West Glacier KOA Resort Blog
The Premier Campground Resort at the Entrance of Glacier National Park
KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
3 miles west of Glacier National Park West Entrance on Highway 2. Then, 1 mile east on paved road.
GPS Coordinates: 48 degrees 27'51.74"N, 113 degrees 58'51.30"W
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If you're planning a three-day adventure in Glacier National Park, staying at West Glacier KOA Resort is the perfect basecamp! This itinerary includes breathtaking landscapes, unique activities, and tips for navigating the park—even if you don’t have a vehicle pass. Whether the Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed or you’re exploring outside the park’s most popular areas, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Best Time to Start: 7:30 AM
Plan For: 6-8 hours
Total Distance: ~25 miles (1 hour each way)
Morning: Head to Polebridge Mercantile
Start your adventure with a scenic drive to Polebridge, a remote and charming area in the North Fork region of Glacier. Don’t miss the famous huckleberry bear claws and locally brewed coffee at the historic Polebridge Mercantile.
Travel Tip: The drive includes gravel roads, but most vehicles can handle them just fine.
Mid-Morning: Explore Bowman Lake
After breakfast, head to Bowman Lake, one of Glacier’s most tranquil spots.
What to Do: Hike the Bowman Lake Nature Trail (1.2 miles, easy), rent a kayak, or enjoy a picnic by the water.
Travel Tip: Arrive early to secure parking, especially during peak season.
Optional Stop: Home Ranch Bottoms
If you’re hungry after exploring Bowman Lake, stop by Home Ranch Bottoms for a delicious late lunch featuring locally sourced food and refreshing drinks.
Evening: Return to KOA & Relax
Unwind back at West Glacier KOA Resort. Enjoy a swim in the pool, a soak in the hot tub, or a campfire under the stars.
Best Time to Start: 9:00 AM
Plan For: 4-6 hours
Total Distance: ~15 miles (30 minutes each way)
Morning: Visit Hungry Horse Dam
Begin your day with a visit to Hungry Horse Dam, one of the largest concrete arch dams in the U.S.
What to Do: Take a self-guided tour, enjoy the scenic views, or explore nearby hiking trails.
Travel Tip: Bring binoculars—this area is great for spotting eagles and other wildlife.
Mid-Morning: Drive the Hungry Horse Reservoir Loop
Take a scenic drive along Hungry Horse Reservoir, a hidden gem offering breathtaking mountain views.
Afternoon: Explore Columbia Falls & Whitefish
Columbia Falls: Grab lunch, browse local shops, or visit the quirky Montana Vortex attraction.
Whitefish Mountain Resort: Ride the scenic gondola for panoramic views of Glacier or try the alpine slides and zip lines.
Travel Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially in peak season.
Evening: Return to KOA
Relax back at the resort with a campfire, s’mores, and stargazing.
Best Time to Start: 8:00 AM
Plan For: Full-day exploration
Morning: Two Medicine Valley
Start your day at Two Medicine Valley, an often-overlooked area of Glacier.
What to Do: Hike the Twin Falls Trail, rent a kayak on Two Medicine Lake, or take a historic boat tour.
Travel Tip: Pack a lunch or grab something from the Two Medicine Camp Store before heading north.
Late Morning: Glacier Park Lodge
Instead of Many Glacier, stop at Glacier Park Lodge to soak in its rich history. Built by the Great Northern Railway in 1913, this iconic lodge offers:
Hotel tours and historical displays about the lodges of Glacier, past and present.
Stunning grounds perfect for a stroll.
Dining options for a relaxing lunch.
Evening: Return to KOA
End your trip with a relaxing evening at the resort. Share stories around the campfire and savor your final moments in Glacier National Park.
Horseback Riding: Explore the park’s trails on horseback for a unique perspective.
Rafting: Book a guided rafting trip on the Flathead River for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
UTVing: Rent a UTV and hit the trails outside the park.
Boat Rentals: Rent a boat on Lake McDonald or Two Medicine Lake for a peaceful afternoon on the water.
Apgar Lookout: Enjoy a rewarding hike to the lookout tower, where you can have a picnic overlooking Lake McDonald.
Perfect Basecamp: Centrally located near Glacier’s top attractions.
Resort Amenities: Pool, hot tub, campfire pits, and comfortable cabins.
Camping for Everyone: Spacious RV sites, cozy cabins, and tent camping available.
On-Site Dining: Enjoy delicious meals without leaving the campground.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
