Camping in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. When planning your camping trip, you'll have a number of beautiful campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're going to rough it in a tent, bring all the conveniences of home with an RV, or hike into the backcountry with only what you can carry, there's a camping spot in Glacier National Park for you. This list should give you a good idea of what your options are before you head to this popular and incredibly scenic location.

Rising Sun Campground

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Going-to-the-Sun Road is the main thoroughfare that connects the west side of Glacier National Park to the east side. Along this road, you can find several of the campsites Glacier National Park has to offer. Rising Sun Campground is just one of them. This campground is perfect for tents and RVs measuring 25 feet or less. It's located near the Rising Sun Motor Inn, and visitors will have access to hot showers and the Otokomi Lake Trail. All of the campground's 84 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Avalanche Campground

Also located along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Avalanche Campground has 87 sites offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Here, campers have access to running water and the free shuttle that takes visitors to various locations within the park. Some sites can accommodate RVs that are up to 26 feet in length; otherwise, all sites are perfect for pitching a tent. In this campground, you'll be surrounded by trees that provide shade for every campsite. Enjoy convenient access to the Avalanche Lake Trail, which starts in the campground.

Sprague Creek Campground

If you want to stay in a campground located right on the shore of McDonald Lake, Sprague Creek Campground is the place to go. With several sites right on the water, you'll have an amazing view right outside your tent or small RV. Unfortunately, this small campground only has 25 sites that fill up quickly, so arrive early if you want a chance to camp here. Sites in Sprague Creek can only accommodate RVs up to 21 feet long, and no towed vehicles are allowed.

Many Glacier Campground

Those looking for a Glacier National Park campground with reservations can check out Many Glacier Campground on the north side of the park. Although this campground has 109 campsites, you'll want to plan well in advance to secure one, as this is a very popular spot. You'll be surrounded by wildlife and some of the park's best hiking and scenery when staying at this campground. It offers access to places like Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake. Bring along your Shivr cooler with a built-in soundbar from Wet Sounds and enjoy your camping experience like never before.

Fish Creek Campground

Fish Creek Campground also offers reservable campsites and is one of the largest campgrounds in Glacier National Park, with 178 campsites. If you have a larger RV, this is the campground for you, as it has 18 campsites that can fit RVs up to 36 feet in length. You can find coin-operated showers in the campground as well. From this campground, you'll have access to the Lake McDonald Trail, and many other hiking trails are located nearby.

Apgar Campground

The largest of Glacier National Park's campgrounds, Apgar Campground has nearly 200 sites. This campground is also ideal for anyone who wants to camp in style, as it has 25 sites with space for rigs up to 40 feet long. You'll have access to lots of amenities from this campground, too, such as restaurants, gift shops, and a bike trail. A few group campsites are available, but these sites must be reserved in advance, whereas the other sites are all available on a first-come, first-served basis.

McDonald Lake Campground

One of Glacier National Park's prime backcountry campgrounds is the McDonald Lake Campground. This picturesque location is only accessible by foot or boat, and both of the tent campsites require a backcountry permit, which you can get from the Apgar Backcountry Permit Office or by applying online. At night, you'll enjoy some of the best night sky views you've ever witnessed, while the sweeping views provided during the day will take your breath away.

Cut Bank Campground

If tent camping in Glacier National Park is what you're after, then the primitive campsites at Cut Bank Campground should appeal to you. Make sure you bring everything you need, as you won't find any running water here and only vault toilets are available. However, this campground's remote location makes it one of the quietest campgrounds in the park. Bring your fishing pole and try your luck in the nearby Atlantic Creek, or hike to Medicine Grizzly Lake from the trailhead located near the campground.

Two Medicine Campground

Despite the fact that Two Medicine Campground is located in a less-busy part of Glacier National Park, it fills up quickly because of its location right on the water. It also has some sites that have enough space for 36-foot RVs, making it a popular option for both tent campers and RVers. You'll have easy access if you want to take your boat out on the lake, and several great hiking trails start from the campground. Water is available for campers, as are flush toilets and an RV dump station.

Kintla Lake Campground

As one of the most remote campgrounds in Glacier National Park, Kintla Lake Campground isn't usually as busy as other camping spots in the park, as it has just 13 sites. To access this campground, you'll have to take a long drive down a gravel road, so vehicles over 21 feet aren't permitted. Running water is only available here from a hand pump from June to September.

Bowman Lake Campground

Bowman Lake Campground is another remote campground that requires a long drive down a gravel road that's inaccessible to vehicles over 21 feet. Many people use this campground as a jumping-off point for exploring the backcountry, as it's connected to many trails. Bowman Lake is just a short walk from the campground as well.

While these aren't the only campgrounds found in Glacier National Park, this list will get you started when planning your upcoming trip. Don't forget to take your outdoor speakers from Wet Sounds, just remember to be respectful of other campers and to obey the posted quiet hours in the campground.