Glacier National Park's remote northwest corner is home to Bowman Lake Head Wilderness Campsite, a hike-in site managed by the National Park Service with no fee to camp. Access is rough, so campers should plan accordingly before heading in. The site sits near a creek and includes toilet facilities, with campfires permitted. No pets are allowed, and reservations are available. Hikers planning a longer route through the backcountry may also want to note nearby wilderness campsites such as Akokala Lake Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park and Boulder Pass Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park as potential stops along the way.
Description
Campsites
Wilderness camping is available in 65 designated campgrounds throughout the park, with the exception of the Nyack / Coal Creek camping zone where both designated campgrounds and at large camping are available. Permits
A wilderness use permit is required for all overnight camping, and must be in your possession while in the backcountry. They are valid only for the dates, locations, and party size specified. Trip Itineraries
Itineraries must be contiguous. You cannot exit one trailhead and drive to another trailhead to access campgrounds on the same trip. Note: Hiking short road sections on foot—Many Glacier and Two Medicine developed areas, crossing Going to the Sun Road at Jackson Glacier Overlook—to connect longer itineraries is permitted. Group Size
The maximum party size allowed is 12. Each wilderness campground has 2-7 campsites. Each campsite is limited to four (4) people. Leave No Trace
Many of Glacier’s wilderness camping regulations are based on Leave No Trace (LNT) outdoor ethics. LNT tells us that by concentrating impacts, including eating, sleeping, and human waste disposal, we prevent degradation of a broader area. Concentrating impacts essentially creates small pockets of impact and leaves nearly pristine conditions over larger areas. For more information visit LNT.org.
Fee Info
Fee Policies - permit needed May 1 - Oct 31. From Nov 1 - April 30 permits are free.
Wilderness Permit Fee: A $10 non-refundable fee is required for each wilderness permit
Camping Fees: A $7 per person, per night fee is required for each person on the wilderness permit
Only debit or credit cards will be accepted, no cash.
Park entry requires a separate fee or pass.
Your wilderness permit will serve as your timed-entry permit for the duration of your trip.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBowman Lake Head Wilderness Campsite is located in Montana near Polebridge
Public CampgroundCoordinates
48.9041291918664 N
114.12148873631418 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bowman Lake Head Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park needs a permit.
