A Complete Guide to Camping in Whitefish, Montana

With proximity to Glacier National Park, breathtaking scenery, and a charming downtown, Whitefish should be part of any Montana itinerary. And during the summertime, the best – and most affordable – way to experience it is on a camping trip.

Camping in Whitefish, Montana

Camping in Whitefish means having equal access to world-class dining and world-class recreation, and enjoying it all with some rustic flair. Start the morning with a hand-crafted coffee (our favorite is Folklore Coffee), spend the day hiking an epic trail or paddling a pristine lake, indulge in a gourmet dinner, and then sit around the campfire roasting marshmallows while you watch the sun go down at 10:00pm. If that’s not a dream summer vacation, I don’t know what is.

You’ll also save quite a bit of money by making this a camping trip. A basic campground will only set you back $15-$20 a night, and even the pricier ones cost a fraction of the frankly criminal summer prices of Whitefish hotels (and psst, one of the campgrounds on this list is free!).

Best Campgrounds in Whitefish, MT

There aren’t many options for camping in Whitefish itself, but there are plenty of campgrounds within 15 minutes, and even more if you’re willing to drive half an hour or so (see all of their locations on our custom map). In addition to the campgrounds listed here, you’ll find many more around Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Flathead Lake, and West Glacier, as well as the 13 campgrounds in Glacier National Park.

Whitefish campgrounds mostly fall into two main categories:

• Privately-owned campgrounds that are more geared toward RVs, provide lots of amenities for a premium cost, tend to be closer to town, and are usually open year-round
• More rustic campgrounds that sit on public land, offer the basics at a lower price point, are in more remote (and more scenic) locations, and often close outside the summer months

Be sure to double-check the list of amenities before you book – you don’t want to get caught pitching a tent at an RV park that doesn’t allow them or trying to connect your motorhome to a non-existent hook-up.

Whitefish Lake State Park

The town’s namesake state park is one of the cheapest and most convenient options for camping in Whitefish. Even for out-of-state visitors, the park costs less than half the price of most privately-owned campgrounds in the area, with a discounted rate for Montana residents. It’s also less than a 10-minute drive to all that downtown Whitefish has to offer, including City Beach.

But what really makes this campground special is its waterfront location and stunning views over Whitefish Lake. More than just a place to sleep, the park offers access to recreation on the lake, and there’s even a designated swimming area for dogs. Kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals are also available right at the park.

The downside, however, is that there are railroad tracks running just along the edge of the park. Trains pass by frequently at all hours, and when they do, it’s loud – so pack some earplugs if you’re planning to camp here. Compared to some of the other campgrounds near Whitefish, the park’s facilities are also on the rustic side.

Note: this is the only option for camping on Whitefish Lake. There is a second state park on the lake, called Les Mason State Park, but it does not have a campground.

Whitefish RV Park

This full-service RV park and campground has one huge advantage over any other option: it’s the only Whitefish campground within walking distance of, well, anything, really. It’s about a half-hour walk to the middle of downtown and only 10-15 minutes to get to a grocery store and several restaurants. You’ll be able to quickly pop into town for breakfast first thing or even walk back from the bars in the evening.

Besides its central location, Whitefish RV Park gets rave reviews for its strong Wi-Fi, clean bathrooms, friendly staff, and being spacious and quiet. In an area where many campgrounds sit right on a major highway, the quiet is a huge plus.

Whitefish / Kalispell North KOA

Like most KOAs, this one is bursting with amenities you won’t find at other campgrounds. With all the entertainment options, your kids will never get bored, and you (and they) will have lots of opportunities to meet other campers. It’s still just a quick drive into downtown, or head 15 minutes south to Kalispell for more (and often cheaper and less crowded) options. If you do make it down to Kalispell, don’t miss the chance to have a meal at the Hungry Hun!

However, all those extras at the KOA come with a higher price tag compared to other nearby campgrounds. And despite that cost, many of the facilities feel a bit rundown, and the campground is small for the number of spaces it offers, making it cramped and tricky to maneuver longer vehicles.

Mountain View RV Park

The first of four private RV parks on the way to Glacier National Park, Mountain View is barely ten minutes from downtown Whitefish, and just half an hour from the park. Importantly, it’s right across from the delicious pizza at Ranger Joe’s! Campers rave about the helpful staff and the cleanliness of all the facilities, and it’s also slightly cheaper than most of the other RV parks near Whitefish.

However, as this park sits right off Hwy. 40, the road noise can get loud with all the traffic going between Whitefish and Glacier Park every day. And while there are some trees, most of the spots are unshaded. Lastly, pets are allowed, but unlike most other campgrounds in the area, there’s no dog park.

Glacier Peaks RV Park & Campground

Another two minutes down the road and you’ll come to Glacier Peaks. Stay here, and you’ll still be halfway between Whitefish and Columbia Falls. This campground gets great reviews for its welcoming staff and all the well-maintained facilities. A handful of cozy cabins are available in addition to the campsites.

There’s lots of grassy space, and huge trees provide ample shade over most of the park, although a few of the spots are unshaded.

Whispering Pines RV Park

Just a stone’s throw away, this RV park will also put you just 10 minutes from Whitefish and 30 minutes from the park. But it sits far enough off the highway to be gloriously quiet.

Whispering Pines gets stellar reviews for everything from the service provided by the staff to the careful maintenance of facilities to the scenery and wildlife sightings you’ll enjoy. It’s also dog-friendly, with plenty of space to walk your pup or let them run in the dog parks. There are no tent spots available here, but if you’re looking to go RV camping in Whitefish, I don’t think you could do better than this campground.

Pro tip: book a site in the back loop of the RV park for way more space, privacy, and shade.

LaSalle RV Park and Campground

Also to the southeast of Whitefish, LaSalle RV Park is a tad closer to the airport, and still just 25 minutes from the entrance to Glacier Park. In addition to the standard facilities, this campground also has a propane filling station, offering refills at a great price.

As the campground sits right on Hwy. 2, expect to hear some road noise, especially if you’re in one of the sites near the front. They don’t have an online booking system, so you’ll need to call or email to make a reservation.

Tally Lake Campground

For a quieter and more rustic experience, head 35 minutes west of Whitefish to Tally Lake Campground. Yes, that’s the opposite direction of Glacier Park – but camping here isn’t about convenience, it’s about getting off the beaten path.

This campground in the Flathead National Forest might lack some of the fancier amenities of the RV parks near town – but it more than makes up for it with its (much) lower price tag and the beautiful scenery that surrounds it. The heavily-wooded sites are shaded and private, and you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful views of the lake, go swimming or boating, or hike the Overlook Trail on the edge of the campground. There are even kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals available on-site.

If you’re planning to visit Glacier, know that this campground is just over an hour from the entrance. But if the park isn’t the goal of your trip, and you’re looking for a more rustic experience where you can really disconnect, this campground can’t be beat.

Note: about half of the campsites are reservable online, while the other half are first-come, first served.

Upper Stillwater Campground

Also to the west of town, this little spot is also a great option if you’re looking for something more remote. And it is completely unlike any of the other Whitefish campgrounds mentioned so far.

For one thing, it’s free (!) to camp at Upper Stillwater. But the campground doesn’t take reservations, so you’ll have to take your chances if you’re trying to get a site. With just five campsites, you’ll feel like you have this beautiful place all to yourself – no crowds, no distractions, just access to a serene lake and nearby hiking trails.

No surprise given the (lack of) cost, the campground doesn’t offer any amenities outside of a vault toilet and a boat ramp to access the lake. Train tracks also pass near the campground, so be prepared for some noise.

Hungry Horse Campgrounds

The four campgrounds on the north end of Hungry Horse Reservoir are another great Whitefish camping alternative.

• Emery Bay Campground: 26 sites
• Doris Creek Campground: 9 sites
• Lost Johnny Campground: 5 sites
• Lost Johnny Point Campground: 21 sites

At any of these campgrounds, you’ll be 35-40 minutes from Whitefish and 25-30 minutes from Columbia Falls, so they aren’t ideal if you want to have easy access to town – but they’re great if you want to get away from it all. You’ll also be 25-30 minutes from Glacier Park, but the reservoir is so stunning and offers so many activities, it’s worth a visit in its own right. And you’ll be near the Huckleberry Patch, a must-stop for local treats!

These campgrounds sit on Forest Service land and provide only basic amenities – at very low prices. All four campgrounds have vault toilets only, and none have electrical hook-ups or showers. Doris Creek does not have drinking water, but the other three do. There’s no Wi-Fi and very limited cell service in this area, so prepare to disconnect completely.

The five spots at Lost Johnny are all reservable online, but the other three campgrounds hold about half of their sites for walk-ups – so if you can’t get a reservation in advance, you’ll have several options to try to snag a spot on the day of.

Hipcamp Camping Near Whitefish, MT

Have you heard of Hipcamp? It’s a platform that’s similar to Airbnb, but for camping, and we’ve had great experiences with it on past trips.

Most of the Hipcamp campsites near Whitefish are more affordable than the big RV parks in the area and also more accessible than the campgrounds on public land, although they don’t always provide a lot of amenities.

These are a few of the best Hipcamps we’ve found near Whitefish:

Lost Paddle and Pole: This Hipcamp sits between Whitefish and Columbia Falls, with quick access to both towns, and it’s only 30 minutes from Glacier Park. There are two tent/RV sites available, as well as a furnished yurt. It has a bathroom, just be sure to bring your own drinking water. And it’s pet-friendly!

Whitefish Basecamp: One private RV spot south of town, this unique Hipcamp site offers solitude with lots of extras. It’s for self-contained vehicles only – but drinking water, electrical and water hookups, an outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, and a gas grill, are all provided, plus a hammock, firepit, and lots of outdoor seating. It’s also pet-friendly, and they even offer doggie daycare.

Kim’s Campsites: Another peaceful option between Whitefish and Kalispell, this pet-friendly hobby farm offers four tent sites, with a toilet and potable water provided. You can even rent a tent if you’re not traveling with your own, and the hosts also offer kayak rentals for a great price. Bonus: you’ll likely get to see many of their animals!

As on any other booking site, make sure you read the details of the listing and the reviews before you book a Hipcamp.

Map of Whitefish Campgrounds

Our map shows all the best campgrounds near Whitefish, as well as nearby towns and relevant points of interest.

Click here for an interactive version of the map!

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