Glacier National Park Campgrounds / Camping

Pitching a tent in Glacier National Park

One of the most rewarding ways to experience the great outdoors of Glacier National Park, is to sleep in it. Glacier National Park offers 13 campgrounds with over 1,000 campsites. Bring the hot dogs, marshmallows, and sleeping bags–camping is a fun and affordable way to spend your nights in the park.

Most of the campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A majority of the sites fill up by noon, so plan on setting a tent up early. There are only two campgrounds that take reservations, St. Mary and Fish Creek. You can sign up for one through the Park Service Reservation System. Before you plan to camp in a specific campground, make sure it is open. Operating dates are different for each campground.

Amenities vary from campground to campground. Most sites provide running water and flush toilets. However, water might have to be boiled or purified before drinking, and do not be surprised to find outhouses. Most of the campsites are equipped with a fire ring or grill grates, so don't forget the steaks and burgers. It is illegal to collect firewood around most of the campsites. Firewood can be purchased at various camp stores that are located throughout the park.

If you plan to camp in an RV, keep in mind that there are no utility hookups in the campgrounds. Some offer disposal stations and charge a fee for dumping holding tanks. Most campgrounds cannot accommodate extra large RVs, so check out the vehicle registrations for the specific campground you want to stay in.

Campground fees range from about $12 to $17. Sites are limited to eight people and two vehicles. There are a few group campsites that allow 9-24 people. These sites are first-come, first-serve as well.

If you plan to camp in the backcountry, keep in mind that backcountry campgrounds are busiest from mid-July through August. Sites fill up quickly. It is wise to have alternative plans if your first choice for a campground is taken. Many backcountry sites accept reservations.

When camping, make sure you abide by all park regulations. You are in grizzly territory, so make sure you store your food properly in bear-proof boxes, or in bear bags that hang from trees. Some campsites provide food lockers. There are also regulations for those traveling with pets.

The thirteen campgrounds in Glacier National Park are:

• Apgar
• Avalanche
• Bowman Lake
• Cut Bank
• Fish Creek
• Kintla
• Many Glacier
• Quartz Creek
• Logging Creek
• Rising Sun
• Sprague Creek
• St. Mary
• Two Medicine