Best Cabin Camping near Essex, MT

We stayed in a cabin at Lake Five 28 years ago so when planning this trip, we decided to stay again particularly since it put us as close to the campground in Glacier NP that we hoped to snag a site at. The cabins are essentially the same but now there are electric hookups for the RVs and a live entertainment stage (we were there on a Monday so did not see any entertainment). The other thing that is different is that there are fewer mosquitoes (I remember they used to be vicious) due to bats (although I did not see any). Located right on a lake just a few miles from the west entrance to the park, there are accommodations to fit everyone’s needs. Cabins, some with bathrooms, some with kitchens, RV sites, and tipis. In my opinion, Cabins 1 and 2 are the best with full lake views but these are larger cabins and better suited for families. We stayed in Cabin 8 this time, with a bathroom but no kitchen. We had a picnic table and fire ring so enjoyed our dinner outside. The cabins are rustic (think summer camp) but clean. They have very limited outlets! One in the main room, used for the fridge and fan, and one in the bathroom, so don’t plan on charging your devices after being in the woods camping! Make sure you bring towels– while there are sheets on the bed, there are no bath towels. Cabins are a bit pricey but that is to be expected in a prime location. The RV sites are close together; the sites on the outside of the loop are more private with trees behind them. Sites 1-8 have NO privacy or separation between them and while lakefront, the view is filtered through the trees. Other amenities include a utility sink, showers (for campers only) and reasonably priced laundry, although with only one washer and dryer, there was a big back-up! This is a great place from which to explore Glacier National Park or just relax by the lake. Lots of families swimming and boating and hanging out. The office is open from 9am-9pm. Owner Ron has a dry sense of humor and is very welcoming, along with his two very large dogs. The resort is open spring through fall, with discounts in the spring and fall. Check is the preferred payment when making a reservation and you will receive a confirmation as soon as the check is received. Note if you are using Google Maps: if you are approaching from the west, Belton Stage Road is gravel (about 1.5 miles) but there is another paved entrance from the east.

So, its a KOA which is awesome for some and not for others. I have only been to a handful but they are way too managed and the stereotypical "glamping" situation. Reason we booked was because we were headed from a nearby camp on Flathead lake and wanted to get closer to Glacier before walking in for a permit. This KOA is less than 20 minutes from the Apgar permit office... We booked a primitive cabin online before the trip, and then the night of our arrival, about 1 hour till their general store/office closed, we got a phone call saying that they made a mistake and they over booked. How did they handle it? They put us up in one of their luxury full cabins! Now, that is not the experience we were looking for, but for us this was merely a one nighter to get to Glacier. So we accepted. Campfire ring, picnic table, private parking, and our own little cabin complete with flat screen tv and surround speakers in the ceiling. 2 other bedrooms one with bunks that went unused, a kitchen with coffee maker and mini fridge, and a bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower... While not the experience we were looking for it sure made it easier to pack up and get into glacier for that walk in permit. Although there was some mistake with their booking they owned it and gave us what would be considered a huge upgrade, and we made it to the permit office early without needing to worry about deflating our sleeping pads. Thank you West Glacier KOA!

For full disclosure we were compensated for this trip for testing the Dyrt's reservation system.

Our trip to Swan Lake Trading Post & Campground started out by reserving the campground through The Dyrts's new reservation system. Reserving the site was extremely easy and fast to use, way better than other systems we have used before. We had a confirmation from the campground with in a few hours of using the reservation system.

Now for the campground. We were highly impressed by this small campground. The tent camping area was located around a small pond/lake. The site has picnic tables and fire rings as well as plenty of chairs available for siting around the fire or along the little lake. The campground has 8 RV sites, 3 cabins and 3 yurts (the yurts had not been set up for the season during our visit). The trading post has all your basic camping needs and anything you need if you forget something, they even have Ice Cream. If you don't want to cook breakfast the trading post will take care of that for you by cooking up a breakfast sandwich for you. The campground provides clean restrooms and showers. Tent sites were very reasonable at $20, just two more dollars than the Forest Service campground down the road which does not have flush toilets or showers. The camp host are very friendly. We were provided with the camps wifi password, but you do have to be on the trading post back porch to use it. The porch has plenty of table an chairs for sitting at. They also have games you can use to pass the time, we didn't use them but was nice to know they were available. It was nice and quiet at night with very little traffic on the highway, plus the creek running by really muffled any noise from vehicles driving by. This campground will definitely be on our list to stay at the next time we visit the Swan Valley and Swan Lake.

This is glamping. This is a resort with resort amenities and feels so vacation-y. I enjoyed the heck out of it. We stayed in a Deluxe Kamping lodge with a medium patio and full bath. Linens and bedding provided, partial kitchen (stocked), room for 6. KL3 is at the back of the campground away from the busy entrance and pools—feels nice and private. Beautiful grounds, two pools, and delicious steaks ($) for dinner at the Lazy Bear Cafe. Lots to do and 2.5 miles from the west entrance to GNP. Laundry available; showers and restrooms if you’re in a tent or RV. Busy, but everyone is chill. My kids think we’re in Disney and it’s nice to be able to relax a bit after a disastrous year. Note: Most amenities are outdoors, including the restaurant.

I am reviewing site 26 which is a deluxe patio pull-through. It is on the end and has a concrete patio with gas grill and umbrella covered patio table with 6 chairs. It is next to the laundry, restroom, and showers. This site has a small corner with grass (great for a quick dog potty break). The site also has a small campfire area off to the side. The campground is well taken care of and great common areas. Behind the registration office is a common area where evenings may host live music. A small restaurant is there as well as an airstream turned into a bar is a great place to sit and hear the music.
A great place to relax and enjoy.

The campground offers many lakeside campsites complete with picnic table and fire rings. There were 3 yurts for those interested. all vehicles, including camping vehicles, park alongside road; there are few, if any, pull-in sites. There is room for a tent or two in the sIte. Most of the lakeside sites also have a small amount of slope.

The camp hosts were absolutely fantastic! There is firewood and ice for sale at the park. Polson is about 20-30 mInutes away and has grocery stores, etc. If you go to Polson, check out The Cove Deli for some really great ice-cream.

The showers were really awkward, but did the job. They take $ coins (available from host if needed) and quarters.

If you aren’t bringing your own boat, Boat Rentals and Rides is only 2 miles down the road. We rented 2 glass bottom kayaks. Warning: lake conditions change suddenly and we saw the waves blow in 2 dIfferent directions durIng the 2 days we were there. There were no bear boxes at the sites, only one by the bathroom.

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. 

Lots of sites to choose from. Ours was a pull thru with nice vegetation between. Fire pit with benches and picnic table. Some sites are close together with no privacy. Some have gas grills and patio furniture. There are cabins and tent sites as well. Bathhouse was average. The cafe was open for breakfast and dinner.Ice cream shop closed for the season. Amazing pool! Nice play area, dog parks. Really nice camp store, firewood available. KOA Workshop on site. RV wash and dog grooming by appointment.