Five unique camping experiences in Montana for travelers near and far.
There are a wide number of places to plant your stakes in Montana. But for those looking for something a little out of the ordinary for their next trip, these Montana camping experiences are truly one-of-a-kind. Ranging from luxurious glamping to rustic and remote stays in a tipi or yurt, many of these locations are all-inclusive, allowing travelers to book a visit without the hassles of packing for an outdoor stay.
GLAMPING
Combining beautiful views of nature, the thrill of outdoor adventure, and the accommodations of a 5-star hotel, glamping is a new and exciting trend in travel. For those looking to spend a night in the pristine backcountry without sacrificing comfort, Montana offers a number of glamping options. Yellowstone Under Canvas offers luxurious camping options just outside of Yellowstone National Park's entrance. Enjoy the sights of one of the most beautiful places on earth before returning to a comfortable safari-style tent to rest your head. If you're looking for a similar experience in Glacier National Park, Glacier Under Canvas lets you rough it in style among the sweeping mountains and the Crown of the Continent rushing waterfalls. Or book a stay at The Resort at Paws Up, one of Montana's luxury accommodations. Offering an enchanting escape into the tranquility and magnificence of Montana, this working cattle ranch pampers visitors with meals prepared by James Beard Award winning chefs, a variety of exciting outdoor activities, and a number of elegant cabins and glamping tents to choose from. No matter where you decide to stay, glamping on a summer night in Montana is an unforgettable experience.
MONTANA TREEHOUSES
For anyone who ever wanted a treehouse as a kid, Montana has two luxury treehouse resorts in the Whitefish area that will make dreams come true. Available for rent in late summer of 2017, Montana Treehouse Retreat will offer treehouse vacation rentals, providing rustic and luxurious accommodations high in the treetops outside of Whitefish. Founders Kati and Darin Robison built their first treehouse with the team from the DIY Network show, The Treehouse Guys.
The Snow Bear Chalets offers three luxury treehouses and incredible mountain views. Located on the slopes of Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort, these chalets combine privacy, beauty, and comfort for the perfect romantic getaway or outdoor family adventure. In the winter, visitors can head out the door and onto the ski slopes in under a minute, while the summer offers a variety of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and zip lining. After a day on the mountain, travelers can return home to enjoy the elegant freestanding fireplace, relaxing hot tub, and unmatched view of Whitefish Mountain right outside the door. This stay is sure to excite both the young and the young at heart.
SOMERS YURT
Located on the rolling hillside of Breezy Point, overlooking Flathead Lake, Somers Yurt is a beautiful place to rest your head. Similar to glamping, Somers Yurt offers an outdoor experience with all the comforts of a hotel. Visitors can grab their beach towels and head down to the shores of Flathead Lake for a day on the waterfront before returning to their yurt, complete with a cozy queen bed, couch, and stocked refrigerator.
COUGAR PEAK LOOKOUT
Sitting 6,964 feet high in the Cabinet Mountains, Cougar Peak Lookout was once used by park rangers to spot potential wildfires. This comfortable cabin can accommodate up to four people. Visitors can get a one-of-a-kind view of the Cabinet Mountains, Lolo National Forest, and Coeur d'Alene Mountains right from bed. Take a day hike along the Cougar Peak trail to Clark Fork River before returning to your private, scenic cabin.
LODGEPOLE GALLERY & TIPI VILLAGE
Located in the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Lodgepole Gallery displays a collection of contemporary and traditional Native American fine art from Northern Plains Indian artists. The gallery also hosts a tipi camp where visitors can experience traditional Native American lodging. The tipi village consists of individual tipis for rent, a communal fire that’s lit every night, a guest and dining lounge, and a shower house. This is the perfect way to spend a night under the stars while being immersed in the culture of Montana’s Blackfeet tribe. Visitors resting their heads for the night may even hear the coyotes howl in the distance.
THE SHIRE OF MONTANA
Love The Lord of the Rings? The Shire of Montana allows visitors to play hobbit for a day with this luxury cabin patterned after the Hobbit houses from J.R.R. Tolkien’s magical world. Named as one of the 10 best movie-themed hotels in the world by The List Love and featured in The New York Times, USA Today, and more, this cabin recreates The Shire in the Cabinet Mountains of Montana. Complete with a king-size bed, designer kitchen, and all of the magic one would expect from a Tolkien-inspired cabin, The Shire of Montana turns fantasy into reality.
NEVADA CITY HOTEL & CABINS
Do you dare sleep in a ghost town? Once a bustling city, the Nevada City ghost town now sits as a relic of Montana's gold rush era. This restored settlement serves as a large historical museum for everyone interested in taking a step back in time. Those looking to stay the night in Nevada City can book a room at Nevada City Hotel. Along with a collection of cabins, the hotel displays a variety of antiques from the town's rich past. Explore this historic town and then head back to your room to rest your head with the ghosts.
LUXURY RAILCAR AT IZAAK WALTON INN
Izaak Walton Inn is a family-owned resort on the border of Glacier National Park. This landmark inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers more than 70 years of history. In addition to the main lodge and private cabins, visitors looking for a kid-friendly stay can also book one of the inn's converted railcars – renovated cabooses and a locomotive from real trains that traveled through Montana years before. Each railcar includes a comfortable king or queen sized bed, a gas fireplace, and a beautiful view of the mountains.
SHEPHERD’S COVERED WAGON
Located in the remote town of Virgelle along the Missouri River, Virgelle Merc Antiques & Accommodations is a bed and breakfast and antique store. Along with a number of comfortable rooms and cabins, visitors can choose to stay in a shepherd's covered wagon. This interesting lodging offers a queen sized bed and the light of a single gas lamp. This piece of Montana's history is as unique as it gets.