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There are few sights in nature more breathtaking than the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky. While many travelers dream of seeing the Aurora Borealis in Alaska or Canada, guests at West Glacier KOA Resort are often surprised to learn that some of the best Northern Lights viewing opportunities in the lower 48 states can happen right here in Northwest Montana during the fall months.
As summer crowds begin to thin and crisp autumn evenings settle over Glacier Country, the night skies become darker and clearer. Combined with increased solar activity, September and October can provide spectacular opportunities to witness the Northern Lights right from the campground.
Imagine ending your day of exploring Glacier National Park by relaxing beside your RV with your favorite beverage in hand. As darkness falls, shades of green, pink, and purple begin to ripple across the sky above the mountains. There's no need to drive anywhere or search for a viewing location—you can simply step outside your campsite and enjoy one of nature's greatest shows from the comfort of your camp chair.
Guests staying in our SkyDeck Lodges enjoy an even more elevated experience. The private rooftop deck provides panoramic views of the Montana night sky, making it an incredible place to watch for Northern Lights activity. Cozy up with a blanket, enjoy a glass of wine or a hot beverage, and take in the unforgettable spectacle from your own rooftop retreat.
One of the best parts? You don't have to stay up all night wondering if you'll miss the show. During periods of Northern Lights activity, our team keeps an eye on the skies and will send text alerts to guests when the Aurora is visible from the campground. Whether you're relaxing at your RV site, enjoying an evening around the campfire, or winding down in your cabin or SkyDeck Lodge, we'll help make sure you don't miss a moment of the magic.
The combination of Glacier's mountain scenery, Montana's wide-open skies, and the possibility of seeing the Aurora Borealis creates a fall camping experience unlike any other. Even on nights when the Northern Lights don't appear, guests are treated to brilliant stargazing thanks to the area's minimal light pollution.
If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, consider planning a fall getaway to West Glacier KOA Resort. While sightings can never be guaranteed, autumn often provides some of the best chances to catch this remarkable natural phenomenon.
Pack your camera, bring a warm jacket, grab your favorite camp chair, and get ready to look up. Your next unforgettable Glacier adventure may be happening right above your campsite.
Visit during September and October for some of the best viewing opportunities.
Check Aurora forecasts before your trip.
Choose clear nights with minimal cloud cover.
Allow your eyes 15–20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
Use your smartphone's night mode or a camera with a long exposure setting for amazing photos.
Sign up for our guest text alerts so you'll know when the lights are visible.
Stay up a little later—the best displays often occur between 10 PM and 2 AM.
Book your fall stay at West Glacier KOA Resort and enjoy the rare opportunity to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your campsite, RV, cabin, or private SkyDeck Lodge rooftop. With Glacier National Park next door and our staff helping alert guests when the Aurora appears, your Montana fall getaway could include one of nature's most unforgettable displays.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.