Tent camping near Columbia Falls, Montana offers access to both primitive sites and established camping areas within a short drive of Glacier National Park. The region sits at approximately 3,100 feet elevation with summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-85°F. Heavy visitor traffic occurs from June through September, with late August campsites often filling by 10 am, particularly near the park entrance.
What to do
Lake swimming and paddling: Ashley Lake South Campground provides crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and paddling. According to a camper, "The lake is crystal clear and the campground is very clean," making it ideal for water activities during summer months.
Hiking nearby trails: Bowman Lake Campground offers access to multiple hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. A visitor noted, "There are trailheads right next to the lake shore, with varying distances and difficulties to choose from," providing excellent day hiking options without moving camp.
Mountain biking: For mountain bike enthusiasts, Whitefish Bike Retreat provides dedicated facilities. One reviewer mentioned it has a "bike repair and washing station, gift shop, hot showers, laundry, wi-fi, a bike skills area, trails for all levels…all intertwined with the Beaver Lake series of trails and small lakes."
What campers like
Quieter weekday camping: Campers frequently mention the difference between weekend and weekday camping experiences. At Bowman Lake, a reviewer shared, "We spent a single night here. It was so good. Super quiet. Tons of wildlife (saw multiple deer, various birds, a grizzly on way in)."
Morning solitude: Early risers find special moments at Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed areas. One camper described a memorable experience: "37 miles from Hungry Horse to this location, almost 25 of the unpaved and some of the road is really rough and extremely narrow, much of it along steep Cliffs but when you take 895 around the reservoir... it will lead you directly down to numerous spots along the lake including an open meadow."
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in the area. At Bowman Lake, another camper recalled, "I got up at 4:30, made coffee, and walked down to the lake about 5 am. It was like a painting."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many camping areas requires navigating rough roads. A camper at Ryan Road Dispersed Camping warned about seasonal closures: "Closed for Logging, the signs say closed for logging so I assume that's also for walking up to the site."
Site availability: Competition for sites can be fierce during peak season. At Bowman Lake Campground, a visitor advised, "Limited campsites so get there early on the weekend."
Bear precautions: Bears are active throughout the region. A camper at Bowman Lake mentioned, "I was surprised there was only one bear box for the whole campground to share instead of one at each site. Especially after seeing a leather deposit of bear scat on the Bowman Lake trail."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Whitefish Bike Retreat offers specific amenities for families. A visitor mentioned it's "Very kid and pet friendly, a community-building locale" with "bikes for rent. Along with paddle boards. Bike trails for all abilities and ages."
Quiet camping options: For families seeking less crowded options, Moose Lake provides a calmer experience. According to one camper, "Moose Lake is a really small campground at the end of the road. Plenty of parking for day use but limited to only a few spots for dispersed tent camping. Lake was very calm and quiet."
Weather preparation: Summer temperatures can vary significantly between day and night. At Bowman Lake, a camper suggested, "You'll be at high elevation so be ready for cooler nights. I used my 0-degree sleeping bag, and that worked great."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have restrictions or challenges for larger RVs. At Blankenship Bridge, an RVer cautioned about access issues: "Deep rutted muddy holes filled with water to get to site. Sketchy low trees and narrow road. Decided not to risk it in my van."
Road accessibility: Many roads leading to camping areas present challenges. A visitor to Hungry Horse Reservoir noted accessibility concerns: "This is a good spot for smaller RVs or tents but any spot I seen for RV larger than 30' was taken or really not available."
Turnaround options: Finding space to turn larger vehicles can be problematic. A camper at Ryan Road mentioned, "The road is only a couple miles long and not too rough but there is a private gated drive at the end (there is a spot to turn around at the last campsite)."
