Join the fun near Polebridge. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Polebridge is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Polebridge, MT. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$10 - $15 / night
"Bowman lake is beautiful, and the bumpy ride on the gravel road is a small price to pay for the serenity of reaching the finger lakes in the northwest of Glacier NP."
"I love Bowman Lake. I've camped here more than anywhere else in Glacier. I've seen bears, the northern lights, and done many wonderful hikes in the area.
The best thing about the campground, though?"
$30 / night
"This is a classic NPS campground (I think it is the 2nd largest in Glacier) but surrounded by a decade-old burn. It is right across from Apgar, but with a quieter feel and you can book online!"
"Scenery abounds, shaded private sites, directly on Lake McDonald, convenient location, and terrific staff.
Camped loop C (non-generator) which was perfect for our teardrop camper. "
$45 - $90 / night
"Apgar is walking distance from the Apgar Visitor Center and park shuttles, as well as Apgar Village, camp store, equipment rentals, etc."
"I could see 6 or 7 other camp fires burning while sitting next to mine.
We stayed three nights and every night heard someone a site or two over as he was talking too loud (and too much)."
"Dusty rough road but you can go in the back door of glacier and not have to wait in lines and you are on the road to polebridge mercantile. Wish i had stayed longer"
"about 6 spots to camp. plenty of people close by, felt safe. fire pits. vault toilet. right next to the river - beautiful! some bees around but weren’t bothersome."
$22 - $325 / night
"Close to Glacier..Polebridge is a must see..the colored stones in the clear cold water..a person could go on forever..you just need to experience this yourself!"
"Easy access to Glacier from the rare, unused Flathead river entrance. Close to North Fork area of park as well and great hiking in surrounding Flathead Forest outside of park."
$10 - $15 / night
"Very nice campground on the lake and next to the drainage creek. Off the beaten path and takes some commitment to get to, but well worth the drive."
"The drive here wasn’t easy, but once you’re there it is worth it. You are camping right along Kintla Lake where many kayak, swim, etc."
$45 - $120 / night
"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."
"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."
"This is a big RV resort close to West Glacier town and park entrance. We came with our 25’ RV and reserved a tent pad site to ensure we were up against the edge of the resort."
"9/13/19 West Glacier, Montana
West Glacier KOA Resort
Most beautiful location of the KOAs I've stayed at. Nestled against the mountains and less than 3 miles to Glacier National Park. "
"In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."
"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."
GuideWow! We really enjoyed this spot! Stayed 2 nights and if ever in area again will come back! Met some really nice people. Some people need to learn flashlight/headlight manners but overall felt safe and saved cash!
TravelerNicely laid out campground, with great sites. Some pull through, others back in. Avalanche lake hike is a must do. Beautiful trees Quiet. Bring firewood.
TravelerWe stayed down on the rocks the first night but if you go back there are more secluded spots still on the river. Watched a Prius make it down the road but not sure how, we took our SUV.
Guideat the end of the trail last spot at the end of the lake, fire pit had a cut log to sit on, great view, would not try to bling a trailer down there
TravelerKintla Lake sees less visitors despite how amazingly scenic it is due to its remote location inside Glacier National Park. To access the campground, visitors will need to travel on a bumpy dirt road. However, when you reach the lake, it is quite and beautiful with first come first serve campsites. We kayaked and tent camped for 2 nights. Highly recommend making the effort.
GuideJust a big field, room for about 20 figs of any size. About 20 minutes from West Glacier, Columbia Falls closer has everything you'd need.
TravelerPretty campsite. The 2 miles of gravel over to Glacier Park hasn't improved any. Literally 5 mph was too fast. I hear there is 7 miles of the same stuff if you come via north fork road so I wouldn't do that. The hosts are super nice as reported elsewhere. Very remote area. Recent bear campground activity when I was there. Starlink was difficult due to talk trees without a super long 100' cord that reaches the river clearing.
TravelerI parked in a turnout across the street and walked down to this location. The road was filled with huge pot holes. The beach was crowded with several campers and other boaters that weren't camping there. It would be worth it, probably, with kids, but I'm alone with my dog and decided i want her to have more freedom, so I moved on. However, there are several other turnouts on the road, so it is worth exploring if you don't have a large vehicle.
TravelerUsed to dispersed camping so a bit different for us. Sites were good distance from each other to not feel crowded. Campground has 1 shower location on loop A so a bit inconvenient but hey at least it’s a shower. Check in was a bit confusing so we ended up just going to our site and there were no problems. Firewood only available for purchase, no scavenging for wood. Another good spot for a one night stop for us.
Camping near Polebridge, Montana, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Polebridge, Montana, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards that come with it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Polebridge campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Polebridge typically offer basic, rustic amenities. Upper Whitefish Campground features newly expanded and leveled sites with some prime lakefront locations, providing access to crystal clear water. Quartz Creek Campground is more primitive with only 7 sites in bear country. Most area campgrounds provide vault toilets or pit toilets that are generally well-maintained. Drinking water availability varies by location, with many sites requiring you to bring your own water or filter from natural sources. Few sites offer electricity or shower facilities. Tuchuck Campground includes horse-friendly amenities like loading ramps and feeding troughs. Cell service is limited throughout the area, offering a true disconnect from daily life.
Where can I find camping spots near Polebridge, Montana?
Polebridge offers several nearby camping options within Glacier National Park and surrounding areas. Bowman Lake Campground is one of the most popular choices, located just east of Polebridge with primitive sites near a beautiful alpine lake. Tuchuck Campground provides tent and small camper sites to the west, though the road from Polebridge can be rough for larger vehicles (the Eureka approach is better for RVs). Other options include Quartz Creek for secluded camping, Big Creek Campground in Flathead National Forest, and Kintla Lake for remote experiences. Most campgrounds in this region are first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak summer months.
What hiking trails can I access near Polebridge camping areas?
The Polebridge area offers exceptional hiking opportunities. From Big Creek Campground, you can access trails leading into the Flathead National Forest with views of colored stones in clear waters. Apgar Campground provides an excellent base for accessing multiple Glacier National Park trails, particularly useful for first-time visitors. When camping at Bowman Lake, you can hike the scenic Bowman Lake Trail that follows the shoreline or venture to Numa Ridge Lookout for panoramic views. Quartz Lake Trail starts near Polebridge and leads to pristine alpine lakes. For more challenging hikes, Boulder Pass Trail from Kintla Lake offers a multi-day backpacking option. Many trails feature opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bears, so carrying bear spray is essential.
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