Where to stay near Glacier National Park in Montana
Over 3.2 million people visited Glacier National Park in 2024, making it America’s 10th most popular national park. For comparison, that is almost three times the population of Montana descending on a small area of the state.
I say this all as a lead into where to stay near Glacier National Park, because as more people drive up demand, prices will also increase. So, as you venture to what I’d consider our most stunning continental national park, expect higher prices during the peak summer season.
But in the end, there’s really not a price you can put on getting the chance to explore the surreal landscapes of Montana. However, you plan your trip, from camping in the forests, to hotels in Whitefish, or West Glacier, or finding an Airbnb or VRBO, you’ll have an incredible trip to Glacier.
FIND HOTELS UNDER $200 NEAR GLACIER
Top Hotels and Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park
As you’re looking for hotels and lodging near Glacier, keep in mind that summer options will be more expensive and harder to book than in the off season.
Lodging closest to the West Glacier Entrance
Staying in West Glacier is the best option if you prioritize proximity to Glacier National Park. Here, you’re mere minutes from the park’s entrance and can explore the beauty of the mountains and alpine lakes.
There are a lot of options across the budget spectrum, and also tons of places to eat. On my first trip to Glacier in 2017, I stayed here, and we loved it!
Pros to staying here:
- Minimizing drive time
- Plenty of lodging options
- Fun atmosphere
Cons to staying here:
- More expensive to stay near Glacier National Park
- Rooms are highly sought after
Find Availability Near West Glacier
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Hotels Near Whitefish
Let’s explore where to stay near Glacier National Park in the Whitefish area. This is the “luxury” area of the region. Whitefish Lake is a gorgeous area with tons of expensive hours and is far more touristy than anywhere else.
Sure, West Glacier is popular, but it’s more basic and down-to-earth. Whitefish is definitely more high-end. That said, it’s a tremendous area and has everything you need for a very nice vacation in Montana.
Pros to staying here:
- 16 minutes from the airport, 35 minutes to West Glacier
- Easy access to the lake
- Beautiful landscapes
- Plenty of lodging and food/drinks
Cons to staying here:
- Expensive lodging and food
- Crowded
Going with a large group? Find a VRBO near Whitefish
Check Hotel Availability in the area
Hotels in Kalispell
Kalispell is southwest of Glacier National Park and is a 45-minute drive to the West Glacier Entrance. To get all the way up to Logan Pass, you’re looking at about 90 minutes each way if traffic is smooth. It’s a far less touristy area as compared to West Glacier or Whitefish, but it is a great landing place if you want to explore Flathead Lake.
On my 2023 trip to Glacier, I stayed in Kalispell, and it was fantastic. There are a ton of places to eat, with yummy breweries, and it’s a low-key city to stay in. I think it checks all the boxes for not too pricey and not too far away.
Pros to staying here:
- Less expensive
- 10 minutes from the airport
- Easy access to other activities outside of Glacier National Park
- Groceries, lodging, and restaurants are aplenty
Cons to staying here:
- Daily drives to Glacier can get a bit tedious
Easy Booking: Expedia.com | Hotels.com | VRBO
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Lodging on the East Side of Glacier
If you’re looking for where to stay near Glacier National Park on the east side, here we go!
The East side of Glacier National Park is far less visited than the west side, though I’d argue it might have more beauty. It borders on the Blackfeet Reservation, which is vastly undeveloped, leading to fewer opportunities to lose and thus fewer visitors.
On the 2017 trip, I stayed in a hostel. I was 25 then, so it is excellent for young people. I recommend it, but I understand if it’s not for you.
Pros to staying here:
- Less crowds
- Easier access to the Two Medicine and Many Glacier sections of the park
- No permits needed to drive up to Logan Pass from the east side (BEST REASON)
- Cheaper options are easy to find
- More rustic and authentic
Cons to staying here:
- Amenities are sparse
- Lodging is doable, but hardly any luxury options
- About ninety minutes to two hours from West Glacier (location dependent)
Explore Places to Stay Around East Glacier
Camping near Glacier National Park
There are plenty of campgrounds in and around Glacier National Park, and there are also a huge number of people who want to camp and enjoy the outdoors. Back in 2020, I stayed in a super nice private campground outside of West Glacier.
There’s also the possibility of dispersed camping, which means camping on public lands but not in an official campground. This style is for more experienced campers who have all their supplies and are okay in a less structured environment.
Pros to staying here:
- It’s far cheaper to camp near Glacier National Park
- Connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors
Cons to staying here:
- Getting campground reservations requires many months of advance reservations
- Super competitive
- Fewer amenities
Find NPS Campgrounds
Explore HipCamp options (recommend if other ones are booked out)
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7 Tips for Exploring Montana in Summer
- Always carry bear spray (but you can’t fly with it). Either rent or buy in town
- Logan Pass doesn’t usually open up until July 4th. Keep updated on conditions here.
- Daylight lasts until 10pm or later
- Glacier NP requires reservations to enter between 7am and 3pm
- There are plenty of great things to do outside of Glacier, like kayaking or hiking in Jewel Basin.
- Whitefish Lake is a GEM and such a cool place to watch the sunset or take a dip
- When deciding where to stay near Glacier, I would prioritize driving time. Saving $50 or so bucks a night but adding hours of drive time isn’t worth it in my opinion.
Gear Up and Be Prepared For Hiking Season
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun shirt or sun hoodie
- Hiking Shoes or Trail Runners
- Hiking Shorts or Hiking Pants
- 25L+ Hiking Pack
- 2L hiking bladder or water bottles
- Garmin inReach 2
- Garmin Fenix hiking watch
- Light jacket for mornings
- Hiking Poles
Final thoughts on where to stay near Glacier National Park
As one of my favorite National Parks, Glacier is a sight to behold and a place everyone should visit. But in the summertime, it can honestly get overwhelming from a tourism perspective.
While you battle crowds and long lines, remember to be kind. Everyone handles the chaos a little differently, and you can do your small part to keep the peace.
And wherever you choose to stay near Glacier National Park, it’ll be worth it. All the pros outweigh the cons, and you’ll have the most incredible trip to the Crown Jewel of the Continent.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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