Washington State RV stay in Cle Elum. Beautiful, mountain scenery and an easy drive to the Bavaria themed village of Leavenworth. The Whispering Pines RV Park sits along the Yakima River and features large sites, river walk trail and swimming pond.
Key Campground Takeaways:
Large, pull-through sites
Some sites have 50 amp and sewer
Riverwalk trail along the Yakima Riiver
Swimming pond
Wooded sites
Our Campground Stay:
Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Whispering Pines RV Park offered shaded sites, a nice riverwalk for the dogs and a swimming pond. With over 100-degree temperatures during our stay, the pond was very popular with campers. Our dogs enjoyed the pond early morning for off-leash play. A riverwalk path offered glimpses of the swift water Yakima River. We appreciated the shaded and spacious sites. Our site had 30 amp and water with no sewer but was fine for a two-night stay to explore the local area.
Whispering Pines RV ParkRiverwalk at Whispering Pines RV ParkRiverwalk at Whispering Pines RV Park
What to do:
Walk the dogs along the riverwalk accessed in the campground. This trail borders the Yakima River and offers river access for fishing. The river runs fast so we didn’t let the dogs swim but the campground swimming pond was a great option early morning for the dogs.
Visit the Swiftwater Cellars in nearby Suncadia Resort Community. Reservations are a must at this winery restaurant, even for a wine tasting. The wine is very good.
Take a drive to Leavenworth, Washington, a German-themed village with Bavarian architecture, dining and shopping. The dogs enjoyed a walk through the village and the cooling mist at the Leavenworth Sausage Garten.
Leavenworth, WashingtonLeavenworth, Washington
Chili & Cedar’s Review: 4.9 Paws out of 5 Paws
Thank you for some shade and the swimming pond. It was so hot during our stay; we didn’t want to come out of the air-conditioning. We enjoyed our walks on the river trail each morning and our morning swim in the pond. Lots of green space in this park for dogs. Leavenworth was very dog friendly, and we give the Leavenworth Sausage Garten 5 PAWS for keeping us cool with their misting machine.
Swimming pond at Whispering Pines RV ParkLeavenworth Sausage Garten
Wonderful, dog-friendly Coeur d’Alene RV park. Blackwell Island RV Park provides access to Lake Coeur d-Alene, a 26-mile lake nestled in a mountain setting in northern Idaho. With spectacular views, the lake is popular for its sandy beaches, watersports and surrounding hiking trails.
Key Campground Takeaways:
Large, pull-through sites with full hookups.
One mile from the city of Coeur d’Alene
Swimming beach and marina
Dog swimming beach!
Dog-friendly
Our Campground Stay:
Blackwell Island RV Park is a great destination campground with marina, swimming beach and spacious sites. The location is perfect to enjoy all the attractions of Cour d’Alene and the beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene. Many campers towed boats to take in all the water activities. Best feature was the dog swimming area. There were trails to take the dogs and the park clearly welcomed dogs. The park is well maintained with level sites.
Blackwell Island RV ParkBlackwell Island RV ParkBlackwell Island RV Park Dog Beach
What to do:
Boat, swim, enjoy Lake Coeur d’Alene. There are many boat ramps and marinas on the lake. Boating and water sports are very popular on this beautiful lake.
Take a drive around the lake to explore the lakeside communities and enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain vistas.
Take a day trip to Sandpoint, a quaint town on Lake Pend Oreille. Another spectacular mountain lake. Sample some brews at Laughing Dog Brewing in nearby Ponderay – dog-friendly inside and out.
Laughing Dog Brewing in Ponderay, Idaho
Hike the Tubbs Hill Trail, an easy, dog-friendly, 2-mile loop just south of Coeur d’Alene.
Chili & Cedars’ Review: 5.0 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)
This is our first park with its own dog swimming beach! It was very hot while we were there, so we loved having our own swimming beach. This is a very dog-friendly park with lots of green space, walking trails and did we mention the dog swimming beach – score!!
Dog beach at Blackwell Island RV ParkChili at Blackwell Island RV Park
Spruce on the River RV Park in Kalispell, Montana, sits on the Flathead River and is 30 minutes from Glacier National Park – a nice park with river views. A short drive to spectacular Flathead Lake.
Key campground takeaways:
Pull-through sites, full hookups but most sites are very close together
Large designated dog area
Lots of rules and would not consider this campground dog friendly
Close to attractions of Flathead Lake, Kalispell, Bigfork and Whitefish
Our campground stay:
We were disappointed with Spruce on the River RV Park. Some sites had awesome river views, and a few sites were spacious, but most sites were very close together with no views. There were so many rules, especially regarding dogs, that we could not call this campground dog friendly. We did appreciate the large area that was designated as the pet area, but it was difficult to get the dogs to that area without breaking any rules. Dogs were not allowed on the grass near the picnic area overlooking the river. There were so many mosquitos, it was difficult to spend much time in the pet area. Many campers love this park as it is very family friendly but for some it comes down to the right site and the experience for dogs. The location is fine to split the difference between Glacier National Park and the Flathead Lake area, but we would not come back to this RV park.
Spruce on the River RV Park, Kalispell, MTSpruce on the River RV Park, Kalispell, MTSpruce on the River RV Park, Kalispell, MT
What to do:
Rent a pontoon from Old Faithful Watersports and spend a day on Flathead Lake. This 30-mile lake is just spectacular. Take the dogs along for the pontoon ride and let them swim in this very clean lake. Dock at The Raven for a lakeside lunch – dogs are allowed on the patio.
Cedar on Flathead LakeThe Raven Restaurant on Flathead Lake
Explore the small town of Bigfork with many options for dining and shopping.
Go to the resort town of Whitefish for more shopping and dining. Check out the Unleashed Winery in downtown Whitefish. Dogs are not allowed but all of their wines and labels are dog-themed. Good wine and nice vibe.
Unleashed Winery in Whitehead, Montana
Visit the Flathead Lake Brewing Company for dinner on their lakeside patio. Arrive early as this is a popular place, but the beer is good and the views are amazing.
Enjoy some amazing pizza at the Moose’s Saloon in Kalispell. Casual dining with sawdust on the floor, this saloon is a favorite with locals for pizza and beer.
Chili & Cedars’ Campground Review: 4.2 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)
We were not crazy about the Spruce on the River RV Park. Although they had a large dog play area, we had to cross our legs trying to get there! Lots of rules that started with “no”. We loved our pontoon ride on Flathead Lake. Chili loved swimming in this clean lake. Next time, we want to find a campground on Flathead Lake!
The most spectacular national park we’ve visited to date. Our Glacier National Park RV stay at West Glacier RV Park was a perfect location to explore this impressive national wonder.
Close to shops and restaurants at West Glacier Village
Our Campground Stay:
We truly enjoyed our stay at West Glacier RV Park. The spacious, pull-through site accommodated our canopy tent, which provided some welcome shade during a very hot stay. Our large site accommodated our guests who were camping in Glacier National Park for meals and gatherings at the wood firepit. The dogs enjoyed plenty of green space and the fully enclosed dog park. The park is large enough for long walks and there is a nice trail leading to West Glacier Village. This is a very family and dog-friendly RV park. The location could not be beat for day trips to Glacier National Park. As a newer park, the landscaping has not matured and there is little shade. You either hoped for a big rig to park next to your site or set up a canopy.
Tip: Buy your groceries well before you get to West Glacier as groceries and food are very expensive
West Glacier RV PrkWest Glacier RV Park
What to Do:
Plan ahead and check out the park website for current information on vehicle reservations for the Going-to-the-Sun Road (as of 2022 rolling reservations are available 120 days out). Note: If you are staying or camping inside the park, vehicle reservations are not required.
Take a day and enjoy the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Bring the dogs along for the road trip unless you are planning on hiking along the way. Dogs are allowed at picnic areas and along the road when stopped, but they are not allowed on any trails. Start early to beat the crowds and pack a lunch as there are few food options until you get to St. Mary. Be aware that cell phone service is mostly non-existent in the park.
Tip: Print your reservation for the Going-to-the-Sun Road or download it on your phone before you get to Glacier National Park – cell service is unavailable at the entrance and beyond.
Plan a few days to hike the many trails throughout the park. The Avalanche Lake Trail is a 4.5 mile round trip moderate hike with a spectacular lake at the top – well worth the treck. Start early to avoid the crowds during this popular hike.
Tip: For hiking days, keep the dogs at the RV or reserve a kennel ahead of time.
Avalanche Lake HikeBighorn sheepGlacier National Park St. Mary EntranceAvalanche Lake
Chili & Cedars’ Review: 4.8 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)
West Glacier RV Park was really nice. We had long walks around the park once the sun went down. We were not allowed to hike in Glacier National Park – but that’s okay – not interested in running from bison or bears. We loved our ride through the park. Cedar’s head was hanging out the window most of the way.
Chili & Cedar Glacier National ParkChili & Cedar on the Going-to-the-Sun RoadCedar sightseeing in Glacier National Park
Short drive to the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Our Campground Stay:
The Hardin KOA Journey is perfect for a one-night stay while visiting the Little Bighorn National Monument in Hardin, Montana. The campground has full hookups, a pool and plenty of green space for the dogs. The staff is very friendly and helpful with local attractions. We booked for two nights but stayed for one. The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is a half day visit and the town of Hardin has little to offer.
What to do:
Stop at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument visitor’s center to see historic photos and artifacts from the Little Bighorn Battle. The exhibits depict the events leading up to the battle and set the stage for the 4.5-mile battlefield tour. Drive the tour road and listen to cell phone audio along the way. There is no entrance fee for the Monument.
Little BIghorn Battlefield National MonumentLittle BIghorn Last Stand HillLittle Bighorn Battlefield MonumentLittle BIghorn Battlefield Indian MemorialLittle Bighorn Battlefield National Monument Wild Horses
The campground was fine but nothing special. It was so hot, we didn’t get to take the driving tour of Little Bighorn National Monument. We’re out of here!
Hardin KOA Journey, Hardin, Montana
Next Stop: Glacier National Park/West Glacier RV Park
