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.
$90 / night
"From the different campsites to the sun setting over the lake, to the people I met. I've never seen so many camp cats on leashes. I think I counted 7 cats out with their owners enjoying nature."
"The entrance to the Two Medicine section of Glacier is separate from the main entrance, and it seems that many people miss this option until all the other options run out."
"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. "
"The bathhouse near us was a dated design style but very clean and well stocked. Lots of families with kids onsite, I can see why with all the great amenities."
$75 / night
"We decided to take a chance on it though, and stayed just outside the west entrance of the park, at the privately owned Glacier Campground."
"Nice campground off of Hwy 2 a few miles south of West Glacier and the entrance to Glacier NP. Spaces vary from tent sites up to a few that can accomodate 25-30’ trailers."
$45 - $90 / night
"Apgar is walking distance from the Apgar Visitor Center and park shuttles, as well as Apgar Village, camp store, equipment rentals, etc."
"I could see 6 or 7 other camp fires burning while sitting next to mine.
We stayed three nights and every night heard someone a site or two over as he was talking too loud (and too much)."
$30 / night
"Each sites are very spacious and you cannot hear the campers next to yours, even if the campground is full. The trees offered great aesthetic and shade to cool down on a very hot day."
"Situated along the southwest side of Glacier National Park's Fish Creek Campground, I snagged two nights at site D173 - right on the lake! "
$22 / night
"The facility are excellent to Montana cleanliness standards. The hosts are always more than helpful. We have always loved traveling in Montana!!!!!!!!!!!"
"It’s close access to Glacier NP. We chose a site without trees for the open sky. The dark night skies here were excellent for star gazing."
$10 - $20 / night
"I even had a moose walk about 30 yards passed my tent which was pretty cool. There are hiking trails nearby if you don’t want to drive to Glacier for hiking."
"There is a nice monument here if you just want to stop off while driving by and hit a vault toilet. The sites are quite and secluded for their close proximity to the highway."
$18 / night
"Sites on the water had paths right down to the bay, but there was also a common use path and boat dock."
"Loved staying at this campground as it was right on the water and extremely secluded from all that goes on at Glacier. 20 Miles from anything, located in Flathead National Forest."
$22 - $300 / night
"So close to five stars - I'm just picky about having more space between sites and having sites not right next to the campground road. Call me spoiled, though. Can't go wrong here."
"Site 21 was a walk-up and there was no electric, water or a dump station. No internet or TV through antenna. Was able to find an area in the park where I could make a phone call and send text."
"It’s so close to the National Park entrance and a beautiful place to stay. The road is a bit bumpy getting down here but there’s plenty of room for tent camping and RVs. Be careful though!"
"TLDR; quick & easy drive (minus a little stretch to drive down to the river), beautiful riverside view, pleasant and generous neighboring campers."
RangerWe loved this campground!
Watch our video review!
Why?
Pet friendly! Kid friendly! Adult friendly!
Great dog park, kids area ok, walking distance to store. Driving (15 min) to Glacier National Park. Restaurants close, wonderful fire pits!
Staff was kind and helpful
GuideWe stayed here for 4 nights. Only 5 minutes away from West Glacier Park entrance. Close by is a zip line attraction with a blow up slide in water for the little ones and bounce house obstacle with a slide. Also an adventure park that has go karts, bumper cars, lazy river etc. Great location with so much to do outside the park. We had a corner spot which I really liked for some privacy. Each site has its own fire pit which was nice. Wi-Fi in my opinion worked great. Has a dog park and a little playground for kids. Laundry room and bath houses were very clean. Also has an arcade and loved how they use honesty policy during closed hours where you can pick up firewood or ice and pay the next morning:) I definitely recommend and will come back for another Montana adventure.
ScoutLove that they have 2 dog parks! WiFi is great, campsites are spacious, amenities are easily accessible and you’re a close walk to the village and entrance of the park.
Legend9/13/19 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.
GuideLOVED our stay here. We got a prized corner spot with privacy of trees. So nice to have a grassy site, too. Super close to West Glacier, East Glacier is much more of a drive, but we knew that. Quiet and peaceful. Some highway noise but not terrible. Great dog park that we thoroughly enjoyed. We were sad to leave after five days!
LegendGreat amenities onsite. The staff was incredibly friendly and kind. The bathhouse near us was a dated design style but very clean and well stocked. Lots of families with kids onsite, I can see why with all the great amenities. During off season kids are allowed to swim in adult pool and hot tubs. Great spacious off leash dog park onsite. A second smaller K9 park onsite was still nicely maintained. It’s snug, so unless you pay for more spacious sites expect to be close to neighbors. Some of the cabin renters were loud with radios blaring but they were on the opposite side of the park so we didn’t report the noise. Plenty of supplies available at store. Some of the sites had lovely views of the mountains. The nature trail at the KOA was very muddy and some sections had such large mud holes that you couldn’t avoid getting your shoes wet. They should put some gravel or something back there. Just be prepared to get your shoes dirty if you walk it. Despite the muddiness, we found it was a lovely nightly loop to walk.
If you plan to drive going to the sun road: make sure it’s open. And be sure and get a reservation/register your vehicle for Glacier/going-to the-sun road if visiting summer 2022. Go eat at Dan d Lion cafe for a crazy savory meal. You won’t believe it’s vegan and gluten free. Insanely good. Great prices in Hungry Horse for souvenirs. West Glacier was definitely the better stay than East Glacier in our opinion. Much more easy access to stores, restaurants, etc. Whitefish MT had the coolest off leash dog park we’ve ever seen! If you have your 4-legged-bff with you - you simply must take your pup to that park (you’re welcome!) Lake McDonald is a great place to see the mountains and take beautiful pictures. You need bear spray if you go hiking anywhere here. Also, no dogs on trails, of course.
RangerThis 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
ScoutThis place is resort level camping. Two pools, two dog parks, hottubs, two shower houses, and fancy restaurant.
ScoutArrived late with no reservation and office closed but kind cheery owner, David found a spot for us, bending the rules a bit. Our stay was lovely, couldn’t ask for more, was mostly quiet since 41 is toward back, away from road. The bathrooms/showers were seriously palatial and very tidy/clean, way better than many hotels I’ve stayed at. Also liked the dog park at the front.
Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near Essex, Montana, where several campgrounds welcome pets and offer a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Essex, MT is Two Medicine Campground — Glacier National Park with a 4.8-star rating from 35 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 130 dog-friendly camping locations near Essex, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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