Ground squirrels dart between the 87 sites at this first-come, first-served campground along Going-to-the-Sun Road, where campers arrive as early as 6:30 AM to claim spots during peak season. The campground sits in a forested setting with flush toilets, drinking water, and bear-proof food storage at each site, though the restrooms lack lighting and require headlamps even during daytime visits.
Loop B features pull-through sites that accommodate RVs up to 34 feet, with some offering water hookups. Dawn G. notes "large campsites" with room to "drop the camper and drive around the park," though trees don't necessarily provide privacy between neighboring sites. The dumpster placement near some sites means occasional noise from other campers disposing of trash throughout the day.
Two trailheads begin directly from the campground: the paved, wheelchair-accessible Trail of the Cedars boardwalk and the 4.5-mile round-trip hike to Avalanche Lake. A shuttle stop provides car-free access to other park destinations, while Lake McDonald Lodge sits a short drive away for purchasing firewood, which cannot be collected within park boundaries. The campground also features an amphitheater area that works well for stargazing after dark.
Competition for sites intensifies during summer months, with the campground typically filling before noon and sometimes as early as 8 AM. Lee D. describes joining "the mad dash before 8 am to find a FCFS campsite" with people making "a mad scramble" from the entrance station. After Labor Day, availability improves significantly, with afternoon arrivals still finding open sites.
Campers wanting a less competitive experience might consider pet-friendly campgrounds around Glacier National Park that accept reservations in advance.
Description
Overview
Avalanche campground is located in one of the most popular sections of Glacier National Park west of the Continental Divide. The campground accommodates tent and RV campers. However, only 50 sites will accommodate vehicle lengths up to 26 feet. All sites require a reservation. Most sites have a 6-month booking window with a good handful having a 4-day booking window.
Recreation
Avalanche is in one of the most popular sections of Glacier National Park west of the Continental Divide. Two popular day hikes offer spectacular scenery and glimpses of birds and wildlife that inhabit the area.
Facilities
The sites are relatively spread apart and provide privacy for both RV and tent campers. Potable water is available seasonally in the campground, and restroom facilities have flush toilets and sinks with running water.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundAvalanche Campground — Glacier National Park is located in Montana
Directions
Avalanche 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
48.676546 N
113.818525 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
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)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 49 min from Missoula, MT
- 3 hrs 19 min from Great Falls, MT
- 3 hrs 55 min from Helena, MT
- 4 hrs 20 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
