Best Campgrounds in Glacier National Park

The best campgrounds of Glacier National Park

With the exception of Many Glacier Campground, the opening dates for campgrounds listed here is as follows:

Individual sites at these campgrounds operate on a 6-month rolling basis:

Availability is released from Fri, May 26th 2023 through Tue, July 18th 2023. Select dates for availability.
On January 19, 2023 at 08:00 am MST, availability will be released through July 19, 2023.

These campgrounds also make sites available on a short-term release.

Common things to know between campsites

Food storage regulations are strictly enforced. Grizzly and black bears frequent the area. When not in immediate use, all food, beverages, coolers, cooking utensils, pet food, or other attractants must be kept in a closed, hard-sided vehicle or secured in bear proof storage lockers near campground restrooms.
Don’t Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood within the same county in which you plan to camp. Moving firewood is illegal in some states.
Hammocks. Hammocks must be hung over non vegetated areas using one inch straps or wider. Vegetation may not be trampled to access hammocks.
If arriving one or more days late, you are required to call (406) 732-7740 ext # 2. Your reservation will be forfeited if we do not hear from you within 24 hours of your scheduled arrival date.

NPS Photo

Many Glacier Campground

The Many Glacier Campground is located on the east side of Glacier National Park, at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet. The campground is located about 22 miles from the town of St. Mary and the east entrance to Glacier National Park. The St. Mary Entrance allows access to the spectacular 50 mile-long Going-to-the-Sun Road, and traverses the high point at Logan Pass with an elevation of 6,646 feet. Babb, Montana, is the closest community to the Many Glacier Campground and is located approximately 12 miles east of the campground. Babb has a general store, gas station, several restaurants and a U.S. Post Office. Cell phone coverage is not available in the campground. However, limited coverage is available in Babb.

Individual sites at this campground operate on a 6-month rolling basis:

Availability is released from Fri, June 9th 2023 through Tue, July 18th 2023. Select dates for availability.
On January 19, 2023 at 08:00 am MST, availability will be released through July 19, 2023.

This campground also makes campsites available on a short-term release

Many Glacier Campground is situated in a mature Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and quaking aspen forest. Vegetation is dense and provides partial shade for almost all campsites.
Occasional strong wind gusts occur, however, with tree cover, most sites have some protection from the weather.
Nearby natural features include Swiftcurrent Creek and Lake, and mountain views of Altyn, Henkel, Wilber, Grinnell Point, Allen and Wynn.

Apgar Campground

Apgar campground is the largest campground in the park. It is situated in trees and provides tent and RV campers with shade and some privacy. Evening sunsets on Lake McDonald are only a short stroll, and you won’t want to miss evening programs with a ranger at the Apgar Amphitheater. Many trails are located within a short drive of the campground.

Heavily forested with partial shade. Some sites have views of Lake McDonald.
Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities have flush toilets and sinks with running water.
Apgar Campground has multiple entry points on the east and west side of the park.
Firewood collection is prohibited within Apgar Campground.

NPS Photo

NPS Photo

Fish Creek Campground

Fish Creek Campground is the second largest campground in Glacier National Park. The campground is located on the western side of the park at an elevation of nearly 3,500 feet (1,066 m); this area of the park generally receives the most rainfall. Daytime temperatures can exceed 90 degrees (32 degrees C), although it is frequently 10 to 15 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Weather in the mountains can be varied, including snow in summer; visitors should come prepared for anything.

Fish Creek is heavily forested with plenty of shade. Some sites have views of Lake McDonald.
Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities have flush toilets and sinks with running water.
Firewood collection is prohibited within Fish Creek Campground.

Important: Please do not rely on GPS for directions to Fish Creek Campground. Please use these directions:

Fish Creek is located four miles (6.4 km) northwest of the west park entrance near West Glacier, Montana. Access is from U.S. Highway 2, approximately 32 miles (51 km) northeast of Kalispell, Montana.

St Mary Campground

St. Mary Campground is the largest campground on the east side of Glacier National Park, and is conveniently located approximately a half-mile from the St. Mary Visitor Center. The visitor center offers interpretive programs, shuttle service and Red Bus tours leaving from the center. The campground sits near the entrance of the popular scenic byway, the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Though shade is sparse, the aspen trees that grace St. Mary Campground flutters in spring and summer breezes and provides colorful splashes of yellow late in the season.
Views of Singleshot, East Flattop and Red Eagle Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the landscape.
Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities provide flush toilets and sinks with running water.
A couple of miles down the road and outside the park, visitors will find all the comforts of home, including restaurants, gift shops, camp stores, gas and groceries.
Campers arriving after 8 p.m. will find their campsite assignment posted on the kiosk located at the campground entrance. Campers must confirm your registration by 8 a.m. the next morning

NPS Photo

NPS/Gabriel Morrow

Sprague Creek Campground

Sprague Creek is a small campground located on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald, just off Going-to-the-Sun Road. Towed units and RVs exceeding 21 feet are not permitted in this campground. The campground is located within trees, providing shade during warm summers. Some sites near the shore have unobstructed views of Lake McDonald.

Sprague Creek is heavily forested with partial shade. Some sites have views of Lake McDonald.
Amenities such as a camp store, restaurant, gift shop, tour buses, boat tours, and horse rides can be found at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, about a mile away from the campground.
Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities have flush toilets and sinks with running water.

Additional tips on how to book a campground can be found HERE.

Dirk Badenhorst

The best campgrounds of Glacier National Park

Many Glacier Campground

Apgar Campground

Fish Creek Campground

St Mary Campground

Sprague Creek Campground

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