Article Summary: Camping in Glacier National Park, Glacier National Park Campground Map, Glacier National Park Camping, Camping Near Glacier National Park, Glacier Camping
Glacier National Park is massive, and it can be challenging to decide where to stay. There are campgrounds all over the park in addition to lodges and campgrounds outside the park borders.
Most Glacier National Park campgrounds are only available on a first-come, first-served basis, and each has its own appeal.
Below, you’ll find a complete Glacier National Park camping guide with every detail you need to know about booking, locations, prices, and more.
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Table of Contents
Glacier National Park Camping Regulations
The following list of regulations is from the park’s official website. Make sure you follow these regulations carefully during your visit.
- Camping is permitted only in designated Glacier National Park campgrounds.
- Utility hookups are not provided and connection to water, sewer, or electrical outlets is prohibited.
- Between July 1 and Labor Day, camping in Glacier National Park is limited to 14 days, either in a single period or combined separate periods.
- Between Labor Day and June 30, camping in Glacier National Park is limited to 30 days, either in a single period or combined separate periods.
- Campsite capacity is limited to eight people and two vehicles, where space is available. A maximum of two tents per site is permitted.
- Group sites for 9-24 campers are available at Apgar, Many Glacier, St. Mary, and Two Medicine. Check with a park ranger or campground host prior to using.
- Saving your site: A paper plate strung across the entrance to your site with your name and date will show the site is taken. Remove all markings when vacating the site.
- Sites may not be left unattended for over 24 hours.
- Check out time is 12:00 noon. If staying another night, re-register by 11:30 a.m.
- Secure your valuables out of sight in a locked vehicle.
- Campground speed limits are 10 miles per hour.
Reserving a Campsite
The following Glacier National Park campgrounds can be reserved in advance: Fish Creek, St. Mary, 1/2 of Many Glacier, and 1/2 of the group sites in Apgar. All other campgrounds are operated on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you’re interested in reserving a campground, you can do so online at Receation.gov. Reservations are accepted up to six months in advance, and you should book as early as possible. When you’re reserving, keep in mind that registration opens daily at 10 a.m. EST. Create an account and have your campground and campsite of choice selected before 10 a.m. to ensure you’re as prepared as possible.
Instructions for booking a first-come, first-served campsite are available upon arrival at the campground you’re interested in. Obtain a fee envelope, place the camping fee into the envelope, and place it in the fee tube within 30 minutes of arrival. Finally, clip the receipt from the fee envelope onto an empty post to claim your site. You’ll want to claim a campsite in the morning, as early as you can.
Planning an epic trip to Glacier National Park? Don’t forget to read our favorite Glacier hikes, including a guide to Cracker Lake, our 7-day itinerary, and how to get there.
Glacier National Park Campgrounds
Below you’ll find a brief overview of each campground in Glacier National Park.
You can check the current status of the various campgrounds on the official website. This will show you whether the campgrounds are open or closed as well as whether they are full or have availability. Furthermore, you can click on each campground at the bottom of that page for more information and to see what time of day the sites have filled up in the past. This is extremely useful for planning purposes.
Map of Campgrounds in Glacier National Park
Apgar Campground
This is the largest campground in Glacier National Park. Nearby is Apgar Village, home to a visitor center, camp store, gift shops, a restaurant, boat rentals, and shuttle services. You can also reserve horseback riding trips and Red Bus tours here. Lake McDonald is a short walk from the campground.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: $20 per night
Facilities: Potable water, flush toilets, showers, sinks, disposal station
Ranger Programs: Located in the Apgar Amphitheater
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served
Season: Apgar is open year-round with limited services in winter
Sites: 194 with 25 RV sites
More Information: click here
Avalanche Campground
You can find the Avalanche Campground in the middle of Glacier National Park. Two popular hikes in Glacier National Park, Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake, begin from here. The shuttle stops here to bring you to other destinations along Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: $20 per night
Facilities: Potable water, flush toilets, sinks
Ranger Programs: None
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served
Season: Summer only (about June 22 to September 15)
Sites: 87 with 50 RV sites
More Information: click here
Bowman Lake Campground
If you’re hoping to be away from the crowds, Bowman Lake is a good option. The campsites are relatively secluded in the trees, however, this also brings mosquitoes. Make sure you pack insect repellant. The campground is accessed via a dirt road. At Bowman Lake, near the campground, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are available.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: $15 per night
Facilities: Potable water, vault toilets
Ranger Programs: None
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served
Season: Summer and fall (about May 17 to November 1)
Sites: 46
More Information: click here
Cut Bank Campground
One of the smaller campgrounds in Glacier National Park, Cut Bank is another that offers some quiet. The campground is accessible only by dirt road. No water is available, so you should bring your own. There are great day hiking opportunities here.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: $10 per night
Facilities: None
Ranger Programs: None
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served
Season: Summer (about May 31 to September 15)
Sites: 14
More Information: click here
Fish Creek Campground
Fish Creek is the second-largest campground in Glacier National Park, located just 2.5-miles from Apgar Village. While the campground is not on the coast of Lake McDonald, some sites do offer views. There’s a good chance of seeing wildlife in the mornings and evenings on the Camas Road leading to the campground.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: $23 per night
Facilities: Potable water, flush toilets, showers, sinks, disposal station
Ranger Programs: Located in the Fish Creek Amphitheater
Reservations Accepted?: Yes; if there is availability, sites are also available first-come, first-served.
Season: Summer (about May 31 to September 1)
Sites: 178 with 18 RV sites
More Information: click here
Kintla Lake Campground
This is Glacier National Park’s most remote frontcountry campground. There are limited services, and the closest (limited) amenities are in the small town of Polebridge, about 15 miles away. This is one of the best places to camp in Glacier National Park if you desire solitude.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: $15 per night
Facilities: Potable water, pit toilets
Ranger Programs: None
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served
Season: Summer and fall (about June 7 to October 31)
Sites: 13
More Information: click here
Logging Creek Campground
Logging Creek Campground is also on the western border of the park. One of the smaller campgrounds in Glacier National Park, it’s accessed by a winding dirt road. While it is somewhat remote, its location is in close proximity to the park’s west entrance. The hike to Logging Lake is relatively easy and starts in the campground.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: $10 per night
Facilities: None; bring your own water, as there is none available at the campground.
Ranger Programs: None
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served
Season: Summer (about July 1 to September 22)
Sites: 7
More Information: click here
Many Glacier Campground
This is one of the most popular campgrounds in Glacier National Park. There are many services nearby, including a camp store, a casual restaurant, and the Many Glacier Hotel. There is also a fee-based shuttle service to the eastern side of the park. Furthermore, there are showers available in the nearby Swiftcurrent Motor Inn for a fee. Many Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the park, and hiking access is available from here.
Reservations are only available for half of the campground from June 14 to September 1.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: $23 per night in summer or $10 in fall
Facilities: Potable water, flush toilets, sinks, disposal station
Ranger Programs: Located in the Many Glacier Amphitheater
Reservations Accepted?: Reservations are only available for half of the campground from June 14 to September 1. Otherwise, this campground is first-come, first-served only.
Season: Summer and fall (about May 24 to October 22)
Sites: 109 with 13 RV sites
More Information: click here
Quartz Creek Campground
This is the smallest campground in the entire park and the ultimate location for frontcountry solitude. It is accessible only via a bumpy dirt road on the west side of Glacier National Park. From here, it is a 6.2-mile hike to Quartz Lake. There is no water, so you will need to bring your own.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: $10 per night
Facilities: Pit toilets
Ranger Programs: None
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served
Season: Summer and fall (about July 1 to October 27)
Sites: 7
More Information: click here
Rising Sun Campground
Rising Sun Campground is in one of the best locations in Glacier National Park. Right on St. Mary Lake, campers here will be treated to glorious sunrises and ample hiking opportunities. Nearby, you’ll find a camp store and a casual restaurant. There are also token-operated showers next to the campground. Shuttle service is available from here to St. Mary.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: $20 per night
Facilities: Potable water, flush toilets, sinks, disposal station
Ranger Programs: Located in the Rising Sun Amphitheater
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served
Season: Summer (about June 7 to September 8)
Sites: 84 with 10 RV sites
More Information: click here
Sprague Creek Campground
About nine miles from the west entrance of the park is the small Sprague Creek Campground. On the shore of Lake McDonald, some sites have unobstructed lake views. About one mile away at Lake McDonald Lodge, you’ll find a camp store, restaurant, and gift shops. Furthermore, boat tours, shuttle services, and horse rides depart from here. Shuttles also stop at the campground. It’s located along Going-to-the-Sun Road, making it noisier than some of the other campgrounds.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: $20 per night
Facilities: Potable water, flush toilets, sinks
Ranger Programs: Located at Lake McDonald Lodge
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served
Season: Summer (about May 10 to September 15)
Sites: 25
More Information: click here
St. Mary Campground
The largest campground on the east side of Glacier National Park, St. Mary Campground is also one of the most popular. It’s located about 1/2-mile from the park boundary. Many amenities are located nearby in St. Mary, including restaurants, gift shops, and stores. The St. Mary Visitor Center is also close by.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: $10-23 per night depending on the time of year
Facilities: Potable water, flush toilets, showers, sinks, disposal station
Ranger Programs: Located in the C Loop
Reservations Accepted?: Yes, from May 31 to September 1. The rest of the year, it is first-come, first-served.
Season: St. Mary is open year-round with limited services in winter
Sites: 148 with 25 RV sites
More Information: click here
Two Medicine Campground
Two Medicine is a beautiful area of the park that many visitors skip even though it used to be the hub before the Going-to-the-Sun Road was opened. With fewer crowds, you can enjoy the wonderful views in relative peace. On the shore of Two Medicine Lake are a camp store and a gift shop. Boat tours and Red Bus tours also depart from Two Medicine.
Campground Map: click here
Cost: $20 per night
Facilities: Potable water, flush toilets, sinks, disposal station
Ranger Programs: Located at the amphitheater in Loop B at Site 40
Reservations Accepted?: No, this campground is first-come, first-served
Season: Summer and fall (about May 31 to October 22)
Sites: 100 with 10 RV sites
More Information: click here
Campgrounds For RVs
There are no RV hookups in any of Glacier National Park’s campgrounds.
The following campgrounds accommodate RVs or vehicle/trailer combinations:
- Apgar (up to 40 feet in length)
- Avalanche (up to 26 feet in length)
- Many Glacier (up to 35 feet in length)
- Rising Sun (up to 25 feet in length)
- St. Mary (3 sites can accommodate up to 40 feet, 22 sites can accommodate up to 35 feet)
- Two Medicine (up to 35 feet in length)
Backcountry Camping in Glacier National Park
The best source for backcountry camping information is the official website. I have summarized many of the logistics below, however, I still recommend reading the park’s official webpage.
My recommendation: camp at Cracker Lake, my favorite trail in Glacier and the campsite pictured above.
Backcountry Camping Fees
It costs $7 per night per person to obtain a backcountry permit. This fee is only collected from May 1 to October 31. If you wish to backcountry camp in the off-season, permits are free. There are no discounts for American the Beautiful pass holders.
If you choose to reserve online, there is a $40 application fee in addition to this $7 fee.
Getting Your Permit
Backcountry camping in Glacier National Park requires a permit. These are available the day of or the day before you wish to begin your trip. Permits are not issued after 4:30 p.m. You can check availability for walk-in campsites here.
Beginning March 15 (or March 1 for large groups), you can also reserve your backcountry permits online in advance. There is a $40 fee for each application submitted. You may not hear whether your permit has been approved for two months after applying. When you arrive and pick up your permit, you will still need to pay the $7 fee.
Permits can be obtained at the following locations:
- Apgar Backcountry Permit Center
- In the off-season (November 1 to April 30), call (406) 888-7801 to schedule an appointment to get your permit.
- St. Mary Visitor Center
- Many Glacier Ranger Station
- Two Medicine Ranger Station
- Polebridge Ranger Station
- Waterton Lakes National Park Visitor Reception Centre
- If you’re entering at Goat Haunt and Chief Mountain, obtain your permits here.
Where is Backcountry Camping Allowed?
Click here for a map of backcountry campsites. You can also find GPS coordinates here. The trail conditions and trail closures pages will also help you plan your route.
What to Pack
The following list of items should be included in your pack.
- Bear Spray
- Detailed topographic maps and a good overview map
- Compass
- First Aid Kit
- High-calorie food
- Shelter
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Appropriate footwear
- Wool or synthetic clothing to layer (dry clothes to sleep in)
- Rain jacket and pants
- Lightweight camp shoes
- Footwear for stream crossings
- A weatherproof food and garbage hanging bag
- 25 feet of rope for hanging food and garbage
- Water container and water filter
- Campstove and fuel
- Emergency signaling device
- Insect repellent
Camping Near Glacier National Park
If all of the campgrounds in Glacier National Park are full, you can try to camp outside of park boundaries. Here are some options:
West Glacier RV Park and Cabins
Official Website: click here
Phone Number: 1 (844) 868-7474
Address: 200 Going-to-the-Sun Road, West Glacier, MT 59936
Columbia Falls RV Park
Official Website: click here
Phone Number: (406) 892-1122
Address: 103 Hwy 2 East, Columbia Falls, Montana 59912
Mountain View RV Park
Official Website: click here
Phone Number: (406) 892-2500
Address: 3621 MT Hwy 40 West, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Rocky Mountain HI Campground
Official Website: click here
Phone Number: (406) 755-9573
Address: 825 Helena Flats Road, Kalispell, MT 59901
Lodging Inside Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park has some of the nicest lodges in the National Park System. You can book these on the websites managed by their approved third-party operators.
Apgar Village Lodge
Location: Apgar Village
Phone Number: (406) 892-2525
Official Website: click here
Reservations: click here
Granite Park Chalet
Location: Backcountry lodge; accessible by hiking only
Phone Number: (888) 345-2649
Official Website: click here
Reservations: click here
Lake McDonald Lodge
Location: Lake McDonald
Phone Number: (855) 733-4522
Official Website: click here
Reservations: click here
Many Glacier Hotel
Location: Many Glacier
Phone Number: (855) 733-4522
Official Website: click here
Reservations: click here
Motel Lake McDonald
Location: Lake McDonald
Phone Number: (406) 892-2525
Official Website: click here
Reservations: click here
Rising Sun Motor Inn
Location: Rising Sun
Phone Number: (855) 733-4522
Official Website: click here
Reservations: click here
Sperry Chalet
This historic hotel was burned in the devastating 2017 fires. It will reopen on July 18, 2020.
Location: Backcountry lodge; accessible by hiking only
Phone Number: (888) 345-2649
Official Website: click here
Reservations: click here
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn
Location: Many Glacier
Phone Number: (855) 733-4522
Official Website: click here
Reservations: click here
Village Inn at Apgar
Location: Apgar Village
Phone Number: (855) 733-4522
Official Website: click here
Reservations: click here
Where to Stay if Everything is Full
Here are the hotels I recommend outside of the park if everything above is full.
- St. Mary Village
- Reclusive Moose Cabins
- Silverwolf Lodge Chalet Resort
- Glacier Outdoor Center
- Glacier Homestead
- Great Northern Lodge
- Under Canvas Glacier
- Sky Eco
Pin My Glacier National Park Camping Guide
Throwing in a rec for the Belton Chalet. It’s a cute, historic little chalet that was surprisingly affordable during my time at Glacier NP.
Thanks for that!