13 Glacier National Park Camping Spots for Your Trip + Tips & FAQs

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Want to know the options for Glacier National Park camping?

One thing I totally recommend doing if you don’t mind pitching a tent? Glacier National Park camping! It was one of my favorite activities to do when I was a kid growing up right near the park, and there’s something special about seeing foxes wandering around your campsite (true story).

While it can be fun to pop into Glacier for a few hours or enjoy some Glacier National Park hotels outside the park, camping within it gives you the full experience.

Also, finding the right type of campsite for your needs (RV versus tent camping) is not as straightforward as you might think–especially since only some campgrounds you can reserve in advance. I’ve had to camp outside the park several times because I didn’t know some of the sites were first-come, first-serve.

Since then, I now have a much better understanding of how to get campsites–even as the park becomes more and more crowded and reservations fill up faster.

In summary: This article will cover the options you have for camping within Glacier, as well as some options right outside the park so you can choose the right option for you.

Quick tip: Remember that if you choose an RV, make sure that it’s less than 21 feet long so you can drive it on Going-to-the-Sun Road!

West Glacier camping spots

A lot of the camping at Glacier National Park is located on the west side of the park, which is where you can find Apgar Village, Lake McDonald, and more. This is also where it tends to fill up the fastest since you are also competing for spaces with locals from Whitefish and Kalispell.

Campground	Dates open	RV Length	Reservations (Y/N)	Dump station	Fee	Number of Sites	Pets (Y/N)	Restrooms
Fish Creek Campground	May through September	35 feet	Yes	Yes	$23	178	Yes	Toilets and running water
Sprague Creek Campground	May through September	No RVs	Yes	No	$20	25	Yes	Toilets and running water
Avalanche Campground	May through September	26 feet	Yes	No	$20	87	Yes	Toilets and running water
Apgar Campground	Year-round	40 feet	Yes	Yes	$20	197	Yes	Toilets and running water
Quartz Creek Campground	May through September	55 feet	No	No	$18	45	Yes	No
Logging Creek Campground	May through September	21 feet	No	No	$10	7	Yes	Vault toilets

1. Fish Creek Campground

Located right by Apgar Village, if you’re lucky, you can get some lake views. Best of all, there are showers available after a long day of hiking!

2. Sprague Creek Campground

Sprague Creek Campground is right on Lake McDonald, and you can often find some sites lakeside. It’s also a super quiet choice for tent camping in Glacier National Park since no RVs over 21 feet are allowed.

3. Avalanche Campground

As one of the most popular campgrounds in the park, Avalanche situates you right in the center of the park. The Avalanche Lake Trailhead and Trail of the Cedars are located right near the campground and you’re right on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

4. Apgar Campground

Only a short distance away from West Glacier, you can find a number of hotels, restaurants, Glacier National Park tours, and more near this campground.

5. Quartz Creek Campground

This summer campground is located 23 miles from the west entrance of the park and it has some amazing hiking trails you’ll want to check out. There is no running water here, so you will need to make sure you bring your own.

6. Logging Creek Campground

Quartz Creek’s sister is super similar and offers the same amenities (or lack thereof for tent campers). If you really want to feel like you’re surrounded by Glacier’s amazing nature, this is a good place to do so.

North Fork area campgrounds

If you are considering some more remote options for camping in Glacier National Park, then the North Fork area might be your best bet. Be prepared for some bumpy roads and some backpacking to reach these more hidden campgrounds.

Campground	Dates open	RV length	Reservations	Dump station	Fee	Number of sites	Pets	Restrooms
Bowman Lake Campground	May through September	21 feet	No	No	$15	46	Yes	No
Kintla Lake Campground	May through September	21 feet	No	No	$15	13	Yes	No

7. Bowman Lake Campground

This is a super remote campground. It can be a little difficult to get here–but the views are well worth it. There are plenty of hiking trails that are not as populated as others, and you also have access to the small town of Polebridge seven miles away.

8. Kintla Lake Campground

Right by the Canadian border, you’re really getting away from it all at Kintla. Glacier National camping doesn’t get more rural than this! While it has running water, things are a little primitive, which is why it’s a favorite among tent campers.

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East Glacier camping

The east side of the park is known for being one of the best places to start your multi-day hikes, and it offers a different feel than the more tourist-friendly west side. If you are looking to see more wildlife and get away from the crowds, this is the best place to go.

Campground	Dates open	RV length	Reservations	Dump station	Fee	Number of sites	Pets	Restrooms
St. Mary Campground	May through September	40 feet	Yes	Yes	$23	148	Yes	Toilets and running water
Rising Sun Campground	May through September	25 feet	No	Yes	$20	84	Yes	Toilets and running water
Many Glacier Campground	May through September	35 feet	Yes	Yes	$23	109	Yes	Toilets and running water
Cut Bank Campground	May through September	RVs not recommended	No	No	$10	14	Yes	No
Two Medicine Campground	May through September	35 feet	Yes	Yes	$20	100	Yes	Toilets and running water

9. St. Mary Campground

You can’t get better views of the mountains than at this campground! It also has showers, which can be useful if you have been in the backcountry for a number of days. This is also a great spot for Glacier National Park camping with large RVs.

10. Rising Sun Campground

Along with a hotel, showers, boat tours, and more, you can also find some great camping along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s also a good place to camp if you are thinking about heading to Waterton, as well.

11. Many Glacier Campground

Many Glacier gets busier and busier year after year, but for good reason. While spots fill up fast, you also have a chance to see wildlife, spend time near lakes, and get some stunning photos.

12. Cut Bank Campground

This quiet spot is perfect for those who want some time alone in the mountains. There are only a few spots available, so you will want to arrive early if your heart is set on this Glacier camping site.

13. Two Medicine Campground

You can’t get a better spot for hikers than Two Medicine! Located right next to the lake, you have some pretty spectacular views and easy access to most of the best things to do in Glacier National Park.

Conclusion

Camping in Glacier National Park offers an unrivaled opportunity to immerse yourself in one of America’s most stunning wilderness areas. I highly recommend setting up your tent if you can–it’s a totally different experience than staying at a hotel!

Do you have any questions about Glacier National Park camping? Feel free to ask in the comments!