Group camping takes on new meaning when the backdrop includes forested sites within Glacier National Park's boundaries. Apgar Group Sites requires a minimum of 10 people per reservation, making this a destination for family reunions, scout troops, and organized gatherings rather than individual campers.
The wooded sites provide shade and spacing that reviewers consistently note, with tall trees creating natural barriers between camping areas. Most sites accommodate pull-through access for RVs up to 42 feet, though some campers report hearing traffic from the main park road. Modern facilities include drinking water, restrooms, and a dump station, while campfires remain permitted throughout the camping season.
Harry H. found the "site is wooded and shady" with "facilities modern but still basic." The location puts campers within walking distance of Apgar Village's shops and ranger programs, while nearby Fish Creek Campground — Glacier National Park offers additional camping options for overflow groups.
Reservations open months in advance and fill quickly during peak summer months when Going-to-the-Sun Road operates fully. Campers planning group trips should book early and confirm minimum group size requirements before arrival.
Description
Overview
Apgar campground is the largest campground in the park. It is situated in trees and provides tent and RV campers with shade and some privacy. Evening sunsets on Lake McDonald are only a short stroll, and you won't want to miss evening programs with a ranger at the Apgar Amphitheater. Many trails are located within a short drive of the campground. Five Group Sites are reservable in advance.All sites require a reservation. Most sites have a 6-month booking window with a good handful having a 4-day booking window.Hiker/Bicyclist sites A10, C144, and C146 are available through the Recreation.gov Scan and Pay system. In order to use these sites, visitors must download the Recreation.gov Application before arriving. At the Hiker/Bicyclist sites, simply scan the QR code posted onsite to follow prompts and complete payment. Additional instructions are provided onsite in Apgar Campground.
Recreation
This facility is conveniently located in the western part of the park. Explorers of all ages can attend nightly ranger programs at an amphitheater within the facility.
Facilities
The campground is large with 194 campsites. The sites are relatively spread apart and provide privacy for both RV and tent campers. Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities have flush toilets and sinks with running water.
Natural Features
Apgar is heavily forested with partial shade. Some sites have views of Lake McDonald. The park is named for its prominent glacier-carved terrain and remnant glaciers descended from the ice ages almost 10,000 years ago. Its diverse habitats are home to nearly 70 species of mammals including the grizzly bear, wolverine, gray wolf and lynx. Over 270 species of birds visit or reside in the park, including such varied species as harlequin ducks, dippers and golden eagles.
Nearby Attractions
One must-see attraction is Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier's sister park across the Canadian-U.S. border. As the other half of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes offers great hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the townsite of Waterton. Waterton Lakes National Park
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsApgar Group Sites is located in Montana near West Glacier
Directions
Apgar Campground has multiple entry points on the east and west side of the park. West Side\_\_Entrance West Entrance From Columbia Falls, take Highway 2 east to the town of West Glacier (approximately 33 miles (53 km) from Kalispell). West Entrance From Browning, take Highway 2 west to the town of West Glacier. East Side\_\_Entrance St. Mary Entrance From Columbia Falls, take Highway 2 east to the town of Browning (approx. 83 miles/134 km). At the traffic circle, exit onto Hwy 89 north and continue for another 30 miles (48 km). Follow the signage to the St. Mary Visitor Center / Going-to-the-Sun Road. St. Mary Entrance From Browning, take Highway 89 north to Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Coordinates
48.525002 N
113.983597 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 54 usersLast on 6/26/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 108 usersLast on 6/26/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 57 usersLast on 6/26/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 54 usersLast on 6/26/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 108 usersLast on 6/26/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 57 usersLast on 6/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 25 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 54 min from Great Falls, MT
- 3 hrs 30 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 55 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
