One of the best ways to experience Glacier is by spending a night in the park under the stars. In this article we’re coming everything you need to know about camping in Glacier National Park, including the best campsites, how to prepare and what to pack.
Written by guest author: Mukarim Zargar
Glacier National Park is truly a unique journey. It allows you to escape the daily humdrum, connect with nature, and experience the vivid tapestry of wildlife, pristine lakes, and towering mountains.
This guide will help you plan and prepare for your trip with everything you need to know about camping in Glacier National Park. We hope this will ensure you have the most enjoyable and safe experience possible.
Glacier National Park Camping Guide
Psst! Be sure to check out our complete guide to Glacier National Park on our sister site to help plan the rest of your trip!
Know before you go
- Open: year-round
- Good to know: some roads, all campgrounds, and most visitors’ facilities are closed from October through April.
- Check here to see what will be closed during your visit
- Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle or free as part of an annual America the Beautiful Pass
A well-planned trip is vital to making the most of your Glacier National Park adventure. Before you pack your tent and gear, research the park’s rules, the weather during your visit, and the amenities available at the campgrounds.
Being prepared is essential, and thorough planning can make your camping experience smooth and stress-free.
America the Beautiful annual park pass
Psst! We (Katie and Ben) are jumping in here with a hot tip!
If you’re planning to visit more than just Glacier National Park, we’d highly encourage you to look into getting an annual park pass. At $35+ per vehicle upon entry, visiting the national parks in the U.S. can get expensive.
For just $80 per year, you can purchase the America the Beautiful park pass. This pass grants you free access to all of the national parks. Plus it also covers your entrance to over 2,000 natural, historical, and recreational sites across the United States.
If you still need convincing, check out our article: National Park Annual Pass: Is it Worthwhile? + How to Buy
Map of Glacier National Park campsites
The map above shows the best places for camping in Glacier National Park. Click on the image to be taken to the Google Maps.
How to find campsites
Annnnd we’re back with another hot tip! The Dyrt is our favorite campsite locating app with the largest database of campgrounds (44,000+ campsites and counting!) and over 1 million user-submitted reviews.
Plus, it’s super user-friendly, and has some pretty cool features, like outdoor gear contests and forums to connect and seek advice from fellow campers, that you won’t find on any other camping app.
Try their Pro Membership for FREE for 30 days and gain access to the offline version of the app, utilize their trip planning feature AND get exclusive discounts on campsites and gear!
Best Campgrounds in Glacier National Park
Camping in Glacier National Park presents a plethora of campgrounds, each with its unique charm and array of offerings. Are you seeking proximity to water? Privacy? Or easy access to hiking trails?
In this guide we’re going to cover the best campgrounds in Glacier National Park, empowering you to make a choice that perfectly aligns with your preferences. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable camping adventure that will leave you inspired and in awe of nature’s wonders!
Apgar Campground
- Location: West Glacier area, near the west entrance of the park (Google Maps location)
- Type of campground: Official NP campsite
- Facilities: Toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, food storage boxes, dump station, and camp store. No showers, RV hookups, or electric outlets
- Cost: $20 per night for a single site, $40 per night for a group site
Apgar Campground is an excellent option for those who value convenience and accessibility. Its location near Apgar Village, home to various shops, restaurants, and visitor centers, makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Glacier National Park.
The campground is open year-round, allowing you to plan your camping trip at any time of the year.
One of the best things about Apgar Campground is its proximity to Lake McDonald, one of the park’s most iconic locations. You can take a short walk from the campground and enjoy the stunning views of the lake, surrounded by the towering mountains and pristine wilderness.
The campground offers a range of amenities listed above. You can also rent boats or kayaks to explore the serene waters of Lake McDonald and experience a unique perspective of the park’s beauty.
Apgar Campground is an ideal starting point for exploring the park’s various trails, offering breathtaking views of the natural beauty surrounding you. You can indulge in hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.
Wanna try out vanlife on your Glacier National Park camping trip?
Katie and Ben here — It’s no secret we are obsessed with #vanlife. If you don’t have the time (or interest) in building your own conversion but you still want to give vanlife a test drive, we’ve got you covered!
We put together an entire guide to the best campervan rental companies in the US over on our sister site, including exclusive discounts for our readers!
One company we’d recommend looking into is Escape Campervans. They have 12 different locations across North America and come fully loaded with all the gear you need for an epic road trip. Plus, their rates are fair and affordable.
BONUS: We’ve partnered with Escape to give you a 10% off discount when you use our link!
Many Glacier Campground
- Location: Many Glacier area, on the east side of the park (Google Maps location)
- Type of campground: Official NP campsite
- Facilities: Toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, food storage boxes, and camp store. No showers, RV hookups, or electric outlets
- Cost: $23 per night for a single site, $46 per night for a group site
Many Glacier Campground is an excellent option for those seeking a rugged and close-to-nature camping experience. Its prime location offers easy access to some of the park’s finest hikes, providing ample opportunities to explore the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding you.
While it may offer fewer amenities than Apgar Campground, its sheer beauty and untamed surroundings more than compensate. You can immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the wilderness and enjoy a camping experience that is truly unique and inspiring.
Moreover, Many Glacier Campground is an excellent location for stargazing, thanks to its remote location and low light pollution. You can enjoy the breathtaking views of the star-studded night sky and witness the beauty of the Milky Way in all its glory.
Fish Creek Campground
- Location: West Glacier area, on the west shore of Lake McDonald (Google Maps location)
- Type of campground: Official NP campsite.
- Facilities: Toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, food storage boxes, dump station, and camp store. No showers, RV hookups, or electric outlets
- Cost: $23 per night for a single site, $46 per night for a group site
Fish Creek Campground is an excellent choice for camping in Glacier National Park if you’re a nature enthusiast seeking water activities. As the park’s second-largest campground, it offers ample space for camping and easy access to Lake McDonald, making it an ideal location for boating and fishing adventures.
The campground provides a range of amenities ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay amidst the beauty of nature. You can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings while still having access to essential amenities that make your camping experience more convenient and enjoyable.
The proximity of Fish Creek Campground to Lake McDonald also means you can enjoy some of the park’s most stunning vistas, including the beautiful sunrise and sunset views over the lake. You can take a boat out on the water, go fishing, or relax on the shore and enjoy the stunning views.
St. Mary Campground
- Location: St. Mary area, near the east entrance of the park (Google Maps location)
- Type of campground: Official NP campsite
- Facilities: Toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, food storage boxes, dump station, and camp store. No showers, RV hookups, or electric outlets
- Cost: $23 per night for a single site, $46 per night for a group site
St. Mary Campground is the largest campground in Glacier National Park, offering a harmonious fusion of convenience and majestic natural beauty. Situated on the eastern side of the park, it provides easy access to some of the park’s most stunning vistas.
One of the best things about St. Mary Campground is its prime location near the St. Mary Visitor Center. This provides easy access to park information, ranger-led programs, and convenient shuttle service, making your camping experience both convenient and enjoyable.
Two Medicine Campground
- Location: Two Medicine area, on the southeast side of the park (Google Maps location)
- Type of campground: Official NP campsite
- Facilities: Toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, food storage boxes, and camp store. No showers, RV hookups, or electric outlets
- Cost: $20 per night for a single site, $40 per night for a group site
If you’re looking for a tranquil camping experience, Two Medicine Campground is an excellent choice. Compared to other campgrounds, it offers a more serene setting, allowing you to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
The campground is conveniently situated near Two Medicine Lake, providing awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding mountains and pristine wilderness. You can indulge in activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching or simply relax and enjoy the serene beauty of nature.
Rising Sun Campground
- Location: St. Mary area, along the Going-to-the-Sun Road (Google Maps location)
- Type of campground: Official NP campsite
- Facilities: Toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, food storage boxes, and camp store. No showers, RV hookups, or electric outlets
- Cost: $20 per night for a single site, $40 per night for a group site
If you’re a nature enthusiast seeking a breathtaking sunrise experience, look no further than Rising Sun Campground. Nestled near St. Mary Lake, this campground offers awe-inspiring views of the sunrise that will leave you mesmerized.
The campground offers modern conveniences including nearby shower and laundry facilities at Rising Sun Motor Inn. You can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings while still having access to essential amenities that make your camping experience more convenient and
enjoyable.
Bowman Lake Campground
- Location: North Fork area, on the west side of the park (Google Maps location)
- Type of campground: Official NP campsite
- Facilities: Pit toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage boxes. No showers, RV hookups, electric outlets, or dump station
- Cost: $15 per night for a single site, $30 per night for a group site
If you’re looking for an immersive wilderness experience camping in Glacier National Park, Bowman Lake Campground is an excellent choice. Tucked away in the northwest corner of the park, its remote location promises fewer crowds, allowing you to connect deeply with nature.
It’s essential to note that Bowman Lake Campground is primitive, with pit toilets and only seasonal potable water. However, its rustic charm and mesmerizing views of Bowman Lake are sure to enthrall you.
Similar to Many Glacier, Bowman Lake Campground is an excellent location for stargazing, thanks to its remote location and low light pollution.
Sprague Creek Campground
- Location: West Glacier area, on the east shore of Lake McDonald (Google Maps location)
- Type of campground: Official NP campsite
- Facilities: Toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage boxes. No showers, RV hookups, electric outlets, or dump station
- Cost: $20 per night for a single site
Sprague Creek Campground is a small and intimate campground that offers just 25 sites. Its location on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald provides campers with direct access to the lake and an unparalleled view of the surrounding mountains.
Due to its small size and popularity, it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a spot in the campground. However, the effort is well worth it as Sprague Creek Campground provides one of the most picturesque locations in the park.
Kintla Lake Campground
- Location: North Fork area, on the north end of Kintla Lake (Google Maps location)
- Type of campground: Official NP campsite
- Facilities: Toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage boxes. No showers, RV hookups, electric outlets, or dump station
- Cost: $15 per night for a single site
Located in the remote northwest section of Glacier National Park, Kintla Lake Campground is the perfect escape for those seeking solitude and tranquility. Its primitive nature encourages campers to be self-sufficient.
Despite its primitive nature, the beauty of Kintla Lake and the surrounding area is truly unmatched. It’s another great location for stargazing, given it’s remote location and low light pollution.
The campground’s remote location also means that it’s more relaxed than some of the more popular campgrounds in the park, allowing you to fully unwind and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
What to pack for camping in Glacier National Park
Packing wisely is a crucial step for your camping journey. Include essential items such as warm clothing, comfortable footwear, and a durable tent.
Remember camping gear like a sleeping bag, cooking utensils, and a first-aid kit.
Pack bear-resistant containers for food and other smellables as per the park rules. Stay lightweight and only pack what you need, remembering that less is often more in wilderness camping.
Be sure to download our FREE camping packing list before your next trip and never leave another essential behind again!
Responsible camping in Glacier National Park
Camping in Glacier National Park is an invitation to indulge in the breathtaking vistas and embrace the awe-inspiring wonders of nature.
Picture yourself embarking on exhilarating hikes along the park’s extensive trail system, encountering majestic wildlife in their natural habitat, and gazing up at the star-studded night sky, mesmerized by its boundless beauty.
Every moment spent in this pristine wilderness offers an opportunity to connect with the essence of the great outdoors.
As you embark on this adventure, remember to uphold the principles of Leave No Trace and abide by the park’s regulations. By doing so, you contribute to the preservation of Glacier National Park’s unparalleled natural splendor, ensuring that future generations can marvel at its magnificence.
So, pack your gear, embrace the serenity of the wilderness, and prepare for an unforgettable journey that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
About the guest author
Mukarim Zargar is a writer for The Adventure Vine, a website that covers outdoor activities and travel destinations. He has a passion for camping and exploring nature, which he developed since he was seven years old. He has extensive knowledge of camping gear, tips, and tricks, and he loves to share his experiences and insights with other adventurers.
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- Highline Trail: Glacier National Park Hiking Guide
- Cracker Lake: Glacier National Park Trail Guide
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We want to hear from you!
Have you ever been camping in Glacier National Park? What was your experience like? Do you have a favorite campsite in Glacier you think we are missing? Let us know in the comments below!