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Planning a camping trip to Glacier National Park? Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” this stunning destination offers breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and an unforgettable outdoor experience. From rugged backcountry escapes to family-friendly campgrounds, there is something for every type of camper. This guide will help you navigate the best camping options, essential gear, and tips to make the most of your adventure in one of Montana’s most iconic parks. Let’s get you clued up for your adventure.
Can I Camp Anywhere in Glacier National Park?
No, you can only camp in designated campgrounds or backcountry sites. However, many options are available, some requiring reservations while others are first-come-first-serve.
Which Campground Is Best in Glacier?
Which is best depends on your camping style. Fortunately, Glacier has something for everyone.
Apgar Campground
Apgar is the largest campground in the park, located in a dense forest offering shade and privacy. Picnic tables, firepits, seasonal potable water, showers, dump stations, and flush toilets are available. Close to Apgar Village and the park’s west entrance, you’ll find easy access to restaurants, camp and gift stores, evening ranger programs, guided horseback rides, and kayak rentals. Numerous trails are nearby, and Lake McDonald is just a short walk with gorgeous sunsets. Whether traveling with a group or solo camping, you’ll have plenty to do. With all the spectacular views and wildlife viewing, bring the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank when hiking to top up your phone after you drain your battery.
While daytime temperatures can exceed 90F in the summer, weather is variable, including occasional summer snow. A heat source is good for spring and fall and necessary for winter camping. Fortunately, the EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner doubles as a heater to keep you warm. It lasts wirelessly for up to 8 hours and can be recharged using solar panels, AC, DC, or a portable power station.
- Firewood can be purchased from the camp store in summer.
- This is the wettest campground in the area, so prepare for rain.
- Cell service is available but very spotty.
- Reservations must be booked online for spring, summer, and fall.
- Summer reservations are $30, fall is $20, and camping is free in winter with no amenities.
St. Mary Campground
St. Mary Campground is the largest campground on the park’s eastern side and is also open all year. It has numerous RV and tent sites surrounded by aspen trees, which transform to a vibrant yellow in the fall. Located near St. Mary Lake and the St. Mary Visitor Center, you can join interpretive programs, get shuttle service tours, or purchase books. There’s no cell reception, but potable water, flush toilets, hot showers, and RV dump stations are available seasonally. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided, but you can’t buy firewood on-site.
- Weather is variable and unpredictable even in the summer; be prepared for the cold.
- Summer camping is $30 and must be reserved online.
- Primitive camping from September 13 to May 23 is first-come-first-served with rates between $0 and $20.
- Loop A is a quiet, generator-free zone, but you can bring an ultra-quiet portable power station like one of the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series.
Fish Creek Campground
Fish Creek is a seasonal summer campground, with closures between September 3 and May 16, weather-dependent. It’s the second largest campground in the park, surrounded by trees offering shade and privacy for tent and RV campers, with some sites offering filtered views of nearby Lake McDonald. Daytime summer temperatures can be in the 80s and 90s, but they drop to the 40s at night. Dressing in layers is essential for staying comfortable.
This site has no power, so bring the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) to recharge your electronic devices and run camping lights. You can quickly recharge it during the day with its super-efficient 45W portable solar panel.
- Open in late spring and summer only.
- All sites are $30 and must be reserved online through.
- Loop C is a generator-free zone due to noise restrictions, but a portable solar generator, thanks to its low sound, can still be used.
Kintla Lake Campground
Kintla Lake Campground is the perfect getaway for those wanting to avoid the crowds and immerse themselves in nature. It’s the most isolated seasonal campground in the park, located on the shores of Kintla Lake near the Canadian border on the park’s northwestern side. While RVs of up to 21 feet are permitted, the 40-mile access road from the west entrance is rough. The amenities include seasonal potable water, a dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus is a small solar generator perfect for primitive camping. It is small, lightweight, and powerful enough to recharge all your essential devices.
- 13 sites are all available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Fees are $25 during the summer and $15 during September and October.
- In fall, there’s no water available.
West Glacier KOA
If glamping is more your style, the West Glacier KOA Campground is the closest campground to the park, less than three miles from the west entrance. It offers easy access to the park, Red Bus guided tours, and horseback riding. The town of Bigfork offers delicious restaurants and art galleries, or stay on-site and enjoy their Lazy Bear Cafe, espresso bar, adult hot tubs, saunas, heated pools, a large playground, and free Wi-Fi. It has full hookups for RVs with pull-through and back-in sites that are big rig-friendly. Tent sites come with or without water and power. For those who want more luxury, they also offer cabins with kitchens and patios.
- The maximum pull-through site is 75 feet.
- The pool opens in mid to late May, weather dependent.
- A snack bar, propane, and firewood are available for a fee.
- The campground is pet-friendly and has a dog park.
What Should I Pack for a Glacier National Park Camping Trip?
- An EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series portable power station, since none of the campgrounds within the park have access to power.
- Layered clothing includes long sleeves, short sleeves, sweatshirts, pants, long johns, and extra socks. Also, bring a beanie and gloves for cold nights.
- Sunhats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for hiking.
- There’s no water during primitive status, so be sure to bring your own.
- Warm sleeping bags are a must all year long.
- A good quality tent with a nice rain flap will protect you if it rains.
- Cooking utensils, including gas stoves and BBQs.
5 Glacier National Park Camping Tips
- July and August are the most popular since most trails and roads are open.
- Weather is unpredictable, with snow possible any time of year, even in summer.
- Hikers should pack rain gear and dress in layers since the weather can change rapidly; unprepared hikers may get hypothermia.
- Some campgrounds are open year-round, but there are no amenities in the off-season.
- Many summer spots require reservations, while others are first-come-first-serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best month to visit is July or August, when all trails and roads should be open, and the weather is best for outdoor activities. You can visit any time of year, but prepare for cold weather.
It depends on when you go. In the summer, rates vary from $15 to $30, and the off-season rates range from $0 to $20. The price will vary depending on what level of amenities you’re looking for.
Most people stay on the park’s west side in Apgar Campground or in nearby towns for those wanting more convenience. If you’re seeking peace and quiet, try campgrounds in the east and north to escape the crowds.
Final Thoughts
Camping in Glacier Park offers an unparalleled way to connect with nature and explore its awe-inspiring beauty. Whether you’re setting up a tent in the secluded Kintla Lake Campground or enjoying the luxury amenities of the West Glacier KOA, there’s a perfect spot waiting for every camper. Always prepare for unpredictable weather, pack smart with plenty of layers to stay warm on chilly nights, and don’t forget to bring essential gear like the EcoFlow River 3 Series for portable power convenience. With careful planning, your Glacier camping trip will be an adventure you’ll never forget.