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Best Campground in Glacier National Park – Top Picks

Mark Barnett
Last Updated: May 15th, 2025

Waking up in Glacier National Park is something else…crisp mountain air, the rustle of trees, and maybe even a distant coyote call. It’s the kind of morning you only get by camping.

But, with Glacier’s popularity, picking the right campground can feel overwhelming. Sites book fast, and options vary wildly depending on location and amenities.

That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve narrowed it down to five of the best campgrounds in the park, whether you’re looking for lakeside views, forested peace, or trail access.

Here’s everything you need to know to find the perfect base camp in Glacier.

1. Many Glacier Campground

Many Glacier Campground

At a Glance:

  • Location: Eastern side, 22 miles from St. Mary
  • Website: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251869
  • Best Time to Visit: May to September
  • Cost: $35 per vehicle / $20 for hikers and bikers
  • Reservations: Required, opens 6 months out
  • Duration: Valid for 7 days

Many Glacier Campground feels like the kind of place you dream up when you think “Montana.” Towering peaks, glacial lakes, and the steady silence of deep wilderness surround you here. Tucked into a forested bowl at 4,500 feet, this campground is home to 110 shady campsites…perfect for cooling down after a long day of hiking.

If you’re into wildlife, this area is one of the park’s best bets for spotting grizzlies, moose, and bighorn sheep. Trails to Red Rock, Bullhead, and Iceberg Lakes start nearby, making it a favorite for serious hikers. There’s a limit of 35 feet for RVs, but most spots are better suited for rigs under 21 feet.

Be warned: This place is popular…like “refresh your browser repeatedly to book a site” kind of popular. But, once you’re there, it’s easy to see why.

2. Apgar Campground

Apgar Campground

At a Glance:

Apgar Campground is Glacier National Park’s largest and one of its most accessible options, especially for those entering from the west.

It sits tucked into a forest near the southern tip of Lake McDonald, offering plenty of shade, privacy, and a peaceful atmosphere. While most sites are surrounded by trees, a handful provide glimpses of the lake, and it’s only a short walk to the shoreline.

Sunsets here are hard to beat…glowing skies reflecting off the water, framed by jagged peaks in the distance. Apgar also offers practical conveniences like flushable toilets, potable water, and easy access to nearby shops and services in Apgar Village.

Families will appreciate the on-site amphitheater, where ranger programs take place during the summer months.

With hiking trails and scenic drives close by, this campground works well for anyone looking to explore the west side of the park while still having a few comforts at hand.

3. Fish Creek Campground

Fish Creek Campground

At a Glance:

Fish Creek Campground sits just four miles from Glacier’s west entrance, making it one of the most convenient and popular places to stay in the park.

Tucked into thick forest and sitting at about 3,500 feet in elevation, it offers a cool, shaded setting ideal for summer camping. With 178 reservable sites, it’s Glacier’s second-largest campground and a favorite for families and returning visitors.

A few sites offer filtered views of Lake McDonald while the rest provide quiet, wooded seclusion. Campers in Loop A have access to showers, and potable water is available throughout the grounds.

Like much of Glacier, this area can get plenty of rain, and temps tend to drop in the evenings…perfect for campfires. Wildlife sightings are common here, especially early in the morning or near dusk, so it’s worth keeping your camera close.

For travelers wanting a peaceful, woodsy base with decent amenities and easy access to the park’s west side, Fish Creek delivers.

4. Rising Sun Campground

Rising Sun Campground

At a Glance:

  • Location: