Camping areas near Essex, Montana center around Glacier National Park, with options ranging from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites. Two Medicine Campground in the eastern section of Glacier National Park accommodates tent and RV camping with drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access. The Middle Fork Flathead River area provides dispersed camping opportunities outside the park boundaries, while several established campgrounds like Fish Creek and Apgar offer more amenities within the park.
Road conditions and seasonal closures significantly impact camping access throughout the region. Many campgrounds operate only from late May through early September due to Montana's mountain weather patterns. "Whether you've arrived on foot, by car or by rail, Apgar places you in an excellent position to take advantage of what Glacier has to offer," noted one visitor about the strategic location of certain campgrounds. Travelers should check current conditions before arrival, as mountain roads can be affected by snow even in early summer. Cell service varies widely, with better coverage near West Glacier and limited or no service in more remote camping areas. Campgrounds within Glacier National Park typically fill quickly during peak season, making advance reservations essential for developed sites.
Campers consistently mention the spectacular mountain views and wildlife viewing opportunities as highlights of the Essex area. Several visitors reported deer walking through their campsites, particularly at Fish Creek and Apgar campgrounds. According to one camper, "We had a deer walk through our site early morning, so wildlife is definitely near by." The proximity to Glacier National Park's hiking trails and lakes represents a major draw for most visitors. Tent and RV sites at campgrounds like Two Medicine provide drinking water and toilets, while dispersed camping areas along the Middle Fork Flathead River offer more primitive experiences with fewer amenities but greater solitude. Bear safety remains an important consideration throughout the region, with most established campgrounds providing bear-proof food storage boxes and regular ranger patrols.
$90 / night
"I bring my waders and float tube and love to fish in the lake. The campground is at the base of a mountain where bear sightings are not uncommon!"
"Took my brother to Montana for the first time. We did an epic road trip. 5000 miles all over the west. Stayed in two medicine camp ground for a week. We hit some great trails out there."
"This is a big RV resort close to West Glacier town and park entrance. We came with our 25’ RV and reserved a tent pad site to ensure we were up against the edge of the resort."
"9/13/19 West Glacier, Montana West Glacier KOA Resort
Most beautiful location of the KOAs I've stayed at. Nestled against the mountains and less than 3 miles to Glacier National Park. "
$45 - $90 / night
"Apgar is walking distance from the Apgar Visitor Center and park shuttles, as well as Apgar Village, camp store, equipment rentals, etc."
"I could see 6 or 7 other camp fires burning while sitting next to mine. We stayed three nights and every night heard someone a site or two over as he was talking too loud (and too much)."
$45 - $120 / night
"Montana is absolutely gorgeous! I may be biased because I go to college in Montana, but there is so many great outdoor activities. The mountains and scenery are my favorite."
"Great place tucked away from the road. Sites are smaller. Place was clear even the showers. Hot water in the morning not so much at night."
$30 / night
"We have stayed in Many Glacier and Avalanche Creek but this is our favorite campsite in the park because of its proximity to Lake Mcdonald as well as Apgar village."
"Now the good: We were really close to Apgar village and other sites along the Road to the Sun road. The rangers were nice and pleasant to interact with."
"It’s so close to the National Park entrance and a beautiful place to stay. The road is a bit bumpy getting down here but there’s plenty of room for tent camping and RVs. Be careful though!"
"Perfect spot for camping outside the west entrance, about 25 minutes away. That road is a little rough coming in but it’s short and manageable, even saw a little Mazda make it in."
$22 / night
"The facility are excellent to Montana cleanliness standards. The hosts are always more than helpful. We have always loved traveling in Montana!!!!!!!!!!!"
"It’s close access to Glacier NP. We chose a site without trees for the open sky. The dark night skies here were excellent for star gazing."
$10 - $20 / night
"I even had a moose walk about 30 yards passed my tent which was pretty cool. There are hiking trails nearby if you don’t want to drive to Glacier for hiking."
"There is a nice monument here if you just want to stop off while driving by and hit a vault toilet. The sites are quite and secluded for their close proximity to the highway."
$18 / night
"We ended up at Lid Creek after the first few campgrounds along the lake were full. Sites are on the small side, and most are not very flat."
"The lake, Salish Mountains and Montana’s big sky are all front and center here. Lid Creek is 15 miles off U.S. 2 on a very winding but paved road."
$22 - $300 / night
"Surrounded by large conifers with a large fiberglass topped picnic table that is easy to clean and fire pit. The vault toilets are within a short walking distance."
"So close to five stars - I'm just picky about having more space between sites and having sites not right next to the campground road. Call me spoiled, though. Can't go wrong here."
LegendFlathead lake started my love affair with Montana. The campground is right on the lake with amazing views, lots of hiking trails.
Very friendly camp hosts. My site did not have a view of the water, but there were so many places to sit and enjoy the lake.
ScoutClean Modern with tons of space and area to spread out.
ScoutFinding a boondocking free campsite looking over Flathead reservoir was absolutely the best campsite my husband and I have ever gone to with a travel trailer. Definitely recommend! And it was FREE!
GuideThis site has some of the nicest bathrooms I’ve seen, WiFi worked well through most of the camp. The camp is situated between a busy highway and a busy railroad so it’s not the quietest but you don’t have to worry about animals as much. Price is fair for the facilities and WiFi .
GuideThe campsite and facilities were well maintained for the price. The campground fills up fast. The sites closest to the rock wall are not open to tents due to falling rocks and rangers enforce the rule, we saw a group have to take down camp and move, so be aware if you plan on tent camping. Campground will be busy but Glacier is always busy.
GuideSpots are a little tight and facilities are older but everything worked well for us. The campground is reasonably priced and super close to Glacier. If you need a decent place to stay for an affordable price while you explore Glacier then this is a good option.
ScoutCamp Whispering Pines is a lovely, quiet spot with beautiful Montana scenery. The campsites are well-spaced and shaded, making it great for both tents and RVs. Facilities are clean and well-maintained, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The location feels peaceful, perfect for relaxing or exploring nearby trails and lakes. If you’re looking for a laid-back campground with a classic outdoors feel, this place is definitely worth checking out! run 3
LegendWow! What an incredible experience. Beautiful hike in from the highland trail with so much wildlife seen. Be careful, there were grizzly bears in the area, we saw one a quarter mile from the chalet. Definitely hike with bear spray.
We got super lucky and grabbed a one night reservation about a month in advance. We were there the last weekend of the season. All the other guests had reserved their rooms in the prior winter through the lottery.
Facilities are warm and cozy, including a communal kitchen and dining area. Potable water is available, though you have to carry it from down the hill a bit. Vault toilets only. We stayed in one of the rooms either a bunk bed. The room was private, but everyone can hear all the other guests in the adjoining rooms.
The camp staff were very friendly. They gave a great oral history and speeches during dinner time. There is a camp store with basic food necessities.
Highly recommend this unique experience!
ScoutI stayed here in November and we were only 1 of 2 campers. I will never stay here in the summer because it is too packed. There was a lot of dog poop that wasn't picked up so that was pretty gross. Also, the road down to the campsite was a bad as people said but my truck handled it fine. I would definitely NOT bring a car on it!
Camping sites near Essex, Montana range from primitive dispersed spots to accessible campgrounds with basic amenities. Located within Flathead National Forest at elevations between 3,500 and 5,000 feet, the area experiences significant temperature fluctuations with cool nights even in summer. Most camping options require self-sufficiency with limited potable water access, especially at dispersed sites along the Middle Fork Flathead River.
Hiking from campgrounds: Two Medicine Campground offers direct trail access to mountain landscapes. "This is one of my favorite parts of the Park due to its quietness. It's less visited than the other parts leaving a wonderful place to hike and a great place to see wild life," notes David B. about Two Medicine Campground.
Water recreation: Rent boats or paddleboards at Lake McDonald near Apgar. "A short stroll between sites 19 and 21 is a mini trail that leads to a staircase to the Southwest Side of Lake McDonald where kids and adults can take a dip in the water," shares Mai K. about Fish Creek Campground.
Stargazing: Some areas offer exceptional night skies with minimal light pollution. "The dark night skies here were excellent for star gazing," reports Tree V. about their experience at Devil Creek Campground.
Secluded waterfront sites: Murray Bay Campground provides lake access despite remote location. "Sites on the water had paths right down to the bay, but there was also a common use path and boat dock," shares Anna P. about Murray Bay Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Many campers report seeing deer and other animals. "We had a deer walk through our site early morning, so wildlife is definitely near by," notes Elizabeth N. about Lid Creek Campground.
Evening programs: Some campgrounds offer ranger-led talks and activities. "Nice shaded sites (we stayed in B loop). Close bathrooms. Enjoyed the nightly ranger programs," writes Tyler W. about Lid Creek Campground.
Road conditions: Access to remote campgrounds can be challenging. "We stayed in site 23. No water, no electric, generators allowed and at least 6 were going in the morning. Vault toilets but VERY clean. Hosts very helpful and available," reports Darrin R. about Lid Creek Campground.
Limited amenities: Many sites lack services like water. "There is NO WATER available at the campground so bring your own or you'll be frustrated," warns Bob R. about Lid Creek Campground.
Tent site quality: Ground conditions vary by campground. "Bring your mallets for the pads- the ground is rock hard and was a little tough to get stakes into," advises Jen G. about Fish Creek Campground.
Kid-friendly facilities: Some campgrounds cater to families with designated areas. "There is a central gathering area with playground and group picnic shelters," explains Janet R. about Glacier Campground.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water access. "Lake access is a just short walk down a trail. There is a great rock beach with plenty of room for kids to play and splash," notes Elizabeth N. about Lid Creek Campground.
Entertainment beyond hiking: West Glacier KOA provides organized activities. "Cool activities for kids and adults," mentions Megan B. about this family-friendly West Glacier KOA Resort.
Site selection: Choose carefully based on vehicle size. "Not all sites are big rig friendly, even if you technically fit... if you're in an rv and flatness is important to you, I'd try and get a site along the edges. Those sites were flatter and wider than the sites in the center of the campground," advises Laura M. about Two Medicine Campground.
Access roads: Large rigs may need alternative routes. "Heads up: when we were on 89, there was a sign at the entrance to 49 saying that vehicles over 21 ft not advisable. We looked at google maps and decided that 49 between 89 and the campground did look pretty winding and decided to add the 15 miles to our trip by going out to Browning, down 2, then back up 49 from the south," explains Laura M. about approaching Two Medicine.
Hookup limitations: Plan for boondocking at most national park sites. "There is a dump station and potable water fill at the entrance to the campground," notes Laura M. about Two Medicine Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping near Essex?
Essex is ideally positioned near several excellent camping options in the Glacier National Park region. Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park offers an excellent location for first-time visitors with regular access to park amenities. For a more secluded experience, Bowman Lake Campground — Glacier National Park provides spectacular lakeside camping, though it requires traveling on dirt roads. Other nearby options include Two Medicine Campground on the east side and various RV parks in the West Glacier area, all providing convenient access to the park's stunning natural attractions.
Are there any campgrounds with amenities near Essex?
Yes, several campgrounds near Essex offer excellent amenities. North American RV Park & Yurt Village is just 5 minutes from West Glacier entrance with full hookups and is close to attractions like zip lines and adventure parks. Mountain View RV Park provides convenient access to Hungry Horse Dam, local distilleries, and breweries. For those seeking lakeside amenities, Rollins RV Park on Flathead Lake offers beautiful waterfront facilities with tent sites and cabins available alongside RV spots. Most amenity-rich options are within 30-45 minutes of Essex.
What is the best time of year to go camping near Essex?
The prime camping season near Essex runs from late June through early September when weather conditions are most favorable and all facilities are fully operational. Tally Lake Campground is excellent during summer months, offering fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities with clean facilities and hiking trails. Yellow Bay State Park Campground on Flathead Lake provides beautiful mountain views and crystal-clear water during the warmer months. Consider that higher elevation sites may have snow into June, and September can bring cooler temperatures with fewer crowds. Always check road conditions and campground schedules before traveling, as some facilities begin closing in early September.
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