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Established Camping

Sperry Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Sperry Wilderness Campsite is located in Glacier National Park, MT, surrounded by rugged mountain terrain and dense forests. Temperatures range from 30°F to 70°F, depending on the season. Nearby attractions include Lake McDonald and the Going-to-the-Sun Road, offering scenic views and hiking opportunities.

Fee Info

Fee Policies - permit needed May 1 - Oct 31. From Nov 1 - April 30 permits are free.

Wilderness Permit Fee: A $10 non-refundable fee is required for each wilderness permit

Camping Fees: A $7 per person, per night fee is required for each person on the wilderness permit

Only debit or credit cards will be accepted, no cash.

Park entry requires a separate fee or pass.

Your wilderness permit will serve as your timed-entry permit for the duration of your trip.

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Location

Sperry Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

48.60192144582974 N
113.78588427423261 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Toilets

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Sperry Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park needs a permit.

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General Info

Reservations


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3 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 5, 2021

Beautiful Scenery

This is a small campsite that is not part of the chalet.  It's a little over a 6 mile hike in (up).  Backcountry forest camping with no amenities except the beautiful Glacier landscape, wilderness and wildlife.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sperry Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park by Amy S., January 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Sperry Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park by Amy S., January 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Sperry Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park by Amy S., January 5, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Feb. 28, 2019

It is what you are next to that makes it great!

This is a backcountry site so reservations required. Small backcountry site that sites above the Sperry Chalet (open again in 2020) Coming from trailhead, with a 6.5 mile 3,600 elevation gain with no views, or a 15 mile hike in from the east off GTTS and over two passes. But the animals and hiking out of here are great! Comeau pass to sperry glacier, lincoln pas and Ellen Wilson lake are great hikes out fo the campground. Occasionally, stunning sunsets also from here. No fires, water is available.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Stayed in the backcountry site not the Chalet

There is the chalet and there are the campsites. We stayed in the campsites our last night hiking through the gunsight pass exiting Lake McDonald. There is a mountain goat with blunted horns (who we named Earl) that frequented the site while we were cooking, setting up our tent, and again in the morning. Watch out if your underwear is hanging to dry. Keep it high enough so Earl can't reach it! The hike to this site is amazing. After our 4 night trip through the pass we were pleasantly surprised by the Chalet. They offer lemonade, hot coco and coffee free of charge to anyone until about 10:30pm. The chalet also offers hot breakfast and dinner, but you need to stop in and make a reservation before hand so they know how much food to pack in. Our last night in GNP we hit the Chalet, got some coco, and made a breakfast reservation. Well worth it. The campsites are nice. There is one that is literally overlooking a huge cliff with a stone ledge. If you want a great trip start at Jackson Glacier Overlook and end at Lake McDonald, with a stop at Sperry for your last night!

  • Review photo of Sperry Wilderness Campsite — Glacier National Park by James D., October 1, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Sperry Campground in Glacier National Park?

Sperry Wilderness Campsite is a true backcountry experience with minimal amenities. The campground offers designated tent sites in a wilderness setting but lacks modern facilities. There are no running water, electricity, or shower facilities. The primary appeal is the beautiful Glacier landscape, wilderness experience, and potential wildlife sightings. Campers should be prepared to be fully self-sufficient, bringing all necessary supplies including water filtration equipment.

How do I make reservations for Sperry Campground?

Reservations are required for Sperry Wilderness Campsite as it's a designated backcountry site. To reserve a spot, you'll need to apply for a backcountry permit through Glacier National Park's backcountry reservation system. Applications typically open several months in advance, and permits are in high demand during peak season. Contact Glacier National Park's backcountry office or visit the official National Park Service website for the most current reservation procedures and availability.

Where is Sperry Campground located in Glacier National Park?

Sperry Wilderness Campsite is located in the backcountry of Glacier National Park. The campground sits at a high elevation, accessible via a challenging 6.5-mile trail with approximately 3,600 feet of elevation gain from the Lake McDonald area. Alternatively, you can reach it from the east side via a longer 15-mile route from Going-to-the-Sun Road that crosses two mountain passes. The campsite is positioned just above Sperry Chalet in an alpine setting.

What is the difference between Sperry Campground and Sperry Chalet?

Sperry Campground and Sperry Chalet are two distinct accommodations in the same area. Sperry Wilderness Campsite is a small, primitive backcountry camping area where visitors must bring their own tents and camping equipment. It offers a true wilderness experience with no amenities. In contrast, Sperry Chalet is a historic stone building that provides rustic lodging with beds and meal service. The campground is located slightly above the chalet, and while they share the same challenging access trail, they offer very different overnight experiences in terms of comfort and amenities.