Reaching Kintla Lake Campground requires roughly 40 miles of bumpy dirt road inside Glacier National Park, a drive that takes close to an hour and a half. High clearance and four-wheel drive are strongly recommended, though reviewers have spotted low-clearance vehicles making the trip. Trailers and RVs should not attempt the road. The campground has 15 sites, all first-come, first-served at $10-$15 per night, so arriving early on busy weekends is essential. Note that potable water may not be available in late September, so carrying your own supply is wise heading into fall.
The sites sit directly on the shore of Kintla Lake, with several positioned close enough to wake up facing the water. The campground is small by Glacier standards, which keeps the crowd density manageable. A camp host is on-site through the summer, and reviewers consistently describe the grounds as well-maintained. Bears frequent the area; food storage in vehicles is sufficient since bear boxes are not required, but standard precautions apply.
Water access is the main draw here. The lake is open to kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing, and motorized boats are not permitted, which keeps conditions on the water quiet. Lisa A. caught a lake trout within 30 seconds of dropping a line, which gives some sense of the fishing. A 12-mile round-trip trail runs along the lake to the far end, and additional hiking departs directly from camp. One important restriction: dogs are not allowed on any trails within Glacier, and at Kintla Lake they are also prohibited from entering the water in any form, including from a canoe.
Mosquitoes can be heavy in June. That said, June visits are common because Logan Pass remains closed then, and the campground sees relatively lighter use compared to Glacier's more accessible sites. As Donna B. notes, it's "a rough, but beautiful, drive in." Gas up and stock supplies before heading out, since Polebridge is the last stop, and places to camp near Polebridge are sparse in this corner of the park. Campers wanting a backcountry alternative can look at the Kintla Lake Head Wilderness Campsite, about five miles northeast along the trail corridor.
Description
Kintla Lake campground is Glacier National Park's most remote frontcountry and car camping campground. It is located in the uppermost northwest section of the park known as the North Fork, approximately 40 miles from the west entrance. Access is via a rough dirt road. Trailers not permitted. Due to its remote location, the campground is very quiet and rarely fills, offering tent campers a sense of solitude. The campground sits on Kintla Lake.
Kintla's summer season is typically early June to early September. Weather dependent, there is a primitive camping season from early September to the end of October. Note: In 2023, this campground will be closed for the fall due to construction beginning on September 6.
Reservation Info
Weather Dependent Primitive Fall Season
October 9–October 31
Kintla's summer season is typically early June to early September. Weather dependent, there is a primitive camping season from early September to end of October.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsKintla Lake Campground is located in Montana near Polebridge
Directions
Located at the foot of Kintla Lake in the northwest corner of the park, 14.3 miles north of Polebridge on North Fork Road.
Coordinates
48.93589784 N
114.34729855 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
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 19 min from Missoula, MT
- 4 hrs 54 min from Great Falls, MT
- 5 hrs 49 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 6 hrs 18 min from Spokane, WA
