Best Tent Camping near Whitefish, MT

Tent campers visiting Whitefish, Montana can choose from several dispersed camping areas and established campgrounds within a short drive of town. Blankenship Bridge offers free dispersed camping with river access just 15 minutes from Glacier National Park's west entrance, while Ryan Road Dispersed Camping provides quiet tent sites with fire rings and privacy from neighboring campers. Bowman Lake Campground in Glacier National Park, though requiring a longer drive on rough roads, offers tent sites in a forested setting near the lake.

Most primitive tent sites around Whitefish require campers to be self-sufficient with water and waste management. Dispersed areas like Ryan Road have established fire rings but no toilets or water sources. At Blankenship Bridge, portable toilets are available, but the three-day maximum stay limit is strictly enforced. Tent campers should practice proper bear safety throughout the region, with food storage in locked vehicles when bear boxes aren't available. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the more remote tent camping areas, particularly those near Bowman Lake where the dirt road features potholes and switchbacks.

The tent camping experience near Whitefish offers varying levels of seclusion depending on location and season. Areas closer to Glacier National Park tend to be busier during summer months, while dispersed sites farther from main attractions provide more solitude. Many tent sites are situated in forested settings with natural shade and proximity to water features. The terrain at most sites consists of dirt or rocky surfaces, sometimes with designated tent pads. According to one visitor at Ryan Road, "It was fairly quiet on a Monday but there is a train that runs through in the distance and blows the whistle." Tent campers frequently mention the benefit of walk-in sites that offer more privacy than drive-up locations, with several noting that despite proximity to popular areas, the camping experience remains peaceful and nature-focused.

Best Tent Sites Near Whitefish, Montana (98)

    1. Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    31 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    14 miles

    "Nice camping area with access to the river. Was a bit noisy during the day (stayed over the weekend) as the area is used by non-campers coming to fish, kayak, sightseeing, etc."

    "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."

    2. Ryan Road Dispersed Camping

    23 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-3800

    "Rolled in around 8pm and easily found a spot for a car and multiple tents toward the beginning of the road, before we reached the dropped pin."

    "Arrived August 1st...was hoping to find a spot close to Glacier NP with some privacy but I think I was asking for too much lol. However, I am happy to have a place close to the park free of charge!"

    3. Whitefish Bike Retreat

    3 Reviews
    Whitefish, MT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 260-0274

    $50 / night

    "Nearby Whitefish, MT has a growing reputation for fantastic trails, hikes and mountain bike areas, and this full-service oasis takes advantage of all of it.  "

    "Bike trails for all abilities and ages. The owners are so rad. A family business and they make you fell part of the tribe. Very clean and maintained. And a lot of extra for mountain biking."

    4. SpiritWorks Herb Farm Campground

    1 Review
    Whitefish, MT
    6 miles
    Website

    $30 - $60 / night

    "No food in the camping areas due to wildlife. Communal area for cooking, eating and campfire. Outside shower open to the Montana sky is awesome at sunset or under the stars."

    5. Hungry Horse Reservoir Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Martin City, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-3800

    "The sites that I saw were nothing fancy, some with fire rings and some not."

    "Huge open space with a fire circle and everything! But we lost a set of keys while we were there… we were on the left hand side of the site.

    Here’s the coordinates of the site!"

    6. Bowman Lake Campground — Glacier National Park

    32 Reviews
    Polebridge, MT
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $10 - $15 / night

    "Be prepared for a dusty, bumpy, narrow, pot-holed drive in on the road."

    "Nice NPS campground within walking distance to Bowman Lake and several trailheads. This is a good spot to camp if you plan on hikeing or boating near/on the lake."

    7. Moose Lake

    3 Reviews
    Olney, MT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "Long drive from the main road. I think there are 3 campsites right on the lake. One was a little farther up the road. Snow was over the road still but not too deep."

    8. Stillwater Getaway

    1 Review
    Olney, MT
    11 miles

    "Diverse campground with tent sites, car camping sites, and cabins and teepees. Ryan was super friendly and offered showers, an outdoor kitchen, kayaks to use, and potable water"

    9. Ashley Lake South Campground

    4 Reviews
    Kalispell, MT
    18 miles
    Website

    "Ashley Lake never disappoints. The camp sites are a bit rough to get too but as long as you're tent camping or have a very small and agile pull behind you'll be okay."

    "The lake is crystal clear and the campground is very clean."

    10. Big Creek Road

    1 Review
    West Glacier, MT
    15 miles
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Showing results 1-10 of 98 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Whitefish, MT

1179 Reviews of 98 Whitefish Campgrounds



Guide to Whitefish

Tent camping near Whitefish, Montana offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tent campers should check out Blankenship Bridge

  • This spot is popular for its proximity to Glacier National Park, allowing easy access for day trips and outdoor adventures.
  • Campers can enjoy a scenic riverside experience with fire rings available for cozy evenings.
  • The area is known for rafting and fishing, providing plenty of opportunities for water activities.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Ryan Road

  • Located just minutes from the west entrance of Glacier National Park, this site offers spacious camping areas that are free and easy to access.
  • Campers have reported good cell service, making it convenient for those who want to stay connected while enjoying nature.
  • The site features a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by trees and flowers, perfect for relaxation.

Local activities near Hungry Horse Reservoir

  • This area is great for those looking to explore the outdoors, with numerous pull-offs along Hungry Horse Road for camping and fishing.
  • Campers can enjoy hiking trails that lead to beautiful views of the reservoir and surrounding landscapes.
  • The site is known for its quiet ambiance, ideal for stargazing and enjoying the serene environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Whitefish, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Whitefish, MT is Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 31 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Whitefish, MT?

TheDyrt.com has all 98 tent camping locations near Whitefish, MT, with real photos and reviews from campers.