WEST GLACIERRESORT · MONTANACampground info ↗WEST GLACIER KOA RESORT
Your basecamp
for adventure.
Find your way around the resort, enjoy food and activities at camp, and plan unforgettable days in Glacier National Park.
Explore your stay ↓WEST GLACIER, MONTANA · TODAY
West Glacier
LOCAL TIP
Mountain weather changes quickly. Pack layers and check park conditions before heading out.
FIND YOUR WAY AROUND
Walking directions from your site.
Set your campsite or cabin, then choose where you want to go. The highlighted route uses the shortest available combination of campground roads and sidewalks.
Estimated walking times are a campground planning aid. Please follow posted signs and staff directions.
FOOD & STORE HOURS
Plan meals and treats close to camp.
2026 seasonal schedule
BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT
Check conditions.
Pack layers. Stay flexible.
PACK FOR GLACIER
One trip. More than one season.
A warm afternoon at West Glacier KOA can become a cold, windy or rainy day at Logan Pass. Higher elevations are commonly 10–15°F cooler, so carry rain protection and an extra warm layer.
National Park Service weather guide ↗Cold mornings, cool afternoons and more frequent rain or snow as seasonal services close.
Warm base layers, fleece, insulated waterproof jacket, long pants, waterproof boots, gloves, winter hat and warm socks.
Summer essentials checklist +
✓ Waterproof rain jacket
✓ Warm fleece or light insulated jacket
✓ Moisture-wicking layers
✓ Hiking pants or shorts
✓ Broken-in hiking shoes
✓ Extra socks
✓ Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
✓ Warm hat and light gloves
✓ Small backpack with extra layers
✓ Refillable water bottles or hydration pack
MAKE IT YOURS
Tell us about your trip.
Choose a few details and we’ll shape a flexible starting itinerary. You can change it anytime.
When are you staying?
What sounds like you?
YOUR CUSTOM PLAN
4 nights in West Glacier
Before you leave camp—use this every morning +
✓ Glacier National Park entrance pass
✓ Current road, trail and closure reports
✓ Weather for West Glacier and your destination
✓ Water, food and trail snacks
✓ Bear spray immediately accessible
✓ Warm layer and waterproof rain jacket
✓ Fuel or EV charging plan
✓ Downloaded maps and ticket screenshots
✓ Tell someone your destination and return time
✓ Secure all food, coolers and scented items
Cell service is limited. Save tickets, directions and reservation confirmations before leaving camp.Settle into mountain time
Check in, walk around the resort, then ease into dinner at the Lazy Bear Café or Bear Garden.
EASY · ARRIVAL DAYUse the campground map to find your site and nearby facilities.
If plans change
Lake McDonald, Apgar or a relaxed campground day
Going-to-the-Sun Road scenic day
Leave early for overlooks, Logan Pass and the east-side scenery. Keep the afternoon flexible for traffic and parking.
FULL DAY · SCENIC DRIVECheck the road status before leaving. Logan Pass parking is limited to three hours July 1–September 7.
If plans change
Lake McDonald, Apgar or a relaxed campground day
Trail of the Cedars
Hike 0.7-mile loop from Avalanche Picnic Area. Plan 30–45 min. of hiking plus 40–45 min. of driving each way from the KOA.
HIKE TIME: 30–45 min. · DRIVE TIME: 40–45 min. EACH WAYThe 2026 park shuttle does not serve Avalanche; drive and arrive early.
If plans change
Lake McDonald, Apgar or a relaxed campground day
Red Bus sightseeing tour
Leave the driving to a guide aboard one of Glacier’s historic Red Buses for scenery, stories and an iconic park experience.
SCENIC TOUR · TIME VARIES · BOOK AHEADAdvance reservations are strongly recommended for 2026 Red Bus Tours.
If plans change
Lake McDonald, Apgar or a relaxed campground day
One last easy morning
Grab breakfast or coffee at Lazy Bear Café, pack up and check road conditions before heading out.
EASY MORNING · CHECK-OUT DAYLeave enough time for campground checkout and seasonal traffic.
If plans change
Lake McDonald, Apgar or a relaxed campground day
This plan balances hiking, driving and recovery time using your interests. Mountain conditions change—always confirm the morning trail and road reports.
MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE
Build days around what sounds good.
Browse campground-tested ideas, then use them as inspiration when building your itinerary.
The experiences guests talk about most—use these as anchors for a first Glacier trip.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Iconic overlooks, waterfalls, Logan Pass and a full day of classic Glacier scenery.
Full day · leave earlyPlan this stop ↗Lake McDonald + Apgar
Colorful shoreline rocks, boat rentals, village stops, ice cream and an easy sunset.
20–40 min. drivePolebridge + Bowman Lake
Huckleberry bear claws, an off-grid North Fork community and a remote mountain lake.
Full day · rough roadsPlan this stop ↗Many Glacier
Historic hotel, boat cruises and Glacier’s strongest mix of dramatic scenery and wildlife.
2½–3 hrs. each wayTwo Medicine
A quieter east-side lake day with boat tours, waterfalls, paddling and photography.
2–2¼ hrs. each wayWhitefish
Downtown shops, galleries, coffee, breweries, Sweet Peaks and an evening at City Beach.
45–60 min. drivePlan this stop ↗Red Eagle Aviation scenic flight
See Glacier’s peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes and Going-to-the-Sun Road from the air on a memorable special-occasion flight.
About 45–55 min. to KalispellPlan this stop ↗CHOOSE YOUR TRAIL DAY
42 hikes, from easy walks to alpine adventures.
Compare total hiking distance, trail time and estimated drive time from West Glacier KOA.
Trail of the Cedars
TOTAL DISTANCE0.7-mile loop
HIKE TIME30–45 min.
DIFFICULTYEasy / accessible
Avalanche Lake
TOTAL DISTANCE4.6 miles
HIKE TIME2½–3½ hrs.
DIFFICULTYModerate
Hidden Lake Overlook
TOTAL DISTANCE2.8 miles
HIKE TIME1½–2½ hrs.
DIFFICULTYModerate
Highline Trail to The Loop
TOTAL DISTANCE11.8 miles, one way
HIKE TIME6–8 hrs.
DIFFICULTYHard
Apgar Lookout
TOTAL DISTANCE7.2 miles
HIKE TIME4–5½ hrs.
DIFFICULTYHard
Rocky Point
TOTAL DISTANCE2.2 miles
HIKE TIME45–75 min.
DIFFICULTYEasy
IMPORTANT FOR 2026
Plan access before you leave camp.
No vehicle reservations are required in 2026, but congested areas can temporarily restrict vehicles. Logan Pass parking is limited to three hours July 1–September 7; use the $1 ticketed shuttle for longer hikes. The shuttle does not serve Avalanche Lake or Trail of the Cedars.
2026 Logan Pass details ↗Two Medicine: North Shore Trailhead is inaccessible during construction. The South Shore route avoids the unbridged ford and adds about one mile each way; the Twin Falls distance above reflects that 2026 route.
Leave extra time: In July and August, allow another 15–30 minutes for Going-to-the-Sun Road destinations and 30–45 minutes for Many Glacier, plus parking time.
Check the morning of your hike: Wildlife, snow, water crossings, storms and construction can change access quickly.
Check NPS trail status ↗EAT WELL AT CAMP
Lazy Bear Café
Breakfast, dinner, espresso drinks and Montana-inspired favorites—just a short walk from your site.
GO BEYOND THE CHECKLIST
Everything you need for a great stay.
Official West Glacier KOA resources, all in one place.
activities
See what’s happening during your stay—from crafts and barrel train rides to nightly live music.
View the calendar ↗02At thecampground
Find resort recreation, pools, places to eat and easy ways to enjoy a day without driving.
Explore recreation ↗03Local thingsto do
Discover nearby trails, tours, scenic drives and family-friendly adventures beyond camp.
Explore the area ↗04Trip ideas& local tips
Browse the KOA team’s guides for inspiration, planning help and favorite local stops.
Read the blog ↗GUEST ESSENTIALS
Useful stops before a big day.
Hours and availability can change. Call ahead before driving to a pharmacy or medical clinic.
Stock up nearby
West Glacier Mercantile
150 Going-to-the-Sun Road · about 10 minutes
Super 1 Foods or Smith’s
Columbia Falls · about 25–30 minutes
Prepare before park days
Sinclair—West Glacier
200 Going-to-the-Sun Road · pumps available 24 hours
Check PlugShare or your vehicle’s app for live EV-charger availability.
Columbia Falls
Logan Health Walk-In Care
1675 Talbot Road · 406-892-3208
Nurse Call Center: 406-890-7272
Emergency: Call 911
Rent before you hike
Glacier Guides & Montana Raft offers bear-spray rentals in West Glacier. Advance arrangements are recommended.
Rental information ↗