The Journey Begins: Our First Days on the Road from Sandpoint to Glacier (and Beyond!)
- Cara Kerouac
- Oct 1, 2024
- 5 min read
We’re sharing the first leg of our journey from Sandpoint, Idaho, to Glacier National Park. We’ve spent weeks preparing for our three-week road trip that takes us through Glacier all the way back to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s a massive adventure, with dispersed camping along the whole way—and that means some serious preparation! Here’s how we’ve managed to make it all happen, from finding remote campsites to keeping our coolers packed with fresh food.
Preparing for the Journey: Finding Dispersed Camping Spots
A trip like this requires tons of planning, especially because we prefer dispersed camping—finding those hidden gems where we can camp in the wilderness, away from the crowds. These places are tough to find since no website perfectly maps them out.
That’s where James comes in. Finding remote spots for dispersed camping, especially where our dogs can run free, takes hours of research. He dives into Campendium, Gaia GPS, Google Maps, and even Reddit to read up on places people have stayed. One of our best spots near Glacier was actually a Reddit find. It’s all about satellite views, scouting for roads that aren’t closed, and even watching for seasonal closures—we've found out the hard way; often roads can be blocked!
James' Camping Research Process
Finding remote campsites is a blend of strategy, patience, and a bit of luck. James spends
hours diving into satellite images, reading through forums, and scouring maps. It’s not just about finding a legal camping spot; it’s about getting the ideal experience—seclusion, space for the dogs, and easy access to our next adventure. Here are some resources we used:
Campendium: A go-to for dispersed camping spots across the country.
Gaia GPS: A fantastic map tool to cross-reference locations and check for road access.
Google Maps: Perfect for a bird's eye view of potential campsites.
Reddit Camping Communities: Unfiltered reviews and tips from fellow campers.
Food Prep for the Road: Coolers, Snacks, and Flexibility
In a trip like this, food is a huge factor. We’re out in the wilderness, so stopping by the store isn’t always an option. We took advantage of Labor Day sales to stock up on meats, snacks, and beverages. Block ice in the coolers keeps things colder for longer, and we’ve developed a system for organizing everything—meats in one cooler, veggies in another, and drinks in a third.
Simple tricks like wrapping produce in paper towels and using a barrier between veggies and ice blocks will help extend their shelf life.
Having a mix of quick snacks and full-on meals allows us to adapt to the weather or an unexpected delay. One night, instead of cooking, we just enjoyed some prosciutto with goat cheese and crackers. Keeping flexible meals on hand is a must when plans change last minute.
The Route: Sandpoint to Glacier National Park
After saying our goodbyes and getting in some last-minute baby time with the grandkid (and a final game of Catan), we finally hit the road around 3:30 PM. Here’s the route we took:
Highway 95: From Sandpoint to Bonner’s Ferry.
Highway 2: Heading east toward Glacier.
Camp Spot Discovery: Our first stop didn’t go exactly as planned. The GPS mistakenly took us to Logan State Park instead of Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park. Logan is a lovely campground—fire pits, picnic tables, and lakeside views—but it’s more for folks who enjoy “city camping” with neighbors—not exactly our vibe, so we decided to explore further.
Finding the Spot: Forest Service Roads
While we were deciding what to do, we noticed a forest service road reroute by Google
Maps to take us back around to Logan. It was getting close to sunset, so we decided to take a chance and explore it for a camping spot. We ended up pulling off on a quiet two-track road, just enough space for our truck and us to crash for the night.
In the morning, we brewed some coffee with our rocket stove and hit the road again. We didn’t stay long, but it was perfect for a quick overnight stay.
The forest service roads along Highway 2 offer plenty of dispersed camping options. If you’re looking for more established campgrounds, Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park is where we wanted to stay. The next morning, we went to explore it, and it would have been a great choice, with beautiful lakeside views and fewer crowds.
Glacier National Park and the Scenic Route
This one-night detour is an excellent reminder of just how flexible we need to be with plans. Roads can close without warning due to weather (as happened recently with Glacier’s famous Going-to-the-Sun Road), or accidents could create delays. It’s always important to remain flexible and keep an eye on the weather so you can adjust plans accordingly.
If you’re traveling to Glacier from the west, we recommend avoiding the major highways like I-90. Instead, take the scenic Highway 2 for breathtaking views and more dispersed camping options along the way.
The Real Destination on this Leg: Lake View Campground
Lake View Campground, located on the shores of Hungry Horse Reservoir, offers a serene escape just outside of West Glacier. The drive to camp is as picturesque as it gets, winding through a stunning mountain pass to a hidden gem with only five sites!
For us, site number 5 was the clear winner! With the most space and direct access to the reservoir. Vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits add to the comfort, but the real allure is the untouched beauty surrounding it. You can follow a private trail down to the water’s edge from your campsite, perfect for a quiet swim or letting your dogs splash around. The view is nothing short of breathtaking, with towering mountains reflecting in the crystal-clear waters of the massive reservoir.
Hungry Horse Reservoir, while not as well-known as nearby Glacier National Park, offers a quieter, more intimate experience with nature. It’s the kind of place where the sunsets are magic over the lake, the night sky is brilliant, and the sound of the water lapping at the shore is the only background noise. You’ll have space to unwind, be free from the crowds, and soak in the beauty of the Montana wilderness.
Just a short drive from the campground, West Glacier awaits, for a day trip to explore the famed national park. While Glacier’s beauty is undeniable, nearby areas like Lake View Campground offer equally stunning experiences without the hassle. If you’re looking to connect deeply with nature, away from the leash laws and packed trails, this spot on Hungry Horse Reservoir is a perfect base to explore the wild beauty of Montana at your own pace.
Tips for Your Own Dispersed Camping Adventure
Research your campsites: Use Campendium, Gaia GPS, and even Reddit to find dispersed camping spots. Look for satellite views to scout accessibility and space.
Keep your food fresh: Use block ice, separate coolers, and simple hacks like wrapping veggies in paper towels to keep produce lasting longer.
Be flexible with your plans: Weather, road closures, and last-minute changes are part of the journey. Keep backup snacks and easy-to-prep meals handy for nights when cooking isn’t an option.
Enjoy the scenic routes: Don’t always stick to the major highways. Roads like Highway 2 from Sandpoint to Glacier are stunning and offer many great opportunities for dispersed camping.
Check for fire restrictions: Check local jurisdictions and forest management services for possible fire restrictions. They could be as severe as no propane grills, which would dampen outdoor cooking.
Relevant Links for More Info:
Stay tuned for the next part of our adventure, where we’ll dive into Glacier National Park.
Thanks for joining us on our road trip journey! If you love what we’re doing, be sure to leave us a review and share your favorite dispersed camping tips.
Until next time, happy cruising!
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