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
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
At a Glance:
- Location: West side, near Lake McDonald
- Website: nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/camping
- Best Time to Visit: Summer months
- Cost: $35 per vehicle
- Reservations: Available
- Duration: Varies
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
At a Glance:
- Location: West side, 4 miles from the west entrance via Camas Road
- Website: nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/camping
- Best Time to Visit: May to September
- Cost: $35 per vehicle
- Reservations: Recommended
- Duration: Seasonal
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
At a Glance:
- Location: East side of Glacier
- Website: nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/camping
- Best Time to Visit: Summer
- Cost: $35 per vehicle
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Duration: Seasonal
Rising Sun Campground sits along the east side of Glacier, right off the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road.
With its laid-back feel and scenic surroundings, it’s a go-to for tent campers looking for a simple setup close to the action.
The campground doesn’t take reservations, which means everything is first-come, first-served…a great option for last-minute travelers, but you’ll want to arrive early, especially in July and August when sites fill up fast.
Rising Sun offers basic but reliable amenities: flushable toilets, cold running water, picnic tables, and fire rings with grills. Shuttle stops are located nearby, making it easy to explore without having to drive the narrow park roads yourself.
While the sites are fairly close together, the views of the mountains and the early morning quiet more than make up for it. Don’t forget to bring your own firewood, as collecting it in the park isn’t allowed. It’s a solid pick for a classic Glacier camping experience.
5. Avalanche Campground
At a Glance:
- Location: 15 miles from the west entrance off Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Website: nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/camping
- Best Time to Visit: Summer
- Cost: $35 per vehicle
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Duration: Seasonal
Avalanche Campground is one of Glacier’s most popular camping spots, thanks to its central location and proximity to some of the park’s most scenic trails.
Just 15 miles from the west entrance, it sits right next to the Trail of the Cedars and the path to Avalanche Lake…both easy hikes with incredible views.
The campground has around 87 sites, all available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s important to show up early during peak summer months.
About 50 of those sites can accommodate RVs up to 26 feet while the rest are open to tent campers.
Despite its popularity, the thick trees help give each site a bit of privacy. Basic amenities include cold running water, flushable toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to the park’s shuttle system.
With quick access to both western and central areas of Glacier, Avalanche is an ideal base for day trips, short hikes, and evening fires under the trees.
Essential Tips for Camping in Glacier National Park
Even if you’re a seasoned camper, Glacier has its quirks. Here are a few things to know before you go:
Book/Plan EARLY
Getting a campsite here can be tricky. Most spots on Recreation.gov open six months ahead and disappear fast. For campgrounds with first-come, first-served sites like Avalanche or Rising Sun, plan to arrive by sunrise…seriously.
Be Bear Aware
Glacier is grizzly country. Always store food and scented items in bear-proof lockers or your vehicle. Never leave trash out. And yes, carry bear spray and know how to use it. You can grab it in nearby towns, but it’s smart to come prepared.
Prepare for All Weather
Montana weather doesn’t care what the forecast says. It can shift from sunny to sleet in an afternoon. Always pack layers, waterproof gear, and something warm for nighttime, even in July.
Pack Accordingly
Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll want:
- Bug spray (mosquitoes can be brutal in summer)
- Water bottles or a purifier (plastic bottles aren’t sold in the park)
- A headlamp or lantern
- A first-aid kit
- Firewood (gathering it is usually not allowed)
- Offline maps (cell service is sketchy)
Services are Limited
There are no gas stations inside the park, and the cell signal is spotty at best. Download everything you need ahead of time…trail maps, driving directions, music playlists, etc. because once you’re in, you’re offline.
Leave No Trace
Clean up after yourself, always. Stay on trails, keep campfires small and legal, and give wildlife their space. Glacier’s beauty sticks around only if we take care of it.
Check Current Conditions
Before your trip, head to the official NPS Glacier website for the latest on trail closures, fire warnings, bear activity, and whether Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open (it usually opens in late June or early July).
Conclusion
Camping in Glacier isn’t just where you sleep…it’s part of the experience. From hiking shaded trails to spotting wildlife near your tent, your campground shapes the trip.
The right spot sets the tone, whether you’re after quiet mornings or starlit nights. Before heading out, check Recreation.gov and the NPS website for the latest updates because conditions and reservations can change quickly.
No matter where you stay, take it slow, breathe in the mountain air, and enjoy one of Montana’s wildest places the way it was meant to be…simple, peaceful, and unforgettable.