Camp Whispering Pines offers equestrian camping 4 miles from Kalispell in Montana's Flathead Valley. The 20-acre property accommodates horses with onsite corrals and an arena. Located within 40 minutes of Glacier National Park and 20 minutes from both Flathead and Whitefish Lakes, this campground provides spacious sites for trailers, RVs and tents with amenities including an outdoor shower, portable toilets and trash service.
What to do
Hiking near Holland Lake: The Holland Lake area offers excellent hiking options with trails suitable for various skill levels. At Holland Lake Campground, you can access popular trails including the path to Holland Falls. "There's a beautiful waterfall that is visible from the camp ground and is a fairly easy hike too," notes Sara C. The area provides access to the Bob Marshall Wilderness for more extensive exploration.
Horseback riding at nearby farms: The proximity to Rebecca Farms equestrian center makes this area perfect for horse enthusiasts. Camp Whispering Pines is just "5 minutes away" from Rebecca Farms according to Charles Y., who adds the location is ideal for "stretching out" your horses on 20 acres with an arena.
River activities: The Middle Fork Flathead River provides opportunities for fishing, swimming and boating. "The river is beautiful and has a little beach for swimming," reports Tee C. about Glacier Rim River Access. Multiple river access points throughout the region make water activities readily available.
What campers like
Cell service for remote work: Unlike many wilderness camping areas, several campgrounds near Big Arm offer reliable connectivity. "I had one bar of Verizon service, so I could send and receive messages," mentions Tee C. about Glacier Rim River Access. At Lolo National Forest Recreation Area, one camper found "3 bars Tmobile" sufficient for remote work.
Private, spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer ample space between sites. "Sites are generously sized with ample room between campers," according to Josh S., who appreciated the privacy at Lolo National Forest Recreation Area, noting "dispersed camping at the 'Peninsula' Recreation Area" offers "plenty of space, both large and small sites."
Proximity to attractions: The strategic location between multiple destinations makes this area convenient for exploration. "Close to Glacier Park entrance. Well maintained," notes Marc M. about staying at Moose Creek RV Resort. The area serves as an excellent base camp for visiting Glacier National Park, Whitefish, and the Flathead Valley.
What you should know
Limited hookups at many sites: While some campgrounds offer basic amenities, many lack full hookups. "No electric hookups, but cell reception is strong throughout the property," is common for many sites in the region. For those needing electrical connections, Glacier Campground provides "Electric, and water hookups. Some have sewage as well," according to Marcus K.
Seasonal crowds and availability: Summer months bring increased visitors, particularly near Glacier National Park. "This campground was nice and clean but VERY busy. Not an issue as it was 4th of July weekend but if you want a more quiet and spread out situation, I wouldn't recommend staying here," advises Tyler S. about Glacier Campground.
Bear awareness required: The region is bear country, with both black and grizzly bears present. "Keep an eye out for bears. We saw a black bear across the road from the campground," warns Sara D. Proper food storage and bear-aware practices are essential when camping in this area.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with play areas: Some campgrounds offer dedicated spaces for children. Glacier Campground features "a central gathering area with playground and group picnic shelters," according to Janet R., making it suitable for families with younger children.
Consider noise levels when selecting sites: Road proximity can affect the camping experience. "The highway at night can be fairly noisy, but you're about 5 minutes from the entrance to the park... highly worth it," notes Dan G. about Moose Creek RV Resort, highlighting the trade-off between convenience and tranquility.
Water recreation options: For families with children, swimming areas provide entertainment. Julia R. mentions that at Lolo National Forest Recreation Area, you'll find "beautiful and forested" spots "with privacy and plenty of space" next to rivers with "crystal clear" water.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: RV sites vary significantly in size and layout. "Make sure to reserve one suitable for your needs (eg. if you have a vehicle and a tent, you should specify that in your booking. Many spaces are too small to accommodate both)," advises Leland about Glacier Campground.
Extension cord preparation: Some hookup locations may require additional cabling. "Make sure you bring an extension cord to hook up your electric just in case you have a short standard cord on your camper," suggests Marcus K., a practical tip for those staying at campgrounds with electrical service.
Consider incline when selecting sites: Level pads are not guaranteed at all campgrounds. "The RV area was narrow and did not allow much room to move around. The site was also partially on an incline, so care had to be used," cautions Tamara B. about Timber Wolf Resort, highlighting the importance of checking site specifications before arrival.
