McGregor Lake, Montana

Tuesday, July 25 (continued)

From our camp at Pleasant Valley the crew and I go east to McGregor Lake.  Kalispell is about 35 miles further east from the lake and Glacier National Park is beyond Kalispell.

McGregor Lake Campground’s picnic area by the beach, quiet after a day of family fun

McGregor Lake Campground is popular!

It’s easy to understand why.  The lake is beautiful with very little development on its shores and the campground has a swimming beach and boat dock.  Several campsites have a path to the water’s edge!

The camping fee is $13 regular/$6.50 with senior discount pass.

We ride around the campground loop for RVers.  (The tent sites are in an entirely different area which I think is a smart design.)

I’m disappointed when I find almost all the campsites are occupied.  The ones that aren’t occupied are so-so, unlike the one in the photo above, taken on another day.

I park at the entrance, unsure what to do next.

“Well, guys, I don’t know about this.  If we could snag a lakeside site . . . .”

Ever hopeful, I take us around the loop again.  This time around I notice a man is backing up his truck to his fifth wheel.

Yay!  They’re leaving!  They’re leaving!

We don’t move.  We wait, ready to pounce.  They pull out.  We move forward and back in.

I turn off the engine, jump out, run around to the passenger side . . . .

“C’mon!  Let’s see what’s at the end of our path!”

Oh, my oh my.  This is lovely.  The water is so clear!  And we have our own cove!  

“Ya’ know what, crew?  I’m going to go swimming every day.  Maybe you will, too!”

Reggie and Roger investigate the shore.

“Our” beach is rocky, but, hey, I’m not complaining!

“You two gonna’ be water dogs?”

We return to the Best Little Trailer and set up camp.

I like our site.

We’re at the very end where the road curves around so there’s no one close to us on that side.  On the other side is a berm and lots of trees and brush.  It seems like there’s no neighbor over there.

Not much shade in the afternoon but we do have an awning and . . .

We can go swimming!

(The fuschia bag is my shower tote, now a beach tote.)

Internet signal doesn’t exist at McGregor Lake.  

The next morning I unhitch.  The Perfect Tow Vehicle takes us about ten miles toward Kalispell where I can go online using my Verizon jetpack.  This becomes part of our daily routine during our stay at McGregor Lake, along with a swim in the afternoon.

rvsue

NOTE:  The delay in my posts may cause some confusion.  (See dates of each post.)  When we arrive at McGregor Lake, smoke from forest fires has not yet appeared in this part of Montana.  You can see in the photos the clear, blue sky.  Future posts will tell the story of our race away from the smoke. — Sue

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50 Responses to McGregor Lake, Montana

  1. Deena in Phoenix says:

    Hi Sue and Crew, you are hot to see this morning.

    • Deena in Phoenix says:

      Should have read “a joy to read” not hot. Waiting for to be serviced, using phone and fingers are big, left stylus in other bag. Have a wonderful day!

  2. Judy in East Texas says:

    I love this spot!

  3. Cinandjules 🌵 says:

    Wow…….Awesome!
    Bet it is gorgeous in person! Enjoy!

  4. Congrats on nabbing a good spot. I tend to be an early leaver/early arriver at campgrounds. But sometimes I arrive too early, before others have had time for coffee, breakfast and packing up their gear. I don’t understand those who arrive after dark, without reservations, in high season, and imagine they’ll find a vacant spot.

  5. Elizabeth in WA says:

    What a super spot, Sue!! Still smoke here…but hopefully gone tomorrow…which will drive it inland I suppose…

  6. Dawn in MI says:

    What a beautiful spot! Just goes to show patience wins out. So….did the boys go swimming? Or was it too cold for them? I wonder if they will like getting wet. If you’re out there they might decide to chance it. I look forward to finding out!

  7. Renee from Idaho says:

    Woowee! Top Ten Again!

  8. Rover Ronda (WA) says:

    Great timing!! I’m glad you snagged such a great site!

  9. Kellee says:

    What a beautiful locale! I am always nervous swimming in lakes – I grew up on a beach, lakes scare me for some reason! Can’t wait to hear about how the swimming is!

    • Diann in MT says:

      Interesting, Kellee. I grew up with lakes, and beaches scare me because all I can think is SHARKS! Probably laughably inappropriate.

  10. weather says:

    Wow, what a gorgeous lakeside campsite! I could feel your glee as you saw the previous campers pulling out, Ha! Then your joy and excitement when you saw the cove at the end of your path, oh, Sue, I’m just delighted for you.

    So often I’ve felt sorry knowing you had to drive somewhere looking for an internet signal and sit typing in the heat of the PTV in order to produce a post for us to enjoy. It’s a personal relief for me to picture you returning to your sweet little home when arriving there gave you a chance to cool off in a beautiful body of water. I hope you and your adorable crew have a great day. This post really added to how nice mine is 🙂

  11. chas anderson says:

    I am enjoying recent blogs.You are in one of the few areas of the Lower 48 that I have not visited much.My mind is made up to go next summer, God willing.Also enjoying seeing R and R becoming best buds.

  12. Karen in Pacific NW says:

    The pine bark beetle sure has given the forest fires a lot of easy to ignite fuel.

  13. Cat Lady back home in Central City, La says:

    Sue, I did a YouTube Update on my app. It said do I know this person (that was you). I pressed the button that indicates I do…Next thing I know they’re saying I can now share YouTube vlogs with you…HUH? I didn’t know that’s what it was for. I apologize. I don’t know how to take this off or even if I need to. If someone knows what I’m trying to tell Sue, please help me get Sue’s name off this YouTube sharing address. It was the Share update that came out a couple of days ago. Again, I apologize, Sue.

    • Mostlylost says:

      Hi Cat Lady,

      It sounds like you clicked the ‘share private videos’ option. Pretty sure there’s no way to uncheck that – it’s a glitch that YouTube is ‘getting around’ to fixing.

      The good thing is Sue will only get notices when you post a private video, and it sounds like you don’t post videos, just watch them.

      Hope that helps!

  14. Marcia GB in MA says:

    Oh boy! What a great spot you found. Your timing was perfect.

  15. Diann in MT says:

    Thank you, Sue! Another wonderful camping spot on my bucket list. I am planning a trip to NW Montana next early summer, as a result of your great scouting. Thanks, again!

  16. Diann in MT says:

    Oh, by the way, Happy Swimming, Sue and Crew!!!

  17. Virginia620 (AL) says:

    😀

  18. Kathy (NC) says:

    So happy to see what a beautiful site you found. We are fortunate to have something similar not too far from home so can just imagine how much you and the boys have enjoyed it!
    It has been a very busy summer for us so far, trying to get projects done before our trip back to the UK later this month – but I’m still following your journey and loving every photo, especially those of Reggie and Roger.
    I hope you are safe from the smoke now and looking forward to more blue skies.

  19. Sherri from California says:

    Wow- a lakeside space and swimming! I had no idea how lovely this part of Montana is. To me, your posts are like a postcard from a dear friend: happy for your adventures and always glad to hear from you!
    Love the last 2 photos. First Reggie poses while Roger is distracted to his left. Then Roger poses while Reggie is distracted. Wonder what they were looking at?

  20. Barbara (Nashville) says:

    I love this campground with its lakeside view and the path down to the lake. How refreshing that you can go swimming in the afternoon.
    In the last post I was having frustration & slight depression issues. They haven’t gone away, but I sent an e-mail to Casita last week and Jonathan sent me some detailed information, pricing options/cost sheet and a local contact to look at her Independence.
    Then I received this nice colored brochure in the mail today. Wish I could order one now, as they are on sale. I can’t move forward much right now, but I am going to be ready when I can. Have also been working on ridding the house of unnecessary stuff. It amazes me the amount of unused stuff I have. Amvets & Arc are going to love me when I get finished.

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      Hi, Barbara,

      Just wanted to let you know that I am sending you a big **hug**. Take good care of yourself.

      • Barbara (Nashville) says:

        Thanks Denise. I am trying to keep up my spirits, but I feel like I am in a bottomless pit right now. Would probably feel better if I just had a good cry.

    • MB from VA says:

      Hi Barbara! What you are doing has helped me too. There really are a ton of things to do before hitting the road long term. I might not be able to go just yet, but I can busy myself getting rid of things and preparing in other ways. It makes me smile to check something off the list…or toss, sell or give something away. Small steps in the right direction. And then one day, those small steps will take me into my vehicle and west. We will get there. Oh….and I have a folder of brochures! 🙂

      Have a great day!
      MB

      • Barbara (Nashville) says:

        I have a tone of locations to visit and have them by state. A lot of them are places that Sue has visited over the years, other, are things on the bucket list, some are place that have generated interest based on my hobbies, or that friends have talked about.
        If I don’t get started soon, I may run out of time since I will turn 70 on Monday.

        • MB from VA says:

          Yea….me too. I would like to focus on the western third of the country. I used to teach and was able to travel some in the summer. My grandmother started my wanderlust when I was very small. Each summer we would go on a 2 week trip. She got me to @ 40 states. I made up the next 8. I would like to spend an extended amount of time in the west….my favorite section of the country except VA…which will always be special because it is home.

          I won’t bother with the “Have you thought about this…. or that way to go…..”. I’m sure you have. And I hate it when people say that to me….well meaning though they are.

          I hope it helps a little to know that there is someone else out here thinking the same thoughts and trying to figure out how to make her dream a reality too. Hang in there. We will figure it out!

          MB

        • Deena in Phoenix says:

          Happy Birthday Barbara, may you have a wonderful day and a great year!

  21. Carolyn Green says:

    When you are camped in areas somewhat private or removed from other campers, do you feel safe? And do you have some sort of protection? I know you have the dogs. I guess what I’m asking – not your method specifically- do full timers generally have a “just in case” game plan for intruders, human or non-human?

    • Sue has a bear alarm on the BLT she can set off to scare away big critters. I’m sure it would work on humans as well.

      As fulltimers we don’t boondock and are probably more likely to have issues than someone like Sue who does. Still, after two years I’ve never felt unsafe. And we don’t stay in resorts 🙂

  22. SuziCruzi says:

    Hi Sue, and Bloggerinos. Just popping in to say “hi”, and say how fun it’s been following your Summer through Montana. But yes, the fires.. ugh. We haven’t seen clear blue skies in SW WA where I am, in a couple of weeks. I went to the Coast for a couple of days last weekend to escape the smoke and awful (triple digit) heat, and it was cool and foggy. Lol. Can’t win! But the cool was a nice respite from the heat and burning eyes from the smoke.
    I’m happy to say after reading your blog for nearly a year, I’m finally up to “real time” now. Whew! I’ve got your whole six years under my belt now, and it’s been quite the journey. I’ve enjoyed each post. 🤓
    We are gearing up for the huge influx of people to our area for the eclipse on the 21st. They are expecting as many as a million visitors to Oregon for ‘Eclipse Weekend’- many of them campers. We plan to hang close to home due to being so close to the path of totality. ( I am across the river from Portland, OR.). I hope you and the pups have a safe, quiet place away from crowds to hang out.
    Take good care Sue,
    Suzicruzi 😎

  23. Denise - Richmond VA says:

    Hi, Sue, Reggie, and Roger! I hope you had enjoyed your swim breaks55 at this camp! The water looks so refreshing!

    Sending love and hugs to you all from me and Gracie pup! 🙂

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      Wow…not sure why that sentence got auto-corrected to incoherent mush!

      I hope you all enjoyed your swim breaks at this camp!

  24. ValGal (westernWA) says:

    Primo spot you have there! How was the water? Cold? Refreshing?

    The boys didn’t look to eager to jump in. I’m sure we’ll hear all about that in another post.

    Sorry the smoke arrived. ☹️

  25. Geri in the FL panhandle! says:

    Wow, yet another beautiful camp and
    SWIMMING! Did the boys ever get in the water with you? Good to hear you are away from the smoke now! The NW has really suffered with a super hot summer this year!!!
    Radar looks so cute today! We took him to a different groomer yesterday and she really gave him a good cut!
    Hug the crew from us! Keep that angel on your shoulder, she seems to be leading you to the right places to camp!

  26. Jolene/Iowa says:

    Hi Sue, this is beautiful! I had no idea how nice Montana was.

    I have been busy and have not read comments. Before you head back south this fall you need to do some research on Arizona and the plague. Areas have tested positive for it near Flagstaff area and they suggested in the article I just read on it that it could be carried by fleas. They were warning people with pets to really be careful. Kinda scary for you with you being outside all the time. Just wanted to give you a heads up in case you had not heard about this yet.

  27. Looks like the perfect summer spot. Glad you got some pretty days before the smoke. Yesterday was our first clear day in Washington in nearly two weeks and it was wonderful. Even better, rain today!

  28. Li says:

    Good grief – more smoke. I have a son in Vancouver. They say it’s dreadful there too.
    This lake is a beaut though!

  29. AZ Jim says:

    Beautiful area. Shame you don’t fish though. Cheers Missy!

  30. BadgerRickInWis says:

    They look more like wader dogs that water dogs.

    Great spot however. Internet or not I’d be pretty tempted to stay a full 14 days.

  31. Joe Bruner says:

    I have loved following your travels through Montana. We own a small Coleman trailer and plan to visit that part of the country next year, so we have used your posts as our “Trip Advisor”. Many thanks. Enjoy your stay and keep up the great work.

  32. Crystal the T@B owner says:

    I head out tomorrow to visit Glacier. I sure hope the smoke doesn’t interfere too much. Plus there’s the eclipse traffic, so I may have to deal with busy roadways. I’m actually leaving an area that’s an hour from the path of totality and heading NW. I was/am hoping for beautiful clear skies and no humidity.

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