There are three ways to camp at Glacier National Park: first-come, first-served sites, reserved campgrounds, and for the adventurous, wilderness camping, also known as backcountry camping, though permits are only available through Oct. 31. There are more than 1,000 official campsites spread across 13 campgrounds within the park. Show
If you’re camping with an RV, it’s important to note that some campsites have size limitations (typically up to 21 feet). However, RVT noted that Apgar Campground permits vehicles up to 40 feet for those with a bigger rig. Apgar is also the largest campground in the park, making it the liveliest for those looking to hang with their fellow outdoorsmen. For anyone looking for a bit more solitude, try Kintla Lake Campground, which is the park's most remote option, and for the best view, make your way to Rising Sun Campground, which provides epic vistas of Red Eagle Mountain. (See all of Travel + Leisure’s tips on where to camp in Glacier National Park here.) How to Reserve a CampsiteIf you want to lock in a campsite for this fall, reserve on Recreation.gov. However, be warned that campsites go fast, so book as early as you can for upcoming trips (campsites are available to book up to six months prior to arrival). When to See Fall Foliage in Glacier National ParkAccording to the National Park Service, the leaves begin to change in Glacier National Park by mid-September. However, the National Park Reservations website added that there is actually a “second autumn” in the park a few weeks later. Other Fall Camping Destinations Recommended by RTVThere are five more stellar camping destinations that made RVT's list. The top fall camping picks includes Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia, Canada, chosen for its verdant landscapes and stellar hiking on the Cabot Trail; Acadia National Park in Maine, chosen for its panoramic views and cool New England air; and Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The website also called out the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, thanks to its lengthy foliage season, extending well into November, and Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, which the RVT blog post said is a premier spot for spotting foliage from the water on a leisurely kayak ride. One thing I am excited about this summer? Doing some Glacier National Park camping! If you haven’t booked your spot yet for your time there this year, you’re going to want to do that in April or May (reservations open up six months in advance) before the season starts. While it can be fun to pop into Glacier for a few hours or stay outside the park, camping within it gives you the full experience!Everything you need to know about Glacier National Park campingThis guide shares everything you need to know about camping in Glacier National Park, as well as the details of the campgrounds nearby and how to book. Contents show 1 Everything you need to know about Glacier National Park camping 1.1 Where are the best places to go camping in Glacier National Park? 1.2 How do I make Glacier National Park camp reservations? 1.3 How much does it cost to camp in Glacier National Park? 1.4 Are there restrictions for campsites in Glacier National Park? 1.5 What do I need to know about Glacier National Park backcountry camping? 1.6 How do I get to the campgrounds in Glacier National Park? 1.7 What should I know about bears in Glacier? 1.8 What should I know about check-in and check-out at Glacier campgrounds? 1.9 Are there quiet hours in Glacier National Park campgrounds? 1.10 Can I use a generator at campsites in Glacier National Park? 1.11 Can I bring my pet while camping in Glacier National Park? 1.12 What should I bring with me while camping in Glacier National Park? 2 Where to camp in Glacier National Park 2.1 Map of campgrounds in Glacier National Park 2.2 West Glacier camping 2.2.1 Fish Creek Campground 2.2.2 Sprague Creek Campground 2.2.3 Avalanche Campground 2.2.4 Apgar Campground 2.2.5 Bowman Lake Campground 2.2.6 Kintla Lake Campground 2.2.7 Quartz Creek Campground 2.2.8 Logging Creek Campground 2.3 East Glacier camping 2.3.1 St. Mary Campground 2.3.2 Rising Sun Campground 2.3.3 Many Glacier Campground 2.3.4 Cut Bank Campground 2.3.5 Two Medicine Campground 2.4 Camping around Glacier National Park 2.4.1 West Glacier KOA 2.4.2 St. Mary KOA 2.4.3 Chewing Black Bones Campground 2.4.4 Under Canvas Glacier 2.4.5 Glacier Campground 2.5 Share this: Where are the best places to go camping in Glacier National Park?Personally, I find that each campsite in Glacier National Park has its own benefits. The biggest choice you will want to make is not so much which campground you want to reserve, but which side of the park would be best for the Glacier National Park itinerary you have. Some of the most popular options tend to be Avalanche Campground and Apgar Campground. However, if you are planning on doing some of the hikes over on the east side of the park, then you might want to consider Many Glacier Campground or Rising Sun Campground. Where you choose to stay completely depends on what you want to see in the park and which of the best hikes in Glacier National Park you want to hit up. Note: St. Mary Campground and Rising Sun Campground will not be open summer 2021 due to Covid-19. How do I make Glacier National Park camp reservations?Only a few campgrounds in Glacier National Park allow for reservations in advance. The rest of the campsites are open on a first-come, first-serve basis, so you will want to get up very early. The two campsites in Glacier that you can make individual reservations in advance include Fish Creek and Many Glacier Campgrounds. You can make these at recreation.gov. You can also see other sites nearby that are also available. If you are looking to get a spot at a campground where you can’t make reservations in advance, then you will need to arrive early. You’ll need to grab an envelope at the registration office at the entrance of each campground. Open sites available will not have a paper stub, while those that are already taken will have a stub on the post–that means you shouldn’t set up there! Once you’ve found your spot, fill out your information and insert your payment before putting your stub on the post and taking your envelope back to the registration office. Once you are finished camping, remove your paper stub from the site. How much does it cost to camp in Glacier National Park?Camping sites in Glacier National Park can cost from $10-$23 USD per night in the summer depending on campground. Refunds are not available. The fee for camping is on top of the fee to enter the park. Are there restrictions for campsites in Glacier National Park?There are a number of regulations that you should keep in mind when booking your camping trip to Glacier. Here are some you should be aware of before you go:
What do I need to know about Glacier National Park backcountry camping?When it comes to some awesome Glacier National Park camping, you can’t get more intense or better than the backcountry. If you are thinking about heading deep into the park, then you will need to plan a bit in advance. I highly recommend checking out the backcountry website in order to get your permit in advance. You will also have to have a clear idea of what route you are going to take and where campgrounds are. The cost to camp in the Glacier National Park backcountry is $7 USD per night. You can get an idea of where to find campsites on this map. How do I get to the campgrounds in Glacier National Park?If you are planning on camping in Glacier National Park’s frontcountry, then you should be able to access all of the campgrounds by car. If you are looking to do some backcountry camping, then you might want to take the Glacier National Park shuttle so you don’t have to worry about parking. What should I know about bears in Glacier?Bears and mountain lions are a real presence in the park, and you will want to keep any food in a secure location (usually in a locked car). There are also bear-safe containers you can purchase, but I’ve found it’s just easiest to keep things in a cooler and in the car. Glacier also provides lockers to store items, as well. If food is found outside secure areas, you might be charged $75 USD. What should I know about check-in and check-out at Glacier campgrounds?You can check in any time in the morning at the campgrounds, but you will need to check out by 12:00 PM MST. If you want to stay another night, you will have to complete the registration process again before 11:30 AM. Are there quiet hours in Glacier National Park campgrounds?There are quiet hours in Glacier National Park campgrounds from 10:00 PM until 6:00 AM. Can I use a generator at campsites in Glacier National Park?There are some campsites in Glacier where you can use generators, while others do not allow it at all. For those that do allow generators, you can use them between 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Generators are not allowed at these sites:
Can I bring my pet while camping in Glacier National Park?You can have a pet while camping at Glacier National Park, but they must be kept within designated campgrounds and they are required to be on a six-foot leash or contained at all times. Any waste must be picked up and disposed of properly. What should I bring with me while camping in Glacier National Park?If you are curious about what you should bring with you when you go camping in Glacier, check out my camping gear list! It has everything you need in order to be prepared for your trip to Glacier National Park campgrounds. Likewise, you might want to look into what to pack for Glacier National Park when it comes to hiking gear. That way you’ll be ready to go when you get there! Where to camp in Glacier National ParkHere is a list of the major campgrounds around Glacier National Park that you might want to choose as your site. Map of campgrounds in Glacier National ParkWest Glacier campingA lot of the camping at Glacier National Park is located on the west side of the park, which is where you can find Apgar Village, Lake McDonald, and more. This is also where it tends to fill up the fastest since you are also competing for spaces with locals from Whitefish and Kalispell. Fish Creek CampgroundLocated right by Apgar Village, if you’re lucky, you can get some lake views. Best of all, there are showers available after a long day of hiking! Open: May through September RV length: 35 feet Reservations: Yes Dump station: Yes Fee: $23 Number of sites: 178 Pets: Yes Restrooms: Toilets and running water Sprague Creek CampgroundSprague Creek Campground is right on Lake McDonald, and you can often find some sites lakeside. It’s also a super quiet choice for tent camping in Glacier National Park since no RVs are allowed. Open: May through September RV length: No RVs Reservations: No Dump station: No Fee: $20 Number of sites: 25 Pets: Yes Restrooms: Toilets and running water Avalanche CampgroundAs one of the most popular campgrounds in the park, Avalanche situates you right in the center of the park. The Avalanche Lake Trailhead is located right near the campground and you’re not far from Going-to-the-Sun Road. Open: May through September RV length: 26 feet Reservations: No Dump station: No Fee: $20 Number of sites: 87 Pets: Yes Restrooms: Toilets and running water Apgar CampgroundOnly a short distance away from West Glacier, you can find a number of hotels, restaurants, tour companies and more near this campground. Open: Year-round RV length: 40 feet Reservations: No Dump station: Yes Fee: $20 Number of sites: 194 Pets: Yes Restrooms: Toilets and running water Bowman Lake CampgroundThis super remote campground, it can be a little difficult to get here–but the views are well worth it. There are plenty of hiking trails that are not as populated as others, and you also have access to the small town of Polebridge seven miles away. Open: May through September RV length: 21 feet Reservations: No Dump station: No Fee: $15 Number of sites: 46 Pets: Yes Restrooms: No Kintla Lake CampgroundRight by the Canadian border, you’re really getting away from it all at Kintla. Glacier National camping doesn’t get more rural than this! While it has running water, things are a little primitive, which is why it’s a favorite among tent campers. Open: May through September RV length: 21 feet Reservations: No Dump station: No Fee: $15 Number of sites: 13 Pets: Yes Restrooms: No Quartz Creek CampgroundThis summer campground is located 23 miles from the west entrance of the park and it has some amazing hiking trails you’ll want to check out. There is no running water here, so you will need to make sure you bring your own. Open: May through September RV length: 55 feet Reservations: Yes Dump station: No Fee: $18 Number of sites: 45 Pets: Yes Restrooms: No Logging Creek CampgroundQuartz Creek’s sister is super similar and offers the same amenities (or lack thereof for tent campers). If you really want to feel like you’re surrounded by Glacier’s amazing nature, this is a good place to do so. Open: May through September RV length: 21 feet Reservations: No Dump station: No Fee: $10 Number of sites: 7 Pets: Yes Restrooms: Vault toilet East Glacier campingThe east side of the park is known for being one of the best places to start your multi-day hikes, and it offers a different feel than the more tourist-friendly west side. If you are looking to see more wildlife and get away from the crowds, this is the best place to go. St. Mary CampgroundYou can’t get better views of the mountain than at this campground! It also has showers, which can be useful if you have been in the backcountry for a number of days. This is also a great spot for Glacier National Park camping with large RVs. Open: May through September RV length: 40 feet Reservations: Yes Dump station: yes Fee: $23 Number of sites: 148 Pets: Yes Restrooms: Flush toilets and running water Rising Sun CampgroundAlong with a hotel, showers, boat tours, and more, you can also find some great camping along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s also a good place to camp if you are thinking about heading to Waterton, as well. Open: May through September RV length: 25 feet Reservations: No Dump station: Yes Fee: $20 Number of sites: 84 Pets: Yes Restrooms: Flush toilets and running water Many Glacier CampgroundMany Glacier gets busier and busier year after year, but for good reason. While spots fill up fast, you also have a chance to see wildlife, spend time near lakes, and get some stunning photos. Open: May through September RV length: 35 feet Reservations: No Dump station: Yes Fee: $23 Number of sites: 109 Pets: Yes Restrooms: Flush toilets and running water Cut Bank CampgroundThis quiet spot is perfect for those who want some time alone in the mountains. There are only a few spots available, so you will want to arrive early if your heart is set on this Glacier camping site. Open: May through September RV length: No Reservations: No Dump station: No Fee: $10 Number of sites: 14 Pets: Yes Restrooms: No Two Medicine CampgroundYou can’t get a better spot for hikers than Two Medicine! Located right next to the lake, you have some pretty spectacular views and easy access to most of the best things to do in Glacier National Park. Open: May through September RV length: 35 feet Reservations: No Dump station: Yes Fee: $20 Number of sites: 100 Pets: Yes Restrooms: Flush toilets and running water Camping around Glacier National ParkYou don’t have to camp within Glacier National Park in order to enjoy it. There are also a number of other places just outside that offer additional amenities. West Glacier KOAI used to meet up with my cousins at the West Glacier KOA when I was a kid. If you want to have some of the perks of a hotel like a pool, ice cream, and more, then this is a way to get that camping fix in without missing out on some of the finer things. St. Mary KOALikewise, the St. Mary KOA has some beautiful views, a small walking trail, and a snack bar and hot tub. If you can’t get any camping sites within the park itself on the east side, this can be a great alternative! Chewing Black Bones CampgroundLocated in Babb, this spot has plenty of spots for RVs, tents, and more. It also is super close to the east entrance and all of the hikes in that area of the park. You can also book a night at the tipi village, which allows you to experience a night like the native peoples who call this place home. Under Canvas GlacierStaying at Under Canvas Glacier was a major highlight for me when I visited the park a few years back. My tent had one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in, and between the lovely bathrooms, area to grill, and more, I’d stay again in a heartbeat. Glacier CampgroundAlong with a cute cafe and easy access to the west side of the park, cabins are also available at Glacier Campground too. If you’re looking for some options other than RV and tent camping, this is a good spot to find them. Is September a good time to visit Glacier National Park?For most people, late June through mid-September is the best time to visit Glacier, because they want to drive the Going to the Sun Road, raft and fish the rivers, hike the trails, visit the backcountry Chalets, and explore several areas of the park, on both sides of the Continental Divide.
Can you camp at Glacier National Park in September?Many campgrounds close in October as do most of the lodges and Visitor Centers inside the national park. In September, almost everything is still open!
Is it too cold to visit Glacier National Park in September?In September, Glacier National Park's temperature starts to drop, although it will still be warm around midday. The average high is 67°F (19°C), and the average low is 39°F (4°C), with the weather starting to become cloudier and wetter than in previous months.
Is Glacier National Park crowded in September?May through September is the busiest part of the year, with about three million people visiting during each summer season. The parking areas at popular destinations, like Logan Pass and Avalanche Creek, begin filling before sunrise and remain congested for most of the day.
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