Horse camping facilities can be found within 25 miles of West Glacier, Montana, offering direct access to trail systems around the national park. The area sits at elevations between 3,100-4,500 feet, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak season. Trail conditions vary significantly with weather patterns, especially during spring runoff periods when some lower routes become muddy.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: Multiple trail systems connect to Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast, located just minutes from Glacier National Park's entrance. "Great places to swim RV 10 count easy axis to glacier," notes Ken W. The proximity allows equestrians convenient access to designated horse-friendly park trails.
River access: Horse owners can utilize Bear Creek River Access as a staging area for trail rides that parallel waterways. One visitor reported it's a "Nice kick back spot" and "Great spot for launching rafts," which can be beneficial for cooling horses during summer heat.
Arena practice: Facilities at Horses Welcome include a riding arena for warming up horses before hitting trails. Charles Y. mentions, "Corrals for horses 20 acres and an arena to stretch out," making it ideal for horses needing controlled exercise before trail riding.
What campers like
Spacious corrals: Equestrian campers appreciate the room for horses at dedicated facilities. At Horses Welcome, Taylor C. notes, "Charles was friendly and welcoming, we felt right at home!" while another camper adds, "Sites are Giant," providing ample space for horse trailers and equipment.
Access to multiple trail systems: The strategic location near different trail networks is a major draw. Leland describes Horses Welcome as "a clean, quiet place to camp in Kalispell" with "Proximity to Whitefish, Glacier NP is excellent," allowing riders to access different trail systems each day.
Water availability: Glacier Rim River Access provides natural water sources where horses can be watered during rides. Sumner C. notes it has "deep blue water" and is "a great campsite for river views and a short drive to glacier national park," offering convenient water access for horses.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Trail access changes throughout summer depending on park visitor volume. Glacier Campground stays open from "May 15 to September 30," aligning with optimal riding seasons.
Limited dedicated equestrian sites: Most campgrounds don't advertise horse facilities. One camper at Horses Welcome noted, "The site has everything you need," confirming the importance of booking specific equestrian-friendly options.
Trail conditions vary: Early season trails may have snow or mud issues. At Glacier Rim River Access, JPMC A. counted "8 spots around the river access," but notes availability depends on ground conditions during spring runoff.
Tips for camping with families
Combined activities: Families can alternate between horseback riding and other recreation. At Mountain View RV Park, Julia M. mentions "a small basketball court" and "Big grassy area in the middle of the RV park with picnic tables, great for walking dogs or just relaxing in the grass," providing options for family members not riding.
Evening entertainment: Plan for post-ride activities at camp. Julia M. adds Mountain View RV Park is "2 miles from the rodeo grounds and Blue Moon Nite Club where they have a weekly Thursday Rodeo in the summer."
Horse-friendly swimming spots: Cool down both horses and humans after rides. At Bear Creek River Access, visitors note it's a "Great choice for relaxing and getting away for a few hours to a day," with water access for both people and animals.
Tips from RVers
Horse trailer parking: Secure level spots that accommodate both living quarters and horse trailers. At Glacier Campground, Heidi C. reports, "There is a mix of tents and RVs, bikes, etc. There is water and electricity, but not full hookups."
Utility considerations: For living quarters trailers, know what hookups are available. At Moose Creek RV Resort, Dan G. advises, "The sites with services were taken but we were happy to boondock at their site near the lake," suggesting booking well in advance for full hookup sites.
Maneuverability: Some access roads to horse-friendly areas require careful navigation. At Glacier Rim River Access, Dutchess S. warns there's "Not super accessible to bigger rigs, small sites," making it important to research access before bringing large horse trailers.
