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Gunsight Lake Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park

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.

Description

National Park Service

Glacier National Park

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.

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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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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

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

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Gunsight Lake Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park needs a permit.

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General Info

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Reviews

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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