Best Campgrounds near Whitefish, MT

Camping options around Whitefish, Montana range from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands, with proximity to Glacier National Park being a major draw. The area includes established facilities like Whitefish Lake State Park Campground and Glacier Campground, offering tent and RV sites with varying amenities. Several dispersed camping areas can be found along the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River, providing free alternatives 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 experiences 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 camping locations 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 to outdoor enthusiasts.

Best Camping Sites Near Whitefish, Montana (290)

    1. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    49 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    14 miles
    Website

    "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

    51 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5689

    $45 - $120 / night

    "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."

    3. Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park

    59 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $45 - $90 / night

    "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)."

    4. Fish Creek Campground — Glacier National Park

    62 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $30 / night

    "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."

    5. West Glacier KOA Resort

    49 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5341

    "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. Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    32 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    14 miles

    "In this video we review 2 more of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls, Montana."

    "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."

    7. Whitefish Lake State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Whitefish, MT
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 752-5501

    $14 / night

    "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."

    8. North fork Flathead River dispersed camping

    24 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    15 miles

    "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

    13 Reviews
    Columbia Falls, MT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 892-1122

    $100 - $180 / night

    "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."

    10. Rocky Mountain Hi Campground

    16 Reviews
    Kalispell, MT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 755-9573

    $30 - $56 / night

    "Good Verizon cell signal and close to all the area attractions; Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, & Glacier NP."

    "Awesome location. Quiet. Montana views ..."

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Recent Reviews near Whitefish, MT

1297 Reviews of 290 Whitefish Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    Big rigs not recommended

    Pulled out Alliance Valor 32A10 down the horrible access road. Had to do a walk around after to verify no damage. Bed rails touched under my front cap a few times but luckily no damage.

    Best for overlanding vehicles. Beautiful location if you can get down the access road.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Edgewater RV Resort & Motel

    Flathead Harbor Resort RV Luxury Condos and Cabins / Edgewater RV Resort & Motel

    Stayed in a cabin for a couple nights and had a great stay! You can hear a bit of road noise due to being in town and near the main road, but everything else was great: clean, showers, laundry facilities, near groceries/restaurants, pet-friendly, etc.

  • Kurt W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    West Glacier KOA Resort

    Late season stay

    We camped here for one night. Everything is super clean and well maintained. Beautiful spot

  • Giavanna P.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast

    Adorable camping spot

    I absolutely loved this camping spot. Staff were friendly and the lovely couple at the cafe were super helpful for advice on where to check out. Having a hot shower after hiking was bliss. There’s even a communal fire at 7pm if you feel like being social

  • Raul C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Camp off North Fork Road

    Large and open

    The area down the road was full and had limited car camping / roof top tent camping so my buddy and I moved this way and found plenty of opportunity.

  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Riverside Camping

    Very nice spot close to Glacier NP. As others have mentioned, the road getting in is very rough, but i made it up/down several times with my Promaster 2500 van with no issues, just got to be strategic about how you take the ruts. Awesome views of river. Road is a little noisy at times, but nothing to complain about. Plenty of other people camping there. Cell service was pretty good.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Emery Bay Campground

    Beautiful campground with excellent host

    We arrived mid September for 4 nights. Our site #21 is huge and private. Surrounded by large conifers with a large fiberglass topped picnic table that is easy to clean and fire pit. The vault toilets are within a short walking distance. Water spigot just across from the toilets provided lean potable water. Kevin the host is on top of his game, easy to find and very friendly and accommodating. Glacier National Park is about a 20 minute drive from there. Probably about 15 minutes from Corum and all of the essential services.


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?

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?

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?

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.