Where to Stay in Glacier National Park (All Family-Friendly)

Are you wondering where to stay in Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park is a huge park and has 7 entrances all worth a visit. There are options for lodging within the park as well as a little outside the park.

But what are the best places to stay in Glacier National Park?

When planning a trip to Glacier National Park, we recommend splitting your lodging between the east side and the west side of the park. That way, you’ll limit driving and go to explore most of the park.

We have visited Glacier National Park three times so far (twice in the summertime and once in the wintertime) and we love it more each time. We stayed in different places each time:

• First trip we stayed in West Glacier
• Second trip we stayed in Whitefish
• Third trip we stayed in St. Mary (East Glacier)

And each places had their own advantages and disadvantages.

In the article, I’m going to tell the best areas to stay while visiting Glacier National Park and for each area, I’ll give you a few options for the best hotels, campgrounds and/or cabins.

Now let’s see what are the best places to stay in Glacier National park and around for an epic trip.

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Where to Stay in Glacier National Park

There are a few differents places I would recommend staying while visiting Glacier National Park. Those includes:

• Within Glacier National Park
• In West Glacier (near the West Glacier entrance to the park)
• In St. Mary (near the St. Mary entrance to the park – East side)
• In Whitefish (a bit outside the national park)

There are other places you could stay, but those 4 are the ones I recommend.

Places to Stay in Glacier National Park

Staying inside Glacier National Park offers you the distinct advantage of immediate access to the park’s attractions, allowing for early morning or late evening explorations without the crowds. Plus, your lodging reservation (if on the Going-to-the-Sun corridor) will act as your Vehicle Reservation (Learn more on the Vehicle Reservation here). So no need to try to get a ticket.

However, accommodations within the park can be limited and often book up quickly. You’ll need to plan in advance and be ready to book as soon as the national reservation are opening. Furthermore, options for dining and other amenities might be more restricted compared to staying in nearby towns, potentially limiting convenience and variety.

But here is our TOP pick for staying inside the park:

Lake McDonald Lodge

There are a few resorts and hotels in Glacier National Park. It’s great to stay inside the park to avoid traffic and enjoy as much of the park as you can.

Our top pick for places to stay in Glacier National Park is Lake McDonald Lodge. It’s the best hotel in Glacier National Park, both of its location and amenities.

If you want to be close to the action, consider booking a stay at the Lake McDonald Lodge, located along the banks of the stunning Lake McDonald inside the West Glacier section of Glacier National Park.

The historic lodge, built in 1913, hosts a variety of rooms so you can pick accommodations that suit your family’s needs, from guest rooms in the main lodge to cabins and suites in the stunning Cobb House. The lodge and its rooms are exquisitely constructed and yet have maintained most of their historic character. So go in expecting a bit of a rustic stay. There are no televisions, air conditioning, or elevators available. 

While the lodge’s amenities may not be the most luxurious, its benefits more than compensate for this. For example, it’s conveniently located along the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road and there are several stores and restaurants just a short walk away, including Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria and the Lake McDonald Coffee Shop. You’ll be just a 10-minute drive from the Avalanche Lake Trail, one of the most popular- and family-friendly!- hikes in the park, and will be close to evening ranger programs that are held along Lake McDonald.

This leads to the biggest benefit of all: the lodge’s location along the banks of the largest body of water in the park! On a particularly hot day, grab an innertube or a standup paddleboard and jump in the lake’s chilly waters. Kids will love the rainbow-colored rocks lining the lake’s floor and you’ll be mesmerized by the panoramic views of Glacier’s mountains surrounding you.

▶️ ▶️ CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITIES AT LAKE MCDONALD LODGE

Other Hotels in Glacier National Park

• Swiftcurrent Lake Motel Inn
• Many Glacier Hotel
• Village Inn at Apgar

All of those lodging options are part of the Glacier National Parks Lodges company.

If you’re looking at staying right outside Glacier National Park, West Glacier and St.Mary/East Glacier are the best places to stay. Both entrances offer different lodging options and are pretty close to the park entrances.

Places to Stay in St. Mary, Montana

Staying in St. Mary, Montana, when visiting Glacier National Park is ideal when you don’t have a Vehicle Reservation. The check point on the east side of the park is located past the St. Mary entrance and visitor center. So by staying in St. Mary, you can drive inside the park, park your car at the visitor center and use the FREE park’s shuttle to explore the park.

Furthermore, St. Mary is closer to the Canadian border if you plan on visiting Waterton Lakes National Park during your stay. provides the advantage of convenient access to the park’s eastern entrance, making it a strategic base for exploration. Additionally, St. Mary offers a range of accommodations, dining, and shopping options, giving visitors more choices and amenities than inside the park.

However, St. Mary is far from some of the famous sight of Glacier National Park, including some of the best hiking trails such as Trails of the Cedar, and Avalanche Lake.

But here is our TOP pick for staying in St. Mary:

St. Mary Village Hotel

The St. Mary Village hotel is ideal if you’re wondering where to stay in East Glacier National Park.

The hotel is located at the intersection of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Looking Glass Highway, both beautiful drives with impressive views.

The St. Mary Village hotel offers shuttle transfers to Two Medicine and Many Glacier for guests who don’t feel like driving. There are also many dining options when staying at St. Mary Village hotel.

As for the rooms, the hotel offers standard hotel rooms or cabin-style rooms with a kitchenette or even full kitchens. They even have a tiny home that sleeps up to four guests.

The St. Mary Village hotel is only open from early June to end of September.

▶️ ▶️ CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITIES AT ST MARY VILLAGE HOTEL

Other Hotels Near St Mary, Montana:

• Rising Sun Motor Inn Cabins
• Saint Mary Campground
• St. Mary / East Glacier KOA Holiday

Places to Stay in West Glacier

Staying in West Glacier when visiting Glacier National Park has the advantage of being right at the park’s main western entrance. It allows a quick and easy access to some of the park’s most iconic attractions.

Additionally, West Glacier has a charming small-town vibe with local shops, restaurants, and accommodations that cater specifically to park visitors.

On the downside, West Glacier can become quite crowded during peak tourist season, which might detract from the serene wilderness experience some visitors seek. Furthermore, prices for accommodations and services might be higher due to its prime location adjacent to the park.

But here is our TOP pick for staying in West Glacier:

Under Canvas Glacier

If you want one of the unique places to stay in West Glacier National and experience glamping, Under Canvas Glacier is where you should book on the west side of the park.

The glamping resort is located only a few minutes from the west entrance of Glacier National Park (only 7 miles away).

The tents have all the amenities you need – from comfortable and spacious beds, and private bathrooms with shower, sink, and toilet to a wood-burning stove and more. 

We also love the fact that they have complementary activities for kids and adults such as live music, morning yoga, and kids activities. They also have on-site dining and an experienced coordinator to help you plan your hiking adventure.

Kids will love the nightly fires and complimentary s’mores.

The Deluxe with Kids Tent is the perfect choice for a family of 4 as it includes a private bathroom.

It’s important to note that Under Canvas Glacier is open only from early June to Mid-September.

▶️ ▶️ CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITIES AT UNDER CANVAS GLACIER

Other Places to Stay in West Glacier

• Great Northern Resort
• West Glacier Village
• West Glacier KOA Resort

Best Places to Stay in Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish is a good home base when visiting Glacier National Park. It offers a vibrant town atmosphere, complete with a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Whitefish also boasts a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts, catering to diverse traveler preferences.

However, the town is located further from the park compared to West Glacier or St. Mary. It means adding an extra 40 minutes each way just to get the the West entrance.

Additionally, while Whitefish offers a broader array of amenities, it might not provide the same immediate wilderness feel that accommodations closer to or inside the park can offer.

But here is our TOP pick for staying in Whitefish, Montana:

Lodge at Whitefish Lake

There are many other places to stay near Glacier National Park to enjoy the park away from the crowds, such as Whitefish, Flathead Lake, and Kalispell.

Whitefish is a great home base to explore the park and take advantage of the charming town. It offers many options for lodging.

Our top pick for staying in Whitefish is the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. It’s one of the best hotels near Glacier National Park.

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is the perfect place to stay when visiting Glacier National Park. The Lodge is cozy and luxurious but is still extremely family-friendly. It is located about 40 minutes from the West Glacier Entrance of the Park in the super cute town of Whitefish Montana.

The rooms are spacious giving everyone enough room to relax. You can choose between getting a suite in the Main Lodge, a cozy room in the Viking Lodge, a condo on the lake, or a luxury vacation home.

There is an onsite restaurant that serves meals delicious enough for foodie adults, and simple enough for kids.

Every night they give out smores packets where you can enjoy time around the fire making yummy desserts.

There is an indoor pool and hot tub, and an outdoor pool and hot tub. The indoor pool has a waterfall, and an area to play games. Parents can relax in the spa with a massage or facial or hit the gym. ​

​Kids and adults will enjoy walking the shore of the beautiful lake, where you can see geese and throw rocks into the lake. During the summer you can rent a canoe to explore the lake, and during the winter you can borrow ice skates to venture out onto the frozen lake.

If you want to get out and explore, you can hike or snowshoe the trails around the lodge. You can also borrow a bike from the lodge, or explore downtown Whitefish. 

There are cute shops, fun restaurants, a farmers market, and a train museum. Be sure and try sweet peaks ice cream while you are in town!

In the winter, you will be close to the ski resort, and the lodge offers shuttles to and from the mountain.

The cost varies throughout the year but averages around 150 USD per night.

If you are looking for the perfect place near Glacier for a family vacation, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is the perfect place for you. With its cozy atmosphere, luxurious accommodations, and convenient location, you will not be disappointed.

▶️ ▶️ CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITIES AT THE LODGE AT WHITEFISH

Other hotels near Glacier National Park

• Grouse Mountain Lodge
• ROAM Beyond Glacier
• Cedar Creek Lodge

FAQ: Where to Stay in Glacier National Park

How many days do I need at Glacier National Park?

I would recommend staying in Glacier National Park at least 3 days. In 3 days, you’ll get to do most of the highlights of the park including a few hikes and an epic drive on the Going-to-the-Sun road.

If you plan on doing many guided tours and long hikes, you may want to add a few extra days.

Should I Stay East or West Glacier?

If you’re going to stay in Glacier National Park for a few days, I would really recommend staying both at West Glacier and St. Mary (East Glacier). It will allow you to explore more of the park and not have to drive across the entire park round-trip in a single day.

Both sides have many things to offer. While the west side is more popular (and crowded), the East side is equally beautiful but less crowded.

Should I stay in Whitefish for Glacier?

Whitefish is a great home base for visiting Glacier National Park if you plan to explore other areas of Montana than only Glacier National Park. For example, you can explore Whitefish, Kalispell and Flathead Lake in addition to Glacier.

What town to stay in when visiting Glacier National Park?

When visiting Glacier National Park, you should stay in West Glacier or in the town of Whitefish, if you do not wish to stay inside the park.

How far is Glacier from Whitefish?

Glacier is only 27 miles away from the West Glacier entrance of Glacier National Park.

Where do people stay when they visit Glacier National Park?

There are many options for where to stay when visiting Glacier National Park. If you were not able to secure timed-ticket entry, it’s best to find lodging within the park (if available). Plus, it’s less driving.

What is the best side to stay on at Glacier National Park?

The best side to stay on at Glacier National Park is West Glacier. It’s closer to the main attractions, but if you were not able to get timed-entry tickets, it’s best to stay near East Glacier and use the park shuttle from St. Mary’s.

What is the best entrance into Glacier National Park?

The West entrance (in West Glacier, Montana), is the most popular entrance when visiting Glacier National Park. It’s at this entrance that you’ll find a lot of tour operators, restaurants, gift shops and the Waterton Lakes-Glacier National Park visitor center (for Canada).

If you are arriving from a Montana Airport, such as Kalispell, West Glacier is the closest.

But if you’re planning on visiting the Canadian side of Glacier National Park, you’ll have to enter or exit through the east, on the St. Mary’s entrance.

Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in Glacier National Park

As you can see, Glacier National Park is a busy park and have many lodging options. Whether you want to stay in the park or a little outside the park.

At the end of the day, it will all come down to

• budget and
• availability.

But remember, the park is huge and I would highly suggest booking accommodation both on the west side and east side to enjoy as much as the park, without having to drive too much.

During our visit to Glacier National Park, we stayed in nice log cabins in West Glacier. We found this cabin through Home Exchange.