Glamping options near Frenchtown, Montana create an outdoor experience balanced between wilderness access and modern conveniences. The valley sits at approximately 3,200 feet elevation, positioned between the Bitterroot and Rattlesnake mountain ranges with over 40 inches of annual snowfall in higher elevations. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, affecting campground availability and water system operations throughout the region.
What to do
Fly fishing access: Rock Creek offers blue-ribbon trout fishing opportunities from Ekstrom's Stage Station Campground. According to one camper, "About a mile of rt 90. Camping is tight by fly fishing is very good. Freindly people with great food. Beautiful country."
Hot spring soaking: Visit nearby Lolo Hot Springs where mineral pools provide relaxation after hiking. "Great little campground across the road from the hot spring pools. The lady who answered the phone and ran the check in desk was really nice and helpful!" notes a visitor to Lolo Hot Springs RV Park & Campground.
Water activities: Paddle or float the Clark Fork River directly from campsites at Sloway Campground. As one experienced camper explains, "While my hubby flyfishes, I float on the Clark Fork. You can put in right from your campsite, the beach by the pullthru sites, Dry Creek or Superior, then float to your campsite/beach, St Regis, or 14 Mile/Ferry Landing."
What campers like
Natural water features: Campers appreciate sites positioned along streams and creeks for sound and recreation. A visitor to Jocko Hollow Campground noted, "We were right next to the river which was amazing. But some of the sites are for permanent residents, which feels weird."
Mountain views: Vantage points from many glamping sites provide scenic perspectives of multiple mountain ranges. "This entire park is beautiful! The picturesque mountains make for beautiful pictures," reports a visitor to Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA.
Unique accommodations: Tepees at Beavertail Hill provide distinctive glamping options. "The tipis were a lot of fun to sleep in! The river trail was beautiful to walk," states a visitor to Beavertail Hill State Park Campground.
What you should know
Train noise: Multiple campgrounds along the Clark Fork River experience train noise throughout night hours. A Sloway Campground visitor reports, "The I-90 highway runs fairly close to the campground & the noise can be distracting at times. The bigger noise maker is the train that runs on the other side of the Clark Fork River. There are two road crossings across from the campground, and the trains are required to blow their horns when approaching these crossings."
Winter challenges: Seasonal closures affect most campgrounds from late fall through early spring. Lee Creek Campground operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day only, with water systems winterized during colder months.
Varied site privacy: Site spacing differs significantly between glamping locations. A camper at Kreis Pond Campground noted, "7 well spaced campsites all around the pond. Truly enjoyable stay. Clean toilet facilities. Be prepared for several miles of dusty, gravel, washboard road."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation facilities: Campgrounds with built-in activities reduce travel needs. At Missoula KOA Holiday, one camper reports, "Playground, pool, mini golf, clean showers, restrooms and laundry! It was great!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds designed specifically for children. "This is a really fun spot a little ways off busy Hwy. 93. You got your mini golf, outdoor go carts, paddle boats, arcade, donkey petting, pizza and all level of camp sites," notes a visitor to Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to see local fauna. According to one Missoula KOA visitor, "My daughter wanted me to add that they have three very large bunnies that roll around the campground. She loves them."
Tips from RVers
Site width considerations: Some premium sites may not accommodate larger rigs with slides. A visitor to Missoula KOA notes, "We paid for a deluxe extra wide site. We have a 27ft Class C with a drivers side slide. Not a tiny RV but by no means large. When being directed to our site I was asked to move over so our tires weren't near the grass. I indicated if I moved over my slide wouldn't open all the way due to the power box."
Dump station availability: Check whether on-site sanitation facilities exist before arrival. Several campgrounds near Frenchtown offer dump stations, but others require travel to disposal facilities.
Seasonal water systems: Water access varies by season and campground. At Lee Creek Campground, a visitor noted, "The water was turned off when I was there, but there is a pit toilet and lots of Firewood. Close to highway."
