Looking for tent camping near Polebridge? Find the best information on tent camping near Polebridge, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Polebridge campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Bowman Lake campground is located in the North Fork area of Glacier National Park approximately 32.5 miles from the west entrance and 30 miles from the Canadian border. The drive to Bowman Lake is a very slow, dusty, and bumpy ride on dirt roads. Trailers are not permitted. The campground is located close to the shore of Bowman Lake and camp sites are within trees for shade and some privacy. Tent campers looking for peace and quiet will enjoy Bowman Lake for its serenity and remote location.
Weather Dependent Primitive Fall Season
October 9–October 31
Bowman Lake Campground's typical summer season is from mid-May to early September. If weather permits, a primitive camping season can extend into the fall between early September and late October.
$10 - $15 / night
Kintla Lake campground is Glacier National Park's most remote frontcountry and car camping campground. It is located in the uppermost northwest section of the park known as the North Fork, approximately 40 miles from the west entrance. Access is via a rough dirt road. Trailers not permitted. Due to its remote location, the campground is very quiet and rarely fills, offering tent campers a sense of solitude. The campground sits on Kintla Lake.
Kintla's summer season is typically early June to early September. Weather dependent, there is a primitive camping season from early September to the end of October. Note: In 2023, this campground will be closed for the fall due to construction beginning on September 6.
$10 - $15 / night
“Dispersed camping” is the term used for camping anywhere outside of a developed campground, including in some campgrounds with minimal development. Dispersed camping is free, and permitted almost everywhere on the Flathead National Forest. Camping in undeveloped areas requires you to help keep the sites in good condition. Rules for dispersed camping Groups over 75 people are not allowed. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed near developed recreation areas including campgrounds, trailheads and day-use areas. Water, restrooms, and trash cans are not provided. Pack out all your trash. There is a 16-day stay limit at any site. After that you must move 5-miles away, and you can not return to your original campsite for 7 days. Use existing fire rings. Avoid creating new fire rings. Your fire must be attended at all times and be dead out before leaving. Contact a local office about possible campfire restrictions before you go. Be bear aware and know the food storage regulations before camping. These regulations are strictly enforced. Additional rules or regulations may apply to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and Flathead Wild and Scenic River corridor.
Quartz Creek campground is the smallest campground in Glacier National Park and remains in primitive status all season. It is located on the west side of the park in the North Fork area and is accessed by the Inside North Fork Road, a rough, dusty, dirt road with many blind curves and few pullouts. Trailers are not permitted. Tent campers will enjoy a wilderness experience at the campground.
$10 / night
Campsites
Wilderness camping is available in 65 designated campgrounds throughout the park, with the exception of the Nyack / Coal Creek camping zone where both designated campgrounds and at large camping are available. Permits
A wilderness use permit is required for all overnight camping, and must be in your possession while in the backcountry. They are valid only for the dates, locations, and party size specified. Trip Itineraries
Itineraries must be contiguous. You cannot exit one trailhead and drive to another trailhead to access campgrounds on the same trip. Note: Hiking short road sections on foot—Many Glacier and Two Medicine developed areas, crossing Going to the Sun Road at Jackson Glacier Overlook—to connect longer itineraries is permitted. Group Size
The maximum party size allowed is 12. Each wilderness campground has 2-7 campsites. Each campsite is limited to four (4) people. Leave No Trace
Many of Glacier’s wilderness camping regulations are based on Leave No Trace (LNT) outdoor ethics. LNT tells us that by concentrating impacts, including eating, sleeping, and human waste disposal, we prevent degradation of a broader area. Concentrating impacts essentially creates small pockets of impact and leaves nearly pristine conditions over larger areas. For more information visit LNT.org.
Moose Lake Campground has 3 designated campsite and a vault toilet. Drinking water is not provided. Fishing may be enjoyed in the lake. Moose Lake Campsite Moose Lake camp fire ring
Campsites
Wilderness camping is available in 65 designated campgrounds throughout the park, with the exception of the Nyack / Coal Creek camping zone where both designated campgrounds and at large camping are available. Permits
A wilderness use permit is required for all overnight camping, and must be in your possession while in the backcountry. They are valid only for the dates, locations, and party size specified. Trip Itineraries
Itineraries must be contiguous. You cannot exit one trailhead and drive to another trailhead to access campgrounds on the same trip. Note: Hiking short road sections on foot—Many Glacier and Two Medicine developed areas, crossing Going to the Sun Road at Jackson Glacier Overlook—to connect longer itineraries is permitted. Group Size
The maximum party size allowed is 12. Each wilderness campground has 2-7 campsites. Each campsite is limited to four (4) people. Leave No Trace
Many of Glacier’s wilderness camping regulations are based on Leave No Trace (LNT) outdoor ethics. LNT tells us that by concentrating impacts, including eating, sleeping, and human waste disposal, we prevent degradation of a broader area. Concentrating impacts essentially creates small pockets of impact and leaves nearly pristine conditions over larger areas. For more information visit LNT.org.
$50 / night
Campsites
Wilderness camping is available in 65 designated campgrounds throughout the park, with the exception of the Nyack / Coal Creek camping zone where both designated campgrounds and at large camping are available. Permits
A wilderness use permit is required for all overnight camping, and must be in your possession while in the backcountry. They are valid only for the dates, locations, and party size specified. Trip Itineraries
Itineraries must be contiguous. You cannot exit one trailhead and drive to another trailhead to access campgrounds on the same trip. Note: Hiking short road sections on foot—Many Glacier and Two Medicine developed areas, crossing Going to the Sun Road at Jackson Glacier Overlook—to connect longer itineraries is permitted. Group Size
The maximum party size allowed is 12. Each wilderness campground has 2-7 campsites. Each campsite is limited to four (4) people. Leave No Trace
Many of Glacier’s wilderness camping regulations are based on Leave No Trace (LNT) outdoor ethics. LNT tells us that by concentrating impacts, including eating, sleeping, and human waste disposal, we prevent degradation of a broader area. Concentrating impacts essentially creates small pockets of impact and leaves nearly pristine conditions over larger areas. For more information visit LNT.org.
Scout
Rough road going west from Polebridge not suitable for RvS. Much better road eastbound from Eureka side. Nice camp for a tent camp or camper. Creek close. Beautiful mountains getting there from Eureka
Legend
While this is a typical RV park in many ways, the tent sites are given a FRONT ROW location along the river. The host did say they weren’t going to have tent camping for at least until August of 2020 due to a lack of COVID supply availability. Still, there’s a lot of fantastic space to explore, lots of tall trees AND... hot air balloons take off from here. I kid you not. What could be better than being in a balloon floating over Montana during the summer?
Traveler
We tent camped ( primitive). Tent camping is somewhat grouped together, some open sites, some wooded. Bathrooms/showers are in need of updating. Showers are token operated( you get 1 token per night/per person that allows a six minute shower). There is a small store, and a restaurant on property. St. Mary’s entrance to Glacier NP is 1 mile away. Most tent sites are grass, you drive and park right up to site. We stayed 3 nights, 2 of the 3 nights were a little noisey up to midnight including LOUD music until 2:00 A.M. the last night. Personally, we would probably not stay there again unless updates were made. Not much of any view from campsite either.
Traveler
This camp spot is a dream come true for a family visiting Glacier. They have a family pool and an adults only pool in a separate enclosed. They have many different options as far as tent sites, hookup sites, camping cabins, luxury cabins, etc etc. Very cute ice cream shop and a wonderful little cafe that has dinners and espressos and coffee in the morning.
One of my favorite things about this KOA is they have a beautiful and private tent camping area away from all the RV people. Also the bbq at the little restaurant is amazing and I think it’s the owner out there on a grill and he’s a lovely talkative dude who wants to ensure everyone is enjoying themselves. The facilities are all well maintained and lovely. Can’t speak highly enough about this place.
GuideThis 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 but as noted before, the road from Polebridge is a little tough for RVs.
GuideTuchuck campground is a perfect location for an overnight camp when traveling from Polebridge MT to Eureka MT. 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 but does pass thru several remote locations. Camp ground has a creek running to the south side with a good amount camping locations. Fire rings and benches are available in most spots.
Guide
Less than five miles from the highway, this is a nice sized lake stocked with fish. There were a pair of white swans on the lake when I was there but no one else around. A large parking area, could accommodate a travel trailer or two in addition to a couple tent sites with fire rings. One picnic table with a fire pit and rock fire rings at the tent sites. There are two access roads, the first is more appropriate for van, truck or hike in to tent site. Not a lot of turn around room, wouldn't bring a trailer in. Second turn off goes to a much larger area, multiple sites and boat launch access to the lake.
Guide
We stayed in a little hut one night and camped the second. It was the first time I had been asked to pay for showers but have since learned it is the trend out West. Hut was crazy expensive for October and the tent site wasn't cheap. Only a couple tent sites are truly flat, just FYI. It was fine but for the money spent, a free hot shower was a no brainer to me.
Guide
The road was a little rough if you wanted to go all the way to the river. Fantastic site where you can tent camp, car or RV.
LegendI really want to give this campground 5 stars but the tent sites left something to be desired. The sites with the views that sit on top of a hill are for RVs (even for RVs, they are pretty tight spots). The tent sites sit in a field and like a previous review states, have little privacy. However the sites are flat which is a huge bonus. We were lucky and the tent sites were not very busy so we were not terribly disturbed. Site 68 is decent as there is an opening set back in the trees for your tent. Most of the fire rings and picnic tables are set pretty close together. The bathrooms were nice and there was always plenty of hot water, even when showering during the busy evening times. The restaurant is fantastic and we ate there 3 nights in a row. The night time stars are fantastic and the location is great for east glacier and many glacier (30 minute drive to many glacier). The campground is VERY clean and staff is super friendly.
RangerThis is a well loved for family owned campground. We stayed in the tent camping area and felt like it gave great privacy vs. the typical rows of RVs. There is tons of shade in the tent camping areas were as the RVs were more in the open but have the opportunity to have gorgeous distant lake views. We would stay here again as the location is perfect for getting into the park while being family owned and responsible priced.
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Scout
This campground offers cabin, rv and tent camping. There is a cafe open for breakfast and lunch. The office has cards and games for use and the hosts are always helpful.
Legend
Granite Park has a chalet that you can stay in (reservation only) and back country tent camping away from the chalet. Fantastic views all around. Definitely bear country, take the necessary precautions.
Guide
Quaint spot! Right on the water with nice accommodations. A bit buggy becaIse of the warer. Pull in spots for RVs but also spots for tent camping. The camp hosts are super sweet!
RangerTent sites are strange but it works. River access is right there for you and great view of the Bob Marshall mountain range.
Traveler
We tent camped. There are many campsites available, just have to drive on a long gravel road to get there. No running water except a pump from the creek. 2 vault toilets. Deer were roaming the campsites all evening, very cool.
Ranger
The location of the campground is great, very close to the mountain town of Whitefish Montana and right along Whitefish Lake. The sites are small and the road is narrow but it is beautiful. I would be cautious about bringing any large campers to this area but the tent sites are nice. Be aware of ticks. Some sites are nice and level but others have a heavy slope.
Legend
2 1/2 stars. Keep in mind, I’m writing this as a TENT camper. While this place is off the road 100 yards, there’s still a lot of traffic noise from two sides. You’re used to this if you have an RV, but here it’s a little worse as the the tent sites are on open land and right off the entrance road. The stream next to the tent sites is nice though. The name of this place was changed to Three Bears RV Park in 2014, according to the friendly desk guy. There’s a lot of pride here - all the buildings are well-maintained. It’s also close to a great fishing hole down the road and a winery around the corner.
Ranger
Loved this campground. Great amenities. Loved the pool/hot tub. Nice big site with electric/water. Tent camped and the bathrooms clean and close by. Amazing store and they even delivered pizza right to our site. Pancake breakfast was wonderful.
GuideMoose Lake is a really small campground at the end of the road. Plenty of parking for day use but limited to only a few spots for dispersed tent camping. Lake was very calm and quiet. I would have rated this 3 stars if they had more camping spots.
Guide
Ashley Lake never disappoints. The camp sites are a bit rough to get too but as long as you're tent camping or have a very small and agile pull behind you'll be okay. It can get a bit windy later in the day but it's still beautiful.
Traveler
It was a nice stay for a couple days. Showers and bathroom were clean and front desk was very nice. Seems like more people live there than visit though. Tent sites were very small and bunched together. Price was descent.
Guide
We camped at Fish Creek Campground during our visit to Glacier National Park - it was a good experience. The only comment we had is how tightly packed the campsites were. Think it was a result of the campers staying in the "tent camping" spots - the tent spots are just smaller so the presence of campers made things feel tighter. Clean and quite during the night - we'd recommend again.
ScoutThe staff are very friendly and helpful with hiking trails throughout West Glacier. The tent sites and even cabins are well spaced from neighbors, eco-friendly and kept very clean. The noise level is also minimal and no one is disturbed by RVs or restroom noises.
Guide
Not the most luxurious camp site, but was great for tent camping. Had a water spiket and electricity on site. The bathrooms and showers were nice. The owner was great. Loved that it was close to Glacier but also close to town for easy access to groceries and gas. Was only going to stay for one night but ended up staying for 5.
TravelerMinutes away from Glacier National Park, this camp ground has it all. From cabins to RV sites to tent camping, there is something for everyone. We stayed in a tent. The bathroom's we're not too far away. It was nice to have a restaurant on site (that doubles as a coffee bar). The play structure is great for kids. We did not use the pools, but they looked nice from a distance.
TravelerThey have 150 tent sites and say they typically have something available last minute. We did the grinnel glacier hike and we were camping all the way in whitefish so we stayed here for a night in Between. Hot showers and laundry! You do need shower tokens!
Tent camping near Polebridge, Montana offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Glacier National Park and its surrounding areas. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a range of activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Polebridge, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Polebridge, MT is Bowman Lake Campground — Glacier National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Polebridge, MT?
TheDyrt.com has all 99 tent camping locations near Polebridge, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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