Best Cabin Camping near Essex, MT
Several campgrounds near Essex, Montana provide rustic cabins with varying amenities for visitors to Glacier National Park. Glacier Haven RV and Campground in Essex offers cabin rentals that accommodate travelers seeking shelter without the full commitment to tent camping. The cabins typically include basic furnishings and electricity, with shared bathroom facilities located elsewhere in the campground. West Glacier KOA Resort, about 30 minutes from Essex, features more elaborate cabin options ranging from basic camping cabins to deluxe lodges with full bathrooms and kitchenettes. "We stayed in a Deluxe Kamping lodge with a medium patio and full bath. Linens and bedding provided, partial kitchen (stocked), room for 6," notes one visitor to West Glacier KOA.
Cabin types in the region range from simple one-room structures to multi-room family accommodations. Glacier Campground offers cabins with bunk bed configurations and mini-fridges, requiring guests to bring their own bedding. According to one guest, "We stayed in a cabin that had one twin bunk bed and one twin over queen bunk bed. It also had a mini fridge and microwave." Most pet-friendly cabins have outdoor areas with picnic tables and fire rings, though policies vary by location. Lake Five Resort provides cabins with lake views, some including private bathrooms but limited electrical outlets. Reservations are essential during peak season (June-August), with many locations operating only from May through September due to harsh winter conditions.
Most cabin rentals require visitors to bring their own bedding, towels, and toiletries, though some deluxe options include linens. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between properties, from bare-bones cabins with no cooking facilities to furnished cabins with refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. Campground stores at West Glacier KOA, Glacier Campground, and other locations stock basic groceries, firewood, and camping supplies. Visitors staying in cabins without kitchens should plan to bring coolers and cooking equipment for use at outdoor fire rings or grills. The nearest full grocery stores are in West Glacier and Hungry Horse, approximately 20-30 minutes from Essex, making advance meal planning important for cabin campers planning extended stays.