Is Glacier National Park on your travel bucket list? The “Crown of the Continent” is an iconic road trip destination with something for everyone – miles of hiking trails offering unmatched wildlife viewing opportunities, historic lodges to cozy up in, and of course, a chance to see those famous glaciers for yourself.
Looking for a unique home base for your Glacier National Park adventure? Book a stay at Under Canvas Glamping Glacier National Park, a dog-friendly glamping experience that is perfect for the whole family.
Looking for more Montana Glamping Spots? Check out our Top Glamping Montana article! Interested in other National Parks? Try Glamping Moab, Zion Glamping, Big Sur Glamping or Glamping in Joshua Tree.
Glacier Under Canvas is located in Coram, Montana which is just seven miles from the West Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park. The campground offers several styles of safari-inspired tents that include amenities like daily housekeeping, bedside battery-powered lights, King sized beds with luxurious bedding plus wood burning stoves for those chilly Montana nights.
The Under Canvas company’s mission is to inspire connections with extraordinary places, people and the planet by enhancing access to the outdoors. I like that their campgrounds are managed with sustainability in mind, from installing solar power to conserving water and using compostable and recyclable materials. They intentionally do not provide wifi so guests have a chance to unplug. (Although they do provide USB battery packs so you can keep your devices charged.)
The Under Canvas Glamping Glacier National Park Experience
My husband and I stayed in a standard Safari Tent with our French Bulldog, Hobbes. It was a perfect spot to relax after a long day exploring the park. We both appreciated that Glacier Under Canvas offers complimentary coffee and boxed lunches for purchase before you hit the trails.
Families with kids (or just the young at heart) might be interested in booking the treehouse, a truly “elevated” glamping experience. There are several BBQ and picnic areas available to guests who want to end the day with some s’mores.
Don’t be nervous about the shared bathroom facilities, as I was pleasantly surprised by how sparkling clean and private they are. (Plus, towels are included!) But – you can also spring for an upgraded Suite or Deluxe tents for glamping that includes a bathroom with running hot water in your “room,” if you prefer.
One word of caution – the Great Northern Railway is a big part of Glacier National Park’s history. So, it’s no surprise that trains continue to operate near the campground today. While we had no problems with noise from passing trains, if you are a light sleeper that may be something to consider. Also note that the glamping campground is open seasonally during the summer and it’s not an option for a winter getaway.
Explore Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park encompasses more than 1 million spectacular acres of sparkling lakes, snowy mountaintops, and peaceful forest trails. Needless to say, this huge park takes a lot of time to explore, so Glacier Under Canvas’ close proximity is a huge benefit. It’s only about a 10-minute drive from your safari tent to the West Glacier entrance.
Going-To-The-Sun Road is perhaps the most jaw-dropping scenic drive in the United States. As such, It is only open for a couple of months each year due to snow so be sure to check conditions before you arrive. The Highline, Hidden Lake, Red Rock Falls and Trail of the Cedars are all classic Glacier National Park hikes. For wildlife viewing, wake up early. I’m talking really early, just as the sun is coming up. When the bears and other woodland creatures are most likely to be active. After a long day of exploring, stop by the McDonald Lake Lodge to warm up by the historic, huge fireplace and grab a snack or a nightcap at Lucke’s Lounge.
If you are looking for something off-the-beaten-path, take a day trip to Polebridge. This is a tiny community located within the park near the Canada border. If you do, be sure to stop by the Polebridge Mercantile that has been in operation since 1914 for its famous baked goods before exploring some of the less-traveled parts of Glacier National Park like Bowman or Kinta lakes. I love Polebridge so much that I included it in my list of ten unique National Park experiences.
What to Eat and Drink Around Glacier
Naturally, you are going to work up an appetite after all that adventuring and you might get a little thirsty too. Luckily, there are several fun food and drink options near Glacier Under Canvas. Montana Coffee Traders is a great place to start the day. Later on for lunch, try The Wandering Gringo’s casual Mexican food truck. The Belton Grill and Dining Room in the historic Belton Chalet is a great choice for something a little fancier. (Get the bison meatloaf.) Check out Backslope Brewing and Glacier Distilling Company for a local brew or cocktail.
Coram is only about 30 minutes from Whitefish and Kalispell, two colorful towns with lots more to explore. Remember, during the summer in Montana, you may want to do as the locals do: all huckleberry everything. (One final pro tip: if you aren’t able to make the drive, then the Polebridge Mercantile also sells its famous huckleberry bear claws at the Whitefish and Kalispell Farmers Markets.)
Book Your Visit to Under Canvas Glamping Glacier National Park
Under Canvas Glamping Glacier National Park is a convenient and comfortable home base for exploring Glacier National Park and all that northwest Montana has to offer. With its luxurious amenities, you just might have to remind yourself that this is camping! (sort of)
Planning a trip somewhere else and still want to experience glamping for yourself? Then you are in luck! There are seven Under Canvas glamping locations scattered across the country. New campgrounds are scheduled to open soon near Acadia, Yosemite, Catalina Island, and Joshua Tree National Parks. Happy road tripping! You may be interested in these other articles on Glamping in Oregon, Washington Glamping Destinations or Unique Glamping in BC.
*Featured Image Credit: Tiffany Rose
Sarah is a writer and full-time RV traveler exploring small towns and public lands across the U.S. in a Thor Chateau with her husband and French Bulldog. She shares practical tips and itineraries for your next road trip at wanderingroadblog.com. Follow along with her adventures on Instagram.
FAQs
Is there glamping in Glacier National Park?
Technically, yes. There is glamping in the form of cabins at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn near Many Glacier Hotel. There are a few actual glamping sites near the border of Glacier National Park including Rising Wolf Retreat and Wander Camp Glacier in the West Glacier region.
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