Glacier National Park Camping: What to Know
Complete guide to camping in Glacier National Park: campgrounds, reservation tips, best times to visit, and what to expect.
Glacier National Park spans over 1 million acres across Montana's Northern Rockies, with five developed campgrounds inside the park and several more just outside its boundaries. The park operates on a compressed summer season with most camping from mid-May through mid-September.
Quick Picks
- Best for families: Many Glacier — closest to visitor amenities and popular day hikes
- Best for solitude: Belly River or Kintla Lake — remote access, fewer crowds
- Best for RVs: St. Mary Campground — 25-foot RV limit, near the east entrance
The Five Park Campgrounds
Many Glacier Campground
Located 12 miles up the Lake McDonald Valley, Many Glacier is the park's busiest and most developed campground. It has 110 sites, flush toilets, and is within walking distance of the historic Many Glacier Hotel. Cell service is spotty but manageable near the entrance.
Book this if you want proximity to trail access and visitor services. Book elsewhere if you value quiet—sites here are close together and the parking area fills by mid-morning during July and August.
St. Mary Campground
This 148-site campground sits near the park's east entrance, 30 minutes from Many Glacier. It's windier and more open than valley sites, with no shade and minimal water sources between sites. Reservations are essential; sites often fill by 8 a.m. during peak season.
The trade-off is straightforward: fewer amenities and harsher conditions, but easier access for people entering from the east and slightly less crowded trails nearby.
Apgar Campground
With 196 sites on the west side, Apgar is Glacier's largest campground. It sits along Lake McDonald and has the most infrastructure: full hookups for RVs (about 25 sites), flush toilets, showers for a fee, and a small store. It's also 30 miles from Many Glacier via Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Book here if you want a base camp with amenities and don't mind the drive to alpine trails. Avoid if you're seeking a backcountry feel.
Belly River and Kintla Lake Campgrounds
These two remote sites have 24 and 13 sites respectively. Belly River requires a 6-mile drive on rough Forest Service road; Kintla requires 15 miles. Both lack running water and have vault toilets only. Few people make the effort, so they're consistently less crowded even in August.
Access means rough roads and self-sufficiency, but you'll see far fewer people and more wildlife activity at dusk and dawn.
Reservations: What You Need to Know
Reservations for park campgrounds open January 15 each year and fill within days for peak summer dates. Book immediately when the window opens if you want July or early August dates. The NPS recreation.gov system requires an account but is straightforward once you know the park's campground names.
Walk-ups are possible but unreliable. Apgar has the best chance due to its size; St. Mary occasionally has openings mid-week. Plan for 6 a.m. arrival if you're going the walk-up route.
Private campgrounds outside the park (near West Glacier and East Glacier) have more availability and fewer booking pressures, though you'll pay a premium and spend more time driving.
Best Times to Visit
Mid-June through mid-September is the official season, but conditions vary dramatically:
- June: Trails still have snow; campgrounds just opening. Good for solitude, challenging for hiking.
- July-August: Peak crowds, warmest weather, full trail access. Expect to see 3,000+ cars per day on Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- September: Fewer crowds, colder nights (freezing is possible), excellent visibility. Many facilities start closing mid-month.
Avoid mid-July unless you enjoy crowds—aim for late May, June, or September if your schedule allows.
Practical Details
RV limits: St. Mary, Apgar, and Many Glacier have 25-30 foot limits. Belly River and Kintla don't accommodate RVs.
Cost: Developed campgrounds (Many Glacier, St. Mary, Apgar) run $23-29 per night. Primitive sites (Belly River, Kintla) cost $15.
Cell service: Nonexistent or unreliable at all park campgrounds. Plan accordingly and download offline maps before arrival.
Water: All developed campgrounds have potable water. Primitive sites do not—bring a filter or containers.
Bears: This is grizzly country. Food storage is required at all sites; bear canisters or bear-proof lockers prevent problems. Store toiletries, cooking gear, and trash alongside food.
Getting There
Most visitors fly into Kalispell (Glacier Park International Airport) and rent a car. It's 30 miles to West Glacier entrance and about 65 miles to St. Mary. Many Glacier is 12 miles inside the west entrance via the Lake McDonald Valley road.
Going-to-the-Sun Road (the 50-mile park road) typically opens in early June and is the main spine connecting all major areas. It's narrow, winding, and subject to weather closures—check conditions before driving.
Outside the Park
If park campgrounds are full, try West Glacier KOA or Lake McDonald Lodge's nearby campgrounds. Stock up on supplies in Kalispell or West Glacier before heading into the park—prices at park stores are steep and selection is limited.