Archive for RV and Camping Tips

Spend Your Summer Vacation Camping in Glacier National Park

March 31, 2016
Posted by GlacierPeaks
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Glacier National Park is one of the many national parks you can take a vacation in within the United States. It is located in the state of Montana, sitting along the borders of the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. Going Glacier National Park RV camping will usually take you to Columbia Falls since the city is a gateway to the national par. There are many Glacier National Park RV resorts located near the park that you can select from to park your RV and explore and enjoy your surroundings. The Glacier National Park has a lot to offer on its own but those camping near Glacier National Park may also be interested in checking out the Waterton Lakes National Park nearby. The Waterton Lakes and Glacier National Parks are known jointly as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, designated to be first international Peace Park in the world in 1932. Both designed in 1976 as Biosphere Reserves by the United Nations, the two parks were also considered to be World Heritage Sites in 1995.

Still just considering the Glacier National park as simply a vacation option? Consider the following:

  • If you’re interested in some Glacier National Park RV camping, you’re in for a real treat because you’re talking about checking out a national park that covers more than 1,000,000 acres of land, including portions of two mountain ranges part of the Rocky Mountains. Aside from a lot of land too cover, staying in one of the campgrounds near Glacier National Park also opens up access to more than 130 lakes, which will sit very well with fishing enthusiasts out there. With all that space, you’re never going to run out places to check out and things to do on a Glacier National park vacation.
  • If you’re not sure if Glacier National Park RV camping will indeed give you the outdoor experience you’re looking for, take note that you’ll be right smack in the middle of an ecosystem that is made up of over 1,000 plant species and hundreds of animal species. In fact, the national park is considered to be the centerpiece for the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem, a protected region covering 16,000 square miles. If Glacier National Park RV camping doesn’t scream great outdoors, nothing will.
  • There are also tons of Montana RV parks around so you’re sure to have parking services to take advantage of when you go Glacier National Park RV camping. No need to worry that you’ll have to leave your RV in the middle of nowhere because there will be parking services you can turn to.
  • Parking services for those going Glacier National Park RV camping are also located conveniently close to the city as well so you can easily head to Columbia Falls for anything you might need, on top of simply being situated close to the national park. Acting as a midway point between the city and the national park, Glacier National Park RV camping services also feature their own facilities for the comfort and convenience of those on vacation.
Glacier National Park Campgrounds, RV and Camping Tips

Create The Ultimate Glacier Park Camping Experience With These Helpful Tips

February 18, 2013
Posted by GlacierPeaks
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Camping is one of the most enjoyable things to do with your family and friends. Everyone should give this exciting experience a try when they can. Successful camping in Glacier National Park takes a lot of preparation and research. Continue on and read through this article so you’ll know how to get prepared for your Glacier Park camping & RV excursion.

Some things to remember for your camping trip to Glacier Park…

If you are planing to do some RV camping in a well-equipped and maintained RV Park like Glacier Peaks RV Park in Columbia Falls, then you need not worry about missing out on any of the creature comforts like running water, warm showers, and other facilities. These are all provided to you inside the RV Park, but if your camping plans will have you roughing it in one of Glacier Parks more primitive in park campsites, or back-country campgrounds, then you should remember to take along some water purification tablets with you. These tablets are great in case you ever run out of water, so you can transform water from a nearby stream or spring into potable drinking water. Try the tablets at home first so you know how they will taste. You do not want to dehydrate yourself on your trip because you aren’t used to the taste.

Prep the kids to avoid the Dangers of Glacier Park

If you will be taking the kids or grand-kids along on this camping adventure, you should talk to them about the dangers of camping before embarking on your trip. It is simple to check out the Internet for photos of dangerous plants like poison ivy so they will know to avoid such dangers on your trip. Also remember that you are headed to Grizzly country, and there are other wild creatures in and around Glacier Park as well that are not afraid to come scavenging for food during the night. Make sure your children or grandchildren don’t wander too far away from camp, especially after dark. While it is not extremely common for bears and other wild creatures to wander into your camp in Glacier Park, it has been known to happen, and it is best to prepare your children companions of the risks ahead of time.

Don’t forget the extra conveniences…

One of the reasons that people choose to camp in a park like Glacier Peaks camping and RV park is for the convenience that it provides. The public bathrooms and showers can be a very welcome amenity in the middle of the night, or on a frosty Montana morning. However if you do choose not to stay in a campsite where these extra conveniences are taken care of for you, then let this act as a reminder to not to forget to pack some extra toilet paper, moist towelettes, and other possible amenities like a sun-warmed shower bag. If your campsite lacks toilet facilities, you might be going in to the woods to do your business, and it is best not to use something from nature to clean yourself. Remember, some plants can be poisonous, and they don’t make good tissue paper. Stay on the safe side and take some toilet paper.

Get to your campsite or RV space early…

Try to ensure your camp is set up by nightfall both for your own safety and out of respect for your fellow camping neighbors. When traveling in an RV, be safely parked before dark. When forming your tent, locate dry and flat ground. Doing this before night comes around will save you hassle and frustration.

Let there be light…

Pack extra flashlights and plenty of batteries when you are packing for your trip. There are times when it is important to be able to see clearly after the sun goes down. Having enough light up an area can prevent nasty falls or unwanted encounters with local wildlife. When camping with children, it is smart to let them each have their own flashlight.

As I mentioned at the start…it can be a great deal of fun to go camping or RV camping in Glacier Park, but knowledge is required for it to be successful. Be sure to use these tips before your next trip. Keeping the tips that you read here in mind will make for a more pleasant trip To Glacier National Park!

Glacier National Park Campgrounds, glacier National Park Camping, RV and Camping Tips

Camping at Glacier National Park: A Guide From One Who Has Been There Before

November 12, 2012
Posted by GlacierPeaks
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There isn’t much in this world that can be as satisfying as a good camping trip to Glacier National Park. Seeing the wonders of Glacier National Park, (The Crown of The Continent) and experiencing nature up close is an awesome experience indeed. If you are interested in camping, read on for some tips and advice that will make your camping trip to Glacier Park even better.

Camping With Pets at Glacier Park

Don’t want to leave your four legged friend behind when you take your Glacier Park vacation this year? Well good news…you don’t have to! However, there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind if you are bringing your furry friend along for the trip, which will help to make the experience better for you and them. For one thing, you will want to protect your canine companion on the trip by keeping him leashed and under careful supervision. Remember there are wild animals in and around the park that could harm your little companion if he were to wander away from camp unattended.

Another thing to keep in mind is that other campers might be fearful of your dog, no matter how friendly he might be. You must consider them when you are camping, as well. You do not want Fido to ruin anyone’s campsite due to lack of supervision.

Setting Up Camp At Glacier Park: Settle In Before the Sun Goes Down

Before the sun goes down, make sure that you have your camp completely set up. If you driving an RV, you should locate a safe parking spot. If you have a tent, carefully select the plot of land you are going to use. Knowing the area around your campsite before it gets dark adds to your camping safety. You will be able to see a lot better, and this will make everything easier. There are several options for both tent-camping and RV-camping inside and around Glacier National Park. Many people choose to stay at one of the camping sites just outside the park such as Glacier Peaks RV Park and Campground in Columbia Falls (the gateway to Glacier Park) because it provides easy access to the park as well as the convenience of having more stores, restaurants and activity options to choose from.

Wherever you choose to pitch your tent or park your rig, it is both a common courtesy to your fellow campers, and a good safety precaution to get your camp set up and settled-in before the sun sets. Not only will you neighboring campers appreciate this, but it will save you from a lot of headaches and potential problems as well.

If you can avoid it, it is best not set up your camp near a bathroom. Although many people might think this is an advantage, providing easy access during the night, they soon discover otherwise. Areas near the bathrooms are usually very busy areas of any camping area, with lots of light, noise, and busy foot traffic which can make it very difficult to get a good nights sleep. Therefore, they end up not having the convenience and comfort that you would at first expect.

Be Sure To Plan Ahead and Pack Well

Pack additional clothes when camping at Glacier National Park. Camping is messy. Kids love getting into dirt. As a result, they are going to be seriously messy by the end of each day. Take extra clothing with you for your children. The key is being prepared.

It’s always smart to bring easy and nutritious snacks like beef jerky and trail mix when you decide to take a camping trip. After a busy day of hiking the trails in Glacier or other strenuous outdoor activities, you may be too tired to deal with campsite cooking. These snacks are healthy and nutrient-dense, making them a quick and easy source of nourishment. Plus they will stay fresh for long periods of time, so they won’t go to waste.

Don’t forget to pack the Duct tape! Duct tape can be used to solve many problems on camping trips. It can fix so many different things, holes, leaks and just about anything else that arises. Tape can be used to seal holes in your sleeping mattress. It can seal a rip in your tent, sleeping bag, or tarp. You can also protect your feet against blisters while hiking long distances by putting duct tape on them. This can also be used for injuries when you do not have a regular doctor around. Also, Duct tape ca fit in some very small places in your suitcase, so why not pack it along?

Use a shower curtain as a tarp to put underneath your tent. You can use it for a variety of other purposes as well. A shower curtain can make a great table cloth to cover that nasty picnic table…it can be a rain shield when it starts to drizzle…it can be used as a divider in your tent if you want a little more privacy…the uses are many, and it packs up small, you will barely even notice that it is included with your other camping supplies. Instead of getting rid of an old shower curtain, use it for your next camping trip.

Take water purification tablets with you. Even if you pack what should be enough water or plan on boiling water you collect, you might run out of time or need more than you think. Give the tablets a try at home so you know how the water tastes when it’s purified with them. This will help you circumvent dehydration due to the fact that you dislike the water’s taste.

Simply adhering to the ideas presented within this article can pave the way to camping success. These suggestions will help make your planning easier and more productive. It is a great idea to always look for any information that can enhance your experience.

Glacier National Park, RV and Camping Tips

A Few Tips To Make Your Spring Camping Trip More Enjoyable

March 11, 2012
Posted by GlacierPeaks
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The days are getting longer, and the temperatures are getting warmer…that can only mean one thing…spring is on it’s way! Time to dust off the portable grill and the waders, and get the old RV out of storage and do some Glacier National Park camping! This article will help you to make sure your Spring camping trip is a good one!

 

The first thing you will want to do is make sure you are prepared for any type of spring weather. When spring rolls around and the sun creeps out from behind the grey clouds of winter and shines its warm friendly rays on us, it is easy to get excited and think that the sunny warm days of summer are here for good, but spring is never that consistent or reliable. A Glacier Park camping trip in the spring time can still saturate you with plenty of cold rainy days… even snow showers, so be sure that you come prepared with lots of layers and waterproof, or at the least water resistant outerwear to keep you dry and warm.

 

The second thing that you should keep in mind is that while Glacier National Park is open year round… and many of the campgrounds near Glacier National Park are open throughout the year… many of visitor attractions inside the park, including Going-To-The-Sun-Road, are not open until early summer. In fact, there have been some years where Going-To-The-Sun-Road does not open until early July because there is so much snow that needs to be cleared from the narrow alpine road. But don’t let that scare you away from visiting the Glacier National Park area in early spring. Spring camping in the Glacier National Park area brings a very unique and magical experience that you will not get to experience any other time of the year. And the beauty of the rushing waterfalls and the lush greenery of the forests and alpine meadows as they wake up from their winter hibernation is a glorious site to behold.

 

If your plans are to do some early spring fishing in the area, be forewarned…the rivers are running at full-bore this time of the year, and they can be quite dangerous if you wade too far out into the flowing waters. Even if the river seems rather calm and peaceful on the surface, the undercurrent can be deceptively strong…strong enough to sweep a grown man off his feet and carry him away down stream. So be especially cautious. You are really better off doing lake fishing during this time of year anyway, as the rivers are flowing way too fast and the water is far too cloudy to make for very good fishing.

 

Lastly, make sure that your rig is equipped with all the necessary equipment to complete a successful journey for this time of the season. And since it is spring in Montana that we are talking about, that means you should throw some snow chains in the RV too, just to be on the safe side. You are not likely to get into any type of snow that is bad enough to require the use of chains, but if your travels take you over any of the higher mountain passes in the state, it might be necessary to put the chains on until you get through the high elevations. Once again, it is better to have them and not need them, then to need them and not have them.

 

Glacier National Park camping in the spring time is a fun and relaxing experience. As long as you prepare for all weather possibilities and take necessary precautions, a spring camping trip to northwest Montana can be a memory to last a lifetime. You will certainly avoid the heavy crowds by visiting the area a little earlier, and you will be able to witness some of the most remarkable scenery on Gods green earth. So what are you waiting for?… Start packing your bags and wash off that RV…time is a wasting!

Glacier National Park, RV and Camping Tips, RV Parks near Glacier National Park

Three Tips To Make Your Glacier National Park Camping Trip Fun For the Kids

February 13, 2012
Posted by GlacierPeaks
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A camping trip can be one of the funnest vacation options for you to enjoy together with your family.  This article will share a few tips to ensure that your family vacation, camping Glacier National Park, is a great success that your kids will remember for years.

The first thing to keep in mind is that you should not cut corners in the planning department.  Be sure to begin planning for your family camping trip well in advance of your actual departure date.  Too many people get busy with all the hassles and commotion of every day life, and procrastinate the vacation planning until the last minute.  The result is a lame half-hearted attempt at a family vacation where nothing goes right, and the kids end up getting bored for a lack of interesting things to keep them busy.  It only takes one bad family vacationing experience to put a bad taste in your children’s mouth for years to come, so if you don’t want to shoot yourself in the foot when it comes to future family outings, you should definitely take a little extra time, and make sure you plan each family vacation out thoroughly and thoughtfully!

Be sure not to forget to pack along all the gear for a fun camping experience!  When you are camping Glacier National Park, you are going to want to be sure to bring your fun outdoor gear like the fishing poles, and the hiking boots!  The Glacier National Park area is full of blue-ribbon trout streams and rivers where you can cast your line and try your luck at catching your evening dinner fresh from the water.  There is also an abundance of hiking and recreation trails, both inside and outside the park. These trails are many and diverse, so you can easily find something for any style of hike, and any hiking skill level. If you have room, it might also be a good idea to through your child’s bicycle on the rig.  Children love bicycling around the paths and driveways of the campgrounds, and there are several bike trails within the area as well for children and families to enjoy.

Before you ever leave on your vacation it is important to set the ground rules for your children, letting them know what is expected of them during the trip, and then following that up with a good plan of action for enforcing those ground rules.  The purpose of this Glacier National Park camping trip is to relax and have fun, but that doesn’t mean that things have to get crazy and chaotic. A good set of ground rules and a stiff plan of action for enforcing those rules will ensure that every one has fun without anything getting broken, or anyone getting hurt in the process.

A first-time camping trip to Glacier National Park is a fun and life-long memory for you and your kids to treasure and enjoy.  It certainly deserves your best efforts in planning for and carrying out the vacation that you and your children will be talking about for years to come.

Glacier Peaks RV Park is a beautiful family-friendly RV park and campground located just to the southwest of Glacier National Park in the town of Columbia Falls. Glacier Peaks RV Park is an ideal option for your family camping trip to Glacier National Park, because it is not only close to Glacier Park, but it provides quick and easy access to all of the other family-friendly attractions from around the area as well, like theaters, restaurants, Whitefish Mountain resort and more.  Visit http://www.GlacierPeaksRVPark.com for more information.

Glacier National Park, RV and Camping Tips

How To Practice Good Camping Etiquette On Your Next Glacier Park Camping Trip

December 5, 2011
Posted by GlacierPeaks
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Your Glacier National Park camping trip should be a time of fun, adventure and making memories that will last a lifetime. But waking up to bad neighbors in the camping spot next to you can have the exact opposite effect on your vacation experience.  Before you head out on your next camping adventure, read through the following article and learn about some of the do’s and dont’s of good camping etiquette so you can avoid campsite conflict.

Always try to honor the campgrounds posted quiet hours.

This is common courtesy  for all the other patrons of the camp site. Just because you are camping in the “wilds” doesn’t mean you have to screech and howl all night like a wild animal.  Be courteous to the fact that your camping neighbors could be trying to get some sleep for their early fishing trip in the morning, or an early morning hike up Whitefish Mountain or one of Glacier Parks 700 plus miles of hiking trails.

Keep your campsite neat and tidy.

Don’t leave garbage and debris lying around.   Make sure you keep your vehicles and recreational toys within the boundaries of your own camp space.  Nobody likes to feel crowded…this includes your campsite neighbors.  Be sure that you keep your gear confined to your own space, and keeping your campsite clean and free from garbage and open food containers will also help keep the forest critters at bay.  There are some ‘neighbors’ that you don’t want to have visiting you in the middle of the night if you can avoid it…neighbors like racoons, squirrels, coyotes and most importantly grizzlies!

Don’t use the sinks in the kitchen to was your dishes.

This is not only in considerate to your fellow campers who might be needing to use the facilities for more pressing reasons, but it can also lead to insect and rodent problems in the bathrooms, and it is not very sanitary for your own dishes.

Always leave your campsite cleaner than it was when you arrived.

Remember, you are just borrowing this campsite for the week or weekend…after you leave someone else who is just as excited and anxious about their vacation as you are is going to be using this space, and they deserve to have as nice of an experience as you had.

Always store your food in a safe place.

Whether that means stowing it away in a bear-proof container or raising it up off the ground with a pulley system or some other bear-proof way of storing your food, the point is that you are getting the food put away and reducing the risk of wild animals wandering into your site looking for a free hand out.  While bear altercations with the public are rare in the Glacier Park area, they do happen, and they can be serious events if you do not take certain precautions like putting your food and food containers away when they are not in use.

Camping in and around Glacier National Park is a fun, safe and exciting experience if you abide by certain camping etiquette practices and make sure to be considerate and respectful of both your neighbors and mother nature so that everyone will have a good camping experience and

For more information on camping near Glacier National Park visit www.GlacierPeaksRVPark.com or call Helen at 800-268-4849.

Glacier National Park, RV and Camping Tips

Make The Most of Your Next Glacier Park Camping Trip

November 18, 2011
Posted by GlacierPeaks
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A camping trip to Glacier National Park can be a wonderful way to relax and forget about the stress and demands of typical life for a while.  This article was written to help you make the most of your next camping trip by reducing your workload and maximizing your fun time.

Choose the right location for your needs.

Not all destinations are created equal in the Glacier Park region of western Montana.  Glacier National Park is a very large and divers park, and the geography, activities and services that are available can vary drastically from one area to the other.  If you are looking for a place that can provide not only quick access to the beautiful back country of Glacier Park, but also provides the convenience of grocery stores, fuel stations, dining options and entertainment, then you will want to first consider the western gateway to the park.  The towns of Columbia Falls, Kalispell and Whitefish Montana are all located in close proximity to the western gateway to the park and these towns provide a plethora of guest services, modern conveniences and tons of fun and entertainment, including multi-cinema theaters, shopping malls, restaurants and more.

Glacier Peaks RV Park is conveniently located at the edge of Columbia Falls and only minutes from both Whitefish and Kalispell, MT.  Glacier Peaks RV Park provides accommodations for both RV camping, tent camping and even a few private cabins for lodging.  The ideal location of Glacier Peaks RV Park puts you only a few minutes from the park entrance while also allowing for quick access to all of the stores restaurants and entertainment of Columbia Falls, Kalispell and Whitefish.

Make Your Reservations Early To Avoid Disappointment:

Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley are very popular vacation destinations throughout the year.  Glacier National Park draws millions of visitors in the summer and throughout late spring and early fall, and the ski resort town of Whitefish draws lots of visitors in the winter.  No matter what time of the year you are thinking of vacationing to the Flathead Valley, it is a good idea to call and make your reservations early if you want to avoid the disappointment of not getting the camping spot that you desire.

Come Prepared For All Weather Conditions:

Due to the mountainous terrain throughout the Glacier Park area, the weather can vary drastically and with short notice anytime of the year, so it is always a good idea to bring a variety of clothing options with you from shorts and t-shirts to light jackets in the summer, and warm winter coats, hats, gloves and all the standard winter wear in the cold months.

Don’t Forget Your Camera:

Glacier Park is a wonderful destination for viewing all kinds of beautiful and unique wildlife, as well as some of the most stunning scenery on earth.  You will not want to be without your camera on this amazing vacation.  The Going-To-The-Sun-Road in the park has been called one of the most beautiful scenic roadways in America, and you will find many vistas and panoramas that you will want to capture on film for your vacation archives.

Visit Glacier Peaks RV Park at http://glacier-peaks.local to learn more about your Glacier National Park camping options and the services and value provided by Glacier Peaks RV Park and camping destination, located just outside of the community of Columbia Falls, Montana – The Gateway to Glacier Park!

Glacier National Park, RV and Camping Tips, RV Parks near Glacier National Park

Some Tips For A Better RV Camping Trip

September 26, 2011
Posted by GlacierPeaks
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Easy Ways To Save Money and Pack Lighter. Cut costs and preserve space inside your RV by buying dry-store items in bulk from your local supermarket prior to embarking on your journey. Things like rice, pasta, cereal and snacks. You could easily save them in those cheap clear plastic containers available at your local department store or grocery store. This enables you to quite easily see what is in them, and keep everything uncluttered and well-organized in your RV cupboard space. This is a excellent method for saving money by buying in volume, and it helps nature by preventing all that supplementary waste material that comes from the separately wrapped smaller portions of these food items that you would normally be purchasing.

Burning Firewood Environmental restrictions prohibit you from gathering firewood from the wooded areas and roads near the campgrounds in and around the park.If you are planning on having a campfire at your site during your vacation you might want to consider bringing some firewood from home along with you on your trip, or setting aside a little extra money so that you can purchase some fire wood from a seller in the area. Firewood bundles can be purchased from most grocery stores in the area as well as from the camp hosts at most of the Glacier National Park RV campgrounds.

Campground Availability: Keep in mind that camping grounds inside the park might fill up quick during the season. Unless you are making your vacation plans eight – twelve months in advance during the popular season, then you may want to think about some of the many glacier national park rv campground options in the gateway communities of the park. Many of these RV parks and campgrounds located outside Glacier National Park often provide more amenities and services than those located inside the park and you can reserve your spot ahead of time so you are assured of a place to stay.

Ease of Travel. If you are considering RV camping in Glacier National Park, you really should consider towing some other, smaller style of vehicle along with you also given that several of the roadways in and surrounding the park are not very good for RV travel, among them Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is the main road that intersects the park. Vehicles on Going-to-the-Sun road are constrained to 8 feet wide and 21 feet in length from bumper to bumper. In the event that you don’t have the means of transporting a second vehicle with you on your vacation, you could instead rent a vehicle while in the area or even take advantage of the free Glacier Park shuttle system.

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