Resort at Paws Up

The ranch that pioneered the concept of glamping (luxury tented camps) boasts an exquisite setting on 37,000 acres of land and continues to draw a loyal following.

• The gorgeous setting, interlaced by the Blackfoot River (of A River Runs Through It fame)
• The delicious baked goods available all-day (don't miss the chocolate chip cookies)
• The long list of activities to keep everyone in the family entertained

Safari-goers are well-accustomed to the luxury tent phenomenon, which brought a bit of glamour to the camping experience—predominantly in places like Africa, India and Australia. The Resort at Paws Up, a dude ranch located on 37,000 acres in Montana, takes this concept west, into Rocky Mountain country. Their 36 luxury camping tents are divided into 6 different campsites scattered along the Blackfoot river and  are set in a secluded meadow, allowing travelers to connect with the outdoors without forgoing the amenities of a hotel. Each tent features a King-sized bed (two- and three-bedroom tents feature additional rooms with two twin beds) with 300-count linens, a private deck, electricity, heat and air conditioning and rustic paintings and furniture. All the tents have en-suite bathrooms, with rain showers, heated floors, and some with deep soaking bath tubs, and all have great views of the surrounding Bob Marshall Wilderness and Mission Mountain Range. The homes and cabins, which have outdoor hot tubs and decks, sleep anywhere from four to eight people and are designed for couples, families and friends. Top-of-the-line are the 3,200-square foot wilderness estates and the Blackfoot River Lodge, all of which come with a car for use during the stay. Many guests of Paws Up opt to split their time between a tent and a home in order to get both experiences.

Year-round activities like horseback riding, hiking, clay shooting and wildlife watching provide plenty of opportunities to be outdoorsy and rugged, at least during the daytime. Big kids can further partake in seasonal adventures like whitewater rafting, go karting, ATV riding, fly fishing and snowmobiling. For smaller kids, there’s ice skating, hayrides, sleigh rides, pony rides, arts and crafts and a handful of scheduled events with names like Lewis and Clark Discovery Day and Little Dudes Day. There is also an all-year-round kids camp called Kids Corps of Discovery which features activities such as tours to the nearby Garnet Ghost Town, a real historic mining town on property, and sifting for gold. Kids will also have the opportunity to play games like capture the flag and participate in water balloon fights.

Spa treatments, which take place in tents set in a private meadow, employ local ingredients like mountain sage, rosemary and juniper. The nearby gym is well-equipped and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the landscape. And whatever criticisms might be thrown about the authenticity of such a camping experience, the vast, untouched wilderness—all glorious 37,000 acres of it—is undeniably real.

Multigenerational families or groups of friends that want a thrilling wilderness experience.

The resort provides complimentary pickup at Missoula Airport, which is approximately 35 miles west of Greenough.