West Glacier KOA, West Glacier, MT is an anomaly among KOA campgrounds. Legend indicates this is a corporate campsite which may explain its resort characteristics. Normally avoiding KOA’s as being aged, dated and worn, we were surprised upon arrival. The turn off Rte 2 onto Halfmoon Flats Road presents a beautiful bucolic two mile curvy mountain road to enjoy as we drove effortlessly without any tree issue in our 13’ tall, 45’ long motorcoach with a tow vehicle. The entrance to the park is as impressive as the surrounding mountains, framed by native flowers and lush landscaping. Entering the expansive staging area the office/welcome center is to the right and we were efficiently checked in. We unhooked before following our concierge to our campsite, although it is not necessary. Only after arrival and settling in did we recognize the cleanliness of all facilities including bath/shower, shops, stores, restaurant, pools, and the manicured lawns. And allow me to pause and explain that our exuberance over this campground is in part based on the fact that this is a seasonal park at 3500’ elevation with the backdrop of a 7000’ precipice in front of Ousel Peak receiving almost ten feet of snow annually.
The layout of the park and amenities is striking. The pull thru patio deluxe sites are long level gravel pads, expansive concrete patio nicely equipped with gas grill, fire pit, dining table with umbrella and privacy landscaping. Moreover all sites are similarly nicely equipped and landscaped, and the tent sites are defined by level gravel pads, 20 amp electric, a fire ring and most are shaded by large trees. The FHU utility is standard and the 50 amp electric stable allowing us to draw continuous 60 amps without issue. Propane is available at the store. WiFi is provided by KOA and because we have Winegard ConnecT obtaining the signal was not the issue-just not enough broadband. Accordingly email will work, best at times when most guests are not on line; streaming, well don’t even consider it. Our OTA (over the air antenna) did not receive any stations-a given. However, connectivity is not what we drove across the country for-it’s the mountains and hiking!
The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, serves breakfast and dinner and made to order food which is well prepared and delicious. Amenities and recreation offered are varied and numerous, most offered between middle June to end of September, so checking their website and the office is advisable. There are just too many amenities to squander ink here to enumerate; let it be said that they have an ice cream shop(Scoops), two expansive pools (one for adults only with two hot tubs, and one for children located several hundred feet away-very thoughtful), weekly clinics, wall climbing, and acoustic bands. One could keep busy without leaving the campground, but then you would miss the reason for coming-Glacier National Park. There are so many hiking, camping, and sightseeing opportunities in this area that a lengthy stay is warranted. Again, not enough space here to list all. Suffice it to name a few memorable activities with links: Granite Park Chalet, Sperry Chalet, Going to the Sun Road, Glacier Guides, and Jewel Basin. And remember just down the road from the campground is the entrance to Glacier NP Headquarters, Apgar Visitor Center, and Going to the Sun Road connecting to St.Mary, MT(St.Mary/East Glacier KOA Holiday). And do not forget Kalispell and Flathead Lake that may have been driven thru if coming to Glacier NP from the west side.
This park demonstrates what thoughtful and proactive park owners can offer and we encourage this type of entrepreneurial spirit in the rv park industry. This is truly a resort, in the wilderness no less. And the quality of the service, amenities and maintenance make this a gem within Glacier NP.
The Takeaway: West Glacier KOA is a resort in the wilderness offering numerous amenities, i.e. two widely separated pools (adult and children), hot tubs, a restaurant with well prepared tasteful food, ice cream shop, weekly clinics, and more. Well maintained facilities, manicured lawns and flowering gardens complimented by upscale deluxe sites with furniture, grill, fire pit on an expansive concrete patio. After a 12 mile hike returning to such conveniences is gratifying and relaxing. Plan on a lengthy visit to explore all Glacier NP has to offer and to also benefit from the relaxing camping experience provided by this unusually well fashioned KOA. Go to www.rickpicks.com for other reviews, critiques and essays with links to area attractions and a more detailed review of this park as well as reviews of restaurants, etc.
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