Flathead Lake camping options in Polson, Montana sit at an elevation of 2,965 feet with warm summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak season. Most RV parks near Polson operate seasonally from spring through fall, with many closing by mid-October. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, making off-season camping limited in this part of Montana.
What to do
Swimming at Flathead Lake: Drive to public beach access points near Rollins RV Park, which has its own beach area. "You're close to Polson and Lakeside, where there are great beaches. The campground has its beach, but you have to drive to it," notes Brian C.
Boat rentals: Explore Flathead Lake with rentals from nearby marinas. "We rented a pontoon boat from the RV park and explored the lake. The boat rental for a whole day is equivalent to a 4 hour rental near Spokane. Great prices," writes Brett T. from Rollins RV Park.
Fishing spots: Access prime fishing locations within short drives from Jim & Mary's RV Park. Kyle mentions it's "close to great fishing" while staying at the park, which remains open year-round unlike seasonal options closer to Polson.
Hiking nearby: Walk the Swan River Nature Trail near Bigfork. "We did find a great running trail (Swan River Nature Trail) nearby that was 2 miles one way- flat and smooth gravel so no worries about rolling an ankle. Highly recommended!" shares Julia M.
What campers like
Mountain views: Most RV parks Polson, Montana offer scenic perspectives. "Nice area with well kept grounds, full hook-up sites. WIFI works good in all areas," notes Paul C. about Diamond S RV Park in nearby Ronan.
Quiet environment: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings. "This RV park in Roman, MT is about an hour or so away from the Western entrance of glacier National Park. Easy to find on Highway 93 on way to the park. Family operated, reliable, friendly and secure," shares Nita D.
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer amenities for children. "One of the best things about the park is the great playground for kids. Our kids loved it!" reports Brian C. about Rollins RV Park.
Community fire pits: Shared fire areas are available at select parks. "You can't have a fire in your own spot but they have several community fire pits stocked with wood that you can use," mentions Brett T.
What you should know
Varying site sizes: RV parks have different spacing configurations. At Outback Montana RV Park, Kathy H. reports, "They really stack you on top of each other in this place. I could hear every conversation my neighbors were having in detail."
Wi-Fi reliability: Internet access varies significantly between parks. "The best place thus far we have camped this year Wi-Fi wise. It was high speed and worked perfect the whole time for us," notes Julia M. about Outback Montana, while Victoria C. found at Polson Motorcoach that "the wifi during our stay has been totally useless."
Hot water charges: Some facilities charge extra for shower amenities. "You have to pay if you want hot water in the shower," mentions Kathy H. about Outback Montana RV Park.
Airport proximity: Some Polson motorhome parks are near small airports. Victoria C. notes, "You may read in other reviews about the small airport that is in front of the resort...I found it mostly to be a fun thing - watching small plans land/take off - and was never bothered at all by any noise."
Tips for camping with families
Check playground availability: Not all RV parks have dedicated play areas. Pine Meadows RV Resort offers "huge spots in the woods" according to Mike, who adds, "If you're looking for a big quiet spot in the woods, this is the place."
Consider day trip options: Many families use Polson as a base for exploring. "Nice view, nice people and about 1.5 hours from Glacier west entrance. We unhooked, drove through west entrance then through park and then back on highway 2," shares Daren A.
Book early for summer stays: Flathead Lake camping spots fill quickly during peak season. Brett T. notes, "Our first time to Flathead lake. Spots were booking up quick around the lake. Found this gem, got a spot reserved for Labor Day weekend."
Look for swimming access: Not all parks provide direct lake access. "The campground has its beach, but you have to drive to it," mentions Brian C.
Tips from RVers
Level site availability: Many motorhome parks near Polson require leveling equipment. Barry L. recommends, "Packed real tight and you'll need leveling jacks. Cheapest around that I found for the night with full hookups."
Back-in challenges: Some sites require maneuvering skill. "Getting into our site was a bit challenging. For all of those who are looking for a back-in challenge, this is your spot!" warns Julia M. about Outback Montana.
Tree sap awareness: Edgewater RV Resort offers concrete pads, which some prefer. Paul C. warns at Diamond S to "stay clear of trees in center/maple sap! Covered RV quickly. Easy clean up and owners offered to move us."
Extended stay options: For longer visits, consider parks with no stay limits. Mike at Pine Meadows notes, "Whitefish and Glacier are about 45-60 minutes away, but unlike parks closer to Glacier, there is no 2 week limit here, so if you're coming for an extended stay, it's a great option."
