Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Big Sky Country stirs awe and wonder. Towering mountains, winding rivers, and endless skies capture the heart in an instant. From the Crown of the Continent at Glacier National Park to Yellowstone’s hydrothermal wonders, Montana embodies the soul of the American West – rugged, wild, and unforgettable. For those seeking a truly memorable stay, here are four unique places to stay in Montana, from luxury glamping to rustic cabins, where adventure, nature, and comfort meet in extraordinary ways.
Under Canvas Glacier
Just seven miles from the West Entrance of Glacier National Park, Under Canvas Glacier redefines the Montana getaway. Safari-inspired tents invite you to sleep under starlit skies without sacrificing comfort, with king-size beds, plush linens, wood-burning stoves, and ensuite bathrooms that create a sanctuary after long days in the wilderness.
Open seasonally from June to mid-September, Under Canvas Glacier is also dog-friendly, perfect for travelers who want to bring along four-legged companions on their Montana adventure.
Exploring Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, often called the Crown of the Continent, is a landscape defined by giant glaciers and Rocky Mountain peaks. With more than 700 miles of trails, visitors can hike to turquoise alpine lakes, stand beneath snow-capped summits, and wander through wildflower-filled meadows. Highlights include the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, the mirror-like Lake McDonald, and the chance to spot wildlife like grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles. Whether kayaking the Flathead River or stargazing by the campfire, Glacier is the ultimate Big Sky adventure.
Under Canvas West Yellowstone
Montana’s gateway to America’s first national park, Under Canvas West Yellowstone, sits just 10 minutes from the West Entrance, Yellowstone’s most popular gateway. Surrounded by Montana’s picturesque landscape, this camp combines luxury safari-inspired tents with uninterrupted views and easy access to some of Yellowstone’s greatest natural wonders for a one-of-a-kind glamping getaway.
Open May through September and dog-friendly, it’s also the perfect starting point to pair with a stay at Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley for a complete exploration of Yellowstone National Park.
Visiting West Yellowstone and Yellowstone National Park
Begin your day marveling at Old Faithful, then follow the boardwalks past the rainbow-hued waters of Grand Prismatic Spring before wandering through Norris Geyser Basin, the park’s most active geothermal area. Beyond the park, West Yellowstone offers attractions like the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and classic fly-fishing on the Madison River. After a full day of geysers and answering the call of the wild, return to camp for s’mores by the fire and stories beneath the stars.
Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley
Set along the banks of the Yellowstone River, Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley offers an unparalleled Montana escape. Just 20 minutes from the park’s North Entrance, 45 minutes from Bozeman, and a short drive from the charming town of Livingston, it’s the perfect balance between immersion in nature and easy access to local culture, with restaurants, breweries, boutiques, and art galleries nearby. But you don’t need to venture far to create lasting memories.
With over a mile of riverfront, guests can enjoy world-class fly fishing or float trips just steps from their tent. Each luxury glamping tent features ensuite bathrooms, hot running water, West Elm furnishings, wood-burning stoves, and private decks overlooking Montana’s Paradise Valley. Spend mornings on horseback, afternoons hiking nearby trails, and evenings dining al fresco with live music and crackling campfires. With the Yellowstone River at your doorstep and the park minutes away, this is one of the most unique places to stay in Montana, perfect for living your own Yellowstone adventure.
Open May through September, this dog-friendly camp offers an authentic Montana experience.
Exploring North Yellowstone
North Yellowstone is where wildlife and geology take center stage. The wide-open landscapes of Lamar Valley, often called “America’s Serengeti,” offer some of the best chances to spot bison, elk, and even wolves. Nearby, the boardwalks of Mammoth Hot Springs wind past steaming travertine terraces that shift and transform with mineral-rich waters. Add in scenic drives along the Yellowstone River and the historic charm of Fort Yellowstone, and the park’s northern region becomes a place where nature and history meet in unforgettable ways.
Bar N Ranch in West Yellowstone
For those craving a Western ranch experience, Bar N Ranch is a rustic retreat just six miles from Yellowstone’s West Entrance. Nestled on 200 acres of valley landscape, this property offers both lodge rooms and private cabins, ranging from cozy one-bedrooms to spacious four-bedroom retreats with modern comforts.
Wildlife is part of the Bar N Ranch experience. Wander the property and you may encounter rescue horses, red fox, and antelope. The South Fork of the Madison River winds through the ranch for on-site fly-fishing. Guests can also enjoy horseback riding nearby, whitewater rafting, or guided tours of Yellowstone’s geysers and canyons, just 20 minutes away.
Dining at Embers, the ranch’s signature restaurant, pairs local flavors with Montana charm. Afterward, gather around the outdoor fire pit for s’mores beneath a canopy of stars.
Open seasonally from May through October, with dog-friendly cabins, Bar N Ranch offers yet another of the unique places to stay in Montana that blends comfort with the call of the wild.
Find Your Montana Escape
From glamping near Glacier to fly-fishing in Paradise Valley or savoring ranch life in West Yellowstone, these four unique places to stay in Montana make every trip unforgettable. At Under Canvas, you’ll sleep beneath the stars in safari-inspired tents and wake to the sights and sounds of nature just outside your door. Camps feature daily programming, locally-inspired dining, and curated adventures that bring Montana’s wild beauty to life. After a day of exploring, unwind fireside and reconnect in comfort and style.
Ready to experience Big Sky Country in a whole new way?