat launch. Other notable options include Moose Creek RV Resort with its variety of site types and amenities, and Rocky Mountain Hi Campground with full hookups for those needing to recharge after boondocking adventures.

What activities and attractions are near camping areas in Columbia Falls?

Columbia Falls serves as an ideal base for exploring numerous attractions. From Big Creek Campground, you're just 20 miles from Columbia Falls shopping and close to the west entrance of Glacier National Park, with whitewater rafting opportunities nearby. The Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping area provides access to the Middle Fork Flathead River. Downtown Columbia Falls offers dining options like the Gunsight restaurant (known for Taco Tuesday) and local breweries. The Hungry Horse Dam is worth visiting for its scenic beauty and interesting history. For those looking to explore local flavors, Montana Distillery in Coram and several breweries in the area make for excellent day trips.

Are there RV rental options available in Columbia Falls, MT?

While Columbia Falls itself has limited RV rental companies, the broader Flathead Valley area offers several options. Mountain View RV Park and Moose Creek RV Resort are excellent locations to park a rented RV, with the latter offering a variety of amenities including an on-site store and adult sauna. Most visitors typically rent RVs from companies in the larger nearby towns of Kalispell or Whitefish, then bring them to Columbia Falls campgrounds. For those planning to camp with a rented RV, it's advisable to make reservations well in advance, especially during the peak summer season when Glacier National Park visitation is at its highest.