Glacier National Park Updates: Summer 2024
Glacier National Park has made a few key changes to their campsite and vehicle reservation system for the coming summer, but we’re here to keep you informed and on the ball!
Campground Reservations
Release dates:
Typically Glacier has operated on the same 6 month rolling basis for campsite reservations that we all know and love, but they have made one small change to this process for 2024 reservations. This year ALL SITES through July 7th 2024 will be available for reservation on recreation.gov on January 7th at 8am MST. For the remainder of the season, they plan to move back to the 6 month rolling basis schedule, meaning only sites for July 8th would be on sale starting January 8th, and so on.
Campground Opening Dates:
- Apgar Campground – Opens May 24th (open year-round, but the sites become available starting in the spring season)
- Fish Creek Campground – Opens May 26th
- Many Glacier Campground – Opens June 9th
- St. Mary Campground – Opens May 14th (open year-round, but the sites become available starting in the spring season)
- Two Medicine – Opens June 5th
- Sprague Creek – Opens May 26th
- Avalanche Campground – Opens July 17th
* All opening dates are according to NPS website and subject to change *
Vehicle Reservations
A vehicle reservation will be required for three regions of the park this summer, including Going-to-the-Sun Road (coming from the west), North Fork, and Many Glacier. Vehicle reservations can only be made on rec.gov.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road (West) Vehicle Reservations. Valid for 1 day. Required for each vehicle going east past the Apgar CheckPoint May 24th through September 8th from 6 am to 3 pm. Not required for vehicles entering from the east side at St. Mary.
- North Fork Vehicle Reservations. Valid for 1 day. Required for each vehicle accessing the North Fork area from May 24 through September 8 from 6 am to 3 pm.
- Many Glacier Vehicle Reservations. Required for each vehicle accessing the Many Glacier Valley from July 1 through September 8 from 6 am to 3 pm.
- All visitors entering one of these areas during the above time frames will need BOTH a vehicle reservation and a Park Entrance Fee or Park Pass (these can be purchased at the kiosk upon arrival to the park or online ahead of time).
- Visitors will be able to enter the “vehicle reservation” areas outside of 6 am – 3 pm without a vehicle reservation – the park is open 24/7!
- If you have a reservation for lodging, camping, or a commercial activity (boat tours, horseback rides, etc.) within one of the three specified reservation regions, this can be used as proof for entry INSTEAD of the vehicle reservation. This is only valid on the day of your campground or activity reservation.
Release dates:
- A portion of vehicle reservations will be available 120 days or approximately four months in advance, starting on January 25, 2024, at 8 am MST on a daily rolling basis.
- Next Day vehicle reservations will be available at 7 pm MDT for next-day entry starting on May 23, 2024 on a daily rolling basis.
Additional Reminders & Resources
Park Entrance Fees
- All reservations mentioned above (campgrounds, vehicle, and concessioner reservations) do not include standard park entrance fees.
- A complete overview of Glacier National Parks entrance fees can be found here.
- Our recommendations:
- Buy an America the Beautiful annual pass for $80, although heavily discounted passes are available for 4th Graders (you read that right!), Seniors, and Military/Veterans. It’s an annual pass that will serve as your ticket to Glacier National Park as well as 2,000 federal recreation sites (including all National Parks). It’s a great way to support the parks!
- For a few lucky summer travelers, all National Parks are free to enter on Saturday September 28th for National Public Lands Day.
Campsite Rules To Know In Glacier National Park
- 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 Park Rangers / Camp Hosts do not hear from you within 24 hours of your scheduled arrival date.
Additional Tips
- Photos of individual campsites (including layout, tree coverage, and views) may be available on campsitephotos.com
- Showers at certain campgrounds can be coin operated. Change machines are often available, but it can be a great use of your spare change.
- We have put together a step-by-step “How-To” guide on booking campgrounds, found HERE.
Weather
Road Closures Can Happen!
To avoid hitting a dead end, be sure to check the Current Conditions page for GNP. Here they will list any alerts you may need to know about closures, construction, and more. On top of that, park rangers are there to help, so don’t be afraid to ask for some tips and tricks when you see them around.
Dirk Badenhorst
