Many dog friendly campgrounds near Siyeh Bend operate from late May through mid-October, aligning with Glacier National Park's primary visitation season when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully accessible. Sites sit at elevations between 3,200-4,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night, even during summer months. Visitors should prepare for overnight lows that can drop into the 40s even during July and August, requiring proper bedding for both humans and canine companions.
What to do
Hike to Avalanche Lake: The trail beginning near Avalanche Campground provides a moderate 4.5-mile round-trip hike suitable for most skill levels. "It's a beautiful hike through a pretty forest with many large trees. The running water in the gorge is so clear," notes Hayley G. in her review.
Wildlife viewing from camp: Stay vigilant for wildlife sightings directly from your campsite at Many Glacier Campground. "Wildlife galore from Grizzly bears to mountain goats and moose. Brenner trail head nearby," writes Phil B. The campground offers regular opportunities for animal observation without venturing far.
Evening ranger programs: Attend free educational talks offered regularly during summer months. "The campground hosts have been super friendly and helpful, and there's even a ranger talk in the evening, which is a nice touch," reports Stefanie I. about the programs at St Mary Campground.
What campers like
Easy lake access: Sprague Creek Campground offers direct waterfront sites with minimal walking distance to shoreline. "It's right next to Lake McDonald and it is easy to gain access to the water," explains Erin M. Many visitors appreciate cooling off after hiking days.
Proximity to park entrances: Location near park gates means avoiding timed entry requirements at some campgrounds. "One of the biggest perks this summer is that you don't need a park entrance reservation to access the park from this entrance—unlike most of the other entrances," notes Stefanie I. about St Mary Campground.
Shaded campsites: Mature forests provide natural cooling during hot summer days. "Camp amongst Aspen trees," Crystal C. writes about Apgar Campground. The tree cover helps moderate temperatures during peak summer heat while providing some privacy between sites.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: All park campgrounds enforce strict food and scent containment policies. "Bear lockers are available (not one per site, but they're around), which is important considering the local grizzlies," reports Stefanie I. about camping conditions. Visitors must store all food, toiletries, cooking gear, and pet supplies in designated containers.
Campground size variation: Sites range from small, intimate settings to larger facilities. "This is a great campsite area especially with Lake McDonald being right there. If you don't like crowds as much this is a good spot for you. It has about 15-20 spots rather than Apgar which has about 100 or so," explains Kirsten R. about Sprague Creek Campground.
Limited cell coverage: Connectivity varies dramatically between locations, with most in-park sites offering minimal service. "I had full bars of service at my site," reports Daniel B. about Johnson's Campground, making it an exception to the usual disconnected experience in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly learning activities. "We typically find a spot where campers are up and getting packed up, place a tag on the site marker and come back after 12 to set up. You can run over to Apgar village if you want to rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, or motor boats by the hour," advises Jodi P.
Select campgrounds with amenities: For convenience with children, certain facilities offer more family-focused features. "There's something special about camping inside the park instead of a crammed RV park miles away! The bathroom has flush toilets and is much nicer that I expected for an older park like this," notes Shana D. about Apgar Campground.
Consider campground topography: Some sites require significant walking from parking to facilities. "Hike down a large steep hill to get to office, bathrooms and showers. Not ideal campground if you plan on spending anytime at your camper," warns Chris Y. about Johnson's Campground, which might be challenging for families with small children.
Tips from RVers
Pay attention to site dimensions: Many pet-friendly campsites have tight clearances for larger vehicles. "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," reports Stefanie I. about St Mary Campground, providing insights on size considerations.
Check for hookup limitations: Most dog-friendly campgrounds within Glacier National Park boundaries offer minimal or no hookups. "There is a dump station and water fill-up right at the entrance, but I also spotted a few water spigots scattered throughout the campground itself," notes Stefanie I., highlighting the importance of arriving with tanks prepared.
Research private options for more amenities: Fish Creek Campground offers a balance of natural setting with some conveniences. "There are showers and flush toilets, but there are no sinks to wash dishes. Fortunately, the camp hosts offers basins to lend for the campers to use to clean dishes," explains Mai K., detailing the practical considerations for longer RV stays with pets.
