The area around West Glacier, Montana sits at approximately 3,200 feet elevation at the western entrance to Glacier National Park, where summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during daytime hours and 40-50°F at night. Campsites within a 15-mile radius of West Glacier often experience seasonal occupancy fluctuations, with availability extremely limited from mid-June through late August and significantly improved in May and September.
What to do
Reservoir recreation: Hungry Horse Reservoir offers water activities just 15 miles from West Glacier. "The lake, Salish Mountains and Montana's big sky are all front and center here. Lid Creek is 15 miles off U.S. 2 on a very winding but paved road," notes one Lid Creek Campground visitor.
Bike path access: Several campgrounds connect to regional bike paths. "Riding bike or walking to West Glacier Village takes minutes. Sites are larger than we were expecting," shares a visitor at West Glacier RV & Cabin Resort. Another camper mentions "a great bike path right in front of the park that goes for miles and miles" near Beargrass Lodging.
Local exploration: Beyond Glacier Park, the surrounding communities offer additional activities. A North American RV Park guest recommends: "Check out the Glacier Pizza in Coram," while another mentions "Close by is a zip line attraction with a blow up slide in water for the little ones and bounce house obstacle with a slide."
What campers like
Proximity convenience: Most popular rv sites near West Glacier, Montana prioritize park access. "Right off the Going to the Sun Road which leads into the NP. Arrival was straight forward. Friendly staff," reports a visitor about West Glacier RV Park and Cabins. Another notes it's "only ~5 mins to the West glacier entrance so very convenient."
Newer facilities: Several campgrounds have upgraded amenities recently. "This is a nice, new wooded park for two nights in July. It was a last minute trip and the owner was so accommodating and helpful," writes a visitor to Clyde's Camp, adding they "did a wonderful job of keeping the site as natural as possible."
Dog-friendly options: Multiple rv sites near West Glacier provide dedicated pet areas. "Love that they have 2 dog parks! WiFi is great, campsites are spacious," mentions a camper at West Glacier RV & Cabin Resort. Another camper at North American RV Park notes the "Great dog park that we thoroughly enjoyed."
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks run through the region affecting several campgrounds. "Like a lot of RV parks from Whitefish over to the park, trains come through frequently. Closer to the front you don't hear it as much, but the trade off is the hwy noise," explains a Sundance Campground reviewer.
Laundry limitations: Campground laundry facilities vary widely in capacity. "The laundry room has 2 washers and 2 dryers, but only one of each works," reports a Sundance camper, while another notes North American RV Park has "fantastic bathrooms and laundry."
Tight spacing: Most RV parks maximize capacity during peak season. "Sites are a bit close together but that's to be expected this close to a NP. Sites are long though so it makes it easier to stagger your camper with your neighbors," explains a North American RV Park guest.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated recreational areas. "Pet friendly! Kid friendly! Adult friendly! Great dog park, kids area ok, walking distance to store," notes a visitor about North American RV Park.
Swimming options: Campgrounds with pools provide family recreation. "Kids loved swimming in the heated pool. Clean bathroom and showers," shares a Beargrass Lodging guest. Another adds, "The pool was very nicely maintained but overchlorinated to the point of burning your eyes."
Natural swimming areas: For families preferring natural water, reservoir access is available. "Lake access is just short walk down a trail. There is a great rock beach with plenty of room for kids to play and splash," explains a Lid Creek Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: RVers should carefully research site dimensions. "Watch out for electric hookup, we were all set up and couldn't close out hatches due to large solar top on electric pole," advises a West Glacier RV & Cabin Resort visitor.
Pull-through availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access sites. "Had a pull through site that was plenty big for our 32" TT. Utilities were well placed and worked well," mentions a West Glacier RV & Cabin Resort visitor, while a Columbia Falls RV Park guest notes "Easy in/out, clean, spotless bathrooms/showers."
Terrain variations: Some campgrounds require extra leveling equipment. "The sites are level, but just barely," reports a Sundance Campground visitor. At Mountain Meadow, a camper observed "Our site was not very level front to back and side to side, and though we got close, we couldn't get fully level."
