Summit Campground, near East Glacier Park, Montana, is a straightforward spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without the frills. It’s a no-nonsense place with tent and RV sites, where you can kick back and soak in the natural beauty of the area.

The campground is conveniently located near Glacier National Park, making it a solid base for your adventures. Visitors have noted the peaceful atmosphere, with some even enjoying the sounds of a nearby trout stream as they drift off to sleep. Just keep in mind that the campground is close to the highway, so you might hear some road noise and the occasional train.

Amenities are basic but functional, featuring pit toilets and picnic tables at each site. Campers have appreciated the cleanliness of the facilities and the spaciousness of the sites, which are surrounded by beautiful greenery and wildflowers. As one visitor put it, “The campsites were neat and well maintained,” making it a pleasant place to unwind after a day of hiking or exploring.

For those who want to stretch their legs, there are hiking trails nearby, and the stunning views of the mountains are hard to beat. Whether you're passing through or planning a longer stay, Summit Campground offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the natural wonders of Montana.

17 campsites high in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. A 3-mile spur trail connects the campground to the Continental Divide Scenic Trail, and on into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Adjacent Memorial Square commemorates Theodore Roosevelt and the Blackfeet tribe with a miniature Washington Monument. Bears may frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers and remove all food from area after eating. Mandatory food storage is required.

Summit Campground

Essex is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Montana camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Essex, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Essex

The Best Camping Near Essex, Montana

Campground Review: This campsite is in the middle of East and West glacier. Which means it is ideal for a basecamp between adventures. Word to the wise, there are not many services between East and West Glacier. Try to grab grub on either side and bring beer/luxury items with you to the site. This site is right on Hwy 2, so it seems like it should be open year-round. But it isn't, so make sure to plan ahead if the site is open. There is a nice monument here if you just want to stop off while driving by and hit a vault toilet. The sites are quite and secluded for their close proximity to the highway.  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gear Review: As a Dyrt Ranger, I also get products to test and review in the field. I recently got to test Buff's UV Dorado while I was in Glacier. I was never excited about Buff's for their look, but this Dorado pattern is cute. I use my Buff to keep my hair out of my face and to cover my ears in a cold breeze (like the one on Triple Divide Pass). My eardrums hurt when they are exposed to a cold breeze, and it can be very uncomfortable. A Buff is great protection from these breezes, and is comfortable enough to be worn all day without a second thought.

Ranger Review: UV Buff Dorado at Glacier National Park

Found this campground by accident when we got lost on the way into Glacier National Park, which was a great thing since it had lots of openings and was just $10 a night. Considering we had such bad luck finding anything within the actual boundaries of Glacier, this was quite the find. Sites were clean, green, spacious, and very nice. Would definitely come back. Possibly a 5-star spot for the location alone if it had flush toilets and (instead of just the pit toilets) and/or a bit more going on. As it was, a nice, pretty spot to stop and spend the night on the way in or out of Glacier.

Great Spot on the Edge of Glacier

Park is very nice with nice tent and rv sites. Fishing is great and the sunset over the lake is breathtaking. Swimming area is nice but is on opposite side of park. Showers are clean and hot. Play ground for the service children and biking allowed around park.

 Nice and clean

At $10 a night you can’t beat this. Beautiful trees &amp; quiet spacious camp sites...fire pits, water &amp; bathrooms avlaliable. Grizzly was roaming Around our site but we didn’t see him. Someone was leaving food out. No Verizon service but I could get a signal out front near the memorial.

Great inexpensive find! 

Conveniently located near the south side of Glacier National park, Summit Campground is a cheap, no-frills stop-over campsite. Vault toilets on-site. Camp spots have cement pads.

Site is very close to the freeway, which makes for easy access, but not quiet. Amazing views of the mountain across the highway. Good staging spot to head into Glacier.

Cheap, No Frills Campground Near Glacier

Very small secluded campground with a beautiful little trout stream flowing right through it. Falling asleep to the sound of the stream a few feet away from the tent was very relaxing. Pit toilets only &amp; no water or electric. The mosquitos were pretty bad right at sunset but let up a bit after dark.

Nice little campground!

The campsites were neat and well maintained. There is some road noise and trains can be quite loud but it is still a great site to stay at. I even had a moose walk about 30 yards passed my tent which was pretty cool. There are hiking trails nearby if you don’t want to drive to Glacier for hiking.

Awesome site 

Wow close and quite all in one place great time visiting glacier. 

Photos of Summit Campground

Real photos from real campers