Essex is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Montana camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Essex, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Pine-scented campsites here are a mere 2.5 miles from Glacier National Park's west entrance. A short drive of a few minutes brings you to the start of the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road that twists and climbs across the million-acre alpine preserve. Whitefish, Kalispell, and Flathead lake are within driving distance to explore for part of a day with plenty of time left to relax at this KOA. This KOA also offers a heated adult (18+) pool 2 adult (18+) hot tubs and a heated family (all ages) pool. Enjoy our Lazy Bear Breakfast or Dinner restaurants, as well as our Bearstream Bar and Bear Garden. You can treat yourself to huckleberry ice cream at Scoops Ice Cream Shop or head to the state's largest water park in nearby Columbia Falls.
Glacier Campground is located just one mile from the west entrance of Glacier National Park and is the closest privately owned campground to the park, known for “the way camping used to be!” Our heavily wooded 40 acre campground is surrounded by the Flathead National Forest. West Glacier Village provides many activities including golf, mini golf, shopping, rafting, horseback rides and helicopter tours. There are also many options for great local dining. Outdoor lovers will love staying at with us
$75 / night
Located 5.5 miles from Glacier National Park's West entrance. Mile marker 147.5 on Highway 2. 30/50amp Full Hookup RV sites, Big Rig friendly, Camping Cabins and Yurts.
$60 - $80 / night
$30 - $56 / night
$50 - $300 / night
Murray Bay Campground is located on the Hungry Horse Reservoir, high in the Rocky Mountains, less than 30 miles from the Continental Divide, surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Visitors can expect a variety of recreational activities, including, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, exploring and big game hunting. Murray Bay Campground has 20 sites, 11 which are reservable and 9 that are for our walk up visitors. The stay limit is 16 consecutive days.
Boating is popular on the 27,750-acre reservoir, and a concrete boat ramp is accessible from within the campground. Swimming and fishing are also popular pastimes, and anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish, including cutthroat trout.
Boating is popular on the 27,750-acre reservoir, and a concrete boat ramp is accessible from within the campground. Swimming and fishing are also popular pastimes, and anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish, including cutthroat trout.
The campground is situated along the massive Hungry Horse Reservoir, which was dammed to provide hydroelectric power and flood control to the area. It is the 10th highest dam in the United States and provides a stunning backdrop.
Murray Bay Campground is approximately 31 miles southwest of the West Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park.
____Cancellations made within the 4 Day Reservation Window will be "considered" for a refund, by the concessionaire, of Camping fees only and will automatically forfeit the first nights fee. Day of Arrival cancellations must be turned in by calling Cheryl at 406-752-PWAI (7924) or 406-404-4164 to get the information to the campground Host. All Considerations will be made after your original reservation dates have passed.______ *No shows have no chance of a refund.__
$16 / night
Red Eagle Campground is located along the Two Medicine River south of Lower Two Medicine Lake just 3.4 miles south of the Two Medicine entrance to Glacier National Park and 4 miles north of East Glacier Park Village. Red Eagle is a large primitive campground ideal for visitors who are looking for a natural camping experience.
$25 - $45 / night
Big Creek Campground lies in the expansive Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana, 2 miles south of the Northwest entrance to Glacier National Park. Visitors can enjoy access to the Flathead River as well as the countless other recreational opportunities provided by the surrounding forests. Big Creek Campground has 22 campsites, 12 of which are reservable and 10 are walk-up, first come, first serve sites.____ The stay limit is 16 consecutive nights.
Visitors enjoy the ample fishing and floating opportunities provided by the river. Trout are a popular catch amid the calm flow of the water. Boating is also an excellent pastime, as the river is perfect for floating, rafting and canoeing. Across from the campground is the Glacier Institute's Big Creek Outdoor Education Center, which provides learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Programs offered include seminars and guided hikes, which point out the diverse natural and cultural resources of the Glacier National Park and the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem.
Visitors enjoy the ample fishing and floating opportunities provided by the river. Trout are a popular catch amid the calm flow of the water. Boating is also an excellent pastime, as the river is perfect for floating, rafting and canoeing. Across from the campground is the Glacier Institute's Big Creek Outdoor Education Center, which provides learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Programs offered include seminars and guided hikes, which point out the diverse natural and cultural resources of the Glacier National Park and the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, west of the continental divide and just south of the Canadian border, lies the 2.4 million acre Flathead National Forest. Home to lynx, grizzly bear, and bull trout and with numerous lakes, streams, and rivers to enjoy, the forest is a premiere destination for visitors. The campground sits along the North Fork of the Flathead River, which begins in Canada and joins a couple other forks before depositing into Flathead Lake. It is a forested area of mature pine and fir trees that provide a sparse understory at an elevation of 3,300 feet.
Big Creek Campground is just 2 miles from the Camas Creek entrance to the Glacier National Park. Columbia Falls, along the North Fork of the Flathead River, is located 19 miles south of the campground.
For facility specific information, please call (406) 752-7924.
__Cancellations made within the 4 Day Reservation Window will be "considered" for a refund, by the concessionaire, of Camping fees only and will automatically forfeit the first nights fee. Day of Arrival cancellations must be turned in by calling Cheryl at 406-752-PWAI (7924) or 406-404-4164 to get the information to the campground Host. All Considerations will be made after your original reservation dates have passed.______ *No shows have no chance of a refund.__
$100 - $300 / night
Closed for the 2020 season due to flooding
RV Camping, Tent Camping, Cabins, Yurts, Cafe, Store, Souvenirs in Kalispell, Montana.
Swan Lake Trading Post sits on Swan Lake and is close proximity to Glacier National Park, Black Tail Mountain Ski Area, Flathead Lake State Park, and Wild horse Island.
$20 - $40 / night
Reserved this deamy site right on the water. Tent 1 is closest to parking but has the most traffic going by to the other sites.
Pit toilet nearby and a quick drive to flushable toilets. Showers available with tokens from the camphost ($3 for 6 minutes) but camphost weren't around when I was looking so no personal experience here.
We checked in and found our site half underwater due to deluge night before. Drove around CG before going back to office and noticed ours was only site like this. "Josie" at front desk supposedly had no other FHU sites, only electric only, so we went back to ours site to figure out how to deal with. Trailer next ours decided to plug into our 1 and only outlet ( a 30 amp) with his 50 amp step down adapter. Called Josie who said this is the 2nd time today people have done this who DID not pay for electric and to unplug the people who weren't around. We did and plugged in, hooked up water, ran swere line, all while standing in 6-8 inches of disgusting water. Found out water pressure was ridiculously low ( 6-8 lbs) and bathrooms had no tp!!!! Lawn also doesn't seem to EVER be mowed. This place needs to step up there game!!!! Drop them God Sam!!!!!
This campground was very cute. The owners were so friendly and accommodating. The resident cat Poncho was a hot with our kids. The showers were small, but we're hot and free! The lawn was great with a communal fire pit and small playground. They let travelers camp there for 12 per person per night in a tent if that's what you're looking for. The cafe was cute and the drinks were delicious. We didn't eat, but it looked good! I would stay here again foe sure.
Absolutely love this campground. They were so accommodating when we booked a site our unit wouldn’t fit on they gladly moved us.
If you aren’t right on the water, you’re definitely a short distance away.
The amenities are great and the camp hosts are always friendly. Definitely worth staying here.
This place was nice. The staff was so friendly. Cafe with giant cinnamon rolls hit the spot. Showers were nice and hot. We were in the middle of tall trees which provided shade later in the day. Nice big dog park. Location is close the west Glacier entrance
We have stayed for a few nights over the 4th of July, 2023 at this place to visit Glacier National Park. The only good about this place is that the campground(not a resort by far) is relatively close to the East side entrance of the park(~20 miles). There are really not many choices to camp on the East side of the Glacier National Park, but I strongly recommend KOA St. Mary's over Glacier Grizzly campground if you are able to find availability at KOA. The pictures on Glacier Grizzly's website do keep changing constantly and most of the pictures are taken of some other places and not theirs. I am attaching few pictures of what it is really over there. The place is all gravel with water, sewer and electric hookups. They used to advertise 50amp hookups(they have stopped doing so since), but there were only 30amp hookups available at the time of our stay and I really doubt anything changed since. The sites are indeed fairly spacious, though fire pits are simply hole dugouts in the gravel. There was only one, recently built shower house available for the whole campground(2 showers and 2 toilets), but upkeep of it was lacking- no toilet paper, no hand soap, no way to dry your hands after using a restroom, nobody cleaned shower house during our entire stay! As an icing on the cake, one of the toilets got clogged and nobody had bothered taking care of it for a few days. Furthermore, there were only a couple locations for a garbage disposal that were overflowing with garbage. For around$130/night, we have definitely expected more. All the negative reviews are fairly accurate about the campground and the service(or lack of the service) provided.
The host was very nice. We had a tucked away camp spot
We had a space near the dog play area which is very nice. Local employees come in the evening for talk and dog play-nice people and nice dogs. Great wifi laundry and showers. Room for big rigs. There is road noise
Stayed here one night while visiting Glacier. Loved that there was lots of space between sites - even though other people were around, we felt like we had our own spot and could spread out and enjoy the scenery. Campground is on water, so there's beautiful scenery, and also has very clean porta potties in addition to the main restroom, which was very convenient so that I didn't have to walk too far. Kind staff. Would definitely stay here again.
We had an amazing time here! The views can’t be beat and to have adult saunas and hot tubs is 👍🏼👍🏼! The on-site restaurant was good, drinks from the airstream were excellent and the nightly live music was great! Proximity to the park and shopping in Kalispell or Whitefish was close too! We’d definitely visit again!
Lovely, quiet campground to spend the night. Large open sites along the river. Pit toilets.
What a great stay and beautiful mountain views. My wife loved this place. It was nice and peaceful. The facilities were clean and we used the laundry services for the kids clothes. Had a great experience. Will definitely be back.
Wrecked enroute to campground a week before our reserved stay. Tried to cancel and was told by owner he would have to call back with cancellation number. He never called and refused to answer phone or emails.
He has since told me he will not honor refund policy on his website.
Do yourself a favor and spare yourself headaches and dealing with your credit card companies to report a fraudulent merchant!
Stay away! Also have heard reports that photos on his site are BOGUS!
We have camped all over the country. Our first wrecked RV and our first encounter with a fraud and a crook campground owner!
We had a beautiful site with a view of the mountains. Our dog Bentley loved the spacious while we enjoyed the delicious cinnamon roles from the bakery at the General Store! 😋
The Resort is located a short 2.5 miles from the entrance of Glacier National park. So it doesn't take long to get out to you favorite hiking trail or lake for boating or swimming.
Great Location On the East Side. Was easy to get to Many Glacier, Two Medicine East Glacier entrances. The staff was helpful and had plenty of tips on how to get in the Park and told us about tours we could to take. We stayed 6 nights in our Motorhome.
Beware! The people running this business are con artists, liars with no ethics and no morals. I booked for a Glamp Tipi for 1 night for an overpriced $440. The evening of the reservation, they texted me and said that their "power is out" on all the furnished tipis and told me they have an RV instead. I said I did not want an RV because we already have one but really just wanted the tipi experience. Lori told me that she could only offer me what they have or we could just cancel. I said I will just cancel then if they can't provide what I booked for and then asked her if I will receive my refund within a few days. She said "yeah definitely". 3 week later, I noticed I still have not received my refund. I left her a few text messages, it shows that she read them but she did not respond. I called their toll-free number and Daniel answered. I explained to him what happened. He said that Lori no longer works there anymore and she probably didn't respond because she doesn't care. He said he will take down my name and number and check the system and call me back tomorrow morning. He never did. The next day, I called him back several times throughout day and he never answered the phone. This is such shady business practice. At this point, I got really worried that I'm a victim of fraud and that they have stolen my money and hiding now. I started to look up the online reviews and noticed all the negative reviews were similar stories to mine. I texted Lori again confronting her and she finally replied "I'll check back with the cancellation department and let you know when I hear about your refund." Obviously she is lying because Daniel just told me she no longer works there! And of course she never did check and never ever got back to me, even when I texted her multiple times to follow up after that day. How can they think that they can just steal innocent people's money and run off and get away with it?! I called my credit card company to dispute the charges because this business refuses to cooperate and refund me for a service that they could not provide. I called them a hundred times and through other avenues and they clearly are avoiding me. I know there are many others like me who have been scammed by them. We should all band together and take legal class action lawsuit because what they are doing is wrong and so that they don't keep doing this to more people! I found so many fake reviews they did for themselves to offset the ton of negative reviews they receive. There are obvious telltale signs that the positive reviews are so fake. They are a huge disgrace to the genuine Blackfeet Tribe community.
We stayed for a quick overnight between Glacier. The campground is in a perfect place and once the construction is done it will be great! We were in a 39' MH and the hookups were solid, internet was awesome. Nice flat ground and appeared very family friendly. All the amenities aren’t quite in place but i think given time it will be a very nice Park.
We camped at Glacier Grizzly campground in our Class C Motorhome. We read reviews that they don’t have 50 amp sites. They did. The campground was at a Great location close to the East entrances.
Stayed for a few days in July. Had easy access entrance to the campground. Self check in was great as we came in late night and the staff was nice. We were in a pull through site.
The employees are friendly and helpful. Campground was brand new and not over crowded, like most RV sites in Glacier. The kids had fun fishing on the river at the campground and even caught 2 fish.
We stayed in a 39 foot Class A motorhome. We only stayed one night on our way to the West Side. Staff are very nice and helpful. Entry and exit is easy. We didn't use any amenities as we were there for only one night.
We stayed here in August in an RV+tent site and loved the location! Close to the Park, restaurants and all that's going on the East side! Our only negative is that their bathrooms get really busy, with having extra large hot water showers. They were really clean and new.
We stayed in site F16. It is close to the main lodge and the cafe.
The showers and bathrooms were very clean.
The campground is about 1 mile from the west entrance of glacier park!
This is a campground to which I will return. David, the owner/guy in charge, is funny and kind. Debbie, the office manager, knows her stuff, is super efficient, and a kind lady. The private showers are wonderful! There are four, each with a toilet, sink, vanity and huge shower. They’re kept clean. The laundry room has three commercial washers and three dryers. There is a large table to fold. Improvements continue to be made, which is great, but it’s a super place to camp regardless!
We paid more than $100 per night for 3 nights. We booked based on fraudulent images and information before open. We turned around and left as soon as we arrived. At the end of the season, it is still just a dusty gravel lot with no amenities. There is a partially constructed building and a derelict trailer. These people are criminals and of course will try to keep our money. Do not give them yours!
We stayed last week for three days in our 5th wheel. The site was large and the hookups were good. The surrounding views were nice and the fishing in the creek on the park property was excellent. We were told that they are doing more improvements, we will.be back next year.
Not at all what owner Daniel promised us when we booked in February of 2023.
The Good: Convenient place to park with a pretty view near the east entrance of Glacier National Park.
The Bad: As of the end of July 2023, it's under construction (although no work was done the entire time stayed 6-days). It's a dirty, gravel, dust-bowl parking lot. No shade- ZERO. Couldn't use our awning because it was constantly windy. Could only use 1 AC unit because we saw no evidence of 50 amp, only 30 amp electric, despite what employee confirmed on telephone (prior to our arrival) and what's listed on the website booking page. Filthy, fly-infested, nearly unusable bathroom/showers. Construction materials scattered all over. Overflowing garbage dumpsters that said Do Not Use, the entire time of our stay. A little dead grass & weeds, but generally speaking this is a gravel parking lot. As others have said, the sewer pipes are 6-8" above grade and many flow uphill from where the camper sits, making the flow challenging. We disputed the premium rate we were charged in February and Daniel agreed to a credit. That was two weeks ago with no credit applied. We have since filed a dispute with our credit card company. We camped at Glacier Grizzly Resort- RV, Tent Site& Tipi in a Fifth Wheel.
Camping near Essex, Montana, offers a fantastic escape into nature, with stunning views and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Essex, Montana, is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique challenges of this beautiful area!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Essex, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Essex, MT is West Glacier KOA Resort with a 4.7-star rating from 46 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Essex, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 glamping camping locations near Essex, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
