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tnrvers · 01-27-2016, 05:39 PM

Hello All,

Just started planning this years trip and am looking at Glacier National Park (US) sometime close to July 4th. Plan on being there a week or so and then down to Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Parks.

I'm looking for any information about where to camp in a 39' MH.

Have started a search, but thought I would ask here because of this forum's wealth of knowledge.

Thank You
Tom and Barb
2000 Bounder 39Z

Steve Ownby · 01-27-2016, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnrvers

Hello All,

Just started planning this years trip and am looking at Glacier National Park (US) sometime close to July 4th. Plan on being there a week or so and then down to Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Parks.

I'm looking for any information about where to camp in a 39' MH.

Have started a search, but thought I would ask here because of this forum's wealth of knowledge.

Thank You

Tom and Barb

2000 Bounder 39Z

We stayed at Columbia Falls RV Resort and would again. On the west side of Glacier.

GaryKD · 01-27-2016, 06:49 PM

I always stay on the east side of Glacier NP. The east side is very rural. The KOA at St. Mary is for me go to St Mary, Montana Campground | St. Mary / East Glacier KOA for details. The CG is close to the park entry points and east side hiking trails. Great views from the CG.

TMan59 · 01-27-2016, 08:07 PM

Columbia Falls gets another thumbs up from us.

777 Driver · 01-27-2016, 09:24 PM

Hi Tom & Barb,

OK, I’ll be right up front with you. I grew up in Choteau, Montana. I moved away when I went to college and have been back many, many summers since. Although I did visit a few times in the winter, since my college education, I haven’t made a habit of that. I still remember -54 degrees F…ambient…not wind chill. We were told that our spit would freeze before it hit the ground; I never slowed down long enough to check that while I was walking to school.

So, there is a really nice little town between Glacier and Yellowstone (Choteau) that has a quintessential 4th of July celebration. Lots of “Americana” type of activities…parade, rodeo, fireworks.

Now, before you write me off as some “kook” from Montana, know that others have found this “Last, Best Place” (google that). The recently retired host of “The Late Show” on CBS has a little place (about 25,000 acres) west of Choteau and enjoys the local festivities. In fact (NOT a guarantee for 2016), a local “benefactor” has sponsored free concerts in Choteau. Many of the groups have appeared on Dave Letterman’s show. It’s been a few years since Willie Nelson performed in Choteau (FREE for the locals). You might find this an interesting interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miC1vn43PBc

Part II talks a little more about Choteau:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE6TbmM-4uI

BTW, I'm NOT a huge Dave Letterman fan. But, many of the locals have accepted him as just a guy who has a big ranch west of town.

So, if your schedule allows a visit in Choteau, MT on the 4th of July, you’ll enjoy it. Fun stuff to do and lots of nice folks. I’ll be there (yeah, I know you’re pretty excited about that). IF it turns out you’re putting that on your schedule, let me know and I can hook you up for some good seats at the rodeo. There’s a nice little campground in town (http://www.campchoteaumt.com/). No, I don’t have any business interest…Jill and Darrell are just very gracious hosts.

Regarding Glacier, be SURE to put a Red Bus Tour (http://www.glaciernationalparklodges.com/red-bus-tours) on your list of things to do. Again, I’ve got no business connection…it’s just a great way to see the Going To The Sun Highway.

It truly is a spectacular area, even after the fires last summer.

Take care,
Stu

tnrvers · 01-29-2016, 10:56 AM

Thanks for the replies and 777 Driver thanks for your narrative and reminder of just how cold northern Montana can get in the winter.

Spent a little time in Kalispell back in 1972 and vividly remember having to use an open "phone both", don't recall which was colder the minus ^&*@# temperature being blown at 40 MPH down my jacket collar or the "ice cube" of a phone receiver I had to place on my ear (best reason for invention of the cell phone I can think of). As for the 4th we just thought we would hang out around Columbia Falls, but will take your recommendation about Choteau to heart.

Thanks Again.
Tom and Barb
2000 Bounder 39Z

Not a Clue · 01-29-2016, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

I always stay on the east side of Glacier NP. The east side is very rural. The KOA at St. Mary is for me go to St Mary, Montana Campground | St. Mary / East Glacier KOA for details. The CG is close to the park entry points and east side hiking trails. Great views from the CG.

This is where we stayed when we visited Glacier. We also took a day trip up into Canada to Waterton NP. Well worth the trip.

777 Driver · 01-29-2016, 12:09 PM

We've stayed near Hungry Horse at Mountain Meadow (http://mountainmeadowrv.com/rv-sites/). Very pretty and their sites are a little farther apart than many west side campgrounds. Very much in the trees (read that NO satellite TV).

Oh, did I mention that Flint Rasmussen is from Choteau?

Seriously, enjoy your time in Montana.

Take care,
Stu

NC25T · 01-29-2016, 01:41 PM

When I was there back in 09 we spent a few nights on the west side which gave us easy access to trails etc on that side of the park. Then we spent a few nights on the east side I believe at the st Mary Koa.

Both have their good/bad, camping area was nicer on the west side of the park. I can't recall where we stayed possibly another Koa, they had really good fish at their restaurant.

Depending on your route to and from the park I would suggest doing what we did. We came up from Yellowstone and spent time at west glacier first. Our last few days we were on the east side which gave us easy access to the park in Canada.

Mac99 · 01-29-2016, 02:32 PM

x3 on Columbia Falls RV park, grreat location. Other than the road to the sun,
really not much to see at Glacier Park, IMO. Hungry Horse is great town if you are
there on the 4th of July.

NC25T · 01-30-2016, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macandphyl

Other than the road to the sun,
really not much to see at Glacier Park, IMO.

I guess it depends on what you do in the park, for me that couldn't be farther from the truth. Yes going to the sun road is nice however there are numerous excellent hiking trails all over the park. Also gravel roads that take you to places like bowman lake campground.

**TonyDi** · 01-30-2016, 01:17 PM

We stayed at Columbia Falls RV this past summer for three weeks and loved it. It is close to restaurants and grocery stores. Closer to the West Gate there is a KOA which also was nice, (however, we didn't stay there.)It is a bit of a drive if you need groceries though.

goldwingman · 02-28-2016, 02:07 PM

Took this exact trip last year in early Aug. Stayed in Kalispell at Spruce Pine on the river. Not a fancy place, and it is under new ownership, but convenient and easy to use. We have an W/Itasca Spirit, 29' and pull a 14' trailer with toys.
Rode the bike over the GTS highway and back. Gorgeous. Easy travel, and I like being able to stop and look when you want to.
Camped at Northwest end of YSNP in Gardiner, MT at Rocky Mtn. RV Park. Super convenient and beautiful scenery. Spent 4 days, not enough.
Tetons were smoky, unfortunately, due to the fires. Enjoyed the stay, but will return for better views and air (cough, cough).
Stayed at the Virginian Lodge CG in Jackson Hole.
Best wishes for a great trip. I can't wait to go back out. If you can, fit a trip on the Beartooth Hwy. into your trip and also the Rocky Mtn. Parkway, Hwy 34, Granby, CO to Estes Park, CO. Breathtaking.