The Flathead Valley region near Dayton, Montana sits at around 3,000 feet elevation on the western shore of Flathead Lake. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day, while winters see average lows in the 20s. The surrounding national forests and waterways provide diverse terrain for camping, with options ranging from developed sites with corrals to dispersed riverside locations.
What to do
Trail riding: Campers staying at Camp Whispering Pines can access numerous riding trails within a short drive. "5 minutes to Rebecca Farms, 20 minutes to Under The Big Sky Venue, 20 minutes to Flathead and Whitefish Lakes, 40 minutes to Glacier National Park," notes Charles Y. The property's large arena provides space to exercise horses before heading out to trails.
Waterfall hiking: Holland Lake area offers hiking opportunities with waterfall views. "There is a beautiful waterfall that is visible from the camp ground and is a fairly easy hike too," writes Sara C. about Holland Lake Campground. The trail to Holland Falls is suitable for most ability levels while providing scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Fishing and water activities: Several campgrounds provide river access for fishing, swimming, and paddling. The Middle Fork Flathead River offers clear water for recreation. "River was very deep and a beautiful swim!" reports Sumner C. about their experience at Glacier Rim River Access. Water temperatures remain cool even during summer heat waves.
What campers like
Outdoor shower experience: Many equestrian camping sites near Dayton feature outdoor shower facilities. "The shower is amazing! Instant hot water for as long as you'd like," Taylor C. shares about Camp Whispering Pines. The outdoor shower design allows campers to rinse off after dusty trail rides while enjoying mountain views.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The stars gave us a show every night and it was very quiet," notes Taylor C. about their camping experience. Some campers report being able to clearly see the Milky Way on cloudless nights.
Privacy between sites: Lolo National Forest Recreation Area offers dispersed camping with ample space between sites. "Mostly peaceful and camp neighbors pretty far apart," says Beth T. about riverfront camping. Josh S. adds: "Plenty of space, both large and small sites. Room for a 30' in a couple of the sites." The natural vegetation helps create privacy barriers between camping areas.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from May through September due to winter conditions. "We had a really nice couple of mid week nights here. We couldn't get two consecutive nights in a row so had to move spots," shares Sara D. about Holland Lake Campground. Weekends fill quickly during peak summer months.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires proper food storage and awareness. "There are both black and grizzly bears that frequent this area daily, so be very careful with your food, and bear aware when hiking," warns Carmen H. Some trails may close temporarily due to bear activity, as one reviewer noted: "I didn't get to go to the falls because there was a dead mule off the trail which drew attention of some grizzlies."
Cell connectivity: Service varies significantly between locations. "I had one bar of Verizon service, so I could send and receive messages, but pics sent very slowly," reports Tee C. about Glacier Rim River Access. Many riverside camping areas have limited or no cell coverage, while sites closer to towns offer better connectivity.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly hiking: Select trails with manageable distances and interesting features. "The hike to the Holland Falls is short but totally worth it! Clean lake perfect for swimming and paddleboarding," recommends Talia H. from Holland Lake Campground. The trail gains about 750 feet of elevation over 1.6 miles.
Insect preparation: Bring appropriate repellents, especially for riverside camping. "Bring bug spray, the mosquitos are out. They really go nuts when you first pull in but relax after a few minutes," advises Sara D. Mosquitoes are most active during evening hours in June and July.
Weather readiness: Mountain weather can change rapidly, requiring appropriate gear. "If you are looking for a clean, quiet place to camp in Kalispell, give this place a try," mentions Leland about their stay during a July heat wave. Temperature fluctuations of 30+ degrees between day and night aren't uncommon.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup awareness: Glacier Campground provides electrical and water connections for RVs. "There is a dump station, and propane fill up on site. It's $25 to dump," notes Marcus K. Adding: "Make sure you bring an extension cord to hook up your electric just in case you have a short standard cord on your camper."
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary considerably in size and levelness. For those with horses, specialized campgrounds offer corrals and larger parking areas. "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," cautions Tamara B. about Timber Wolf Resort.
Supply planning: Limited services require careful planning. "It's only 10 minutes from downtown Kalispell," mentions one reviewer about equestrian camping near Dayton, Montana. The proximity to towns allows for restocking supplies while maintaining a rural camping experience.
