Community Forums

**TonyDi** · 03-21-2015, 12:08 PM

We will be travelling to Montana and Wyoming this summer.

I am looking for a recommendation as to the best gateway city for Glacier Nat'l Park. I've been told to consider Kalispell. I'm open to other locations.

Steve Ownby · 03-21-2015, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyDi

We will be travelling to Montana and Wyoming this summer.

I am looking for a recommendation as to the best gateway city for Glacier Nat'l Park. I've been told to consider Kalispell. I'm open to other locations.

Columbia Falls is a good location. Several RV parks and close to the park entrance.

Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

Luckiest Dreamer · 03-21-2015, 12:29 PM

We stayed outside the east gate and it was fine, Yet when we left the area we drove west and it seemed there may be more activity around the west entrance and it is easier to get to. Either one will get you into the park and the "Going to the Sun Road" Be prepared for lots of hiking with altitude changes the norm. It is a beautiful spot in this world and spending at least a week there is in order.

wimberleyman · 03-21-2015, 12:46 PM

We stayed at Spruce Park on the River in Kalispell. It is a very nice park right on the Flathead River and only 30 minutes from the west entrance to Glacier. The great thing about Spruce Park is it seems remote with a beautiful view yet a Walmart Super center just a few minutes away. It is also located on the highway headed out of town to Glacier. Check out their website.

P.S. You don't need a river front site to enjoy the view and the sites further away from the river are larger. (sites 25-30). Book early!

WM

SteveLevin · 03-21-2015, 02:31 PM

speaking of Glacier National Park, is a car required, or, like Yellowstone, can you still see a large part of the park with a 40' motorhome? We might have a chance to pass through the area later this year...but now towed vehicle.

Steve

mricet1005 · 03-21-2015, 02:42 PM

You cannot drive through park on the Going To The Sun road with a 40' motorhome. But you can take a Red Bus Tour from either the east our west entrance to see the main part of the park.

HicksRA · 03-21-2015, 03:16 PM

Columbia Falls is closer to Glacier than Kalispell. We stayed at Columbia Falls RV Park and were very satisfied. There are more RV parks closer to Glacier. We also stayed at North American RV Park Glacier National Park Montana RV Park Campground, Camping Cabins and Yurt Village near West Glacier, Montana - RV Sites, Cabins, Yurts, Free WiFi, 50AMP, Glacier Park Montana, Lodging, Camping, Hiking, Rafting, Horseback Riding, GNP, Red Bus Tours, B which is only 5 miles from the park entrance. A nice place as well.

JFXG · 03-21-2015, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby

Columbia Falls is a good location. Several RV parks and close to the park entrance.
Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

X2 on Columbia Falls. Nice little town, about 15 or 20 min to the Glacier entrance, IIRC. Stop for some Huckleberry ice cream! We stayed at the Columbia Falls RV Park. Very well kept, would go back.

Fred and Bonnie · 03-21-2015, 03:44 PM

We stayed in Kalispell, while the town is nice, we got real tired of the back and forth drive to the park.

Fred

coupevilleDF · 03-21-2015, 04:42 PM

We camped at the KOA at West Glacier last Fall and liked it. It was very handy to the park.

We also spent a day at the ski lodge at Whitefish. Well worth taking the gondola to the top.

**TonyDi** · 03-21-2015, 08:39 PM

Thank you to all who responded!!!

ChallengerRN · 03-22-2015, 04:35 AM

We stayed at Glacier Meadows campground. About 1/2 way between east & west gates on south side. Nice park friendly people away from traffic. We found more activity near the West entrance. Staying on that side will probably save you some miles on your tow vehicle.

On the West side we went around to a little town (Polebridge I think). Neat town that is off the grid. Lots of solar & generators. Small store there had awesome baked goods. We went on past the town to another entrance to Glacier Park--then on real small gravel road (one lane at times) to a lake. Saw two black bear in that area. We did this trip in small car without any problem. Great scenery in this area. More woods than mountains.

Russell

TMan59 · 03-22-2015, 12:29 PM

We stayed at Columbia Falls also. Not to far and nice rv park.

scenic route · 03-24-2015, 04:57 PM

Very nice 'Mountain View RV' cg just west of Columbia Falls, out of the hustle and bustle but close to town and a short drive to the south entrance to the park. The drive around Hungry Horse Reservoir is a scenic drive, but the 'Going to the Sun' road in the park is a must in the toad. Many Glacier is another area worthy of a visit.