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Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Views of St. Mary Lake and the eastern edge of Glacier National Park draw campers to this free dispersed site off Highway 89, where a dirt road branches away from the pavement into open terrain. Dogs are welcome. The road forks as elevation increases, and the upper sections get noticeably rougher, so high-clearance vehicles handle the approach better than low-slung rigs, though one reviewer noted an RV parked there without issue on the lower stretch.

Signage here is inconsistent enough to create real uncertainty. One entrance has posted no-camping signs; the other does not. Fire rings are visible, and worn campsites suggest regular use, but at least one camper received a citation. The area sits outside Glacier Park boundaries, and some visitors have encountered horse wranglers from what appears to be a nearby ranch who did not object to overnight stays. Campers should weigh that ambiguity before committing to a night.

When conditions work out, the sightlines are the main draw. Zack B. describes "a view of St. Mary Lake and glacier park east, another lake in the background." Wild horses have been spotted in the area as well. Nearby, Heart of Glacier RV Park & Cabins and Johnson's of St Mary Campground & RV Park provide more structured alternatives for those who want established amenities. This spot makes the most sense for self-sufficient campers comfortable with regulatory gray areas and rough road conditions.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsHighway 89 East Glacier Dispersed is located in Montana near Siyeh Bend

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

48.70815146327801 N
113.4136013066355 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 7/28/26
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 7/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 7/28/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 7/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 7/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 7/28/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Pets

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed

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4 Reviews

Mixed experiences at this secluded dispersed camping spot near Glacier Park. Campers appreciated the beautiful mountain views and quiet location for those seeking solitude, though one visitor received a citation despite unclear signage about camping restrictions.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2026

BEAUTIFUL. Maybe illegal

There are a few forks in the road the higher you go the rougher the trail gets.

There was some signage saying there was no camping allowed (we only saw this at one of the two entrances) but there was also fire rings and obvious campsites. We decided to test our luck for two nights. It had an incredible view with no one around. Camp at your own risk.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed by Kelly R., July 19, 2026
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  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jan. 31, 2025

Secluded location

Secluded location. I believe it's a ranch that lets people stay for a night or two. There were horse wranglers out and we asked if we could park and they were fine. Definitely nice mountain views with wild horses. This spot is outside of the glacier park.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed by Bourbon Barrel H., January 31, 2025
  • Review photo of Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed by Bourbon Barrel H., January 31, 2025
  • Review photo of Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed by Bourbon Barrel H., January 31, 2025
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2024

Tribal land - no camping allowed

DO NOT CAMP HERE. Got a citation even though there are roads leading here with no signs while others have signs stating camping is prohibited.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed by Immo Z., August 13, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2024

Overlooking st. Mary lake and east glacier.

Absolutly beautiful view of st. Mary lake and glacier park east. Another lake in the background im not sure of right now. Just a dirt road off the highway that nobody comes to and is good to park an rv for the night and let the dogs run around. Anti people camping!!

Sitetop of the road
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed by zack B., August 5, 2024
  • Review photo of Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed by zack B., August 5, 2024
  • Review photo of Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed by zack B., August 5, 2024
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in East Glacier?

The East Glacier area offers several camping options. Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed is a primitive camping spot offering mountain views and access to St. Mary Lake. Glacier National Park maintains developed campgrounds at St. Mary and Two Medicine with amenities like restrooms, water, and ranger programs. Additionally, private campgrounds and RV parks operate in and around East Glacier Village, providing facilities like showers, electrical hookups, and laundry. For budget-conscious travelers, national forest lands surrounding the area may offer additional primitive camping opportunities.

Where can I find dispersed camping near East Glacier?

Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed offers a secluded dispersed camping opportunity near East Glacier. This area is located off Highway 89 via a dirt road and provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and St. Mary Lake. While this spot offers easy access for overnight stays, be cautious about regulations as enforcement can be inconsistent. Other dispersed camping options may be available on public lands surrounding East Glacier, but always check with local ranger stations for current regulations and permitted areas.

Is dispersed camping allowed near St. Mary's Glacier?

The area near St. Mary Lake does have some dispersed camping opportunities, including Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed. However, camping regulations can be strictly enforced and inconsistent. Some visitors have received citations despite the lack of clear signage prohibiting camping. For safety and to avoid penalties, it's best to verify current regulations with Glacier National Park authorities or the local ranger station before setting up camp near St. Mary Lake. Many areas within Glacier National Park boundaries prohibit dispersed camping, requiring visitors to use designated campgrounds.