If you are an outdoors enthusiast, you’re likely going to be looking for places to stay near Glacier National Park at some point or another. While there are many options that can work for you no matter what your budget might be, you also have to consider when you will book and how close you might want to be to the park.

Here are some of the best options when it comes to accommodations near Glacier.

1.   Many Glacier Lodge

If you can get a spot at this coveted location, you’re in for a treat. With views of Many Glacier Lake and easy access to the best hikes in the park, you’re set to have the best adventure possible in Glacier National Park. However, this spot likes to fill up fast so you are going to want to check in at least a year in advance in order to get a hotel room–especially one with a view. If you can get it for the mid-summer, you’re sure to have an amazing time in the park. Just remember to watch out for bears since they like to frequent the area!

2.   Whitefish

When you are planning on spending most of your time on the west side of the park, most visitors tend to gravitate toward the town of Whitefish. Not only does it offer some delicious restaurants and lots of activities like zip lining and theater, but it is also only 30 minutes away from Glacier. Lodging in Whitefish is also a lot less competitive than right by the park, and it is also much easier to find good food and brews than in other areas in the Flathead Valley. While it is easier to find accommodations, you’ll still want to book several months in advance to get your room.

3.   Kalispell

The town of Kalispell is located about 45 minutes away from the park, and it tends to be a great spot for those on a budget or those who want access to Flathead Lake in the summer. There are also a number of state parks worth checking out if you want to avoid the crowds in Glacier or get to know the spots the locals love. You’ll also find a variety of hotel options here since it is a larger town and is used to housing more people during the tourist season.

4.   East Glacier

Taking the train to Glacier? Then you will probably want to get off at this small town. While there isn’t much going on in terms of food or drink, it does offer easy access to the park. East Glacier also has an interesting history tied to the railroad and is a little less busy than the west side, which means you have more opportunities to camp and get away from the relative hustle and bustle of the bigger towns in Montana.

Overall, you want to do your research so you can find the right place to stay near Glacier National Park for the amount of time you have there and how much you are willing to spend.