Planning trip from Ohio to GNP and Waterson in an RV.

Question

Hubby and I are planning a trip to GNP and possibly Waterton Nat'l Park. We plan to spend 3 weeks in late June or July. We have a 35' fifth wheel that we will be pulling. Need help planning which campgrounds, sightseeing and how long it is recommended to stay in the different campgrounds. If you can suggest an itinerary it would be greatly appreciated.

Answer

Planning a three-week RV trip from Ohio to Glacier National Park (GNP) and possibly Waterton Lakes National Park can be an incredible experience. With a 35' fifth wheel, you’ll want campgrounds that can accommodate larger rigs, and an itinerary that balances driving, sightseeing, and downtime. Late June or July is peak season, so reservations are strongly recommended.

Suggested Itinerary Overview

Week 1: Travel from Ohio toward Montana, stopping overnight at convenient RV parks along the route.
Week 2: Spend 5–7 days in Glacier National Park exploring campgrounds, trails, scenic drives, and nearby towns.
Week 3: Continue into Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada) for 2–3 days, then start the return trip with overnight stops along the way back to Ohio.

Campgrounds in Glacier National Park (GNP)

For a 35' fifth wheel, consider these options:

Many Glacier Campground: Central location for wildlife viewing, hiking, and boat tours on Swiftcurrent Lake. Reservation required.
St. Mary Campground: Eastern side of the park, near Going-to-the-Sun Road. Offers full hookups and larger sites suitable for RVs. Good base for day trips.
Fish Creek Campground: West Glacier side, convenient for access from the park’s western entrance. Larger sites available, and good for lake access and short hikes.
Apgar Campground: Close to Lake McDonald and the park visitor center, convenient for supplies and shuttle access. Some large sites available.

Suggested duration per GNP campground:

Many Glacier: 2–3 nights to enjoy the trails and boat tours.
St. Mary: 2–3 nights to explore Going-to-the-Sun Road and eastern park hikes.
Fish Creek or Apgar: 1–2 nights if you want to relax near Lake McDonald or explore western trails.

Sightseeing in Glacier:

Going-to-the-Sun Road scenic drive
Hikes: Grinnell Glacier, Hidden Lake, Avalanche Lake
Boat tours on Swiftcurrent Lake or Lake McDonald
Wildlife viewing: bears, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep

Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada)

Waterton Campground: Offers RV sites, but check for hookups and availability. Smaller park with quieter trails.
Suggested stay: 2–3 nights
Activities: Red Rock Canyon, Cameron Falls, boat cruises, and short wildlife hikes.

Tips for RV travelers:

Book all campgrounds as early as possible — June and July are very busy.
Check length restrictions and make sure pull-through or back-in sites are suitable for your 35’ rig.
Plan fuel and grocery stops — some areas in GNP and Waterton have limited services.
Be prepared for variable weather, including sudden rain and cooler mountain temperatures.
Allow extra time for slow-moving traffic on Going-to-the-Sun Road due to scenic stops and shuttle traffic.

On the way back to Ohio, consider overnight stops at RV-friendly towns in Montana, North Dakota, or Minnesota depending on your preferred route. Keep driving segments under 6–7 hours per day to make the trip enjoyable and not exhausting.

This itinerary gives you a good balance of scenic driving, exploring Glacier and Waterton, and manageable RV stays, while keeping in mind your rig size and summer peak-season challenges.

Planning trip from Ohio to GNP and Waterson in an RV.

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