St. Mary Campground sits at 4,551 feet elevation between the St. Mary and Many Glacier entrances of Glacier National Park. This eastern side of the park typically experiences high winds compared to other areas, with summer temperatures reaching 80°F during the day and dropping to 40°F at night. Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Babb require dogs to be leashed at all times, with fines for unattended pets due to wildlife concerns.
What to do
Glacier day trips without a reservation: The St. Mary entrance doesn't require timed entry passes. "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," notes a camper at St Mary Campground.
Boat tours across mountain lakes: At Many Glacier, take boat rides connecting hiking trails. "We took a boat tour across and hiked another 1/4 mile to Lake Josephine for another boat ride. On the hike, we crossed suspension bridges, small creeks, played in the snow and saw lots of beautiful scenery," shares a visitor to Many Glacier Campground.
Wildlife viewing from safe distances: The Many Glacier area offers some of the best wildlife spotting in the park. "Wildlife galore from Grizzly bears to mountain goats and moose. Brenner trail head nearby. There is a beautiful lodge which offers boat trips on the lake for $20. Lots of campers bring high power binoculars to watch the Grizzly bears in the mountains," says a camper.
What campers like
Lake access with boat rentals: Canoes and kayaks are available at some locations for paddling on pristine waters. At Chewing Blackbones Campground, "Available canoes and kayaks for rent. We loved this campground and believe this could be a 5 star but the bathrooms are just horrible specifically the showers."
Ranger-led evening programs: Learn about local ecology and wildlife from park experts. "The campground hosts have been super friendly and helpful, and there's even a ranger talk in the evening, which is a nice touch," mentions a St. Mary Campground visitor. Another camper at Two Medicine Campground adds, "ranger talk was awesome!"
Convenience to trailheads: Multiple hiking options start directly from many campgrounds. A reviewer at Two Medicine Campground states, "This location is also off the beaten path of Glacier Park and less crowded. It doesn't have the touristy feel which I appreciate."
What you should know
Limited groceries and supplies: Stock up before arriving as options are limited and expensive. "The limited grocery options in surrounding areas make advance provisioning advisable, with food prices at local stores significantly higher than average."
Cell service varies widely: Most campgrounds have no reliable cell coverage. A visitor to Heart of Glacier RV Park notes, "The wifi could only be reached at the office. No cell at all."
Shower facilities inconsistent: Quality and availability vary between campgrounds. "Only one working bathhouse & upon arrival I was told only cold showers," reports a Chewing Blackbones camper. At St. Mary Campground, another visitor mentions, "There are only 3 showers for 142 campsites. One of which has no hot water."
Bear safety requirements: Proper food storage is mandatory. "Bear lockers are available (not one per site, but they're around), which is important considering the local grizzlies," shares a St. Mary Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Easy hiking trails for children: The Trail of Cedars offers accessible paths for all ages. An Avalanche Campground visitor states, "If you haven't hiked to Avalanche Lake, have you even been to Glacier National Park?! If my 2, 4, and 6-year-old cousins can do it, so can you!"
Campgrounds with play areas: Some facilities offer recreational spaces for children. A visitor to St. Mary/East Glacier KOA mentions, "They have a pool a hot tub and a park. They have a store with ice and wood for sale."
Junior Ranger programs: Children can earn badges through educational activities. One parent camping at St. Mary recalls, "The boys got sworn in for their junior ranger badges; although, I think Jason and I were more excited about adding another one to the collection than they were."
Tips from RVers
Arrive early for non-reservable sites: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially in peak season. A visitor to Many Glacier Campground advises, "We took a last minute trip to Glacier in early August...Apparently you must be waiting for a campsite at 5am to be part of the first come first served lotto."
Size restrictions on certain roads: Large vehicles face limitations on park roads. A camper at Johnson's Campground shares, "As close to glacier as you can get without being in it. We stayed in the tent meadows for one night. It was pretty busy and close together tent spots. Everyone was friendly."
Dog-friendly options outside the park: Several campgrounds near Babb allow pets with varying restrictions. "We camped in our van at a campsite. Site was easy to find," mentions a visitor to St. Mary Campground. Remember that while dogs are allowed at dog-friendly campgrounds near Babb, most prohibit them on trails within Glacier National Park.
