Free Camping Collection
Established Camping
Gunsight Lake Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park
About
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.
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
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- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Toilets
GuideOne 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!
TravelerGreat 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.
ScoutWonderful 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.
Location
Gunsight Lake Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park is located in Montana
Coordinates
48.6234994 N
113.7260217 W