Remote camping areas north of Glacier National Park present rugged terrain with limited facilities at elevations ranging from 3,600 to 4,000 feet. While dedicated horse facilities are scarce around Polebridge, dispersed camping options in Flathead National Forest offer more flexibility for equestrian travelers. Most sites require high-clearance vehicles due to unpaved access roads.
What to do
Explore remote lakes: Bowman Lake offers hiking trails with varying difficulties accessible from the campground. As Brian N. notes, "Bowman Lake has a wonderful hiking trail (26.2 mile round trip) located here," making it perfect for multi-day adventures from Bowman Lake Campground.
Kayak pristine waters: Bring your own watercraft to enjoy early morning paddling. Max K. shares: "I couldn't sleep any more so I got up at 4:30, made coffee, and walked down to the lake about 5 am. It was like a painting." The calm morning waters provide excellent conditions for non-motorized boats.
Visit local landmarks: The Polebridge Mercantile is a must-stop location for supplies and their famous baked goods. Annie C. recommends: "No showers here but you can pay for a shower down at Polebridge Market Place, which you want to visitor anyway for their amazing baked goods (pizza after 3 pm too!)."
Find horse-friendly trails: While most established campgrounds near Polebridge don't offer dedicated equestrian facilities, the Forest Service roads in Glacier Rim River Access area provide access points for day rides. As Clayton S. mentions about nearby areas, "This is a great campsite. The pit toilet is clean and it is set up as a horse camp. Ramps for loading horses and trough for feeding."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campers report diverse wildlife sightings from their campsites. As Lora C. shares about Bowman Lake: "Deer frequent the campsites, sniffing around the fire pits, searching for food, and they're not scared of people. They'll come right up to your tent. It's crazy."
River access for swimming: The deep, blue waters at Glacier Rim River Access provide refreshing swimming spots. Sumner C. reports: "Was a great campsite for river views and a short drive to glacier national park. River was very deep and a beautiful swim!"
Solitude and quiet: Tuchuck Campground offers a more secluded experience. According to Sonja R., it features a "Nice camp for a tent camp or camper. Creek close. Beautiful mountains getting there from Eureka."
Primitive camping experience: Those seeking less developed sites appreciate Tuchuck's rustic nature. Clayton S. notes: "This is a great campsite. The pit toilet is clean and it is set up as a horse camp. Ramps for loading horses and trough for feeding. Plenty of space for tents and small campers."
What you should know
Difficult access roads: The 6-mile dirt road to Bowman Lake requires careful driving. Lora C. warns: "This campground is at the end of a winding six-mile dirt road, which means that you'll be covered in dust by the time you get there... watch out for stumps along the driveways, or you may lose a bumper."
Limited connectivity: Most remote campgrounds have no cell service. Curt M. reports from Bowman Lake Campground: "No cell service for many miles out. Starlink works but you might have trouble finding an opening large enough in the canopied campground to catch a strong signal."
Insect precautions necessary: Bug activity can be significant in summer months. Stephanie T. cautions: "I experienced more mosquito bites here than at any other spot in Montana. Bring your repellant!"
Horse camping considerations: For those seeking horse campgrounds near Polebridge, Montana, options like Tuchuck provide basic equestrian amenities. Brian N. advises: "The road is well marked but does pass thru several locations that have been covered with rock slides due to recent forest fires. Road is single track in spots."
Tips for camping with families
Pack adequate supplies: Limited services mean bringing everything you need. GoWhereYouAreDraw N. suggests: "You'll be a high elevation so be ready for cooler nights. I used my 0-degree sleeping bag, and that worked great... Remember to bring bug spray and bear spray, be aware of your surroundings."
Plan water activities: Lakes and rivers provide natural entertainment for children. Kayla K. recalls: "One of my friends has a kayak, so we took turns taking it out on the water. I got up one morning earlier than everyone else, and took the kayak on the water. The sunset was beautiful, and the lake was so calm and relaxing."
Consider alternate accommodations: For families wanting more comfort, Moose Creek RV Resort offers various options. James W. notes: "We loved this campground. The staff were helpful and they had a variety of sites. We had an asphalt pad, but some were gravel. There were tent spaces as well... There were games for the kids and a sauna for the adults."
Visit during shoulder seasons: For a less crowded experience with children, consider September visits. Brian N. advises: "During the summer months this location will need advance reservations due to limited space. Best time to visit this camping location is duding the months of September and October."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions matter: Many roads near Polebridge can't accommodate large RVs. For those with larger rigs, Dutchess S. warns about Glacier Rim: "Not super accessible to bigger rigs, small sites, the other camping off the left side of road is better for all size rigs."
Consider elevation for temperature planning: Higher elevation campgrounds experience significant temperature drops at night, even in summer. Proper insulation and heating are essential for comfort.
Bring extension cords: Even at established RV sites, hookup locations may require additional cord length. Marcus K. from Glacier Campground recommends: "Make sure you bring an extension cord to hook up your electric just in case you have a short standard cord on your camper."
Research EV charging options: Electric vehicle owners should note limited charging infrastructure. Curt M. shares: "For EV owners, the closest L3 chargers I saw were in Kalispell maybe 50 miles south. I had no trouble with the round trip or the terrain in my Kona."
