Glamping and cabin accommodations near Whitefish, Montana range from rustic to refined, with options from April through October depending on the location. Most sites sit within 2-5 miles of major park entrances and trail systems. The region's summer temperature averages 75-85°F during peak camping months, though evening temperatures can drop to 45°F even in midsummer.
What to do
Boat access camping: Whitefish Lake State Park Campground provides boat-in access, offering a different way to reach your campsite. "Beautiful sunsets across the lake and wonderful views of the Northern Lights during the summer months. If your lucky and can reserve a spot on the Fourth of July you will see the city's fireworks display on the lake," notes Brian N.
Mountain biking: Whitefish Bike Retreat connects directly to the Beaver Lake trail system. "The $50 per night fee (for the tent sites) comes with a sauna, bike repair and washing station, gift shop, hot showers, laundry, wi-fi, a bike skills area, trails for all levels…all intertwined with the Beaver Lake series of trails and small lakes," explains Bjorn S.
Bear watching: Big Creek Campground offers wildlife viewing opportunities in a more remote setting. "Big Creek Campground and surrounding area is so peaceful! Floating the river was really fun (but cold!). I would recommend bug spray to anyone who is prone to mosquito bites. Especially when it's dusk and you are by the river!" advises Talia H.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Glacier Campground offers more secluded sites than many of the resort-style alternatives. "The whole place was like an upscale state park with many large, secluded shady campsites tucked into beautiful mature forest," writes Janet R.
Convenience to West Glacier: North American RV Park & Yurt Village provides quick access to the park. "Only 5 minutes away from West Glacier Park entrance. 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," shares Danielle F.
Night sky viewing: Stargazing conditions near Glacier can be exceptional. "Incredible night sky. Only other place I've seen so many stars/the Milky Way was Death Valley," reports Stephanie T. about her stay at Glacier Campground.
What you should know
Train noise: Multiple reviews mention train disturbance at Whitefish Lake State Park. "The train is SO close and loud. No one in my group slept more than 30 minutes at a time and the ground would shake when the train went by," warns Kalina S.
Electric fence protection: Some glamping options close to Whitefish, Montana have wildlife barriers. "My wife really enjoyed the fact that it had an electric fence around the perimeter to try and preclude wildlife from entering the park area. It keeps everything out, so you won't see deer walking through your campsite," notes Andrew at West Glacier KOA Resort.
Highway noise: Roadside locations may experience traffic sounds. "This is a nice convenient place to stay close to glacier but we were disappointed by how much high way noise there is even through the night," reports Dan S. about Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Rocky Mountain Hi Campground offers water play areas. "Great place to camp with children because of the large, grassy playground and swimming area. Showers and a laundry are on site. Sites have trees and a fire ring," recommends Kimberly Y.
Separate adult and family pools: Some resorts separate swimming areas by age. "They do have a 2 pools (which, though heated, is super cold), a hot tub (but it's adult only, so if you have kids that cannot be alone, it's a no go), and a nature trail," notes Sterling C. about West Glacier KOA.
Playgrounds and activities: Campgrounds often feature structured play areas. "The kids 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," shares Jennifer H. from Rocky Mountain Hi.
Tips from RVers
Extension cord needs: Check electrical cable length requirements. "Make sure you bring an extension cord to hook up your electric just in case you have a short standard cord on your camper," advises Marcus K. about Glacier Campground.
Unpaved site concerns: Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast has mixed surfacing. "Be sure and ask if your site will be paved, some are, ours wasn't. If it is raining, pine straw sticks to shoes and gets everywhere in unpaved sites," warns Ann F.
Length restrictions: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. "We took our 24' trailer in with our Tundra. It was gravel, bumpy and steep in spots I would not advise anything longer," cautions Katie O. about Whitefish Bike Retreat.
