Glacier National Park, or the “Crown of the Continent,” boasts unique geology, fossils, ecosystems, and thriving wildlife.
“Far away in northwestern Montana, hidden from view by clustering mountain-peaks, lies an unmapped corner—the Crown of the Continent.” – George Bird Grinnell, Editor, Forest and Stream
It is also a hiker’s paradise with trails of varying difficulty levels. In addition, a drive through the park will allow you to visit more than 700 lakes and learn about the history of American-Indian tribes like the Blackfeet, Kootenai, Salish, and more!
Let’s explore the miles of wonders and help you make an itinerary with a guide on things to do and places to stay in the park. Having said that, the park offers boating, bus rides, and horse riding tours. However, hiking is the best way to get to know the park well.
Where Is Glacier National Park? How To Reach It?
The 1,583 square miles of wilderness of Glacier National Park is in northwestern Montana, United States. It is close to Waterton Lakes and the Canada-United States border.
Furthermore, Columbia Falls is the nearest city to this national park. If you want to visit the park, you can reach its southern boundary through Highway 2. However, if you want to enter the park from its east side, you must take Highway 89.
Moreover, the nearest airports to this national park are Kalispell and Great Falls. From there, you will have to reach the park by road.
Visitor Centers of the Park
Apgar Visitor Center
St. Mary Visitor Center
Logan Pass Visitor Center
Operating Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day. You can visit the park on 365 days of the year.
You will have to pay some fees at the entrance. The entrance stations will not always be human-crewed. However, you must make a self-payment following the instructions at the entrance.
Where To Stay In Glacier National Park?
Once you have reached the park safely, you will, of course, look for safe accommodation. Camping and wilderness camping are surely the best options if you want to make the most of the park experience.
However, you can always explore the lodging options for more comfort. The park also has restaurants and stores, providing you with basic amenities.
Lodges In Glacier National Park
Look at the table below for details about the lodging options at Glacier National Park.
Lodging Facility
Operates
Contact Information
Glacier National Park Lodges/Xanterra Parks & Resorts
Village Inn MotelLake McDonald LodgeRising Sun Motor InnSwiftcurrent Motor Inn
(855) 733-4522 (USA)(303) 265-7010 (Outside the USA)
Glacier Park Collection
Apgar Village LodgeMotel Lake McDonald
(844) 868-7474
Sperry Chalet & Granite Park Chalet (These are two backcountry chalets in Glacier National Park.)
Sperry ChaletGranite Park Chalet
(888) 345-2649
It is always better to check the availability at the lodges in advance. Further, some of these lodges have historic associations. For example, the Lake McDonald Lodge became a “National Historic Landmark” in 1987.
Did you know that Lake McDonald Lodge is one of the best examples of Swiss chalet architecture, and it is a member of the Historic Hotels of America? Talk to the staff in the lodges to unearth more stories and anecdotes about these places.
Camping In Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park has 13 front country campgrounds. Along with putting up a tent, these campsites are also suitable for RVs and other vehicles.
These campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served, or reservation basis. So, let’s explore the options.
Type of Booking
Name of the Campground
Highlights
First-Come, First-Served
Bowman Lake Campground
It offers the best view of Bowman Lake. Further, it is known for its serene ambiance.
Cut Bank Campground
The Cut Bank Campground is the best for backcountry trips. It is also close to many day-hiking trails.
Kintla Lake Campground
I found this campground the most picturesque camping destination in the park. Sitting on the Kintla Lake, it is a quiet place for camping.
Logging Creek Campground
This campground is close to Logging Lake. Also, you will love it if you prefer some solitude.
Quartz Creek Campground
It is the smallest campground in the park, and you will love it for its pristine charm.
Rising Sun Campground
You can enjoy the best view of Red Eagle Mountain from this camping ground. Further, as the name suggests, it offers beautiful sunrise views.
Reserved
Apgar Campground
The evening programs at the Apgar Amphitheater are the most entertaining thing to do in the park. You can take a short walk from this camping ground to enjoy the sunset views of Lake McDonald.
Avalanche Campground
Avalanche Campground is great for wildlife viewing, especially birdwatching. In addition, it is connected to many day-hiking trails.
Fish Creek Campground
It offers decent views of Lake McDonald. Also, you can enjoy some privacy here.
Many Glacier Campground
It is the best camping ground to experience wilderness in the park. Further, you can see bears and bighorn sheep here.
St. Mary Campground
It is the hub of interpretive programs and many other events in the park. Also, it is the largest campground on the park’s eastern side.
Sprague Creek Campground
Camping is comfortable here with shades of trees. Further, it offers the best view of Lake McDonald.
Two Medicine Campground
If you want red bus and boat tours, Two Medicine Campground is the best for you. Further, it offers better privacy than other campgrounds. Also, it leads to the Running Eagle Falls and many other popular hiking trails.
So, choose a campground based on your desired experience and other preferences. For reservation, contacting the park authority at least six months before your visit is better.
Wilderness Camping In Glacier National Park
You will need a wilderness permit if you’re going to do wilderness camping in the park. If you ask me, camping by the riverside is the best option. Further, if you want to be more adventurous, you can try wilderness camping in winter with special permits.
Here, I will only discuss the best riverside camping options in the wilderness. You will need river camping permits and must abide by the camping regulations on the riverside.
North Fork Flathead River
The undesignated wilderness camping along the North Fork Flathead River is a great place if you want to try paddling or angling. Boating in the river is also a popular activity here.
Middle Fork Flathead River
The Middle Fork Flathead River camping is the best choice to explore the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Further, the primitive setup here offers you the most adventurous camping experience.
What To Do In Glacier National Park? Try Hiking To Know The Park’s Best
It does not matter whether you want a short hiking expedition or a long backpacking experience. The Glacier National Park has you covered. So, let’s know about some of the trails.
Avalanche Lake
Difficulty Level – Easy to Moderate
Trek Distance – 5.9 Miles
This trek route is close to the Lake McDonald Lodge, and before you start the trek, you can enjoy a boat ride in Lake McDonald before starting your day.
You will see many waterfalls and mountains while hiking through this beautiful and easy trail.
Highline Trail
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Trek Distance – 7.2 Miles
If you want to experience the core essence of the Glacier National Park in one day, you must trek through the Highline Trail. You will visit Alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, and the best wildflowers throughout your hiking expedition.
Further, the Continental Divide makes the pain-stricken hike worth it. However, be careful during the last 4 miles of the trek, as trekking downward through the trail is Scary!
Siyeh Pass
Difficulty Level – Strenuous
Trek Distance – Over 10 Miles
Siyeh Pass is the trekking trail you must explore to see the 1.5 billion-year-old fossils in the park. You will also get to see many glaciers throughout the trek. The glaciers visible in this trekking route are:
Blackfoot
Sexton
Piegan
Jackson
In addition, you will love trekking through the spruce and fir forests, and the wildflowers in the meadows are a treat for the eyes.
Hidden Meadow
Difficulty Level – Easy
Trek Distance – 3 Miles
Hidden Meadow in Glacier National Park is a kid-friendly trail. Further, it is a short trek taking you through forests until you reach a meadow for an expansive view of the surroundings.
Also, you will love the largest Douglas firs here.
Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!
Everyone deserves a vacation. For most people, escaping routine activities seems long overdue, even for a few days of relaxation. People yearn for some days without dealing with different responsibilities from their jobs so they can recharge and recenter themselves for the grind ahead. In addition, wandering around with little to no worries about deadlines and other similar concerns can benefit physical and mental well-being.
However, ensuring you’ll have a great vacation can be tricky. You have to consider various factors to keep your vacation running as planned. As we all know, even the most well-laid-out plans can encounter unexpected hiccups, so it’s best to be prepared for different scenarios. As a traveler, you need to be able to adapt to certain situations so you can still enjoy your free time. Then, you can go with the flow and act accordingly to have the time of your life.
If you’re looking to travel, here are some things you must consider.
Choose Unusual Destinations
One of the best things you can do is travel to less traveled places. You may have difficulty getting the details straightened out, such as the itinerary, accommodations, transportation, and other activities. Still, if you’re looking to experience authenticity, it’s the best way to go. In addition, you would avoid tourist traps which can present a highly commercialized perspective that caters to foreigners.
Straighten Out The Details
Another thing that you can do is to straighten out the trip details. You must secure the right tickets and accommodations. If you decide to drive to the locale, you must ensure your rental car to protect yourself from accidents and other untoward scenarios. You also should have a good phone, so if there’s a problem, you can immediately contact the rental place for roadside assistance.
Try the Local cuisine
To immerse yourself in the local culture, you must enjoy the cuisine. Try something new every day, and you can try eating what the residents eat. It's a way of supporting the community, and even if you don't like the food, at least you can say you tried it. It can be the highlight of your story when you recount it to your friends.
Capture Moments
One of the best things you must do when you go on a vacation is to capture as many moments as possible. You have to live in the moment, but you also have to document the highlights for posterity. Don’t forget to bring a camera or your high-tech mobile phone to take videos or photos so you can post them to your social media account. These photos and videos can form part of your memories.
Learn The Language
If you want to enjoy the experience, try to learn Serbian, English, Spanish, or any rudimentary phrases in the local language. Online resources like "Spanish classes for adults near me" can offer convenient learning opportunities. By doing so, you can engage in simple greetings and interactions with the people you meet, demonstrating your respect and appreciation for their culture.
Endnotes
Ensuring that you’ll enjoy your vacation can be challenging. However, if you try to straighten out trip details, learn the language, and immerse yourself in the local culture, you will enjoy the experience tremendously.
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Visiting Northern California ensures an amazing trip that is jam-packed with attractions, activities, and breathtaking locations. If you're looking for an amazing way to make the most of your vacation, think about renting an RV and visiting some of the best campgrounds in this charming area.
There are so many possibilities available for adventures based on RVs that choosing just a few is a fun challenge. From tanning in the warm sun on a pristine beach to fully embracing the beauty of nature, Northern California offers a plethora of life-changing experiences. You've come to the right place if you're looking for the best RV camping Northern California.
Is RV Camping In Northern California Legal?
Discover the best RV campgrounds Northern California has to offer by reading on, and make sure your next trip is nothing short of spectacular!
California generally allows RV living as long as you don't park your vehicle overnight on private property without the owner's permission. You should be mindful of local regulations, though, as they might forbid parking certain kinds of RVs on public roads.
Among the few states without laws banning RV living is California. If you want to live in an RV, you can legally do so. Before relocating to your new mobile home, it is imperative to ascertain the policies of your neighborhood HOA regarding this matter.
RV Camping Northern California
If you are looking for locations for RV camping Northern California is your best bet. Here are the top RV parking grounds. Get ready, its going to get exciting!
Yosemite National Park
The expansive campground located within Yosemite National Park is aesthetically pleasing. It sounds amazing to wake up to a stunning view of Yosemite Valley on a cold night, doesn't it?
Winter visitors to Yosemite will find Upper Pines Campground to be a great location. For those who wish to witness Yosemite in all its winter splendor, Upper Pines is the perfect place to go because it remains open even when the valley receives snowfall.
The only location in a National Park with a campground open all year round is Upper Pines. It is not possible to get hookups at this campground. Nonetheless, it features areas designated for tents, RVs, and vehicle camping.
Yanks
For RV camping Northern California has Yanks. Yanks is a cutting-edge establishment in Greenfield, California. It is designed for individuals seeking an exceptional, enjoyable, and opulent experience with their loved ones. For those who enjoy traveling in style, they have something to offer everyone.
With their wide RV sites and complete hookups, Yanks is the ideal destination for any kind of vacation. Numerous amenities are available, including a fitness center, pet wash, pool, spa, as well as laundry. Large RVs and people wishing to park and connect their tow car can fit in the park's pull-through spots.
They also have patios and concrete pads. Every campsite has full hookups with 30/50 amp electricity, free cable TV, and free Wi-Fi available throughout the park.
Vacaville RV Park
Another great place to stay is the California RV Park campground in Vacaville. It is close to the San Francisco, Sacramento, Napa Valley, and other beaches in California. Major attractions like the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Solano County Wine Country, Napa Valley Wine Country, and Sacramento Wine Country are all nearby.
You can stay in touch with your friends as well as family back home and your coworkers at work thanks to the free WiFi that is available everywhere. The best part is that if you don't have an RV, you can rent their tent cabin.
Ramblin' Redwoods Campground & RV Park
In Crescent City, RV camping Northern California, there is a family-friendly campground called Ramblin' Redwoods Campground & RV Park. The park has everything you need to enjoy the outdoors and explore the area, including an RV park and full-service campground!
The campground is one of the few in California that provides hiking trails, hot showers, and restrooms, along with all-inclusive rates. In addition to having large campsites, fully functional kitchens, open as well as shaded sites, private forest sites, and much more, it is family-friendly.
Ramblin' Redwoods Campground is the ideal location for you to stay, whether you're searching for an opulent cabin tucked away in the forest or just want to hang out at a campground in an RV with your family!
Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
The Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort is a great location for a tranquil, restful vacation. It provides all the conveniences you require for a pleasurable stay with loved ones or friends. It is tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains' California redwoods.
A wide range of activities are available in the park to keep visitors happy and busy. Basketball courts, fishing ponds, playgrounds, pavilions, eateries, and restrooms are a few of these. Visitors can even buy snacks and mementos from the general store located on the premises. If you want to enjoy some fun in the sun, you can boat or swim in the lake from the waterfront.
This park is ideal for travelers looking for an affordable as well as practical place to stay because it offers RV sites. Every RV site has complete hookups, which include cable TV, water, sewage, and electricity. But keep in mind that the RV site is not a place for tents.
Among California's most well-liked campgrounds is Beals Point Campground. Beals Point Campground is a lovely location on the west side of Folsom Lake, north of the dam. Beals Point Campground is open year-round, offering both RV and tent camping near the water, as well as incredibly spacious tent sites.
With 69 fully equipped campsites, a store, as well as breathtaking mountain views, the campground has it all. All summer long, they accept reservations for the 69 sites, which are open to visitors of all ages. They go to first-come, first-served when it gets too chilly and don't fill up as quickly.
For overnight visitors, the campground offers potable water, hot showers, as well as a swimming pool.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
If you're looking for a weekend full of adventure, Lake Perris State Recreation Area is the place for you.
With 167 tent camping sites and 264 paved RV sites (along with electricity, water and sink water), it's the biggest natural lake in the state. There is a dump station at each entry. A grill-equipped fire ring as well as a picnic table are also available.
California's Riverside County is home to the stunning Lake Perris. Mountains and hills surround it. Spread out across the lake, the campsites provide a distinctive experience for campers who wish to take in the scenery without having to worry about making frequent trips from their spot.
Wrapping Up
You're in for a treat whenever you travel to Northern California because of its alluring beauty, as well as the magic is amplified in the summer. The warmth and sunshine make the outdoors an ideal playground for adventure seekers, beckoning you to go camping and hiking. Additionally, it's a great place to go on vacation because every city has a wealth of things to do and attractions to keep you occupied.
If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about RV camping Northern California, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
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If you have been bitten by the wanderlust bug, you would know that the reality of traveling is the expenses themselves. In fact, why most people plan so much before traveling anywhere is because of the high costs of accommodation and flights. This is where travel deals come in and saves expenses, making it possible for ordinary people to travel.
The question that naturally pops up in this context is, where do you even go to find out travel deals? There are actually several alternatives online where you can find the best travel deals, but how to figure out which ones are legit and which ones are not. But don’t you worry, we are here to save the day!
In this article, we plan on dissecting one of the oldest sites for travel deals, also known by the name Priceline. Keep reading to find out more on the same!
What Is Priceline?
Priceline.com or Priceline is a highly sought-after travel booking website that offers a vast collection of discount programs and travel deals, specifically curated to help users save money on travel. Primarily used for booking discounted accommodation, the site is also popular for providing exclusive deals on car rentals and flight tickets.
The website has several programs that can help you save money on travel in several ways. Some of the more popular programs are as follows,
Priceline Express Deals,
Priceline VIP Program, and
Pricebreakers
Each of the above-mentioned programs helps users to save while traveling and, at the same time, secures both accommodations and transportation.
Does Priceline Still Exist?
Although the ‘Name Your Own Price’ program is no longer active, Priceline as a website continues to exist. Currently, the three most popular programs on the site are,
Priceline VIP Program,
Pricebreakers, and
Priceline Express Deals.
The PCLN or the Priceline Group owns several travel booking sites. Some of these are as follows,
Booking.com,
KAYAK,
Agoda, and
Opentable
However, the PCLN no longer goes by the same name. Instead, in 2018 the Priceline Group changed its name to Booking Holdings or the BKNG. This step was taken by the Priceline Group to honor Booking.com as the most profitable and essential venture.
To answer your question, the site is completely operational today and keeps providing the latest deals on travel to users across the world.
How To Use Priceline?
The popular travel booking website has a simple, easy-to-use interface, similar to other travel booking sites. All you need to do is type out your travel dates and destination. Then, the site will do the rest for you in terms of finding the best Priceline hotels or other types of accommodation and transportation.
Check out the primary services offered by Priceline.com below!
Priceline Hotels:
The website has a search function for hotels and other accommodations. When you type in your dates and destination, the available options in terms of accommodation will automatically pop up. Of course, if you want to save on accommodation, you can always take the help of filters to narrow down choices or even try out any of the discount programs.
Priceline Flights:
Naturally, the Priceline flights search option functions like similar options on other sites. All that you need to do is, in this case, type in your arrival as well as departure dates alongwith your destination. You will soon find several flight deals on the website for your deliberate upon and eventually choose from.
Priceline Car Rentals:
Yes, you got the flight and accommodation, but how do you commute from the airport to the hotel? In that case, you can always opt for Priceline car rentals to find budget-friendly car rental alternatives in the neighborhood you are visiting. In fact, if you look properly, you will be able to find exclusive deals and discount programs for renting cars.
Is Priceline Worth It?
The best way to find out whether the Priceline website is worthy is by figuring out the pros and cons of the same. Scroll down and find out more on the same.
Pros Of Priceline:
The advantages of it are as follows,
The Priceline VIP membership program comes for free
Travel deals and programs mostly come for free
Customer support is available 24/7
User-friendly interface
Great deals with discounts up to 80%
Cons Of Priceline:
The disadvantages of it are as follows,
The deals include mystery hotels which can be a little dicey from time to time
The best deals on Priceline are mostly open to last-minute booking
The website does not provide refunds on several deal programs
The gold VIP is not open to all
Is Priceline Legit?
Simply put, yes, Priceline is a legit travel app.
The Priceline customer service is pretty cool, and the website has existed since 1997. If there was anything shady about this website, then it would not have been possible for the site to stay relevant in 2022. The best part? Priceline’s ‘Name Your Own Price’ program enables users to bid on preferred hotel and flight prices.
Unfortunately, the ‘Name Your Own Price’ program ceased to exist a few years ago. But that does not mean there are no other great deals that offer similar services. Sometimes, it might be a little tricky to navigate around all the many offers present, but don't worry, keep reading to find out how to use the website to your advantage!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Who Owns Priceline? Jay S. Walker founded Priceline 25 years ago in 1997, with headquarters located in Norwalk, Connecticut. The company has managed to survive for many years due to its top-quality service and ever-growing brand presence. 2. What Is Another Company Like Priceline? There are several companies like Priceline in the market today. These are as follows, • Hotwire.com,• Expedia.com, and• Airbnb.com 3. What App Is Better Than Priceline? The top alternatives to Priceline are as follows,• Southwest.com,• Airbnb.com, and • Booking.com
Wrapping Up:
Now that you know the Priceline website is legit and trustworthy, you can plan your next vacation with the same. Find out crazy deals that will help you save on travel for a change. So what are you waiting for? Plan your next vacation now, but don’t forget to check out Priceline.com before that!
Let us know in the comments below your thoughts on and experience, if any, on the same!
My Rating: 3.5/5
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