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Campgrounds surrounding Kalispell, Montana range from developed RV parks to primitive dispersed sites, with many options located within an hour's drive of the city. Rocky Mountain Hi Campground and Spruce Park On The River provide full hookups for RVs, while places like Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed and Blankenship Bridge offer free primitive camping on public lands. Several facilities like West Glacier KOA and Camp Whispering Pines feature cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites. The proximity to Glacier National Park influences camping patterns throughout the region, with many visitors using Kalispell as a staging area for park exploration.
Road conditions vary significantly between established campgrounds and dispersed sites, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. Most developed campgrounds near Kalispell operate seasonally, typically from May through October, though exact dates vary by location. According to one visitor, "The road heading into Talley is not paved and not well maintained, road is rutted from heavy usage in both summer and winter travel." Cell service is generally reliable near town but becomes spotty in more remote camping areas. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months, especially for sites closest to Glacier National Park, as campgrounds fill quickly during the tourist season.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with several campgrounds situated near Flathead Lake, the Thompson Chain of Lakes, and various rivers. Many campers appreciate the balance of natural settings with proximity to urban amenities. A recent review noted, "Tucked away where the Kalispell Valley meets the pines, you'll find this campground. Its peaceful here, but the amenities of the city are close by." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with eagles commonly spotted near lakes and rivers. Campgrounds closer to town tend to offer more amenities like showers and laundry facilities, while those farther out provide greater solitude and natural experiences. Temperature variations can be significant, with cool evenings even during summer months, particularly at higher elevations.
"All the campgrounds near Glacier were filled so headed for this one in Kalispell. Much cheaper stay than nearer Glacier. Clean and neat."
"Good Verizon cell signal and close to all the area attractions; Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, & Glacier NP."
from $30 - $56 / night
Check Availability"Close to town and lots of amenities nearby. Would stay here again!"
"Sunsets, hot air balloons, massage on rivers edge (covid free). Staff is fabulous."
from $52 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Proximity to the park and shopping in Kalispell or Whitefish was close too! We’d definitely visit again!"
"They have a 2 pools (which, though heated, is super cold), a hot tub (but it’s adult only, so if you have kids that cannot be alone, it’s a no go), and a nature trail (which is not very naturey and is"
"We’re only 1.5hrs away from Kalispell so we will definitely be back!"
"No electric hookups, but there is great cell reception and it’s only 10 minutes from downtown Kalispell."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $45 - $120 / night
Check Availability"Nice walking neighborhood. Great proximity to Glacier, Whitefish. Great butcher shop around corner!"
"You are close to your neighbors. There is a brewery and restaurant close by. The Gunsight restaurant in downtown Columbia Falls is a must, especially on Taco Tues."
from $100 - $180 / night
Check Availability"Yep it runs right next to the park. Yep it can be loud and annoying, but don't overlook this place because of it. Bring earplugs and a white noise machine and you will sleep like a baby."
"Away from it all while close to it all."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"We brought our short RV and camped next to a horse corral. Our two kids had a great time petting and feeding the two horses and riding bikes around the property. "
"Grateful for the option to use electricity and have access to water. Would love to stay again if ever in the area!"
from $55 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe 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.
RangerReviewed 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:
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 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!
GuideWe 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.
GuideWe 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.
GuideYou 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.
GuideNice 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.
GuideI checked out a few other spots along the river but they were all pretty busy being a Saturday. I stumbled upon this spot and there was 1 other car camper. Beautiful views and quiet, there were maybe 4 separate sites or rather fire rings. 2 were right next to each other. Was close to the river and tucked right below huckleberry mountain with a view of the lookout tower.
GuideIt is in fact a dirt road. There was a few lil pull out spots along the road, I didn’t go far and settled on the shooting range spot. The roads fine, the spot was uneven and littered with shells and clay pigeons. Sign said shootin was not allowed so keep that in mind.
GuideThere were a couple spots on the peninsula and a few other roads that may have led to more sites. The road to get there was called Boundary Mtn Rd, which wasn’t clearly labeled on the Dryts location. There was 2 fire rings and room for multiple cars/tents. Great spot to swim or boat.
Camping sites near Kalispell, Montana range from rustic riverside spots to full-service RV parks with cabins, all situated within the Rocky Mountain ecosystem at elevations between 2,900-3,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the 80s during daytime with significant cooling at night, often dropping into the 40s even in July. Winter camping opportunities exist but require specialized equipment as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March.
Wildlife viewing along waterways: Dispersed camping areas along the Middle Fork Flathead River provide prime opportunities for spotting eagles, deer, and occasional larger mammals. "I loved this spot! I was able to get a spot back in the trees and shade a bit, but could still just walk down to the river... it's one of the coolest dispersed camp spots I've found," notes a visitor to Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed.
Horseback riding access: Several campgrounds accommodate equestrian needs or provide access to riding services. "5 minutes to Rebecca Farms, 20 minutes to Under The Big Sky Venue, 20 minutes to Flathead and Whitefish Lakes, 40 minutes to Glacier National Park... Corrals for horses 20 acres and an arena to stretch out," explains a camper at Camp Whispering Pines.
Hot air balloon viewing: Certain river-adjacent campgrounds offer unique opportunities to watch hot air balloons launch. A visitor to Spruce Park observed, "We stayed for 5 nights and were extremely bummed... Tubing down the Columbia, seeing hot air balloons, watching the deer & eagles and just relaxing with the sound of the crystal clear river flowing was very rejuvenating!"
Winter camping options: Unlike many areas near Glacier National Park, some Kalispell-area campgrounds operate year-round. Columbia Falls RV Park maintains winter accessibility, though sites are limited compared to summer. A winter visitor noted, "I stayed here in December of last year over the holidays and had a great experience. The manager, Paige, was awesome."
Outdoor shower experiences: Several campgrounds feature unique outdoor shower facilities that campers consistently praise. "The shower was very well thought out: great water pressure, endless heat, and an open roof to stare up at the stars. I will not forget that shower experience for a long time, soaking under the Big Sky," writes a reviewer at Camp Whispering Pines.
River access for water activities: Many campers prioritize riverside locations for swimming, fishing, and tubing opportunities. At Blankenship Bridge, a camper shares, "This spot is it! Right on a clear river... Dog friendly and safe, I'm a female traveling on my own with my dog."
Private cabin accommodations: Cabins offer weatherproof comfort without sacrificing the camping experience. "Grinnell Cabin is set on the eastern edge of the campground and on the edge of a beautiful meadow. The full moon rose over the meadow and the sunrise was magical the next morning," describes a visitor at Rocky Mountain Hi Campground.
Proximity to national park: Campgrounds near the west entrance to Glacier National Park provide convenient access while avoiding in-park crowds. "Right next to the entrance to going the sun road, so super easy to wake up early and get into the park before timed entry begins," notes a camper at Apgar Campground.
Road conditions to dispersed sites: Access roads to free camping areas often require high-clearance vehicles. A Blankenship Bridge camper warns, "Deep rutted muddy holes filled with water to get to site. Sketchy low trees and narrow road. Decided not to risk it in my van."
Seasonal crowds impact availability: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak summer months, particularly those closest to Glacier National Park. "Best bet is to get to the campground early in the morning to get a spot as it is first come first serve and fills up pretty quickly," advises an Apgar Campground visitor.
Local food access: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to local food options. "Great proximity to Whitefish, Glacier NP... You can run over to Apgar village if you want to rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, or motor boats by the hour," recommends one camper. Another mentions, "Walking distance to a fun coffee shop. There is often a farmers market in Columbia Falls."
Train noise affects sleep quality: Railway lines near several campgrounds create noise disturbances. "It is close to the main Hwy 2 and trains can be heard from every campground in the area, so don't be surprised. Just bring earplugs. Problem solved," suggests a Columbia Falls RV Park visitor.
Playgrounds and kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "Great place to camp with children because of the large, grassy playground and swimming area. Showers and a laundry are on site," notes a visitor to Rocky Mountain Hi Campground.
Swimming spots with supervision: Natural swimming areas provide recreation for families with varying ages. "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 family staying at Rocky Mountain Hi Campground.
Activity options for rainy days: Weather in the Kalispell area can change rapidly, so campgrounds with indoor facilities offer advantages. "We used today as a catch up day. We're on the road for over a month and this was an unscheduled day... I did laundry in their huge laundry facility," explains a parent at Rocky Mountain Hi.
Wildlife education opportunities: Campgrounds near West Glacier KOA Resort provide structured nature activities. "Cool activities for kids and adults... walking path around the whole campground. Pools are very basic. Playground is nice. Fun to have dinner and ice cream one night," shares a family visitor.
Site spacing considerations: Many RV parks near Kalispell place units close together. "Easy in/out, clean, spotless bathrooms/showers. Close quarters, especially if you and your neighbor have slide outs," notes a visitor to Columbia Falls RV Park.
Extension cord requirements: Electrical hookup locations vary between sites. "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 at Glacier Campground.
Specialty services: Some campgrounds accommodate special RV needs. "Full hookup sites, big rig friendly, and great location. Office staff is friendly and helpful. Good nightly rate for the area," reports a Rocky Mountain Hi Campground visitor. Another noted, "They received packages for us," demonstrating Columbia Falls RV Park's additional services.
Private alternatives to packed RV parks: For those seeking more space, private land camping offers alternatives to commercial RV parks. "Massive lot right on the river, would not recommend for larger RVs or trailers as the road in gets pretty bumpy," warns a Middle Fork Flathead River visitor about dispersed options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there good tent camping options near Kalispell, MT?
Yes, Kalispell has several excellent tent camping options nearby. Riverside Campground (MT) offers simple sites that are typically less crowded than those closer to East Glacier, with easy access to numerous hiking trails. Camp Whispering Pines provides a peaceful tent camping experience with amenities like hot showers and stargazing opportunities. The area also offers dispersed camping options for those seeking more solitude. For tent campers wanting proximity to water, several of the Thompson Chain of Lakes sites accommodate tents with picturesque lakeside settings. Note that some facilities like McGregor Lakes RV specifically prohibit tents, so always check policies before planning your trip.
Where are the best campgrounds in Kalispell, Montana?
Kalispell offers excellent camping options for various preferences. Greenwood Village Campground provides a convenient base right in the heart of Kalispell with easy access to urban amenities. For those seeking a more natural setting, Tally Lake Campground in the Flathead National Forest west of Kalispell offers about 40 campsites and a public boat launch, though the access road is unpaved and somewhat rough. Riverside Campground is another solid option that tends to be less crowded than areas near East Glacier while still providing easy access to hiking trails and the town. Many campers also appreciate the proximity of Glacier National Park campgrounds, which put you in an excellent position to explore the region's natural beauty.
Are there RV campgrounds available in Kalispell, Montana?
Yes, Kalispell has several RV-friendly camping options. North American RV Park & Yurt Village offers dedicated RV sites with full hookups near town. McGregor Lakes RV provides RV sites with picnic tables and fire pits at most locations, plus amenities like showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities that are cleaned daily. The surrounding area offers additional options like West Glacier KOA Resort, which features RV sites along with amenities including hot tubs, an on-site restaurant, and evening entertainment. Rocky Mountain Hi Campground is another alternative when campgrounds near Glacier National Park are full. Many public campgrounds around Kalispell also accommodate RVs, though hookup availability varies, so check specific site details when planning.
What lakes near Kalispell offer camping facilities?
West Shore Unit — Flathead Lake State Park offers excellent camping facilities on Montana's largest natural lake. Located on the northwest side of Flathead Lake, it features plenty of restrooms, water spigots, and ample space for both RVs and tents. Its northern location makes Kalispell easily accessible. The Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park Campground provides multiple camping areas around crystal-clear lakes with breathtaking views. Horseshoe Lake within this chain is particularly popular with campers. Tally Lake west of Kalispell also offers camping with boat launch access. McGregor Lake provides beautiful waterfront camping in a more remote setting, making it ideal for fishing and water activities, though campsites are somewhat basic.
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