Western Montana is made for camping. With glacier-fed lakes, quiet forests, and wide-open skies, it’s the perfect place to unplug and breathe for a while. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful tent site or a family-friendly basecamp, this region has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll highlight five top campgrounds and share helpful tips to make your trip smooth and memorable. From mountain hikes to lakeside sunsets, the camping experiences here are unforgettable.
1. Apgar Campground
At a Glance:
- Location: Near Lake McDonald
- Website: nps.gov/glac
- Best Time to Visit: Late May – Early September
- Cost: $20–$25/night, $10 for primitive camping
- Reservations: Some sites are reservable, others are first-come
- Duration: 7-day limit
Apgar Campground is where most folks get their first taste of Glacier National Park, and it doesn’t disappoint. With 194 campsites, it’s the biggest in the park and can handle tents, trailers, and RVs up to 40 feet.
You’re just a short stroll from Lake McDonald’s shoreline, where sunsets look like something out of a painting. Just a few minutes from Apgar Village, the campground has easy access to a visitor center, restaurants, and shops.
Flushable toilets, drinking water, and ranger-led evening programs give it a welcoming, community vibe without stripping away the nature-focused feel. Kids and adults both enjoy the amphitheater talks, and the quiet mornings are ideal for paddling out across the glassy lake.
2. Two Medicine Campground
At a Glance:
- Location: Southeast corner of Glacier National Park
- Website: nps.gov/glac
- Best Time to Visit: Late May – Late October
- Cost: Regular camping fee, $10 for primitive
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Duration: 7-day limit
Tucked in a quieter part of Glacier, Two Medicine Campground gives you 100 shady, semi-private spots that feel more relaxed than the park’s busier areas. Tall trees help with shade and privacy, and the surrounding trails make it great for hikers of all ages.
Running Eagle Falls is just a short, flat walk from camp, and there’s a historic camp store that sells essentials and souvenirs. This spot is popular with families for a reason…it’s scenic, calm, and easy to get around. You’re also more likely to get a spot here than in busier places like Many Glacier.
3. Kintla Lake Campground
At a Glance:
- Location: Northwest corner of Glacier National Park
- Website: nps.gov/glac
- Best Time to Visit: Early June – Early September
- Cost: Standard camping fee
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Duration: Not specified
This one’s for the folks who want peace and quiet…real quiet. Kintla Lake Campground is one of the most remote frontcountry spots in Glacier. It’s about 40 miles down a rough road, and trailers aren’t allowed, which keeps the crowds low.
What you get in exchange for the bumpy drive is a pristine lake and a handful of tent sites where mornings start with the soft sound of loons and evenings end with stars you can’t believe are real.
It’s primitive…no electricity or flushable toilets, but it might be the most peaceful place you’ll ever pitch a tent.
4. Holland Lake Campground
At a Glance:
- Location: Swan Valley
- Website: fs.usda.gov/flathead
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-May – Late September
- Cost: $20 per night
- Reservations: Some sites reservable, others first-come
- Duration: Not specified
Set among tamarack, ponderosa, and Douglas fir, Holland Lake Campground has 40 sites that hug the shores of a 416-acre alpine lake. It’s easy to access, yet it still has that wild Montana feeling that makes you want to put your phone away.
The Holland Falls National Recreation Trail starts nearby and leads to one of the most rewarding waterfall views in the state. Campsites come with fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, and drinking water.
The lake is popular for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and on windless mornings, the reflection of the Swan Mountains is w