Camping near Browning provides access to both Glacier National Park's eastern entrances and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Located at 4,377 feet elevation, Browning experiences dramatic temperature swings even in summer months when overnight lows can drop below 40°F. Wind is a constant factor in this region, with gusts commonly exceeding 30 mph near campgrounds along the eastern boundary of Glacier.
What to do
Ranger talks at Two Medicine: Evening programs offer insights on local wildlife and park history. "The ranger talk was awesome!" according to Dannoo at Two Medicine Campground. This quieter area of Glacier attracts fewer visitors than other sections.
Fishing at Cut Bank Creek: Located just 15 minutes from St. Mary entrance, newer camping options provide creek access. Lee A. notes about SweetPine Campground: "Her husband Jimmy is an outfitter and we ended up going out for a fishing excursion with them a few days later."
Wildlife viewing from campgrounds: Early morning and evening offer best opportunities. "We saw a female moose the first day, we definitely kept our distance though!" reports Joseph L. about Many Glacier area. Some campgrounds allow direct observation of large mammals from designated viewing areas.
What campers like
Late arrival options: Flexible check-in policies benefit travelers with uncertain schedules. Coleman M. at Sleeping Wolf Campground appreciated: "Started on our way home from glacier national park at midnight... sign read: IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER 9:00 PM PLEASE SET UP CAMP AND WE WILL ACCEPT PAYMENT FIRST THING IN THE MORNING."
Less crowded alternatives: Some campers prefer quieter locations outside park boundaries. Anthony D. notes about Red Eagle Campground: "When we stayed there, all the campgrounds in the park were overflowing and there were long lines at 6:30 am for first-come sites, but this campground was basically empty."
East entrance access advantage: Current park policies make certain entrances more convenient. Stefanie I. at St Mary Campground states: "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."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: All campgrounds in bear country require proper food storage. Jeremiah L. confirms: "I always pulled in and out before the staff was in the office, but they were super helpful when I reached out over the phone."
Weather preparedness: High winds and sudden temperature drops require proper gear. "It is bear country, after all, so make sure to keep your food in your car and only burn wood in the firepits (if burning is allowed)," advises Anthony D.
Shower facilities vary widely: Some campgrounds charge per use while others include showers with stay. Patrick M. at Johnson's Campground notes: "Showers are token operated (you get 1 token per night/per person that allows a six minute shower)."
Reservation timing matters: For peak season, book months ahead for in-park sites. According to Maddy T., "Absolutely breathtaking! This site has good reviews for a reason. Reservation ONLY. You'll want to book ahead."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with noise policies: Some locations enforce quiet hours more strictly. "I loved the families running around from site to site. It brought me back to a simpler time," mentions Maddy T.
Look for campgrounds with food options: On-site or nearby restaurants reduce meal planning stress. "Restaurant next door is handy and very good," notes Brian W.
Consider sites with recreation facilities: Kari S. at St Mary/East Glacier KOA reports: "This KOA has been the best one I've stayed at yet! Beautiful spots by a little creek with lots of wildlife (moose, fox, etc.). The groundskeeper is awesome with helping out if there are any problems with outsiders using the pool."
Weather contingency plans: Mountain storms develop quickly. "There are trash bins and plastic bottle and aluminum can recycling bins. Out on the road (not in the campground) there was also a propane cylinder recycling bin," Laura M. advises for maintaining cleanliness.
Tips from RVers
Road restrictions: Vehicle length limits affect route planning. Laura M. shares: "When we were on 89, there was a sign at the entrance to 49 saying that vehicles over 21 ft not advisable. We looked at google maps and decided that 49 between 89 and the campground did look pretty winding and decided to add the 15 miles to our trip by going out to Browning, down 2, then back up 49 from the south."
Site selection for larger rigs: Flat, wide sites prove critical for comfortable stays. "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," reports Stefanie I.
Dog friendly options: Multiple campgrounds accommodate pets with specific facilities. Laura P. mentions: "The RV park has 10 water/power sites all in a row and very close to each other. This is not a park you would hang out in all day. However, for overnight or access to Glacier National Park, this is a good option."
Utilities availability: Water and power connections differ between locations. "Unkept sites, weeds knee high. Up on hill beautiful view if you get one facing that way. Very tight. 30 Amp only," Cindy G. reports about site conditions.
