D
Dan and Janet .
Scout
ScoutWest Glacier RV & Cabin Resort
Week stay
We are steps away from West Glacier National Park entrance. Going shopping before getting here. 3x the normal price for anything. Great park awesome views
Camping near Whitefish, MT
301 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Whitefish, Montana spans developed campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands, with proximity to Glacier National Park being a major draw. Options range from tent and RV campsites at facilities like Whitefish Lake State Park Campground and Glacier Campground to free dispersed camping along the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River for self-sufficient campers. The region also features private RV parks and resorts with cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping near Whitefish. Most campgrounds operate from May through September or early October, with limited winter options. "When I need to disconnect from the world, be surrounded by the beauty of forests and crystal clear water, this is my sanctuary," one camper shared about Upper Whitefish Lake Campground, though noting access roads can be rough. Road conditions vary significantly, with some dispersed areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. Proximity to train tracks affects several campgrounds, particularly Whitefish Lake State Park, where overnight noise can be disruptive. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when Glacier National Park visitation peaks.
Waterfront campgrounds near Whitefish receive consistently positive reviews, with lakes and rivers providing recreational opportunities beyond just camping. Campers frequently mention the crystal-clear waters of Whitefish Lake and the Flathead River system as highlights. Several reviewers note the convenience of staying near both outdoor recreation and the amenities of Whitefish town. Train noise emerges as a common complaint at certain campgrounds, with one reviewer noting, "There are train tracks about 40 feet away from some of the campsites and trains come through almost all night long." Wildlife sightings, including deer, moose and bears, add to the camping experience but require proper food storage and awareness. The combination of mountain views, lake access, and proximity to Glacier National Park makes this region particularly appealing for camping near Whitefish, whether you're seeking lakeside campsites or forested campgrounds.
Best Campgrounds near Whitefish (301)
1. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed
"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."
2. Glacier Campground
"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."
from $45 - $120 / night
Check Availability3. Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park
"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)."
from $45 - $90 / night
Check Availability4. Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping
"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."
"Off road to access - need 4WD if real muddy. Not easy access for campers."
5. West Glacier KOA Resort
"Proximity to the park and shopping in Kalispell or Whitefish was close too! We’d definitely visit again!"
"The bathhouse near us was a dated design style but very clean and well stocked. Lots of families with kids onsite, I can see why with all the great amenities."
6. Fish Creek Campground — Glacier National Park
"We have stayed in Many Glacier and Avalanche Creek but this is our favorite campsite in the park because of its proximity to Lake Mcdonald as well as Apgar village."
"Now the good: We were really close to Apgar village and other sites along the Road to the Sun road. The rangers were nice and pleasant to interact with."
from $30 / night
Check Availability7. Whitefish Lake State Park Campground
"Yep it runs right next to the park. Yep it can be loud and annoying, but don't overlook this place because of it. Bring earplugs and a white noise machine and you will sleep like a baby."
"Away from it all while close to it all."
from $24 / night
Check Availability8. North fork Flathead River dispersed camping
"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."
"We had been searching around for a First come First served site and hadnt found anything that looked just right. We wanted to have a little space and be on water."
9. Columbia Falls RV Park
"Nice walking neighborhood. Great proximity to Glacier, Whitefish. Great butcher shop around corner!"
"Nice location with Mountain View’s all around. Beautifully manicured sites with trees that are starting to gain size for shade. However, the sites are so close together."
from $100 - $180 / night
Check Availability10. Rocky Mountain Hi Campground
"Good Verizon cell signal and close to all the area attractions; Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, & Glacier NP."
"Awesome location. Quiet. Montana views ..."
from $30 - $56 / night
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Drive Time
- 2 hrs 19 min from Missoula, MT
- 3 hrs 22 min from Great Falls, MT
- 3 hrs 43 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 4 hrs 12 min from Spokane, WA
Recent Camping Photos near Whitefish, MT
395 Photos of 301 Whitefish Campgrounds
Nancy C.
Whitefish Lake State Park Campground
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Whitefish Bike Retreat
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McGinnis Creek
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Glacier Rim River Access 10363
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Ache-n-Acres
Elisha G.
Rocky Mountain Hi Campground
Jake H.
Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed
Michael M.
Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping
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Beargrass Lodging & RV Resort
goose10091203
Flathead River Camp
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Big Creek Road
Recent Reviews near Whitefish, MT
1402 Reviews of 301 Whitefish Campgrounds
- AAlea C.Scout
Wounded Buck Landing Dispersed
Quiet, Lovely Scenery
Nice and tucked away from anything too busy. The creek was beautiful. Fell asleep listening to the water flowing. A few different spots but far away enough from others to feel private.
Taryn S.
GuideSprague Creek Campground — Glacier National Park
Tiny, super convenient Glacier NP campground
We love this small campground! It's RIGHT off the park road and has an adjacent picnic area, so you do get some road noise, but it also feels secluded because of how heavily treed it is (is almost dark in the CG!). Lake McDonald Lodge is a 5-6 minute drive, Apgar Village/visitor center is 10-12 minutes, Avalanche is a little over 10. Most, if not all, sites have bear boxes and water.
We stayed in two different sites here, #2 and 10, in a lifted SUV with a rooftop tent. 2 is right next to the entrance and a larger site, but has a fairly steep slope. 10 is a fabulous site, a path down to the lake right next to it, across from the bathroom, sits higher up and is quite level - but the driveway is SHORT. My SUV took most of it.
Super clean bathrooms with electric outlets, VERY quiet campground in general. No firewood (buy from Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge) or showers.
Be warned for larger rigs: it's TIGHT in here, even just navigating the small loop.
- GGlen B.
RangerBlair Flats
Site bogarts
This was in one of my favorite stops, but I hate it when people leave their rigs behind for days, preventing anyone else from enjoying one of only 3 slips. Clean vault toilet and a bear proof box.
- GGlen B.Ranger
Emery Bay Campground
Eh...
Got sent to the overflow area instead of a lakeside spot, but it was sufficient.
Mark V.ScoutThe Lodge & Resort at Lake Mary Ronan
Don't Book Here
We booked here through Airbnb. It was very expensive, $1973.40 for 3 nights. The pictures looked great, for this kind of money it should be. But it was far from it.
My wife has ALS. We drove for over 11hrs to get here. We arrived later that evening. There were piles of mosquitoes everywhere and more flying outside and inside the cabin. There were urine stains in the rugs and the smell was bad. The master bedroom floor was visibly damaged.The property looked nothing like advertised. Weeds were high all around the perimeter up to the cabin. We contacted the manager, Connie I believe. She said maintenance could remove the rug. That's all. Not sure how that addresses all those issues.
We explained due to unsafe health conditions considering my wife's situation there was no way we could stay. We were over 1700 miles from home now stuck with looking for somewhere else to stay. We never stayed there, only walked thru the door for a few minutes.
Luckily we found a place over an hour away.
Donna, the host thru Airbnb offered us a refund of $1010. Charging us a cleaning fee and taxes on the days we never stayed a single night.
We are currently disputing the charges. We sent out emails to the different ALS/MS organizations notifying them of the poor treatment at this property.
The absence of service is astounding. We attempted to call the property over a dozen times no answer.
Buyer beware, don't stay here. Unless they look hard at their policies and treatment of people with disabilities.
No Go- MVP
- SSierra P.Scout
Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping
Nice spot but felt unsafe
This review might not be totally fair since I didn’t stay right down by the river but found a more private spot right by the dirt road that leads to the water (so take this with a grain of salt). I’m a solo female traveler car camping and wanted a bit of privacy since I don’t have coverings on all my windows and thought this spot was good. Last night when I was falling asleep a truck pulled up next to me which I thought was odd and then moments later there were flashlights into my car and two quiet voices. In the past when I’ve parked and been asked to leave they announced themselves and knocked but there was no knock. They tried opening my car and kept looking in the vehicle. I then heard rustling over by where I locked my bike and they left shortly after. I was able to peak out and it appeared to be two men in a white truck, I ended up moving and trying to find a different spot on Ryan road.
Zoey T.GuideSkyland Rd Dispersed Camping
Just perfect!
We love being way off the beaten path van camping where you see close to no one and have beautiful nature and this for sure did that.
The road is a little pothole filled but certainly manageable even with our low vehicle. There are at least 9 sites over a 6+ mile stretch. Most of the sites are just off the road fire pits but there are a few scattered ones deeper. We loved the 4th one by mile maker 2 for the cool clean stream but also loved 9 after mile marker 5 for the cool breeze. No amenities but no flies, clean stream water and cool breezes!
- CCarmen B.Scout
Columbia Falls RV Park
Disappointing stay
The location is very close to town and about 20 minutes to Glacier NP. The sites are very close together. We had huge RVs with slide outs next to us and the picnic table at some sites were right next to the sewer lines of your neighbor. The men’s bathroom was dirty, the showers were cold for both sexes and the WiFi was unusable. There were kids riding scooters at unsafe speeds unaware or ignoring cars & rigs coming & going. The laundry room was clean and functional, bring $2 for washing and $2.50 for drying a load. I will not be returning, not worth it.
Guide to Whitefish
Dispersed camping opportunities near Whitefish, Montana extend into surrounding national forest land, offering alternatives to established campgrounds at elevations ranging from 3,000-4,500 feet. The North Fork area provides riverside camping with vault toilets but requires navigating unpaved roads, often with large potholes that become challenging after rainfall. Many dispersed sites have fire rings but campers should verify current fire restrictions before arrival.
What to do
Flathead River floating: The Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed area serves as a popular launch point for rafters and kayakers. "This site was perfect on the flathead river. You can't be afraid of being too close to people because it is just a busy site," notes Joshua M., who recommends arriving early for riverfront spots.
Winter camping access: Whitefish Lake State Park Campground remains open year-round, making it one of the few winter camping options. "If you are into winter camping this is probably one of the best places to camp to get out to Whitefish to ski," advises Evan H., highlighting its strategic location for winter sports enthusiasts.
Kid-friendly activities: Rocky Mountain Hi Campground offers dedicated recreation facilities. One visitor shared, "Great place to camp with children because of the large, grassy playground and swimming area," while another mentioned their children "could play all day in the great park with a whole western town set up and swimming hole in the creek, volleyball net and paved roads to scooter and roller blade."
What campers like
Riverside beach camping: Blankenship Bridge dispersed area attracts campers seeking direct water access. "We were able to park on the beach, right on the flathead river and watch the rafters go by," reports Taylor B., who found it less crowded than Middle Fork. Another camper noted, "Beautiful beach side or individual sites. Super clean porta potty."
Lake McDonald access: Fish Creek Campground provides water access points within the campground. "A short stroll between sites 19 and 21 is a mini trail that leads to a staircase to the Southwest Side of Lake McDonald where kids and adults can take a dip in the water," explains Mai K. Rod D. appreciated how "we were able to walk directly to the lake from our campsite in less than 2 minutes to enjoy sunrises and sunsets."
Restaurant options: Several campgrounds feature on-site dining. West Glacier KOA offers multiple food vendors with "one ice cream, (cash) and a 'grill' with outdoor seating and grill master." At Glacier Campground, campers appreciate "a terrific indoor-outdoor cafe on site, and a central gathering area with playground and group picnic shelters."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require navigating rough roads. At Middle Fork, "The road to the beach is quite rough. We were glad to have 4WD and high clearance," reports Lynsey M., while Terrie L. warns about "huge and I mean huge puddles." Similar conditions exist at Blankenship Bridge, where "Deep rutted muddy holes filled with water" prompted one traveler to avoid the site.
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Whitefish have railroad tracks nearby. Campers at Whitefish Lake State Park note that "trains come through almost all night long" and "our tent shook!" Emily F. cautions: "It was impossible to sleep more than a few minutes at a time, as we could only sleep between train passings."
Reservation strategies: For Apgar Campground, Jodi P. suggests: "Best bet is to get to the campground early in the morning to get a spot as it is first come first serve and fills up pretty quickly. We typically find a spot where campers are up and getting packed up, place a tag on the site marker and come back after 12 to set up."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Great Northern Flats on the North Fork Flathead River provides safe wading areas. "The River was perfect for cooling off after being in the sun," notes Nancy, who visited with family. At Rocky Mountain Hi, families appreciate the "swimming area" that provides a controlled environment for children.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Fish Creek Campground offers regular wildlife encounters right in camp. "Several deers strolled through loop A in the morning, along with squirrels, chipmunks and birds," reports Mai K., while reminding visitors to "be Bear Aware, and always carry your bear spray, and flashlight especially at night."
Educational programs: Apgar Campground in Glacier National Park hosts ranger-led activities. Tyler W. "enjoyed the nightly ranger programs" which teach children about local ecology and wildlife safety, making it educational as well as entertaining for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Site layout considerations: RV campers at Fish Creek Campground should know about the pull-in configuration. "I was reluctant to reserve a site at Fish Creek Campground because they are mostly pull-in, and very few back-ins," shares Mai K., who discovered "the pull-in sites offered more room to a site" than expected.
Electrical needs: Columbia Falls RV Park offers dependable power for those requiring consistent electricity. "Full hookups with clean but cheap laundry," notes Katie H. Another reviewer mentioned the park's "full hookup sites, big rig friendly" nature and reasonable "nightly rate for the area."
Entry road clearance: Several reviewers warn about clearance issues at dispersed sites. For Blankenship Bridge, David R. cautions about "deep rutted muddy holes filled with water to get to site. Sketchy low trees and narrow road," which prevented access with his van. However, others note that most passenger vehicles can still access the site with careful driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there good camping sites near Whitefish Lake?
Are there good camping sites near Whitefish Lake?
Yes, Whitefish Lake offers excellent camping options. Whitefish Lake State Park Campground is located right on the south end of the lake with beautiful sunset views and access to the water. The campground is conveniently close to town while still maintaining a woodsy feel. Sites are smaller with narrow roads, so be cautious with large RVs. For a more secluded experience, Upper Whitefish Campground provides newly expanded and leveled sites, including 13 coveted waterfront locations. This serene setting offers crystal clear water and is perfect for disconnecting from everyday life, though it has become more popular in recent years.
What is the best time of year to go camping in Whitefish, Montana?
What is the best time of year to go camping in Whitefish, Montana?
Summer (June-August) is the prime camping season in Whitefish with warm days and mild nights, though this is also when campgrounds like Riverside Campground are busiest. This period offers excellent hiking access and water activities, with July featuring spectacular Fourth of July fireworks visible from lakeside campgrounds. Early fall (September) brings stunning foliage and fewer crowds at popular spots like Apgar Campground, though nights grow cooler. Late spring (May-early June) offers a balance of decent weather and lower visitor numbers, but be prepared for occasional rain and cooler temperatures. Summer wildfires can affect air quality, particularly in late July and August, so check conditions before your trip.
What are the best campgrounds in Whitefish, Montana?
What are the best campgrounds in Whitefish, Montana?
The Whitefish area offers diverse camping experiences for every preference. Sundance Campground & RV Park provides affordable accommodations with friendly hosts who go out of their way to accommodate guests. Sites are nestled among trees with dirt or grass parking areas, though leveling may be required at some spots. For those seeking proximity to activities, Camp Trinity offers a central location for exploring Glacier Park, Whitefish Mountain, and Flathead Lake. It's dog-friendly with responsive management. Just 20 minutes from Whitefish, Stillwater Lake offers rustic first-come, first-served sites with lovely trails and lake access, perfect for those seeking a more natural experience.
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