Glamping opportunities near Hungry Horse, Montana provide access to the Flathead River and numerous outdoor activities within a 15-minute drive of Glacier National Park. Located at approximately 3,200 feet elevation, this area experiences warm summer days reaching into the 80s and cool nights in the 40s-50s, making proper bedding essential for glamping accommodations. The dense pine forests surrounding Hungry Horse create natural privacy barriers between many camping areas.
What to do
Explore Hungry Horse Reservoir: Just a short drive from most campgrounds, this 34-mile long reservoir offers swimming, fishing, and boating options. "We found fun things to do in nearby Hungry Horse, CowY, and Columbia Falls," notes a visitor at Moose Creek RV Resort.
Rent e-bikes for exploring: Some campgrounds offer rental equipment for exploring nearby trails. At Moose Creek Resort, "They also rent ebikes at super reasonable rates," according to a camper who appreciated this convenient option for exploring without having to bring their own gear.
Visit local huckleberry spots: The area is known for wild huckleberries, especially in July and August. "He has juneberries on property and let me pick them. They were everywhere. Got a couple of good breakfast smoothies and a lot of local spots with Huckleberry items," reports a visitor at Sundance Campground.
Book a rafting trip: The Flathead River offers excellent whitewater opportunities. "Whitewater rafting" is highlighted as a top activity by campers staying at Rocky Mountain Hi Campground, which serves as a good basecamp for water adventures.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Many glamping sites near Hungry Horse maintain excellent facilities. At Glacier Campground, "The staff are very friendly and helpful with hiking trails throughout West Glacier. The tent sites and even cabins are well spaced from neighbors, eco-friendly and kept very clean."
Playground areas for children: Family-friendly amenities receive high praise. "The kids could play all day in the great park with a whole western town set up and swimming hole in the creek, volleyball net and paved roads to scooter and roller blade," shares a Rocky Mountain Hi visitor.
Private outdoor spaces: Campers appreciate sites that offer some seclusion. At Glacier Campground, "Despite being near houses and a load train route - and on the smaller side of things - this campground makes the most of it. Two camp hosts, great signage and brochures, and a pretty sweet little bay to boat in on makes this a good spot."
Community fire rings: Some properties organize evening gatherings. "There's even a communal fire at 7pm if you feel like being social," notes a visitor at Moose Creek RV Resort who enjoyed the opportunity to meet fellow travelers.
What you should know
Train noise affects some campgrounds: Railroad tracks run near several properties. At Whitefish Lake State Park, "The train is SO close and loud. No one in my group slept more than 30 minutes at a time and the ground would shake when the train went by."
Reservations essential in summer: Glacier-area campgrounds fill quickly from June through August. "We booked this campground at the last minute and while it was not economical, it was loaded with amenities," reports a Glacier Campground visitor who emphasized the need for advance planning.
Highway noise varies by location: Some glamping sites sit close to main roads. One Moose Creek RV Resort visitor noted: "The highway at night can be fairly noisy, but you're about 5 minutes from the entrance to the park... highly worth it."
Bear awareness required: This is active bear country throughout the camping season. A Big Creek Campground visitor warned: "Recent bear campground activity when I was there," highlighting the importance of proper food storage and awareness.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with natural shade: Summer temperatures can reach the high 80s. At Big Creek Campground, "We were in the middle of tall trees which provided shade later in the day," notes a satisfied family camper.
Consider dog-friendly properties: Many families travel with pets. "Nice big dog park" was highlighted as a key amenity by a Moose Creek visitor, while North American RV Park received praise for its "Great dog park that we thoroughly enjoyed."
Check amenity access hours: Some facilities have restricted hours. A camper at Timber Wolf Resort noted: "The showers and toilets have restricted times for access," which can affect family camping routines, especially with young children.
Investigate swimming options: During hot summer days, water access is valuable. "There is a playground and a swimming area in the creek" was highlighted by a Rocky Mountain Hi visitor as a particular advantage for families with active children.
Tips from RVers
Expect variable site leveling: Many RV sites require some adjustment. A visitor at Sundance Campground reported: "The sites are level, but just barely," suggesting bringing leveling blocks to ensure comfort in your vehicle.
Request specific site types: RV campers have varied needs based on size and setup. "Make sure you bring an extension cord to hook up your electric just in case you have a short standard cord on your camper," advises a camper from Glacier Campground, highlighting the importance of asking about hookup locations when booking.
Research dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. "No sewer at the sites. There is a dump station you can use on the way out," notes an RVer from Sundance, important information for planning longer stays.