Staying in Whitefish, Montana, RV parks makes it easy to check Glacier National Park off your bucket list. While you may think it’s better to camp in Glacier proper, we’re here to tell you differently.
Whitefish, Montana, is a stunning mountain town. Staying outside of Glacier helps you experience the beauty surrounding this highly sought-after national park. Read on to learn about Whitefish and some of the best places to visit on your Glacier National Park vacation.
Experience Beautiful Whitefish, Montana Near Flathead Lake
If you’ve ever thought Montana was only flat, open plains, think again. While the state’s eastern half earns the nickname Big Sky Country, the western half is on another level. The Whitefish Mountain Range and the Swan Mountains are only a couple of the majestic ranges that overlook Whitefish and the Flathead Valley.
Glacier National Park is one of many natural wonders in northwest Montana. You have Whitefish Lake, Big Mountain, the Swan River, Jewel Basin, and more for your boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, and backpacking needs. You can’t forget Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. This massive beauty is only 30 miles south of Whitefish. Kalispell and Bigfork are along the way and are two Montana towns worth your time.
Whitefish is a town of 8,000 people with big hearts, big grins, and a city to share with those that love the outdoors. Whether you like shopping and dining or outdoor adventures like biking, hiking, fishing, and boating, Whitefish and the surrounding area near Glacier National Park have it all.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Glacier National Park?
From its raw, untamed wilderness in the backcountry to its resort-style lodging along with Lake McDonald, this national park attracts millions of visitors yearly. Most visit in the summer months during June, July, and August.
While these months may offer the best weather with temperatures rarely over 90 degrees and the popular Going-to-the-Sun-Road is open, they also bring in the most people. Front country trails attract crowds, campgrounds and lodgings are full, and lines of cars are waiting to drive in. You also must have a reservation ticket in addition to the park pass.
If you must visit in the summer, it will be gorgeous. Prepare for the crowds and come in with a patient mindset. However, the early spring or late fall might be the best time to experience Glacier’s stunning beauty. You may also experience snow and cooler weather. Still, campgrounds are open, trails aren’t busy with people, and the abundant beauty offers a serenity that isn’t often present during the active summer months.
Pro Tip: Use our Traveler’s Guide to Glacier National Park Wildlife to know what to keep an eye out for while exploring this stunning site.
6 Best Whitefish Montana RV Parks
Locals know that spring and fall are the best months to experience Glacier National Park, Whitefish, and the entire Flathead Valley. That’s why most RV parks are open year-round. However, if your only opportunity to visit this area is in the summer, RV parks in Whitefish, Montana, are here for you. With many tucked away in serene, wooded areas only a 30-minute drive from Glacier, you’ll experience Glacier and get a peaceful night’s rest. These are six of the best Whitefish, Montana, RV parks.
1. Whitefish RV Park
Address: 6404 U.S. 93 S., Whitefish, MT 59937
Amenities: Whitefish RV Park is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for the amenities of a wooded RV park with the advantages of a beautiful Montana mountain town. Whitefish RV Park is less than two miles from downtown Whitefish and offers 51 full hookup sites, tent sites, and partial hookup sites. It also features Wi-Fi, laundry, and shower houses. The cost starts at $85 per night. Open year-round, this is the perfect destination for your next vacation.
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Why You’ll Love It: This park is secluded enough to make you feel tucked away in nature but within walking distance to many restaurants and shopping.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 8/10
2. Whitefish/Kalispell North KOA Holiday
Address: 5121 U.S. 93, Whitefish, MT 59937
Amenities: Whitefish/Kalispell North KOA Holiday is one of the best Whitefish, Montana, RV parks. It has 33 acres of forest and is only 24 miles from Glacier National Park, close to Whitefish and Kalispell. It is big rig friendly with full hookups, tent sites, and cabins. Whitefish/Kalispell North KOA Holiday goes above and beyond with its amenities, including a hot tub, game room, mini-golf, fun bikes, walking trails, kids’ paddle boats, a swimming pool, disc golf, and an onsite restaurant. Rates start around $85 per night.
Pet-Friendly: Yes, with a dog park
Why You’ll Love It: This is one of the best RV parks for children with its kid and family activities to keep you smiling all day long.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 9/10
3. Mountain View RV Park
Address: 3621 Montana Hwy 40 W, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Amenities: Sitting in the middle of Whitefish and Columbia Falls, you’ll have easy access to these quintessential Montana mountain towns at Mountain View RV Park. Given its name for its views of the surrounding mountains, you’ll find everything you need here. It has 45 full hookup sites, complimentary coffee, beverages, and RV supplies. There’s also laundry, shower houses, and a grassy play area with a basketball hoop. Rates start around $70 a night.
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Why You’ll Love It: Only 22 miles to Glacier, this is one of the closest RV parks, offering the convenience of a peaceful stay and easy access to Glacier and the many surrounding towns and natural areas.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 7/10
4. Whitefish Lake State Park
Address: 1615 W. Lakeshore Dr., Whitefish, MT 59937
Amenities: If you love boating, swimming, water-skiing, fishing, or spending time in a beautiful natural campsite, this Whitefish, Montana, RV park is for you. The park is a short drive from the Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort and the town of Whitefish, and it’s also adjacent to the Whitefish hiking and biking trail system.
There are 25 sites, including RV spots for rigs up to 40 feet, tent campsites, and a hike-in/bike-in location. Showers are available, with water and restrooms. There’s also a boat launch at the park, making it an ideal place to enjoy all that Montana offers. Campsites start at around $30 per night, in addition to the daily pass entrance fee. Be aware that active train tracks are running alongside the park!
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Why You’ll Love It: Being on Whitefish Lake is enough to make this a convenient RV park you’ll love.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 9/10
5. Whispering Pines RV Park
Address: 265 Kinnikinnick Ln., Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Amenities: Whispering Pines RV Park is in the heart of it all between Columbia Falls and Whitefish, on 13 gorgeous secluded acres of wooded beauty. This RV park has full hookup, electric, and joint electric and water sites. There are 68 campsites to find the perfect one for your needs. Amenities include a bathhouse, laundry facilities, an onsite store, and WiFi. Rates start at $75 per night.
Pet-Friendly: Yes, with a dog run
Why You’ll Love It: The beauty of this park is one agreeable factor, but it is also a mere 20 miles from Glacier National Park.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 8/10
6. Glacier Peaks RV Park
Address: 3185 Montana Hwy 40 W, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Amenities: This Whitefish, Montana, RV park is between the mountain towns of Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls. Best of all, it’s only a 30-minute drive to Glacier. Glacier Peaks RV Park has full hookup RV spaces, is big rig friendly, and has cabins. It has 60 RV sites, many of them full hookups. With WiFi, laundry facilities, showers, a retail store, and a grassy area, this is the perfect respite when you finish exploring. Rates start at around $65 per night for this getaway.
Pet-Friendly: Yes, with pet walking areas
Why You’ll Love It: Being tucked away amidst the trees mere minutes away from some of the best outdoor activities in the state is an easy reason to love this Whitefish, Montana, RV park.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 9/10
Pro Tip: Need to save money on your budget? Spend no money by staying at this Free Camping Spot Near Glacier National Park.
Whitefish Montana RV Parks Are Neighbors With Glacier National Park
Visiting Glacier is an experience of a lifetime. However, trying to stay overnight there can be a challenging experience. But with many Whitefish, Montana, RV parks as Glacier’s neighbors, your experiences will be exciting, not stressful. Book your stay in Whitefish today, and have Glacier National Park as your friendly neighbor.
Which RV park will you visit during your next adventure? Tell us in the comments!
Become A Mortons On The Move Insider
Join 10,000+ other adventurers to receive educating, entertaining, and inspiring articles about RV Travel Destinations, RV Gear, and Off-Grid Living to jump-start your adventures today!