Kalispell, MT is known as a gateway to Glacier National Park, and you’ll love exploring everything from the restored buildings in the downtown area to the many beautiful parks surrounding this charming small town. 

Planning a 2-day RV trip to Kalispell?

Two days isn’t a lot, but it is enough to experience Kalispell’s charming downtown while exploring the aforementioned Glacier National Park, as well as Flathead Lake and the surrounding mountain scenery. If you stay at a campground 5-20 miles from downtown, you can use your tow vehicle to reach local attractions, making exploring quicker and easier. Late spring through early fall offers the best weather for outdoor activities, but summer is super busy and reservations are highly recommended during the busy summer season.

At-a-Glance Trip Planner

Category	Recommendation
Best time to visit	May–October
Ideal RV size	Class B, Class C, travel trailer
Suggested stay	2–4 nights
Campground distance	5–20 miles from downtown Kalispell
Pet friendly	Yes (where applicable)
Budget	$$–$$$
Reservations needed	Yes during peak summer season (June–August)

RV Planning Essentials 

Best RV Types for Visiting Kalispell

Class C Motorhome

A class C motorhome is a great choice for families exploring the Kalispell area. It offers a nice balance of living space and maneuverability.

Travel Trailer

Planning on staying somewhere longer than just a couple of days? A travel trailer might be the best choice. You can set up at a campground near Kalispell, then use your tow vehicle for day trips.

Class B Camper Van

Perfect for solo travelers or couples who want maximum flexibility, a class B is easier to drive through mountain roads, park in town, and navigate scenic highways while still providing the essentials. It’s also the ideal boondocking vehicle!

Driving Tips

Obviously, you are going to be driving on mountain roads, so that is something to be prepared for. Plan your route ahead of time, making a point of avoiding steep grades. When you do have to drive on steep grades, be sure to downshift while going downhill and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.  Note that some mountain roads may not be open year round, so researching your route ahead of time is also helpful for ensuring you avoid road closures. 

It’s also important to remember that summer traffic can be heavy on the highways leading into Glacier. Start early and pack your patience. 

Downtown Kalispell is easy enough to navigate, but large RVs may have a tough ime parking in town, so parking outside of town might be your best bet. Remember to fuel up before heading into remote areas and pay attention to changing weather, which could affect travel conditions. 

Lastly, we recommend checking for size restrictions along your route. Vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet cannot drive between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Additionally, vehicles over 10 feet tall might run into issues driving west from Logan Pass to the Loop.

Budget Snapshot

Expense	Typical Cost
RV Rental	$150–$350+ per night (varies by RV type and season)
Fuel	$75–$200+ for exploring Kalispell and nearby attractions
Campground	$45–$90+ per night for full-hookup sites
National Park Entrance	Glacier National Park entrance fee (varies by vehicle pass and duration)
Parking	Most RV campgrounds include parking; downtown parking is generally free, while some attractions may charge seasonal parking or shuttle fees.

Weekend Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City of Kalispell

Morning (9:00 AM–12:00 PM)

Tour the Conrad Mansion Museum

Start your day with a self-guided tour of the historic Conrad Mansion. This house was built in 1895 as the home of Charles Conrad, one of Kalispell’s founders. Tour the beautifully preserved Victorian home, browse its collection of period furnishings and historical books, and stroll through the landscaped gardens.

• Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
• Parking: Free on-site parking for passenger vehicles; RV parking is limited.
• RV accessibility: Leave your RV at the campground and drive a tow vehicle or rideshare.
• Reservations: Recommended for guided tours during the summer season.
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: No (service animals only inside the mansion)

Afternoon (12:00 PM-5:00 PM)

Lunch at MacKenzie River Pizza Co.

Enjoy lunch at MacKenzie River Pizza Co. This Montana favorite is known for its rustic atmosphere, specialty pizzas, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and local craft beer.

• Time needed: 1 hour
• Parking: Large shared parking lot with limited space for larger vehicles.
• RV accessibility: Best visited with a passenger vehicle.
• Reservations: Not typically required.
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: Patio only (where available)

Explore the Northwest Montana History Museum

Located inside Kalispell’s oldest public building, the Northwest Montana History Museum explores the history of the Flathead Valley, early settlers, Native American heritage, and more.

• Time needed: 1–2 hours
• Parking: Free street parking nearby.
• RV accessibility: Limited for large RVs; use a tow vehicle if possible.
• Reservations: Not required
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: Service animals only

Check In at Your Campground

Head back to your campground to check in, connect utilities, and relax before dinner. If you’ve arranged RV delivery and setup through RVShare, your campsite will already be prepared.

Evening (5:00 PM-10:00 PM)

Eat at The Desoto Grill

Choose between cooking dinner at your campsite or enjoying an evening meal at The Desoto Grill. The menu features some of the best barbecue in the state. 

• Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
• Parking: Street parking and nearby public lots.
• RV accessibility: Best accessed by passenger vehicle.
• Reservations: Not required
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: Patio seating only (when available)

Wind Down With a Campfire

Finish the day with a campfire at your campsite. Don’t forget to roast marshmallows!

Day 2: Discover the Area’s Natural Beauty

Morning (8:00 AM–12:00 PM)

Cook Breakfast at the RV

Start the day off right with  a hearty breakfast in your RV. 

Check Out Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park

Spend the rest of the morning fishing, kayaking, or enjoying the peaceful scenery across the chain of 18 lakes at Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park. Several lakes feature boat ramps, picnic areas, and easy shoreline access.

• Time needed: 2–3 hours
• Parking: Ample parking throughout the recreation area.
• RV accessibility: Accessible for most RVs, though some parking areas are better suited for smaller rigs.
• Reservations: None for day use.
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: Yes (leashed)

Lunch (12:00 PM-1:00 PM)

Dine at Sykes Diner

A longtime Kalispell favorite, Sykes Diner is an excellent place for dinner (or breakfast) and is a must-visit while in the area. 

• Time needed: About 1 hour
• Parking: Small parking lot and nearby street parking.
• RV accessibility: Better suited for passenger vehicles.
• Reservations: Not required.
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: Outdoor seating only (when available)

Afternoon (1:00 PM–5:00 PM)

Explore Flathead Lake State Park

Spend the afternoon relaxing along the shores of Flathead Lake. This place is beautiful and popular activities include swimming, boating, paddleboarding, fishing, wildlife viewing, and lakeside picnics.

• Time needed: 2–3 hours
• Parking: Large day-use parking areas.
• RV accessibility: Excellent for RV day visits.
• Reservations: Not required for day use.
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: Yes (leashed)

Evening (5:00 PM–10:00 PM)

Dinner at The Hungry Hun

It seems like an odd pick for Montana, but the Hungry Hun is actually one of the best places in the town of Kalispell to grab a bite. The dumplings are the most popular item at this New Qazaq restaurant, but really, you can’t go wrong no matter what you order. 

• Time needed: About 1 hour
• Parking: Plenty of parking available
• RV accessibility: RVs can it in the large lot, but may not be allowed
• Reservations: Not required
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: No

Enjoy Stargazing

Finish the day with a stargazing session at your campsite. 

Day 3 and Beyond in Kalispell

If you have additional time, consider adding these attractions to your itinerary:

• Woodland Water Park
• Wild Horse Island State Park
• Herron Park

Seasonal Activities

• Picnic in the Park Downtown (June–August)
• The Event at Rebecca Farm (July)

Indoor Activities

• Noice Studio and Gallery
• The Basement Escape Rooms

Know Before You Go

Can I drive an RV in downtown Kalispell?

Downtown Kalispell is relatively RV-friendly, especially for smaller motorhomes and camper vans. That said, you’ll want to be mindful of tighter turns, limited parking, and busier traffic during the summer.

Where should I park my RV?

For sightseeing, it’s easiest to park at your campground and drive a smaller vehicle into town if you have one. If you’re traveling in a motorhome without a toad, look for larger public parking areas on the outskirts of downtown.

Do campgrounds require reservations?

If you’re visiting between late spring and early fall—especially June through September—you will want to make campground reservations as early as possible. 

Can large motorhomes fit in the area?

Many RV parks around Kalispell are designed to accommodate big rigs, often with pull-through sites and full hookups. That said, some roads near Glacier National Park have vehicle length restrictions.

Can I use RV delivery instead?

RV delivery is a great option for visitors flying into Glacier Park International Airport or those who don’t feel comfortable driving an RV.

Local RV Tips 

Use Kalispell as Your Supply Stop

Kalispell is the largest city in the Flathead Valley and the best place to stock up before heading to Glacier National Park.

Dump Stations

Several dump stations are available around Kalispell, including:

• Smith’s Fuel Center, which offers an RV dump station and fresh water fill.
• Town Pump (US-93 South), known for its dump station with plenty of room for larger rigs.
• Conoco, another traveler-friendly stop with a dump station. 

Propane Refills

Before leaving Kalispell, refill your propane tanks at Glacier Ace Hardware or CHS Mountain West Co-op.

Grocery Shopping

Stock your RV kitchen at Albertsons or Costco.

Fuel Stops for Larger RVs

Choose larger gas stations with easy pull-through access when possible. Town Pump, White Oak Super Stop, and Town Pump on Highway 2 are popular with RV travelers because they offer wide entrances and room to maneuver.

Washing Your RV

After exploring Montana’s dusty roads, you can clean your RV at:

• Sem’s Car Wash, which has self-serve bays suitable for some RVs.
• Rocky Mountain Mobile RV and Boat Detailing for mobile detailing service at your campground or storage location.

Scenic Drives

Leave your RV at the campground for Going-to-the-Sun Road. Vehicles over 21 feet long or 8 feet wide are not allowed on the alpine section.

Overnight Parking

Don’t plan on overnight parking on city streets in Kalispell. City regulations prohibit sleeping in vehicles on public streets. While some businesses may allow overnight parking, we found many did not. 

FAQs for Visiting Kalispell