Your Guide to Camping and Outdoor Adventures Near Whitefish, Montana

On the western slope of the Continental Divide and near the west entrance to Glacier National Park is the town of Whitefish, Montana. With its nuevo old west storefronts, bustling downtown, lakes, rivers, and rugged wilderness, Whitefish serves as an ideal adventure portal for a camping trip.

If you haven’t yet visited big sky country, it’s time to experience the beauty of Montana. Now, it’s easier than ever to go camping without the need to drive across the country. Glacier International Airport near Whitefish has direct flights from cities such as Minneapolis, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, and San Francisco/Oakland.

Glacier National Park was voted the best national park for camping in the 2012 Reader’s Choice Award, while Montana was a finalist in the best state for camping category. There are numerous reasons why—remote wilderness, alpine lakes, world-class fishing, extensive hiking trails, plenty of campgrounds, open lands, and solitude. To truly appreciate the magnificence of Montana, you’ll need to see it for yourself.

Note: Montana is home to grizzly and black bears, along with various other wildlife. Proper food storage is necessary and required by law. Familiarize yourself with bear safety information and how to store food in grizzly country before your trip.

Camping in and Around Whitefish

Located just outside of town, Whitefish State Park Campground features 25 sites for RV, trailer, tent, and bicyclist camping. This campground, situated along the shores of Whitefish Lake, is nestled in a shaded forest. Its proximity to town, hiking and biking trails, and the lakefront location make it a favorite camping destination. Campsite number 8 offers excellent lake access and views. Each site comes equipped with a tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring with grill. Reservations are recommended.

Emery Bay Campground at Hungry Horse Reservoir is a beloved local spot. Surrounded by a turquoise lake and alpine peaks, it presents a stunning landscape for camping. Most sites at this Flathead National Forest campground offer lake and mountain views, closely located to the lakeshore. Sites 2, 5, and 6 boast excellent lakefront locations and are popular on weekends. Campsites are first-come, first-served, except for a couple of group campsites that can be reserved.

Situated next to Spotted Bear and South Fork Flathead Rivers, Spotted Bear Campground is a small, 13-site campground overlooking the river. Due to its size, this USFS campground fills up quickly and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you venture just outside of Glacier National Park and around 20 miles north of Columbia Falls, you’ll find Big Creek Campground located in Flathead National Forest. Nestled along the North Fork of the Wild and Scenic Flathead River, this area is perfect for river floating and fishing. Nearby, the Glacier Institute’s Big Creek Outdoor Education Center provides educational programs and opportunities for visitors. The campground has 22 campsites, with sites 13, 14, and 15 offering the best riverfront access; however, all campsites are close to water. Group campsites can also be reserved.

Tally Lake Campground is just 20 minutes west of Whitefish. With 40 campsites, a boat launch, picnic and beach area, it is a preferred summer getaway. Tally holds the title of the deepest natural lake in Montana, boasting a diverse fish population that includes kokanee salmon, northern pike, and various trout.

For stunning sunset views, look no further than Wayfarers State Park Campground at Flathead Lake. Located approximately 45 minutes south of Whitefish, this area provides lake access for boating and swimming, presenting 30 campsites available for reservation with several additional first-come, first-served walk-in spots accessible by boat.

In addition, there are numerous private campgrounds and RV parks in and around Whitefish:

• Whitefish KOA, Whitefish, MT
• Glacier Campground, West Glacier
• Columbia Falls RV Park, Columbia Falls
• Spruce Park on the River, Kalispell

Glacier National Park Campgrounds

Undoubtedly one of the wildest and most rugged parks in the National Parks System, Glacier is a premier camping destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and backcountry hikers. Campgrounds are conveniently located near alpine meadows, rugged peaks, and pristine rivers and lakes. With 13 campgrounds and over 1,000 campsites available, there is no shortage of options for camping.

Recognized for its rugged wilderness, Glacier is a highly sought-after destination for backpacking. The park features a well-organized backcountry camping system. Before your journey, it’s wise to check the trail status, availability of backcountry campground reservations, and consult the backcountry camping guide.

Glacier’s website offers detailed camping information, regulations, and current updates on camping and campground availability.

Glacier Park Campgrounds

Apgar Campground – Close to the West Glacier entrance and Apgar Village, this is the largest campground in the park, boasting 194 campsites—25 of which can accommodate a 40-foot RV. Some group campsites are available for reservation, while the rest operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Avalanche Campground – Positioned on the west side of the Continental Divide, Avalanche Campground is located near popular hiking trails and stretches 15.7 miles along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It features 87 campsites, with 50 designated for 25-foot RVs. All sites are first-come, first-served.

Bowman Lake Campground – This campground lies in the remote North Fork area, approximately 32.5 miles from the west entrance. Positioned near the lakeshore, it has 48 campsites. However, RVs and trailers are not recommended due to the narrow and winding dirt road leading to it. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Cut Bank Campground – Situated on the east side of Glacier, this primitive campground includes 14 campsites with no water available. RVs and trailers are discouraged, and all sites are first-come, first-served.

Fish Creek Campground – As the second largest campground in Glacier National Park, Fish Creek is located near the west entrance, just 2.5 miles from Apgar Village. It features 178 campsites, among which 18 can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long. Park rangers host nightly programs at the amphitheater. This campground is one of two that accepts reservations.

Kintla Lake Campground – One of the most remote campgrounds, Kintla Lake Campground is located 40 miles from the west entrance in the North Fork area. It comprises 13 campsites without RV and trailer accessibility, providing a quiet retreat for tent campers. Sites are first-come, first-served.

Logging Creek Campground – A small primitive campground, Logging Creek was expected to be closed at the time of publication. Situated in a remote area near the North Fork, RVs are not recommended here. Campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so check the park website for updates before your visit.

Many Glacier Campground – This is one of the most popular campgrounds in Glacier National Park, filling up rapidly. It includes 110 campsites, with 13 able to accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. Nightly ranger programs are offered, and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Quartz Creek Campground – Comprising only 7 campsites, Quartz Creek is the smallest campground and is considered primitive. Located on the west side of the park, it does not accommodate RVs or trailers, with all sites being first-come, first-served.

Sprague Creek Campground – Located on McDonald Lake, this inviting campground is small and fills up swiftly. It contains 25 campsites, with no options for towed trailers or units. All campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saint Mary Campground – Close to the St. Mary Visitor Center at the east entrance of the park, this campground is one of two that takes reservations. The visitor center provides nightly interpretive programs. Saint Mary Campground features 148 sites, with 25 able to accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet.

Two Medicine Campground – Located just 13 miles from the east entrance, Two Medicine campgrounds offer a remote and tranquil setting with 99 campsites—13 of which can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Top 7 Things to Do in Whitefish

Whitefish, Montana, is an outdoor playground filled with opportunities for adventure. With trails to hike and bike, lakes and rivers to explore, along with vast wilderness, the region’s excitement is unmatched. Here are the top 7 activities to indulge in:

1. The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is the main route connecting both park entrances, recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Stretching 50 miles, this road, completed in 1932, continues to be a highlight for visitors. Adventurous cyclists can tackle the climb to Logan Pass; note that from June 15 through Labor Day, the road closes to bicycle use between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you prefer traveling by vehicle, consider the Glacier Shuttle or the educational Crown of the Continent Red Bus tour.
2. Whitefish Lake offers various recreational options, conveniently located near town. Visit the marina at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake for rentals of wave runners, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards. The views of the surrounding mountains, including Whitefish Mountain Resort, are stunning from the water.
3. The newly designed Whitefish Trail is perfect for cross-country mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, or leisurely walks with your dog. Over 19 miles of trails provide breathtaking mountain scenery and lake views.
4. With over 700 miles of trails and rugged wilderness, Glacier National Park is ideal for hiking. Notable trails include Avalanche Lake near Avalanche Campground and the scenic Highline Trail from Logan Pass.
5. Whitefish Mountain Resort provides a variety of outdoor adventures in the summer. The Walk in the Tree Tops, an elevated boardwalk nature walk, is particularly appealing for families, while the downhill mountain biking trails and zip line tours cater to thrill-seekers.
6. Explore the scenic North Fork of the Flathead River and its exciting Middle Fork by water. With experiences ranging from relaxing floats to thrilling rapids, Glacier Raft Company offers adventure rafting, family trips, and guided fly-fishing tours.
7. After a day of hiking, biking, and adventuring, reward your feet with a treat at Remedies Day Spa in downtown Whitefish, where they offer the mountaineers’ survival foot treatment: a honey and cream hot rock foot rub.