Camping options near Columbia Falls, Montana range from fully developed RV parks to more rustic forest settings. The area sits at approximately 3,200 feet elevation and experiences warm summer days with temperatures often dropping below 50°F at night, even in July and August. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through September due to winter weather conditions.
What to Do
Stargazing opportunities: At Glacier Campground, the night sky offers exceptional views. "Incredible night sky. Only other place I've seen so many stars/the Milky Way was Death Valley," notes Stephanie T., who visited the campground while exploring Glacier National Park.
Hiking without crowds: Big Creek Campground provides access to less-trafficked trails. "Easy access to Glacier from the rare, unused Flathead river entrance. Close to North Fork area of park as well and great hiking in surrounding Flathead Forest outside of park," reports Dirty E., highlighting alternatives to busier park sections.
Water activities: The areas around Columbia Falls provide various water recreation options. At Rocky Mountain Hi Campground, "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," according to Jennifer H., making it perfect for active families.
What Campers Like
Comfortable glamping options: Luxury camping experiences near Columbia Falls offer substantial comfort upgrades. "We stayed in a yurt for a week. Loved the vibe of the campground. Free coffee was a life saver for early rising to get into the park at 6am," shares Katie C. at North American RV Park & Yurt Village.
Evening social opportunities: Many campgrounds foster community gatherings. At Moose Creek RV Resort, "there's even a communal fire at 7pm if you feel like being social," according to Giavanna P., who appreciated this feature during her stay.
Pet-friendly amenities: For those traveling with animals, several areas have dedicated pet facilities. "Great dog park that we thoroughly enjoyed. We were sad to leave after five days!" mentions Melody C. about her stay at North American RV Park & Yurt Village, where the designated dog area was a highlight.
What You Should Know
Noise considerations: Train traffic affects several campgrounds in the region. At Whitefish Lake State Park Campground, "the busy train tracks pass right next to the park, with the tracks a couple hundred feet from campsites. Trains pass through regularly, all night long," warns Emily F., noting this disrupted her sleep.
Reservation timing: During peak season, securing spots requires advance planning. "We booked this campground at the last minute and while it was not economical, it was loaded with amenities," notes Leland about Glacier Campground, highlighting how impromptu trips often mean paying premium rates.
Wildlife precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "Recent bear campground activity when I was there," reports Phil P. about Big Creek Campground, a reminder that proper precautions remain essential when camping near Columbia Falls.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. Rocky Mountain Hi Campground features "a large, grassy playground and swimming area. Showers and a laundry are on site. Sites have trees and a fire ring," according to Kimberly Y., making it functional for family needs.
Budget-friendly activities: Not all attractions require additional spending. At West Glacier KOA Resort, "there's live music, pool, ice cream shoppe, Gaga ball, hiking trails and so much more," Jennifer H. shares about the onsite entertainment options included with your stay.
Site selection strategies: Not all sites provide equal comfort or space. At Sundance Campground, "we chose blindly online and was moved to a better site once we got there," according to Marc M., suggesting direct communication with staff can improve your experience.
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Many campgrounds offer various hookup configurations. "Make sure you bring an extension cord to hook up your electric just in case you have a short standard cord on your camper," advises Marcus K. about West Glacier KOA, highlighting a practical preparation often forgotten.
Workspace considerations: Satellite internet users should check site positioning. At Big Creek Campground, "Starlink was difficult due to tall trees without a super long 100' cord that reaches the river clearing," notes Phil P., a practical consideration for remote workers choosing glamping in Columbia Falls, Montana.
Site leveling requirements: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. At Timber Wolf Resort, "the RV area was narrow and did not allow much room to move around. The site was also partially on an incline, so care had to be used," Tamara B. warns about positioning larger vehicles.
