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Gunsight Lake Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Gunsight Lake Wilderness Campsite is located in Glacier National Park, MT. The area features rugged terrain with mountains and forests. Temperatures range from 30°F in the colder months to 70°F in the warmer months. Nearby attractions include the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road and the picturesque St. Mary Lake.

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.

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Location

Gunsight Lake Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

48.62349957 N
113.72602136 W

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Drive Time

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Toilets

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 3, 2019

One of my favorite places in the world

Gunsight Lake is simply beautiful.

It's a decent trek out to the lake, beginning with a quick descent, but it mellows out in the valley as you hike back in. Hike tip: don't skip the turnoffs for the various waterfalls. They're beautiful and worth it. Also, try to go during beargrass season—you won't be disappointed.

The campground at the lake is peaceful, quiet, and wonderfully community-oriented in the cooking area. I spent an hour or so chatting with other backpackers before sitting myself down at the foot of the lake until the sun went down.

In the summer, mosquitos can be pretty heavy, so a net is needed, otherwise expect a lot of swatting and itching. Set your tent up as fast as you can to keep those suckers out.

I did see a grizzly bear on the trail to the lake, so always hike in groups and make noise!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Gunsight Lake Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park by Anthony E., April 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Gunsight Lake Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park by Anthony E., April 3, 2019
Reviewed Feb. 28, 2019

Great basecamp

One of the larger BC campgrounds, it makes for a great basecamp for a 2-night stay before moving on. Decent views to gunsight pass, mount Jackson and the Jackson glacier. Jackson glacier is a side trail the other side of the lake, or an attempt at the 10,000 mountain. Deer can be pests here! From going to the sun, Jackson glacier overlook it is a very easy backpack to the campground with little elevation gain.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2017

Wonderful spot.

Hiked from Lake McDonald to Gunsight Lake in the September of 2016. Campsite is conveniently located just Northeast of the lake, about 7 miles away from the closest road. The hike in and out from the lake is surrounded by beautiful views. Walking out to the lake early in the morning provides a surreal experience with the water being so still.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Gunsight Lake Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park by Wyatt R., July 13, 2017
  • Review photo of Gunsight Lake Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park by Wyatt R., July 13, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there cell phone reception at Gunsight Lake Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.