Cut Bank, Montana offers primitive camping options in a high plains environment where elevations range from 3,000-5,000 feet. Located east of the Rocky Mountain Front, the area experiences significant temperature fluctuations with hot summer days and cool nights. Camping near Cut Bank provides access to the less-visited eastern side of Glacier National Park, with several small campgrounds that accommodate tent campers seeking solitude.
What to do
Hiking remote trails: Cut Bank Campground provides access to several backcountry routes with fewer crowds than other park areas. As reviewer Seth T. notes, "The Cut Bank Creek drainage is also a fantastic place to embark on some great hiking and it provides some of the best of Montana's Rocky Mountain Front scenery and wildlife viewing." The campground serves as a starting point for longer journeys into Glacier's interior.
Wildlife viewing: The eastern side of Glacier National Park offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "Grizzly bears are dense in this drainage and seeing a track on the trail in the morning gives you that feeling of true wildness we all yearn for," reports Seth T. about Cut Bank Campground. Morning and evening hours provide the best viewing times for deer, moose, and various bird species.
Water filtration: Tent campers can practice backcountry water filtration skills at Cut Bank Creek. According to Jeff B., "Fresh running water in the creek to filter water for all your water needs." Pack a reliable water filter system as this is required at several area campgrounds without potable water sources.
What campers like
Escape from crowds: The remote locations of eastern Glacier campgrounds provide a quieter experience. Doug K. describes North Bootlegger Campground as "Remote and quiet. Not that many people know of this campground, which can be very good if that is what you seek."
Alternative park entrance: Tent camping near Cut Bank provides access to less-trafficked areas of Glacier National Park. Lindsay B. explains, "This is a dirt entrance to Glacier National Park... Here is the Glacier that is a little bit wild, a little bit remote and everything I ever wanted from the Park. After years of the Going-to-the-Sun I finally found the Cut Bank entrance and it's perfect to me."
RV-free environment: The primitive roads and facilities naturally limit larger vehicles. "No service close by, no motor homes either!" notes Doug K. about tent camping at Cut Bank. This creates a more authentic outdoor experience for tent campers without generator noise or crowded sites.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds near Cut Bank feature minimal amenities. Fish Camp at Duck Lake offers only three tent sites with electric and water hookups but no toilets or showers. Most other area campgrounds provide vault toilets only with no running water.
Road conditions: Access roads to many camping areas are unpaved and can be challenging. One campground is described as "Off the road, 6 miles drive in on dirt road that suddenly ends," according to Doug K. Vehicle ground clearance is important for accessing remote sites, particularly after rain.
Distance to trailheads: Some camping areas require additional hiking to reach main trails. Doug K. notes about Cut Bank Campground: "For daily hiking you are an 8-mile round trip just to get to access the good stuff, flat and easy but it does add the miles each day."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife safety preparation: The Cut Bank area has significant bear activity. Teach children proper food storage techniques and carry bear spray on all hikes. Seth T. notes the "Grizzly bears are dense in this drainage," making proper preparation essential for family safety.
Weather planning: Pack clothing for temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, even in summer. The high plains location experiences rapid weather changes requiring flexible planning for family activities.
Limited entertainment options: Glacier Mist RV Park provides more amenities for families than wilderness sites. Mayra V. confirms it's "a nice place to stay and in a good area. The owner will personally meet you at check in whatever time. Clean bathrooms and hot showers," making it more suitable for families needing facilities.
Tips from RVers
Limited big rig access: Most campgrounds near Cut Bank are not suitable for large RVs. Lindsay B. specifically notes about Cut Bank Campground: "Not for RVs." Alternative options include Glacier Mist RV Park in Cut Bank proper, which Joan D. describes as having "The park is situated on the east side of Glacier National Park - the perfect launch site for a visit to the Park and yeah incredible scenery."
Season planning: RV camping is highly seasonal in this region. Glacier Mist RV Park operates from April 1 to December 1, but weather conditions may make early spring and late fall camping challenging with potential freezing temperatures.
