Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Whitefish, MT

When I need to disconnect from the world, be surrounded by the beauty of forests and crystal clear water, this is my sanctuary. It has become busier over the years but locals and new visitors alike will find newly expanded and leveled sites just off the lake and 13 coveted on water sites. There are vault facilities but I take those with a grain of salt, it’s camping, in the mountains, it’s the give and take. I drive a 24’ vintage RV so I know that I can literally pack in, pack out.

There are two main access roads if you are coming from the backside of Whitefish Lake or from Highway 93 at Olney, Red Meadow Road can also be accessed from Polebridge, Eureka or from across the Canadian Boarder. So many amazing trails and back roads to explore. The lookouts are always worth the effort! The road from Whitefish Lake is rough and only graded as needed. When coming from Olney the lower part of the road is washboarded but not horrible. Once you reach mile marker 9 at the Lower Whitefish Lake Road cut-across they are running active logging so the road is graded and oiled. Before the Lake is not oiled and areas can be spotty but for the most part is one of the nicer back country roads I have taken.

The Lake itself is enchanting. The water so clear you can see the bottom as the fish swim by. You will often encounter deer, moose and of course the occasional bear. My favorite thing to do is float in my kayak and watch the clouds pass along the mountainside. I’ve been coming here since I was a child and I enjoy sharing the beauty of this area with my family and friends.

If you want a resort, you will need to go elsewhere and pay significantly higher prices. Bill and Melanie are super nice and go put of their way to accommodate. The sites are in trees with dirt or grass parking areas. Some sites are level, some will require a little work. Some sites are larger than others so I suggest you look at the sites available before committing if possible. 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, bit the trade off is the hwy noise. Neither bothered us enough to not stay. There is a small playground. Clean restrooms wiith showers. Not all the washers and dryers worked, but it's not super busy either. Wifi is iffy unless you are close to the office. AT&T was decent for 4 G only. Oh, and I haven't seen this before,, but a few of the tent/car sites have wooden structured to keep ran/snow off. Best of all? It's less than 10 min. to the park.

We stayed here for 4 nights. 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. Also an adventure park that has go karts, bumper cars, lazy river etc. Great location with so much to do outside the park. We had a corner spot which I really liked for some privacy. Each site has its own fire pit which was nice. Wi-Fi in my opinion worked great. Has a dog park and a little playground for kids. Laundry room and bath houses were very clean. Also has an arcade and loved how they use honesty policy during closed hours where you can pick up firewood or ice and pay the next morning:) I definitely recommend and will come back for another Montana adventure.

Great amenities onsite. The staff was incredibly friendly and kind. 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. During off season kids are allowed to swim in adult pool and hot tubs. Great spacious off leash dog park onsite. A second smaller K9 park onsite was still nicely maintained. It’s snug, so unless you pay for more spacious sites expect to be close to neighbors. Some of the cabin renters were loud with radios blaring but they were on the opposite side of the park so we didn’t report the noise. Plenty of supplies available at store. Some of the sites had lovely views of the mountains. The nature trail at the KOA was very muddy and some sections had such large mud holes that you couldn’t avoid getting your shoes wet. They should put some gravel or something back there. Just be prepared to get your shoes dirty if you walk it. Despite the muddiness, we found it was a lovely nightly loop to walk.

If you plan to drive going to the sun road: make sure it’s open. And be sure and get a reservation/register your vehicle for Glacier/going-to the-sun road if visiting summer 2022. Go eat at Dan d Lion cafe for a crazy savory meal. You won’t believe it’s vegan and gluten free. Insanely good. Great prices in Hungry Horse for souvenirs. West Glacier was definitely the better stay than East Glacier in our opinion. Much more easy access to stores, restaurants, etc. Whitefish MT had the coolest off leash dog park we’ve ever seen! If you have your 4-legged-bff with you - you simply must take your pup to that park (you’re welcome!) Lake McDonald is a great place to see the mountains and take beautiful pictures. You need bear spray if you go hiking anywhere here. Also, no dogs on trails, of course.