Lake McDonald stretches out from the shoreline at Sprague Creek Campground, offering direct water access for fishing, swimming, and paddling. This 25-site National Park Service campground sits between the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the lake's western shore, placing campers within Glacier National Park's main corridor. RVs up to 21 feet can navigate the sites, though several reviewers mention tight maneuvering for larger rigs.
The campground operates as a tent-focused destination with no hookups, drawing visitors who prioritize lake proximity over amenities. Sites along the water fill quickly, with some offering what Kathy B. describes as spots that "backed right up to the lake." Road noise from the Going-to-the-Sun Road affects most sites, particularly during early morning hours when traffic heads toward Logan Pass. The forested setting provides some buffer, though campers should expect to hear vehicles throughout the day.
Flush toilets, drinking water, and bear-proof storage lockers serve the campground's basic needs. The nearby Lake McDonald Lodge sits five minutes away, offering dining and evening ranger programs. Fishing opportunities exist directly from the shoreline, while the shuttle system provides car-free access to trailheads deeper in the park. Cell service remains limited to nonexistent in most areas.
Reservations help secure spots during the May through September season, as walk-up availability proves challenging during peak summer months. Sites closest to the water command premium demand, while those near the road trade some noise for easier access. The campground's compact size creates close quarters between neighbors, making it better suited for those comfortable with minimal privacy. For visitors seeking additional options in the region, places to camp around Glacier National Park extend beyond the park's established campgrounds.
Description
Overview
Sprague Creek is a small campground located on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald, just off Going-to-the-Sun Road. The maximum size limit allowed for all vehicles as well as combinations of vehicles and towed units in Sprague Creek Campground is 21 feet in length (including bumpers) and/or 8 feet in width (including mirrors). The campground is located within trees, providing shade during warm summers. Some sites near the shore have unobstructed views of Lake McDonald. All sites require a reservation. Most sites have a 6-month booking window with a good handful having a 4-day booking window.
Recreation
Amenities such as a camp store, resturant, gift shop, tour buses, boat tours, and horse rides can be found at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, about a mile away from the campground. Evening programs with a ranger are also located at Lake McDonald Lodge. Use Glacier's free shuttle service at this campground to access other shuttle stops on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Facilities
The campground is small with 21 reservable campsites in close proximity. The sites are best suited for small-footprint tent campers; although small RVs under 21 feet are allowed. No towed units of any size or generators are allowed. Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities have flush toilets and sinks with running water.
Natural Features
Sprague Creek 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, Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park offers great hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the townsite of Waterton.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSprague Creek Campground is located in Montana near West Glacier
Directions
Sprague Creek Campground has multiple entry points on the east and west side of the park. West Side 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 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
48.60615 N
113.88471 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/28/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 6/28/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/28/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/28/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 6/28/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/28/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 38 min from Missoula, MT
- 3 hrs 8 min from Great Falls, MT
- 3 hrs 44 min from Helena, MT
- 4 hrs 9 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID

































