Cabin camping opportunities around Lolo National Forest span areas from Superior to Missoula. Located in western Montana, the forest encompasses over 2 million acres across elevations ranging from 2,600 to 9,000 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below zero while summer days typically reach 70-85°F with cool nights, making adequate shelter important for extended stays.
What to do
Explore nearby towns: Whitefish, located near Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA, offers dining and shopping options just minutes from your cabin. As one visitor notes, "Just a few minutes drive north and you will enter the small ski town of Whitefish Montana. Plenty of places to eat, shop or buy your groceries."
Visit Flathead Lake: The striking blue waters of Flathead Lake are accessible from cabins in Polson. A camper at Polson-Flathead Lake KOA was impressed by the water, saying "The lake looks like Caribbean."
Play outdoors with kids: Many cabin locations offer activities for children. At Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA, a visitor explained, "You got your mini golf, outdoor go carts, paddle boats, arcade, donkey petting, pizza and all level of camp sites."
What campers like
Comfortable beds: Many cabins offer real beds instead of camping pads. A visitor staying at The Holmestead appreciated "a big real bed" and noted that "my dogs had a blast playing in the stream."
Private showers: Cabin campers frequently mention shower facilities as a highlight. At The Sanctuary Campground, a reviewer emphasized, "They have restrooms with hot showers! There were lots hiking trails and ATV riding trails!"
Community spaces: Many cabin locations feature common areas for socializing. The Sanctuary Campground provides "a community area where we could hang out and have a bonfire!"
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer weekends fill quickly at most cabin locations. A reviewer at Missoula KOA Holiday warned, "It was pretty noisy and very busy all evening. On a more quiet weekend, I would love to visit again."
Site selection matters: Not all cabin sites are created equal. A camper at Missoula KOA Holiday advised, "The tent site was spacious and had outdoor lighting. Definitely had a lot more amenities than we are generally used to!"
Packing requirements: Most cabins require guests to bring their own bedding. One exception is The Holmestead, which provides complete bedding. Several KOA locations have camp stores where forgotten essentials can be purchased.
Tips for camping with families
Activities for kids: Look for cabin locations with family-friendly amenities. A visitor to Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA described it as a place to "Get Your Kids Addicted to Camping" with "mini golf, outdoor go carts, paddle boats, arcade, donkey petting, pizza and all level of camp sites."
Consider campground layout: Some campgrounds are designed with families in mind. A parent staying at Missoula KOA Holiday shared, "Playground, pool, mini golf, clean showers, restrooms and laundry! It was great!"
Budget considerations: Cabin prices vary significantly. At Nugget RV Resort, a reviewer found good value, noting the campground offers "volleyball, a pool, restaurant/bar with stage, foosball and ping pong, huge acreage for hiking on one side and ATVs on the other."
Tips from RVers
Site preparation: Many cabin locations also welcome RVs but require attention to site details. A camper at Granite Peak RV Resort mentioned, "Our spot was a pull thru and super easy to get situated and set up. Level site, picnic table and close to neighbors."
Connectivity considerations: Internet access varies widely. A visitor at Granite Peak RV Resort reported, "Wifi was horrible- didn't work well at all and took at least 5 mins to load a page and then sometimes would not even load after all of that time."
Weather preparation: Montana weather can change rapidly. Many cabins provide heating, but amenities vary. An RVer at Missoula KOA emphasized the value of electrical hookups: "We stayed in campground in 46 of the 50 states. This KOA price rivals Key West, on the beach in the Florida panhandle, glacier national park koa at peak summer."
