Best Campgrounds in Montana

If you have a small overlanding camper, 4WD, or a text/van, this secluded spot just past the recreation area is STUNNING. 270 views of the reservoir. Pic attached of exact road took past normal “camping” area. There is a huge gravel camping area before this site where large rigs could park. There are also other small sites off the OHV road I am on. Def marked as location to come back to. Pretty loud during the day with riders but privacy and quiet at night. Little walkway down to the beach as well. Absolutely no cell service once you turn off Highway 2 about 6 miles out from sight. Starlink works but is a little spotty.

Do not follow the directions in the other review, they are wrong. My review follows the directions.

Take the Clancy exit and turn towards clancy. The road looks like its an immediate left with a big arrow sign but its not, drive straight through. About 1/10 mile and you’ll see the brown forest service sign at the T intersection indicating Park Lake is 14 miles after turning right.

3.5 miles pavement becomes a well maintained wide gravel/dirt road the entire way. Soft shoulders though, beware.

If you pick the lake on a gps or follow the listing directions in Dyrt you will mistakenly turn left just shy of 8 miles and find a narrow road going down, no trespassing and dead end signs. If you have a trailer you’ll have to back out up hill.

Instead stay on the main road and don’t stop until you reach the T intersection which is approx. 11.5 miles from the sign that said 14 miles. You’ll see the forest toad sign 4009 and the forest service sign indicating you turn left and will reach the lake in 2 miles with the campground just at the opposite end

22 sites, all paved, all back-in for towable’s. Some are only large enough for a single vehicle with a tiny towable, a few will hold big trucks and 30+ footers. All have a table and fire pit. Hand pump water point, 3 pit toilets which are very clean and well stocked. Sites are a mix from full sun all day to full shade all day. Plenty of open sky in most sites for clear satellite lines.

Plenty of firewood just lying around. Chipmunks and rabbits run around. This is bear country, be prepared and read over the signage if you are inexperienced.

The lake is beautiful, plenty if shore fishing and large day use areas with tables and firepits. Dirt boat launch as this is a non motorized lake, manpower only.

The local USFS in Helena overseas the location. They do not visit regularly which is likely due to the drive. Be prepared to drive to tell cell service if you don’t have satellite if there are questions or concerns.

No services or trash. Pack it in pack it out. Closest services are Montana city for minimal needs, Helena for most needs. Clancy has nothing

We’re currently staying at St. Mary’s Campground, located right inside the east entrance of Glacier National Park, and the Going-To-The-sun road. One of the biggest perks this summer (2025) is that you don’t need a park entrance reservation to access the park from this entrance—unlike most of the other entrances, which are still under the reservation system. That alone made it worth booking here.

The campground is surprisingly well-equipped for a place with no hookups. There’s a dump station and water fill-up right at the entrance, but I also spotted a few water spigots scattered throughout the campground itself. Bathrooms are clean and have sinks, and even better—there are showers! There’s also a wash sink station for doing your dishes and a greywater dump area inside the campground. Definitely not your typical dry camping setup.

Bear lockers are available (not one per site, but they’re around), which is important considering the local grizzlies. We’re in Loop C, and it’s pretty balanced—half the loop has nice, small pull-through sites with picnic tables, tent pads, fire rings, and some much-appreciated shade. The other half of the loop is much more exposed—no trees or bushes, so you’ll be out in the open if you end up on that side.

The campground hosts have been super friendly and helpful, and there’s even a ranger talk in the evening, which is a nice touch. I haven’t had a chance to check out Loops A or B yet, but if I do, I’ll update this review with more info.

Overall, it’s a great base for exploring the east side of the park and super convenient if you’re heading to Many Glacier. Definitely recommend.