First-come, first-served sites at Rising Sun fill fast. During peak summer months, the most popular spots are claimed by 9:30 a.m., and campers who arrive after that often find the campground full. Arriving the night before to scout which neighbors are checking out the next morning is a strategy several visitors recommend. Rising Sun sits just off Going-to-the-Sun Road within Glacier National Park, with a mix of forested and open sites and access to the lake area across the main road.
Wildlife activity here is consistent and worth taking seriously. Black bears are a regular presence, particularly in the southwestern section of the campground, and rangers actively enforce food storage rules. Bear lockers are on-site. One campground evacuation due to an aggressive bear has been reported during summer months, so bringing bear spray is advisable, especially in August. "Saw a black bear at the end of the road," notes April C., who also observed the same bear emerge during a ranger-led nature talk near the campsite. Deer and fox have been spotted as well.
Across the main road, campers have access to a picnic area, a nature trail along the water, a raised walking platform, and swimming. A camp store, small restaurant, and motel sit just outside the camping area. Pay showers at the store run about $3.25 for seven minutes. Flush toilets and potable water are available on-site. The campground has cell service. For campers interested in tent camping near Glacier National Park, site quality varies, and rangers enforce a no-tent rule near the rock wall due to rockfall hazard.
Sites are close together, and noise from neighboring campers is a recurring theme in reviews. The campground does not allow pets. Those wanting more solitude might consider nearby backcountry options such as Otokomi Lake Wilderness Campsite or Red Eagle Lake Foot Wilderness Campsite, both within Glacier. Doug K. notes the location is "just off Going-to-the-Sun Road, but generally quiet," and points out easy access to Wild Goose Island Overlook for early-morning photography less than a mile away.
The campground runs from early June through mid-September. Forest fire smoke can affect air quality later in summer. Plan to arrive no later than 6 a.m. during peak season if you want a reasonable shot at a site, and confirm vehicle length restrictions before arriving, as nothing over 25 feet is recommended.
Description
Rising Sun Campground is located just west of St. Mary and halfway along St. Mary Lake. Campers at Rising Sun will enjoy beautiful sunrises in the morning with Red Eagle Mountain as a backdrop, and the campground serves as a convenient base camp to many day hikes located east of Logan Pass. Some sites are open, allowing for cool breezes throughout the day, while others are located among trees, accommodating those seeking some shade and privacy.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRising Sun Campground is located in Montana near Siyeh Bend
Directions
On the east side of the park, approximately 6 miles (9.6 km) from St. Mary entrance and halfway along St. Mary Lake, adjacent to Rising Sun Motor Inn.
Coordinates
48.694532 N
113.522684 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 46 min from Missoula, MT
- 4 hrs 15 min from Great Falls, MT
- 5 hrs 5 min from Helena, MT
- 5 hrs 16 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID

































