Kintla Lake Campground, near Glacier National Park, is a stunning spot for those who crave a true wilderness experience. With its picturesque views of the lake and surrounding mountains, it's a favorite among campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

This campground is all about simplicity and nature. Visitors often rave about the breathtaking scenery and the peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect place to unwind. As one camper put it, “I could live here. Such an incredible place and best overall camping experience ever!” Just keep in mind that amenities are minimal—there's no electricity or showers, but you can enjoy campfires and the great outdoors right at your site.

For adventure seekers, Kintla Lake offers fantastic opportunities for hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The trails nearby lead you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area, and the lake itself is perfect for a refreshing dip or a leisurely paddle. Just be aware that the road to get here can be a bit rough, so a sturdy vehicle is recommended. 

With only 15 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s wise to arrive early, especially during peak season. Campers appreciate the quiet and intimate setting, often feeling like they have the place to themselves. If you're looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, Kintla Lake Campground is definitely worth the trek.

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.

Kintla Lake Campground — Glacier National Park

Join the fun near Polebridge. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Polebridge is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Polebridge, MT. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Polebridge

The Best Camping Near Polebridge, Montana

This has to be one of my all time favorite campgrounds. Very primitive camping at the end of a very bumpy dirt road about 40 miles in.  There are only 13 sites and given the arduous drive, RVs are seldom seen here.  This part of the lake also does not allow motorized boats so kayaking and canoeing is very pleasant. We fished here and within 30 seconds of dropping my line I caught my first lake trout! Can't beat that!  Pit toilet and there is a hand pump for water but that's about it.

Shhhh...Super Secret 

Made my way up to Kintla Lake for the first time in June and loved it! The campground is small and at the end of a beautiful (and bumpy) dirt road close to Canada. It sits right at Kintla Lake. I ended up snagging a campsite right by the lake, making for a great morning view. Best of all, it is quiet and there were no huge RVs! Great spot to kayak, as well.

Primitive and Peaceful

Wanna feel like you are in on a secret, and you get to share it with roughly 30 strangers?  This lake felt remote, personal and intimate. We found lots of rocky beaches to spread out from the (few) other campers.  

-Good spot for canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fly fishing or just relaxing. 

-We got a flat tire heading up, be careful on the roads! 

-No potable water at this time of the year (late September) so plan ahead. 

You Win! 

Visited in October, beautiful colors and calm weather!

Peaceful Fall Camp

Very nice campground on the lake and next to the drainage creek. Off the beaten path and takes some commitment to get to, but well worth the drive. Campground has a host for the summer and is well maintained. You need to arrive early to find a site as there are a limited number of sites. Well worth the risk though.

Very Beautiful Lake

This campground is small with only 15 sites, which is nice compared to some of the other campgrounds at Glacier which have over 80\. The campground sits on the edge of Kintla Lake, and is at the end of a very bumpy and long road - I definitely recommend 4WD and/or high clearance to get through, but saw a prius and a subura as well. This lake is good for fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking etc, and there's a long hike to the other side of the lake (12mi RT). The scene is beautiful, however, there were a LOT of mosquitoes when we went in June, so bring your bug spray! In June, we got there at 1PM on a Saturday and most sites were not taken. This is not a reservation campground, so I would recommend getting there much earlier if you go on a busier weekend. We went in June since Logan Pass was still not open.

Beautiful, Quiet, Buggy

Wow. The drive here wasn’t easy, but once you’re there it is worth it. You are camping right along Kintla Lake where many kayak, swim, etc. There’s a beautiful bridge to walk along or a hiking trail opposite. Bears are present in the area but bear boxes were not necessary, just pack in car. At the time we were there fires were restricted but there are tables and pits for fires.

Breathtaking!

39 miles inside the park. A rough, but beautiful, drive in (will take near an hour and a half). No trailers or campers allowed. Frequented by bears, perfect for fishing, nestled between Kintla Lake and Kintla River. The 15 sites are first come, first serve. A quiet place to camp with a view that you will never forget. Make sure to gas up and have supplies before headed up.

what a view

Beautiful campground in Glacier National Park. The drive out to the campground is LONG and interesting but worth it if you are prepared for the mosquitos. We were supposed to stay 2 nights but only stayed one because of this reason. The campsites are pretty close together but really close to Kintla Lake. Nearby hiking too!

Mosquitos 

Be prepared to be in awe here. Very remote campground with no amenities, just park and enjoy the scenery. Close spaces in the trees, but you sit on the shores of one of the most glorious lakes in the area. This used to be a little used camp due to the long, windy, bumpy road in, but it has since gained popularity. This is not for trailers or RV's due to the road in, but tent campers and truck campers are fine. Beautiful trails right from camp. Note that dogs are not allowed on any trails in Glacier Park, whether leashed or not, and this camp ground and lake have the additional restriction that dogs can't be in the water at all, not on their own, leashed, in a canoe, etc. This was disappointing since I had my dog with me, so we cut our stay short. Still, this is a place you must visit if you're wanting to see the beauty of Glacier Park.

Breathtaking Getaway Campground

Beautiful campground right on the lake! I advise you to bring a good vehicle because North Fork rd is very unstable and conditions are not good. It’ll take you over an hour to drive 15 miles but it’s well worth it

Beautiful!

I could live here. Such an incredible place and best over all camping experience ever! Beautiful view of Canada and America back country. With plenty of trails and a upper lake 🤘🏻 a guaranteed good time! Grown ups play ground at its finest!￼

Photos of Kintla Lake Campground — Glacier National Park

Real photos from real campers