Camping near Glacier National Park

Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains in Montana, Glacier National Park boasts over 700 miles of hiking trails and plenty of campsites for weary hikers to spend the night. Near the picturesque cities of Columbia Falls and Whitefish, MT, campers can enjoy a day of shopping or dine at one of the area’s restaurants in between taking in the park’s sights. Avalanche Creek and Granite Park are two popular campgrounds, and RV drivers will find plenty of places to pull up for a night or extended stay. While camping, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to see the area’s diverse wildlife that include grizzly bears, mountain goats, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Glacier National Park (236)

    1. Many Glacier Campground — Glacier National Park

    47 Reviews
    Siyeh Bend, MT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 732-7740

    $90 / night

    "If you are able to get one it is well worth it because of the proximity to some of the greatest trails in Glacier National Park."

    "The most prestige area imaginal on the east side of Glacier National park. Wildlife galore from Grizzly bears to mountain goats and moose. Brenner trail head nearby."

    2. Fish Creek Campground — Glacier National Park

    62 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $30 / night

    "Situated along the southwest side of Glacier National Park's Fish Creek Campground, I snagged two nights at site D173 - right on the lake! "

    "We camped at Fish Creek Campground during our visit to Glacier National Park - it was a good experience. The only comment we had is how tightly packed the campsites were."

    3. Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park

    59 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $45 - $90 / night

    "A small campground opened seasonally at the south end of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. The lImIted spaces are tucked in the trees bIt are a short walk to the beautiful lake."

    "This campground close to many areas such as the lake McDonald’s, the visitor center, and the village. I walked to those places after a long day of hiking and exploring glacier national park."

    4. Avalanche Campground — Glacier National Park

    19 Reviews
    Siyeh Bend, MT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $30 / night

    "Excellent location though with plenty of good beginner/easier hiking. If you haven't hike to Avalanche Lake, have you even been to Glacier National Park?!"

    "Beautiful, classic and extremely popular campground in the heart of Glacier National Park, right off the Going-to-the-Sun-Road. Beautiful picnic area on the creek. Good hikes within the camp area."

    5. St Mary Campground - Glacier National Park — Glacier National Park

    48 Reviews
    Babb, MT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 732-7708

    $40 / night

    "The campground is conveniently located on the edge of glacier national park. There are ranger talks in the campground every night."

    "It’s on the eastern side of Glacier National Park. The campground is open year round and is easily accessible."

    6. Sprague Creek Campground — Glacier National Park

    22 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 888-7800

    $30 / night

    "Sprague Creek is a little campground on the west side of glacier national park. I really loved staying here because it is little. There are not many sites so show up early to get a spot."

    "Very pretty and popular campsite in Glacier National Park, just off the "Going-to-the-Sun" Road. It's on the shore of lake McDonald with gorgeous views of the lake and mountains."

    7. Glacier Campground

    51 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5689

    $45 - $120 / night

    "Montana is absolutely gorgeous! I may be biased because I go to college in Montana, but there is so many great outdoor activities. The mountains and scenery are my favorite."

    "So close to Glacier National Park that it’s almost inside. The staff was nice and the grounds are taken care of with pride. The bathrooms are Clean, clean,clean! And the price Rocks. Thank you!!"

    8. Rising Sun Campground — Glacier National Park

    24 Reviews
    Siyeh Bend, MT
    13 miles
    Website

    "You are pretty close to your neighbors, but if you are looking to explore the northern and southern parts of Glacier national park, this is a good spot to camp."

    "Fire pits, trees and nature around, yet very close by is a store, pay showers and a restaurant. Or just tent and do your own thing at your site."

    9. West Glacier KOA Resort

    49 Reviews
    West Glacier, MT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 387-5341

    "Minutes away from Glacier National Park, this camp ground has it all. From cabins to RV sites to tent camping, there is something for everyone. We stayed in a tent."

    "Convenitly close to Glacier National Park. This KOA is in beautiful setting and has all the amenities of a hotel, but in the beauty of nature."

    10. Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    49 Reviews
    Coram, MT
    22 miles
    Website

    "I stayed here for 3 mights while visiting the West Glacier section of Glacier National Park, and LOVED it! Met so many awesome people and had such a great time by the river."

    "It’s so close to the National Park entrance and a beautiful place to stay. The road is a bit bumpy getting down here but there’s plenty of room for tent camping and RVs. Be careful though!"

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Recent Reviews near Glacier National Park

1171 Reviews of 236 Glacier National Park Campgrounds


  • Kurt W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    West Glacier KOA Resort

    Late season stay

    We camped here for one night. Everything is super clean and well maintained. Beautiful spot

  • Giavanna P.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast

    Adorable camping spot

    I absolutely loved this camping spot. Staff were friendly and the lovely couple at the cafe were super helpful for advice on where to check out. Having a hot shower after hiking was bliss. There’s even a communal fire at 7pm if you feel like being social

  • Raul C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Camp off North Fork Road

    Large and open

    The area down the road was full and had limited car camping / roof top tent camping so my buddy and I moved this way and found plenty of opportunity.

  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed

    Riverside Camping

    Very nice spot close to Glacier NP. As others have mentioned, the road getting in is very rough, but i made it up/down several times with my Promaster 2500 van with no issues, just got to be strategic about how you take the ruts. Awesome views of river. Road is a little noisy at times, but nothing to complain about. Plenty of other people camping there. Cell service was pretty good.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Duck Lake Campground

    Quiet & Cozy

    19 Rustic campsites— some drive-thru— & a couple cabins. 4 sites have elec hook-ups, none have water or waste; but all have lakeside access. Clean Port-a-potties sprinkled along the lane of campsites & a single ADA pit toilet near office. Turning around could be challenging for a truck-trailer combo if not in one of the sites w/ elec. Bring leveling boards (or improvise w/ rocks like we did). $30 for unimproved site; booked online (but host had not received reservation).

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Emery Bay Campground

    Beautiful campground with excellent host

    We arrived mid September for 4 nights. Our site #21 is huge and private. Surrounded by large conifers with a large fiberglass topped picnic table that is easy to clean and fire pit. The vault toilets are within a short walking distance. Water spigot just across from the toilets provided lean potable water. Kevin the host is on top of his game, easy to find and very friendly and accommodating. Glacier National Park is about a 20 minute drive from there. Probably about 15 minutes from Corum and all of the essential services.

  • Rikky F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park

    Good campground but felt like the amenities were scare for the number of sites

    We visited the weekend after Labor Day and I'd say the campground was moderately busy, someone I ran into at Logan Pass said they weren't able to get a site there so it must have been full.

    I didn't research this campground as much as I should have. This is the largest campground on the west side, serving about 200 sites, and for some reason only has one shower building located on loop A. That building has exactly 2 showers. They're private, you can lock the door to go in, there's a bench outside of the shower portion, and while they seemed clean it wasn't as bougie as the showers at Canyon Campground in Yellowstone National Park. I never ended up trying the showers because after a long day, waiting to shower wasn't what I felt like and sometimes I was so tired I crawled into the tent after packing the food away and slept.

    According to something I read online, there is no where to wash your dishes. Dish washing is to be done at your site, and the grey water transported to the disposal area located in loop C. I had no deep desire to haul a bucket of water around or have it sloshing in the back of our car so thankfully we had backpack meals and the only thing we needed to clean was forks which were wiped off with a paper towel and called good. When we used some stuff on the Going to the Sun Road, I decided to walk over to C when we got back to camp. There was a door labeled "Wash Station" and there was soap and a sponge. There's nowhere to clean anything off, so I guess you still need to figure that out if you have a significant amount of bits and pieces left after your dinner. It seems odd to me though that the largest campground on the west side has so few amenities for such a large number of sites.

    The campsites are all kind of different. Like we have a huge Big Agnes Bunkhouse 6 and B 118 was a little inappropriate. I picked it so I only have myself to blame, but I recommend checking out any online views of the campsite you're thinking of just to make sure it vibes with your setup.

    The bathrooms seemed plentiful enough, although the one closest to us had no soap on either side (as confirmed by my gf). I highly recommend bringing your own soap, however you want to accomplish that.

    You can hear a train from camp, which didn't bother me but I know some people aren't fans. Everyone around us was pretty quiet for the most part, and we were a quick walk from the lake and the amphitheater. There's also a trail to Apgar Village and some nearby hiking trails (easy little walks, not hardcore hikes).

    I have Verizon and had one bar that just refused to do much for me unless it was like 2am. My gf has T Mobile and her phone worked great!

    Even though for the most part this is a good campground and it's worth going back to, I would explore other campgrounds if we 8 get to go back.


Guide to Glacier National Park

Camping near Glacier National Park, Montana, offers a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors. With stunning scenery and a variety of campgrounds, there's something for everyone, whether you're a tent camper or an RVer.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are countless trails to explore. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities, like those near Many Glacier Campground, where one reviewer said, "Several really nice hikes start from here at the campground."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, the lakes around Bowman Lake Campground are perfect. A camper mentioned, "The river is very fast for fishing; could maybe get away with fly fishing."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for bears and other wildlife. One camper at Two Medicine Campground noted, "There was heavy black bear activity. No soft side camping allowed."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. A visitor at Fish Creek Campground said, "The scenery and experience of this special place cannot be properly described."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer a peaceful environment. One reviewer at Glacier Campground appreciated the "good space between sites," making it feel less crowded.
  • Access to Water: Campgrounds like Apgar Campground provide easy access to Lake McDonald, which is a big hit among campers. A reviewer mentioned, "The access to Lake McDonald is the best part for sure."

What you should know:

  • Bear Country: Always be bear aware. A camper at St Mary Campground warned, "Grizzlies don't care, and that fire could start a wildfire!" Make sure to follow food storage rules.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Rising Sun Campground, have minimal facilities. One camper noted, "The restrooms were clean, but there are no showers."
  • Reservations Needed: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season. A visitor at Apgar Campground mentioned, "Unlike other National Park campgrounds, staying here still requires reservations for main park attractions."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One family at West Glacier KOA Resort enjoyed the "pool and the Gaga ball pit," making it perfect for their grandkids.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Two Medicine Campground suggested, "Watch the sunrise from the benches around the lake."
  • Pack for All Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A visitor at Fish Creek Campground advised, "Be prepared for all types of weather; we saw it all during our 4 days."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Glacier Campground mentioned, "Some sites would not be great for tents because of how tight they are and the hills."
  • Plan for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Many Glacier Campground, do not offer electric hookups. One camper noted, "The sites are all these pull-through curves, and some are on these gnarly hills."
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up quickly. A visitor at Rising Sun Campground advised, "Be ready to come early and wait in line to grab a campsite."

Camping near Glacier National Park, Montana, is an adventure filled with natural beauty and outdoor fun. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the views, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make camping reservations in Glacier National Park?

Reservations for most Glacier National Park campgrounds can be made through Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance, which is highly recommended for popular campgrounds like Many Glacier Campground — Glacier National Park and Fish Creek Campground — Glacier National Park. Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early in the day is essential to secure a spot. For those unable to get park reservations, numerous alternatives exist nearby. The park's campgrounds typically open between late May and late June, depending on snow conditions, and close between early September and early October. Peak season reservations should be made as soon as the booking window opens, as sites often fill within minutes, especially for July and August dates.

Where can I find private RV parks near Glacier National Park?

Several excellent private RV parks are located near Glacier National Park. West Glacier KOA Resort is minutes from the park entrance and offers comprehensive amenities including RV sites, tent camping, cabins, restrooms, and an on-site restaurant. Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed & Breakfast provides a quiet setting among lodgepole pines with clean facilities and friendly staff, all close to the West entrance. Other options include Whispering Pines RV Park, which campers praise for its convenient location, and Sleeping Wolf Campground, which accommodates late arrivals. For those heading to the eastern side of the park, Chewing Blackbones Campground is just 10 minutes from the St. Mary entrance and is operated by the Blackfeet tribe.

What are the best campgrounds in Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Within the park itself, Apgar Campground — Glacier National Park is a popular choice, offering limited spaces tucked among trees near beautiful Lake McDonald. For those seeking free dispersed camping near the park, Blankenship Bridge - Dispersed Camping provides excellent access just 15 minutes from the West entrance. The area is perfect for rafting and fishing enthusiasts. Other excellent in-park options include Many Glacier Campground for its stunning mountain views and Fish Creek Campground for its proximity to Lake McDonald. For the best experience, book well in advance for summer visits, as the park's popularity means campgrounds fill quickly during peak season.