22 Best Campgrounds By Glacier National Park For RV And Tent Campers (2026 Update)

I recently spent a few weeks camping in Glacier National Park and scoped out the best places to camp both in and near the park.

Glacier is a massive park and it can take hours to drive through, so where you stay matters. Glacier National Park camping is a great alternative to pricy hotels – and luckily there are several great options in the park as well as private campgrounds near Glacier National Park.

In this article:

• The best campgrounds in Glacier National Park (tent & RV options)
• Private campgrounds near Glacier National Park
• Options for RV camping near Glacier National Park (including max length & hookups)
• An easy-reference Glacier National Park camping map

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Glacier National Park Campgrounds

As far as Glacier National Park lodging goes, camping is by far the more budget-friendly option.

There are 13 campgrounds in Glacier National Park. Each campground is open seasonally, with nightly costs ranging from $15 to $30 per site.

Every campsite can accommodate up to 8 people, 2 tents and 2 vehicles.

There are also several private campgrounds near Glacier National Park, just beyond the park boundaries, which offer more amenities and are better equipped to accommodate RVs.

The table below shows the best campgrounds in the park, as well as private campgrounds near Glacier National Park. It includes their open dates, cost per night, whether there are showers in the campgrounds, and how to book.

Additional details for each campground, including hookups and amenities, are outlined in the second half of this post. [Jump down to the comparison chart for RV camping near Glacier here]

NOTE: While the campgrounds in Glacier National Park are open seasonally, many offer primitive and winter camping options, as well. Primitive camping is $10/night with no water available. Winter camping dates are free with no water.

Best Campgrounds in Glacier National Park

Personally, I think the best campgrounds in Glacier National Park are the ones in Apgar, Lake McDonald, Rising Sun and Many Glacier.

These options are convenient to most of the facilities and the best hikes in Glacier, but they go quickly so be sure to mark your calendar and make reservations as soon as they open for the season!

Glacier National Park Camping Reservations

Glacier National Park camping reservations are required at 7 of the 13 campgrounds. Reservations are released 6-months ahead of your trip dates on a rolling basis.

For example, on January 23rd bookings open for trips starting July 23rd.

Some Glacier National Park camping reservations become available 4 days prior. This is based on availability and not a guarantee, but it’s worth checking if you’re planning a last minute trip.

First-come, First-serve Campsites: On-site reservations are managed only through the Recreation.gov mobile app only. You’ll need to download the app ahead of time (no cell service in the park) so you can pay for and reserve open sites. (Per a ranger I asked, the app saves your payment offline until you reconnect to service. Park rangers may ask you for proof of payment by showing them your app at the campground)

Glacier National Park Camping Map

The map below shows the best campgrounds by Glacier National Park. Campgrounds are color coded based on whether they are located within the park or are private campgrounds near Glacier National Park, but outside of the perimeter.

Best Campgrounds In Glacier National Park West Side

There are four campgrounds on the West side of Glacier. If you’re looking for the ultimate convenience, Apgar is the best campground in Glacier National Park because it’s adjacent to Apgar Village which is full of shops, restaurants and the visitor center.

A little farther into the park is Avalanche Campground, which is perfect for easy access to Going-To-The-Sun Road as well as popular trailheads nearby, like Avalanche Lake and Trail Of The Cedars.

1. Apgar Campground

Apgar campground is the largest campgrounds by Glacier National Park, and is conveniently located near Lake McDonald, boat rentals, a convenience store and a delicious ice cream parlor in Apgar Village!

It’s best feature, in my opinion, is it’s proximity to Apgar Visitor Center, which is one of 4 pick-up locations for the Glacier National Park shuttle to Logan Pass (reservations required.)

Campsites accommodate both tent campers as well as RV camping in Glacier National Park.

In the evenings, ranger programs are held at the amphitheater – the topics vary but they’re all quite interesting and worth attending.

One of the best things about Apgar Campground is the dense forest it’s located within, so you can actually find some shade and a bit of privacy compared to some of the other campgrounds by Glacier National Park.

Off-season camping: Apgar campground offers primitive camping from Oct – Nov and winter camping from Dec – March.

2. Fish Creek Campground

Fish Creek is the second largest campground in Glacier National Park and is conveniently located near Lake McDonald. Some sites even offer filtered views of the lake.

Unlike Apgar Campground, there’s fewer amenities within walking distance, but this is a great campground in Glacier National Park if you’re booking late and Apgar is full.

TIP: For a generator free camping experience book in Loop C. For proximity to the shower house, book Loop A.

Off-season camping: Fish Creek does not offer primitive or winter camping at Glacier National Park.

3. Sprague Creek Campground

Sprague Creek is a small campground along Lake McDonald with only 25 campsites. A few of the sites in this campground come with a clear view of Lake McDonald, and most offer partial or full shade.

It’s just under a mile to Lake McDonald Lodge which is about a 20-minute walk, or a 5-minute drive. Lake McDonald Lodge has several places to eat, but the parking can get crowded so the option to walk is a nice benefit.

If you have a smaller RV or campervan (max 21 feet) the campsites here can accommodate you. However, no towed vehicles are allowed.

As an added perk, the entire campsite is generator-free!

Off-season camping: Sprague Creek does not offer primitive or winter camping at Glacier National Park.

4. Avalanche Campground

In my experience, Avalanche is the best campground in Glacier National Park for easy access to Going-To-The-Sun Road.

From the campgrounds, you can hike Avalanche Lake Trail and Trail of the Cedars. Trailheads for both hikes are right next to your campsite! This is especially convenient due to the very small parking area here, which is often completely full by early morning.

While Avalanche campground offers sites for tents and RVs, there is a limited number of sites which can accommodate larger vehicles (up to 26 feet.)

These campsites are extremely competitive, so be sure to book as soon as reservations open 6-months in advance.

Off-season camping: Avalanche does not offer primitive or winter camping at Glacier National Park.

Best Campgrounds In Glacier National Park East Side

The Many Glacier area in Glacier National Park is by far my favorite. It’s the launching point for most of the best hikes in Glacier National Park, like Grinnell Glacier trail. Unfortunately, there is only one campground here, and it books up fast so plan ahead.

Campgrounds near St Mary Lake and the Rising Sun area of Glacier are conveniently located near Logan Pass shuttle stops for Going-To-The-Sun Road, many of the best hikes in Glacier National Park, and restaurants just outside the parks St Mary entrance.

They’re at slightly higher elevation (meaning, a bit cooler) than campgrounds in West Glacier, but tend to have fewer sites with shade.

The Two Medicine are of Glacier National Park is located in the southeast corner of the park. It’s not connected to Going-To-The-Sun Road and can be a bit isolated from a majority of attractions in the park, but still offers some stunning day hikes, like Pitamakan Pass.

5. Many Glacier Campground

In my experience, Many Glacier Campground is the absolute best campground in Glacier National Park. Not only are the hikes here wildly beautiful, but you also get easy access to the best waterfalls in Glacier National Park.

There are spots for tents and RVs, but only 13 of the 109 sites can accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet.

Technically, there are no showers in this campground. However, token operated showers are available a short walk away near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. You also have easy access to the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn camp store and restaurant.

Many Glacier Campground is a great spot to see wildlife in Glacier National Park, like moose, bighorn sheep, and bears.

TIP: For a generator free experience reserve sites 48-59, 71, or 88-102.

Off-season camping: Many Glacier offers primitive camping from mid-September to mid-October, but no winter camping is available.

6. St Mary Campground

The St Mary Campground is the largest campground on the Eastern side of the park. Its location, close to St Mary Visitor Center and Saint Mary Lake, makes it a popular choice.

However, there’s little shade at these campsites so it can get pretty warm during peak summer months.

St Mary Campground is just a 10-minute walk from the St Mary Visitor Center, which is also a pick-up location for the Glacier shuttle.

It’s a very convenient option for Glacier National Park camping with easy access to hikes near Logan Pass, like Hidden Lake Overlook trail.

Just outside the park entrance, a few minutes down the road, are several restaurants, camp stores, gas stations, and a grocery store.

There are only 3 sites that will fit RVs up to 40 feet, and 22 sites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet.

TIP: For a generator free experience make a reservation in Loop A. Showers are located in Loop C.

Off-season camping: St Mary Campground offers primitive and winter camping from mid-September through mid-May.

7. Rising Sun Campground

Rising Sun Campground is another convenient option for stops along Going-To-The-Sun Road. There’s a mix of open and shaded spots available, as well as easy access to many hikes.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to make advanced Glacier National Park camping reservations at this campground. Sites are only available first-come, first-serve.

Token operated showers, a camp store and a restaurant are located next door.

TIP: For a generator free experience make a reservation for sites 49-84.

Off-season camping: Rising Sun does not offer primitive or winter camping at Glacier National Park.

8. Two Medicine Campground

Two Medicine Campground is the only campground in Two Medicine which can be reserved in advance. It’s fairly large, with 100 campsites, and tends to be less popular so it’s often a good choice for last minute bookings.

TIP: For a generator free experience make a reservation at campsites 1-36.

Off-season camping: Two Medicine Campground offers primitive camping from mid-September into October.

9. Cut Bank Campground

Cut Bank Campground in Glacier National Park is accessed via a 5 mile dirt road. For this reason trailers and RVs are not recommended. These campsites are ideal for tent campers in Glacier.

There are a limited number of campsites (14) available on a first-come, first serve basis.

Cut Bank does not offer many amenities. There is no potable water, showers, dump or camp store. However, there are vault toilets on-site.

The entire campground is generator-free, which makes sense considering it caters to tent campers.

Off-season camping: Cut Bank does not offer primitive or winter camping at Glacier National Park.

Best Campgrounds In Glacier National Park North Fork Area

North Fork is located in the Northwest corner of Glacier National Park, and tends to be much more remote. Most campsites are reached by a dirt road, so 4×4 high-clearance vehicles are recommended.

There are four campgrounds in the area and all of them operate on a first-come, first serve system.

10. Bowman Lake Campground

Bowman Lake Campground is a very remote campground in Glacier National Park, near the Canadian border. It’s accessed via a very bumpy dirt road. Due to the difficult road conditions and tight turn-arounds trailers and RVs not permitted to camp at Bowman Lake.

The campsites are located along the shore of Bowman Lake and are fairly shaded, which also offers quite a bit of privacy.

This campground in Glacier National Park also operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and advanced reservations are not available.

Off-season camping: Bowman Lake Campground offers primitive camping from late-September through October.

11. Kintla Lake Campground

Kintla Lake Campground is even farther north than Bowman Lake. It sits right on the lakeshore and is one of the most remote frontcountry campgrounds in Glacier National Park.

Because Kintla Lake Campground is difficult to get to (a 40-mile drive on a dirt road) no trailers or RVs are permitted.

While it operates on a first-come, first-serve basis it rarely fills, so it’s a great option if all other campgrounds by Glacier National Park are full.

Off-season camping: Kintla Lake Campground offers primitive camping from early-September through October.

12. Logging Creek Campground

Logging Creek Campground is one of the smallest campgrounds by Glacier National Park and only has 7 campsites. It’s also one of the cheapest Glacier National Park camping options at just $15 per night.

Sites cannot be reserved in advance, and instead operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.

It’s also a fairly remote campground, accessed only by a very narrow dirt road. Due to this, no trailers or RVs are allowed to camp here.

NOTE: There is no potable water in Logging Creek Campground. You must bring in your own water.

Off-season camping: Logging Creek does not offer primitive or winter camping at Glacier National Park.

13. Quartz Creek Campground

Similar to Logging Creek, Quartz Campground in Glacier National Park also only offers 7 campsites. It remains in “primitive” status year-round and is first-come, first-serve only.

It’s also one of the more affordable Glacier camping options at $15/night. And while pit toilets are available, there is no potable water at this campground either.

Off-season camping: Quartz Creek does not offer off-season camping at Glacier National Park.

West Side Private Campgrounds Near Glacier National Park

Instead of camping within the perimeter of the park, consider campgrounds by Glacier National Park just beyond the park borders.

The majority of campgrounds surrounding the park are located on the West side, near the West Glacier entrance. This area of the park also has many amenities, like restaurants and shops.

14. West Glacier KOA

Have you ever stayed at a KOA? Let me tell you, they’re incredible! I’ve stayed at a few KOAs and they’re always super clean, super fancy (hello, hot tub!), and overall one of the most luxury camping experiences you can have.

If you’re looking for comfort and convenience then KOA is the place for you.

Camping in Glacier National Park is fairly rustic, but moving just a few miles outside the park entrance gets you a whole new world of glamping.

West Glacier KOA is just 2.5 miles from the West entrance of Glacier National Park.

With electric, water and sewer hookups, this is a great option for RV camping near Glacier National Park, too.

While most campgrounds inside Glacier can accommodate a maximum RV length of 26 feet (40 in a few cases), West Glacier KOA can accommodate RVs up to 75 feet long.

On-site amenities include a pool, hot tub, wifi and even a dog park! As an added benefit, you’ll also get full cell service here.

15. Glacier Campground

If you want to get even closer to the park, Glacier Campground is just one mile from the West entrance.

It’s also perfectly located next to West Glacier Village, so it’s easy to walk to activities like mini golf, shopping, horseback riding, helicopter tours or restaurants.

The campground has 40-acres of tree-filled campsites that’ll provide both privacy and shelter from the sun and wind.

Best of all, the campgrounds are family owned and operated, which provides a really nice touch and an “at-home” feel for guests.

The property has a max RV length of 32 feet. Water and electric hookups are provided, but there are no sewer hookups at individual campsites. Instead, there’s a 24/7 dump station on-site or a pumper truck can be scheduled for $25.

16. Moose Creek RV Resort

Moose Creek, family owned and operated, is another great option for private campgrounds near Glacier National Park.

It’s less than 3 miles from the park entrance. Their on-site e-bike rentals are super convenient because they’re just a short ride to Apgar Village and other things to do in the West Glacier area (and there’s a very nice paved bike path so you can avoid the roads.)

Additional amenities include wifi, laundry facilities, dog park, and a cafe serving coffee and grab-n-go sandwiches and snacks (ideal for longer day hikes in the park). I recommend their legendary cinnamon rolls and pies!

You can also enjoy basketball courts, tether ball (one of my favorite games!), volleyball, horseshoes and shuffleboard.

NOTE: Generators are not permitted at this campground.

While they do not allow wood campfires at individual sites (except sites 51, 67 & 68), you can use propane fires or head over to the nightly communal campfire for s’mores.

Not only does Moose Creek offer RV and tent sites, but they also have bed and breakfast rooms and glamping pods available to book, too.

TIP: Bear spray is available to rent here for $10/day, which is ideal if you’re flying to Glacier since you can’t travel with it on the plane.

17. West Glacier RV Campground

West Glacier RV Campground was built in 2019 and is within easy walking distance to the town of West Glacier. It’s also one of the more expensive options for private campgrounds near Glacier National Park.

This particular campground is definitely more geared towards RV campers than tent campers. They offer full hookups and pull through campsites.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many trees so the afternoon sun can get a bit warm.

In addition to on-site laundry, wifi and two dog parks, there are also group campfires every night.

West Glacier RV is also one of the rare campgrounds that opens bookings two years in advance – which is great if you’re a planner! (and bad news if you aren’t)

TIP: They frequently run deals for your 5th night free if staying during shoulder season.

18. Glacier View RV Campground

Just past West Glacier RV is Glacier View Campground, located on a golf course. You can find slightly more affordable RV sites here, without losing the convenient proximity to West Glacier village.

It’s a very small campground (only 9 sites), with several pull through sites are available. All sites have electric and water hookups.

You have easy access to all the amenities of the golf course, wifi, showers, and pets are allowed.

19. Mountain Meadow RV Campground

Mountain Meadow Campground sits on 33 acres, approximately nine miles from the West entrance to Glacier National Park.

On-site amenities include laundry, wifi, dump and optional pump-out services ($10). They’re also dog-friendly!

If you’re visiting Glacier National Park for a week your 7th night here is free!

Private Campgrounds Near Glacier National Park East Side

While the East side of Glacier National Park tends to be less developed with fewer amenities than the West side, it’s an ideal location if you plan to spend time in St Mary or Many Glacier (again, I think Many Glacier is the most stunning area in Glacier and definitely worth putting on your itinerary!)

20. St Mary/East Glacier KOA

St Mary KOA is located just one mile from the entrance to Going-To-The-Sun Road, on the East side of the park. It’s conveniently located near most of the main amenities in St Mary, like local restaurants and convenience stores.

Although, with so many on-site amenities you won’t actually need to leave the campground to access things like firewood, RV propane refills, groceries, pizza delivery and more.

They also offer a pool, hot tub, wifi, horseshoe pits, a putting green, bocce ball games and you can even do your laundry here! 

As someone who travels with a dog, I absolutely love that they have an on-site kennel. Or, you can opt to have someone come to your RV and walk your dog. They’re convenient options for longer hikes that don’t allow dogs in Glacier National Park.

21. Divide Creek Campground

Divide Creek Campgrounds is located just a quarter mile outside of the St Mary entrance of Glacier National Park. The campsites are extremely private and located along the river.

This is a more rustic camping experience, though. Only pit toilets are available, and while there are showers on-site they’re fee based ($5/each).

Booking these sites is also a bit tricky because they only accept reservations via email… which makes it hard to know which dates are available without a lot of back-and-forth. However, they get strong ratings for hospitality and friendliness once you get past the booking hurdle.

Divide Creek is also one of the most affordable private campgrounds near Glacier National Park – rates start at $30/night, and for a cabin you’ll only spend $100/night.

While RV’s are permitted, there’s a very limited number of sites. Additionally, only a few sites have electric hookups, and no water or sewer hookups are available at any site.

NOTE: Generators are permitted between 8 AM and 8 PM only.

22. Duck Lake Campground

Duck Lake is the best private campground near Glacier National Parks Many Glacier area… and that’s mostly because it’s halfway decent and doesn’t have a lot of competition (there’s almost nothing in this part of Montana!)

However, for $30/night and a prime location for Many Glacier hikes it’s workable.

A handful of the campsites offer electric hookups, but no water or sewer hookups are available.

There are porta-potti toilets on-site, but no showers.

While pets are allowed, they cannot be left unattended and there are breed restrictions.

Best RV Camping Near Glacier National Park

If you’re specifically looking for RV camping near Glacier National Park you have several options. While there are a few campgrounds within Glacier that accommodate RVs, the majority of options (especially for RVs over 35-40 feet) are private campgrounds near Glacier National Park.

The chart below shows both in-park and private campgrounds near Glacier National Park which can accommodate RVs, the maximum length available, any hookups (electric, water, sewer) and whether they are located on the East or West side of the park.

Glacier National Park Camping Tips

There’s a few important tips to know before planning your trip to Glacier National Park. Most importantly, Glacier is in bear country so proper bear safety measures are absolutely crucial. It’s also important to understand the unpredictability of weather so you can be prepared with the proper camping gear.

Bear Safety

There’s a lot of wildlife in Glacier National Park; mountain lions, wolves, moose, elk, lynx and even wolverines. But most importantly, there are black and grizzly bears in Glacier.

It’s very important to know proper bear safety before you camp in Glacier National Park. You will also want to be able to identify the difference between a black bear and a grizzly bear because the proper defense is specific to the breed of bear.

A black bear (which can also be brown in color), is smaller and much more timid than a grizzly. Typically, they’re just looking for a way to flee. If you’re attacked by a black bear, fight back.

Grizzlies, on the other hand, are much more aggressive and aren’t as keen to flee an attack as they are to win it. If you’re attacked by a grizzly bear, play dead.

You should carry bear spray with you, in an easily accessible location, at all times. It should never be in your backpack while hiking. And just as important, you need to know when and how to use it.

If a bear is charging you, and is within 60 feet, deploy the bear spray downwind (if possible). You can read more information about how to use bear spray here.

It’s important to be prepared, but it’s extremely unlikely you’ll need to utilize any of these tips. Bear sightings are fairly common in Glacier, but bear encounters and bear attacks are very rare.

In my experience, while traveling alone as a female and hiking solo in Glacier National Park, the largest animals I saw were mountain goats and chipmunks.

Weather Changes

The weather in Glacier National Park can change quickly. Even in summer, it can be quite cold, especially at elevation.

In the time it takes you to drive from Apgar up to Logan Pass, you’re likely to encounter a 20°F change in temperature, and possibly rain or even snow.

During my trip to Glacier National Park, in mid-September, I found myself hiking in a blizzard so thick I couldn’t see more than 10 feet in front of me. Within a few hours the weather had completely cleared and the sun was out.

It’s really important to pack the right hiking outfit for cold weather, especially if you plan to hike into the mountains. A warm layer (like a fleece) and a wind and waterproof layer (like a rain shell) are necessary, even during the summer.

Don’t underestimate the wind along some of the mountain passes in Glacier. You’ll definitely want gloves and a hat that covers your ears. The visitor center actually sold out of gloves while I was there, primarily because too many people didn’t pack them.

In short: regardless of when you visit you will need a warm jacket, wind-breaker, gloves and hat.

FAQs About Campgrounds By Glacier National Park

Keep Planning Your Glacier Trip:

Check out these additional resources to help you plan the best trip to Glacier National Park!

➜ Glacier National Park Itinerary 3-5 Days + Map
➜ Bozeman to Glacier National Park Road Trip Itinerary
➜ 37 Best Going To The Sun Road Stops You Must See
➜ 10 Best Hikes in Glacier National Park
➜ 22 Best Glacier National Park Waterfalls To Drive Or Hike To
➜ Are Dogs Allowed In Glacier National Park? + Dog Friendly Hikes & Hotels