Doug R.
Scout
ScoutWhispering Pines RV Park
Easy access. 2 different types of camping (no trees, lots of trees) deer a d wild Turkeys visit daily. Good rates. Camped in oct to nov
Camping near Hungry Horse, MT
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Camping options around Hungry Horse, Montana range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands, with many locations providing access to Hungry Horse Reservoir and Glacier National Park. The area includes several developed facilities like Glacier Campground and West Glacier KOA Resort offering full hookups for RVs, tent sites, and cabin rentals. Dispersed camping opportunities exist along the Middle Fork Flathead River and North Fork Flathead River, where campers can find more primitive experiences. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through September or early October, with the highest concentration of facilities located within 15 miles of West Glacier.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, particularly for accessing dispersed camping areas and sites along Hungry Horse Reservoir. Many forest roads require careful navigation, especially those leading to remote camping locations. The main season runs from late spring through early fall, with most established campgrounds closing by October due to winter conditions. Campers should prepare for limited cell service in more remote areas, particularly along the reservoir where several campgrounds and dispersed sites are located. A review noted, "37 miles from Hungry Horse to this location, almost 25 of the unpaved and some of the road is really rough and extremely narrow, much of it along steep Cliffs but when you take 895 around the reservoir...it will lead you directly down to numerous spots along the lake."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Hungry Horse area, with several campgrounds providing direct access to Hungry Horse Reservoir or nearby lakes. Many campers highlight the scenic views and recreational opportunities these water-adjacent sites offer. Developed campgrounds like Emery Bay and Lid Creek provide amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets while maintaining proximity to the water. A camper wrote, "Lid Creek Campground is in the Hungry Horse Recreation area on the Hungry Horse Reservoir. The lake, Salish Mountains and Montana's big sky are all front and center here." Bear safety remains an important consideration throughout the region, with many campgrounds providing bear-proof food storage boxes and posting guidelines for proper food storage and waste disposal.
Best Campgrounds near Hungry Horse (288)
1. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed
"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!"
"Perfect spot for camping outside the west entrance, about 25 minutes away. That road is a little rough coming in but it’s short and manageable, even saw a little Mazda make it in."
2. West Glacier KOA Resort
"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."
"This is a big RV resort close to West Glacier town and park entrance. We came with our 25’ RV and reserved a tent pad site to ensure we were up against the edge of the resort."
3. Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park
"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)."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $90 / night
4. Glacier Campground
"Montana is absolutely gorgeous! I may be biased because I go to college in Montana, but there is so many great outdoor activities. The mountains and scenery are my favorite."
"Great place tucked away from the road. Sites are smaller. Place was clear even the showers. Hot water in the morning not so much at night."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $120 / night
5. Fish Creek Campground — Glacier National Park
"We have stayed in Many Glacier and Avalanche Creek but this is our favorite campsite in the park because of its proximity to Lake Mcdonald as well as Apgar village."
"Now the good: We were really close to Apgar village and other sites along the Road to the Sun road. The rangers were nice and pleasant to interact with."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
6. Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping
"Only about 15 minutes away from Glacier National Park Westgate. I was able to stay here for multiple days. Each time was no trouble in finding a place to park."
"Nice camping area with access to the river. Was a bit noisy during the day (stayed over the weekend) as the area is used by non-campers coming to fish, kayak, sightseeing, etc."
7. Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast
"It’s very close to the West entrance to Glacier National Park. We found fun things to do in nearby Hungry Horse, CowY, and Columbia Falls."
"Location & West Glacier Access When visiting Glacier, proximity to the park gates is everything."
8. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping
"Arrived August 1st...was hoping to find a spot close to Glacier NP with some privacy but I think I was asking for too much lol. However, I am happy to have a place close to the park free of charge!"
"The location is extremely convenient, sitting just minutes away from the West Glacier entrance of Glacier National Park."
9. North American RV Park & Yurt Village
"Close to Glacier, Whitefish (really cute walkable town) Hungry Horse Reservoir, and lots of other tourist activities. GOOD SAMS discount. Pro note: check out the Glacier Pizza in Coram."
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $60 - $80 / night
10. Mountain Meadow RV Park and Cabins
"The sites were all surrounded by trees. We had site 16, which is the area where they put most of the big rids. But many of the other sites had their own little secluded area. Full hookups."
"Enjoyed our stay here and the relative (it’s still a decent drive) proximity to Glacier."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 9 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 59 min from Great Falls, MT
- 3 hrs 15 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 47 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
Recent Camping Photos near Hungry Horse, MT
404 Photos of 288 Hungry Horse Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Timber Wolf Resort
K-M: Glacier's RV Park & CampgroundT
Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed
Mountain Meadow RV Park and Cabins
Beargrass Lodging & RV Resort
Glacier HipCamp (6 mins to West Glacier National Park) 🏕️J
North American RV Park & Yurt Village
Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed
Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed CampingJ
Lake Five Resort
San-Suz-Ed RV Park, Campground and Bed & Breakfast
Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast
Recent Reviews near Hungry Horse, MT
1522 Reviews of 288 Hungry Horse Campgrounds
Connie H.
RangerWhitefish Lake State Park Campground
Nice little campground on the lake near the town of Whitefish. Reservations were unavailable because of the season, so it was first come, first served. Upper loop was closed for the season, and the lower loop only had a few sites that would fit us with our 29 foot camper. We ended up in site 13. Sites had picnic tables and fire rings. Bathhouses and restrooms were closed for the season as well. We purchased the Nonresident annual state park pass online ($50), and paid for our 4 nights with cash ($14 a night). I’ve included a picture of the park fees schedule. The campground was fairly busy on the weekend as the lake and boat launch is right there. Railroad tracks are literally running up right along the campground. The trains run all day and all night long, multiple times in an hour, so be prepared for the noise and occasional rattle/shaking! It didn’t really bother us much, but I’m sure it would not be pleasant for some folks!
- Connie H.Ranger
Round Meadow Trails Camp
There is no actual campground or “camping spots” located here. No overnight camping allowed in the parking lot. There is a vault toilet available here and was actually very clean when we stopped.
Hayley F.
TravelerApgar Campground — Glacier National Park
Perfect spot for RV camping in Glacier
We camped in October so there was no access to water. No electricity for the campsites, but for $20 by Glacier it was perfect. 5 min from the visitor center. Sites are pull thru but pretty un-level so bring lots of stuff to level. We camped with our 27ft. travel trailer and was perfect.
Aaron S.RangerMoose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast
The Ultimate West Glacier Basecamp (With Starlink & Scenic Loop Tips)
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are planning an epic trip to explore Glacier National Park, your choice of home base can make or break your trip logistics. We stayed four nights at Moose Creek RV Resort in West Glacier, Montana, and it served as the ultimate launchpad for exploring every corner of this iconic national park.
Location & West Glacier Access
When visiting Glacier, proximity to the park gates is everything. Moose Creek is super close and remarkably convenient to the West Glacier entrance, allowing you to beat the morning rush onto Going-to-the-Sun Road without spending hours in transit beforehand. (Still arrive early at park entrance!)
Campground Vibe, Grounds & Amenities
The park has that authentic, rustic Montana feel while providing all the modern comforts you need after long days on the trail:
- The Setting: The resort is tucked into a dense forest of tall pine trees on all sides, offering a serene, quiet, and shaded environment that feels completely immersed in nature.
- Facilities & Resupply: The campground is spotless and well-maintained. The laundry facilities were very clean and a huge help halfway through a long road trip.
- Camp Store & Morning Perks: Having a solid on-site convenience store stocked with essentials was great, and having hot breakfast options available right on the property made fueling up for early morning park excursions effortless.
- Staff: The team here was exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the surrounding area.
Starlink Performance Under the Pines
For RVers who work remotely or rely on satellite internet like we do, camping under heavy pine canopies can often be a connectivity nightmare. However, even with dense pine trees surrounding our site, our Starlink dish locked onto signal and worked reliably throughout our entire four-night stay—a massive plus for staying connected in the Montana backcountry.
Glacier Park Routes & A Must-Do Tow-Vehicle Loop
During our four days, we were able to make the jaw-dropping drive across the Going-to-the-Sun Road twice round-trip, plus an additional one-way trek on our final day.
For your tow vehicle or passenger car, here is a scenic driving loop you should not miss:
- The Route: Take Going-to-the-Sun Road all the way east to Saint Mary. Head south along Highway 89 to Kiowa, then cut onto Montana Highway 49 up and over the pass down to Highway 2. From there, take Highway 2 west along the southern boundary of the park all the way back to West Glacier.
- CRITICAL Big-Rig Warning: Do NOT attempt Highway 49 in a motorhome, fifth wheel, or large trailer. It is extremely steep, narrow, and winding. It is strictly meant for your unhitched tow vehicle or car.
- The Payoff: With your truck or car, it is an unforgettable drive. There are virtually no crowds, the panoramic mountain vistas are stunning, and we even spotted a bear hanging out right along the side of the road!
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Moose Creek RV Resort is everything a national park gateway camp should be: clean, quiet, scenic, and packed with practical amenities that make traveling easy. Whether you are looking for reliable Starlink connectivity under the pines or quick access to the best drives in North America, this park delivers. We highly recommend it to anyone heading into Big Sky Country!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
- Barb T.
GuideWest Glacier KOA Resort
Not a fan of KOAs but this one is the cleanest
We usually use KOAs for full hook ups, showers and laundry this KOA is probably the nicest and cleanest one I have been in. There are trees which most are in flat fields. I think 4 or 5 pools which are heated because it is now October and kids were in the pool. It has a nice store. The ice cream shop and restaurant are closed. The thing I like is it has grass between sites so my dogs can pee. It also has 2 dog runs a walking path it is outstanding if you like clamping to the fullest. It also has many cottages. Some sites also have their own patio and gas grills. The ladies in the office are the nicest people. I would stay again.
- KKarin G.Guide
Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park
One of the best places for access to Glacier NP
We stayed in site A27 for 5 nights. The site was great other than the auto headlights as we were across from the only 2 showers in the campground. There was plenty of room for our 17’ trailer and truck and a large tent area and sitting area. Deer came through often and the squirrels were entertaining. We could walk to the visitor center and village. The time of year was great. GoingToTheSun road was fine warning but we had to arrive at Logan Pass at 7 pm to get parking. Great paths all attorneys and access to the lake. It was a good first experience.
- Barb T.Guide
Whitefish Lake State Park Campground
Very small campground
You won't fit a full sized camper in there. Mostly for small travel trailers and tents. Also its kind of in town not my idea of camping.
- Barb T.Guide
Lake Mary Ronan State Park Campground
Here in October so the water is shut off. Pit toilets are open and pretty clean just a little smelly. This is the first state park I have been in and all the sites are paved. It's very nice nothing like Montana in the fall. Plenty of room between sites. It's pretty empty and nice and quiet. I love it. There is a hiking trail around the grounds, nothing long but enough for the dogs to get some exercise.
Nice and quiet in October. .ite been 80+ degrees this fall we will have a few more days of this then back to cold and rainy. We were so lucky.
Guide to Hungry Horse
Camping near Hungry Horse, Montana offers proximity to Flathead National Forest with elevations ranging from 3,500 to 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day and drop to 40-50°F at night, making for comfortable camping conditions. The area's camping season generally runs from late May through September, with some primitive sites accessible into October depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing the Flathead River: Cast for trout along the North Fork Flathead River where numerous dispersed camping sites provide river access. "The river was great to swim in for a little cold plunge. This might have been our best campsite on our two week road trip," notes a visitor at Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed.
Hiking from camp: Explore trails directly from several campgrounds without driving to trailheads. A camper at Fish Creek Campground shared, "A short stroll between sites 19 and 21 is a mini trail that leads to a staircase to the Southwest Side of Lake McDonald where kids and adults can take a dip in the water."
Stargazing after dark: Take advantage of minimal light pollution for astronomy. "The stars are so bright and the Milky Way seems so close you could touch it," writes a North Fork Flathead River camper, adding that "at night, it clears out and that's when the magic happens."
What campers like
Proximity to park entrance: Most campers value quick access to Glacier National Park's west entrance. A Ryan Road Dispersed Camping visitor mentioned, "This spot is only about 5 minutes down the road from the West entrance to Glacier National Park," noting they saw "planes taking off and landing a couple times" from the nearby airstrip.
River access for cooling off: During hot summer days, waterfront sites provide relief. "The River was perfect for cooling off after being in the sun," wrote a camper at North Fork Flathead River, who stayed three nights and found it "a perfect site for our Bean Trailer."
Clean facilities in established campgrounds: Maintained bathrooms rank high on camper priorities. At Apgar Campground, a visitor observed, "The bathroom has flush toilets and is much nicer that I expected for an older park like this. Go at the end of April or early May to avoid massive crowds and feel like you have to place to yourself!"
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many dispersed sites require navigating rough roads. At Blankenship Bridge, campers noted "deep rutted muddy holes filled with water" and advised "you need high clearance to get down there," though some report making it in standard cars.
Seasonal timing matters: Spring and fall visits offer fewer crowds but different experiences. "Go at the end of April or early May to avoid massive crowds and feel like you have the place to yourself," recommended an Apgar Campground visitor.
Bear safety is essential: The area has both black and grizzly bears. Fish Creek Campground reviews mention, "Wildlife frequent this campground and do not feed them. Be Bear Aware, and always carry your bear spray, and flashlight especially at night. Properly store food or smelly attractant items in a hard-sided vehicle or special bear containers."
Tips for camping with families
Campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities: Some locations offer dedicated facilities for children. A visitor to West Glacier KOA Resort reported, "There's live music, pool, ice cream shoppe, Gaga ball, hiking trails and so much more," making it an excellent choice for families with children.
Quieter options for family camping: If you prefer less crowded environments, explore Forest Service roads. "This is both a campsite review and a Dyrt Ranger product review. We almost cancelled our trip to Glacier due to the current forest fires that have closed some of the park. 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," wrote a camper at Glacier Campground.
Swimming access for hot days: Look for sites with safe water access. At Fish Creek Campground, "a short stroll between sites 19 and 21 is a mini trail that leads to a staircase to the Southwest Side of Lake McDonald where kids and adults can take a dip in the water."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all dispersed camping areas accommodate bigger vehicles. At Ryan Road Dispersed Camping, an RVer noted, "We have a 42' trailer and thought we would give this spot a shot. There were about 3-4 sites that could fit our RV. We chose the very last site before the gate leading back to the Ryan air strip."
Full hookup options: For those needing amenities, several campgrounds offer comprehensive services. A visitor to Moose Creek RV Resort appreciated the conveniences: "We ended up doing 2 nights at the bed and breakfast and 1 night at one of the campsites. The bed and breakfast was fantastic; nice clean rooms and shower and a tasty breakfast."
Generator-free camping: Some campers prefer quieter, non-generator areas. At Fish Creek Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "Camped loop C (non-generator) which was perfect for our teardrop camper. Sites vary in how level they are, but most are decent sized and have fire rings and picnic tables."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available near the town of Hungry Horse, Montana?
What camping options are available near the town of Hungry Horse, Montana?
Mountain View RV Park offers convenient camping near Hungry Horse with good amenities and is located close to attractions like the Hungry Horse Dam. It's also near local breweries and restaurants in Columbia Falls. For those seeking a more natural experience, Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed camping is available along Hungry Horse Road about 4 miles from town at the reservoir dam. While this requires driving on some unpaved roads, it provides free lakeside camping with numerous pull-off spots suitable for both tents and RVs.
Where are the best campgrounds at Hungry Horse Reservoir?
Where are the best campgrounds at Hungry Horse Reservoir?
Lid Creek Campground is a top option at Hungry Horse Reservoir, offering lakefront sites with views of the Salish Mountains. Located 15 miles off U.S. 2 on a winding but paved road, it features picnic tables and fire pits, with friendly hosts who sell firewood. For those seeking a more remote experience, Emery Bay Campground provides gorgeous views of the reservoir from perch sites on a hillside. With good tree cover and a unique layout, it's a great base for exploring both the mountains and waters of the reservoir while still offering basic amenities.
Are there RV rental services available in Hungry Horse, Montana?
Are there RV rental services available in Hungry Horse, Montana?
While Hungry Horse itself has limited RV rental options, there are several RV-friendly accommodations in the area. Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast offers a variety of RV sites with asphalt and gravel pads, along with a well-stocked store and amenities like games for kids and a sauna for adults. For RV rentals, you'll likely need to look to larger nearby towns like Columbia Falls, Kalispell, or Whitefish. Many campers choose to rent RVs in these larger centers before driving to Hungry Horse, which is conveniently located for exploring Glacier National Park and the surrounding area.
Do I need reservations for camping at Hungry Horse Reservoir in Montana?
Do I need reservations for camping at Hungry Horse Reservoir in Montana?
Reservations are generally not required for most camping options at Hungry Horse Reservoir. Lost Johnny Point Dispersed operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a reasonable daily fee of $22. Similarly, dispersed camping areas along the reservoir operate without reservations—simply find an available spot after the dam. However, during peak summer months (June-August), especially weekends, established campgrounds like Dorris Creek Road can fill quickly. Arriving mid-week or early in the day improves your chances of securing a spot without reservations.
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