BEST Campground in Glacier National Park: Full Tour of West Glacier Hipcamp
Looking for a basecamp near Glacier that is private, spacious, and set up for both RVs and tent campers? We stayed at one of Montana’s highest rated Hipcamps near West Glacier and put it to the test. Here’s what we found on site size and privacy, actual driving times into the park, amenities, costs, and a few honest drawbacks. Spoiler: really just a great campsite, it is huge.
Our Campsite Setup: Site Number One
Site 1 came ready with a fire pit, picnic table, and a generous gravel pad. We parked a 34-foot RV with slide, stored our tow gear, rolled out a mat, and still had room for the car. Trees ringed the site for shade and hammocks, and neighbors were about 100 yards away.
- Fire pit for evening gatherings
- Picnic table for meals
- Room for a combined 54-foot rig and toad
We could run the generator without bothering anyone thanks to the spacing.
Privacy and Spacing Across the Campground
There are about 20 sites total, and they are spread out. Some are closer together, but many feel tucked away. We were near the entrance, so we saw occasional drive-bys, though overall it stayed quiet on site.
Wildlife is active. We saw deer, raccoons, and even a bear nearby, so keep food locked up.
Ponds and Walking Paths by Every Site
Several small ponds run through the property, and most sites sit alongside them with easy walking access.
Safety reminders:
- Watch for bears and deer.
- Use paths during daylight.
- Store and cook food wisely.
Campground Layout and Roads
From the entrance, the road loops across multiple lanes of gravel, which are great for morning walks. Sites fit small tents up to larger RVs like ours. Even in September, we enjoyed cool mornings, turning leaves, and calm trails.
20 campsites total, plus one tube tent.
Surprisingly Great Pit Toilets
These were some of the cleanest pit toilets we’ve used. There was toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and the smell stayed low. The handles are shaped like tools, which adds a fun touch. They are open air, so mornings can feel chilly.
Gazebo, Wi-Fi, and Shared Space
A standout feature is the common area with free Wi-Fi. The gazebo has an outdoor kitchen with sinks, a grill, storage, and a large dining table. There are hammock chairs, a hammock swing, a lakeside fire pit, and even a zipline.
- Outdoor kitchen for group meals
- Lakefront fire pit
- Hammocks for lounging
It is rare to find a shared space this good at a campground.
Water Activities: Free to Use
Guests can use kayaks, paddle boards, and a pedal boat on the small lake at no extra charge. These free rentals are a big perk if you want a rest day off the main trails.
Easy On-site Trails
Wide, simple trails thread the property. These are perfect for a leg-stretch day when you are not driving into the park.
Small Camp Store at Fair Prices
The camp store covers the basics: coffee, firewood, propane, small burners, and simple games like Frisbees. Prices felt reasonable, and the store is only a short walk from most sites. Firewood was $7 per bucket, with bucket return.
The Tube Tent Option
There is a cozy tube tent setup if you do not have your own gear. It includes parking, a water spigot, a hammock, a picnic table, and a fire pit. It is a nice option for someone who prefers a simple, off-ground shelter.
Location: How Long It Takes To Reach Glacier
The front gate is about 10 to 12 minutes away. Once you enter, Glacier’s size and the 40 mph limit on Going-to-the-Sun Road mean drives take time.
- Front gate: 10 to 12 minutes
- Major west-side trailheads: 30 to 45 minutes
- Logan Pass: about 1 hour 15 minutes
- Many Glacier: about 2 hours by Going-to-the-Sun, a little less via the highway loop
If you are planning your route, compare options using Best camping in Glacier National Park on Hipcamp.
Noise Tradeoffs You Should Expect
The campground sits near a busy road with a 65 mph speed limit, and a train passes at night. You will hear trucks and the occasional horn. It is louder than average, yet still manageable for sleep.
Nearby Towns and Resources
Corm and West Glacier are close, and Hungry Horse is about 10 minutes away with cheaper gas and a grocery store. Kalispell is roughly 45 minutes if you need Walmart or auto parts.
- Gas and groceries: Hungry Horse
- Big-box supplies and repairs: Kalispell
You can compare other camper feedback on the area at Glacier HipCamp reviews on The Dyrt.
What It Costs
Prices vary by site size and season. Here is what we experienced and saw listed.
| Site type | Typical nightly rate | Guests included |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 50 ft vehicle | About $42, often $45 to $50 peak | 4 |
| Smaller pads | About $38 to $40 | 4 |
There are no hookups for electric, water, or sewer at any site.
How We Managed No Hookups
We ran our generator at camp. For water, we moved the RV to the nearby KOA to fill during the shoulder season. For dumping, options are 5 to 10 minutes away in either direction. We used the campground toilets once our tanks neared full to avoid overflows.
Quick tips:
- Plan water runs every few days.
- Use the generator during reasonable hours.
- Call ahead for fill and dump options in peak season.
If you like boondocking and memberships, consider a month of Harvest Hosts to pair stops en route.
Our Honest Take: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great price for the location
- Huge, private sites with room to spare
- Clean pit toilets, free kayaks and paddle boards, gazebo with Wi-Fi
- Fast access to the park entrance
Cons:
- No electric, water, or sewer hookups
- Noticeable road and train noise
The owners are friendly and present on the property, which helps everything run smoothly.
Why It Earns the Hype
You stay here to explore Glacier, not sit at camp all day. The location, site size, and extras make it a smart choice for RVs, vans, and tent campers. We strongly recommend it. For more trip ideas and updates, follow us on Instagram.
Final Thoughts: Plan Your Stay
This Hipcamp is a solid home base for Glacier with standout value and space. Book early in peak season, and plan for no hookups. Want flexible overnight options on your road days? Test a month of Harvest Hosts. Ready to camp near one of America’s most iconic parks? Book now and start planning your adventure.
