Where To Stay In Glacier National Park – 40 Glacier National Park Lodging Options For All Budgets

Wondering where to stay in Glacier National Park during your visit? No matter what your budget, I’ve got you covered with this article!

I’m Claire and I’ve spent the last two years traveling across the US in my DIY campervan and visiting the National Parks. I spent several weeks in Glacier National Park, camping and exploring the in’s and out’s of the park so I could write the most comprehensive guides for you.

Here is some of the info that I found helpful in planning my trip to Glacier National Park, including the best Glacier National Park lodging options for any budget.

Glacier National Park Map

There are 7 entrances into Glacier National Park, and it can take hours to travel between each one.

It’s important to plan your trip to Glacier by clustering your activities within each area of the park so you’re not spending time driving back and forth from one side of the park to the other side. My recommendation is to start on one side, East or West, and then switch your lodging halfway through and see the opposite side.

The 7 entrances you can use to enter the park are West Entrance (this is the main gate and the most popular), Camas, Polebridge and Walton – all of which are located on the West side of Glacier. Saint Mary, Many Glacier and Two Medicine entrances are on the East side of Glacier National Park.

The most popular park entrance, and place to stay in Glacier, is West Entrance. This is the closest entrance to Apgar Village and a majority of the restaurants, shops, and lodging accommodations in Glacier National Park. Just outside of the park gate is the town of West Glacier which has a lot of accommodations.

While most park visitors will enter on the West side because of easier access from major airports and highways, there is still a great number of things to do on the East side. In fact, in my experience the East side is far more scenic than the West side of Glacier National Park.

To travel from West Entrance to the East side there is only one road inside the park – Going-To-The-Sun road (open seasonally and requires a timed entry vehicle reservation). Route 2, which runs along the southern border of the park is another option, located outside of the park perimeter. 

Both routes take approximately 2 hours – Going-To-The-Sun road is a scenic route that cuts through stunning mountain passes, whereas Route 2 is a major highway without many good views, but is easy to drive and doesn’t have access restrictions.

The primary takeaway here is that it’ll take at least 2 hours to drive from one side of the park to the other, which is why changing your hotel accommodations halfway through your trip will set you up for easier access to different areas throughout the park.

Pro tip: fill your gas tank before you enter Glacier National Park. There are no gas stations located within the park, and it’s many miles between entrances so you’ll want to be sure you have enough gas to get from one entrance to the other.

Best Lodging In Glacier National Park

The best lodging in Glacier National Park will depend on when you’re visiting, which hikes and activities you have planned for your trip and what your budget is. 

Many people choose to change location during their trip to Glacier National Park so they can position themselves closer to hikes in different locations throughout the park.

Hotel	Location	Open Dates	Price
1 Apgar Campground	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Budget
2 Fish Creek Campground	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Budget
3 Bowman Lake Campground	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Budget
4 Kintla Lake Campground	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Budget
5 Logging Creek Campground	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Budget
6 Quartz Campground	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Budget
7 Sprague Creek Campground	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Budget
8 Avalanche Campground	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Budget
9 Many Glacier Campground	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Budget
10 St Mary Campground	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Budget
11 Rising Sun Campground	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Budget
12 Two Medicine Campground	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Budget
13 Cut Bank Campground	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Budget
14 Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
15 Lake McDonald Lodge	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
16 Village Inn at Apgar	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
17 Motel Lake McDonald	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
18 Granite Park Chalet	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
19 Sperry Chalet	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
20 Prince of Wales Hotel	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Luxury
21 Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
22 Many Glacier Hotel	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
23 Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins	In Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
24 St Mary Village	East Side of Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
25 Duck Lake Cabin	East Side of Glacier National Park	Year-round	Mid-Range
26 Glacier Park Lodge	East Side of Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
27 Travelers Rest Lodge	East Side of Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
28 Mountain Pine Motel	East Side of Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
29 Glacier Peaks Hotel	East Side of Glacier National Park	Year-round	Mid-Range
30 West Glacier Cabin Village	West Side of Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
31 Belton Chalet	West Side of Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
32 Paddle Ridge	West Side of Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
33 Great Northern Resort	West Side of Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
34 Glacier Guides Lodge	West Side of Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
35 Glacier Homestead	West Side of Glacier National Park	Year-round	Mid-Range
36 Silverwolf Log Chalet Resort	West Side of Glacier National Park	Seasonal	Mid-Range
37 North Forty Resort	West Side of Glacier National Park	Year-round	Mid-Range
38 Cedar Creek Lodge	West Side of Glacier National Park	Year-round	Luxury
39 Wonderstone at Glacier	West Side of Glacier National Park	Year-round	Mid-Range
40 Meadow Lake Resort & Condos	West Side of Glacier National Park	Year-round	Mid-Range

Glacier National Park Lodging – Inside The Park

I highly recommend staying inside of the park, if possible. There’s several benefits to staying in the park, including avoiding timed entry vehicle reservation requirements and avoiding long lines (sometimes hours) at the entrance gate. Plus the obvious, you’re closer to everything!

No matter what your budget, there are several Glacier National Park lodging options. If you’re looking for luxury there are several Swiss Chalet-style lodges. Or, if you’d prefer something with fewer frills (you’re just sleeping there anyway!) there’s comfortable motor inn options with charm.

Glacier National Park Campgrounds

The cheapest way to stay at Glacier National Park is camping – whether that’s tent camping or you have a van or RV, there are plenty of campsites in the park. Some of these campgrounds are able to be reserved in advance and some operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Glacier National Park Camping In Apgar and West Glacier National Park

The majority of campgrounds in Glacier National Park are on the West side of the park. Most of the campgrounds in the Northwestern corner operate on first-come, first-serve and may not be accessible by road.

• Apgar Campground
• Fish Creek Campground
• Bowman Lake Campground
• Kintla Lake Campground
• Logging Creek Campground
• Quartz Campground

Glacier National Park Camping In Lake McDonald

There are only two campgrounds near Lake McDonald, but this is a very popular location for camping in Glacier National Park because of its easy access to many of the main attractions within the park.

• Sprague Creek Campground
• Avalanche Campground

Glacier National Park Camping In Many Glacier

There is only one established campground in Many Glacier. Many Glacier is the most scenic portion of the park and can be quite popular, so I recommend advanced reservations.

• Many Glacier Campground

Glacier National Park Camping In Rising Sun

The Rising Sun area of the park is along Going-To-The-Sun Road near Saint Mary Lake, which puts you conveniently close to Logan’s Pass and several waterfall hikes in Glacier National Park.

• St Mary Campground
• Rising Sun Campground

Glacier National Park Camping In Two Medicine

Two Medicine is one of the less visited areas of the park, located in the Southeast corner. There are two options for campgrounds in this area of the park and several great hikes too.

• Two Medicine Campground
• Cut Bank Campground

Hotels & Lodges In Glacier National Park

If camping isn’t your style, and you’d prefer a comfy bed and a private shower after an exciting day of exploring the park then consider one of Glacier National Park’s many lodging options.

This is an interactive map – scroll and click to find hotels near Glacier National Park

West Glacier Places To Stay

If you’re planning for 3 days in Glacier National Park, or longer, I recommend spending half of your visit on the West side, and half on the East side, so you can experience the best parts of the park with as much convenience possible. The majority of places to stay in Glacier National Park West side are in Apgar and around Lake McDonald.

• Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins
• Lake McDonald Lodge
• Village Inn at Apgar
• Motel Lake McDonald
• Granite Park Chalet
• Sperry Chalet
• Prince of Wales Hotel

Drive Time To Popular Attractions From West Glacier
Lake McDonald: n/a
Logan Pass: 1 hour
St Mary Lake: 1.5 hours
Two Medicine: 1.5 hours
Many Glacier: 2 hours
Waterton, Canada: 3 hours

Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins

Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins is one of the best places to stay in Glacier National Park. You can choose from a room in the lodge (starting around $120/night) or your own private cabin (starting around $200/night).

If you’re looking for convenience, you really can’t beat this location. It’s inside the park boundaries which saves you from the hassle of the timed entry requirements. Additionally, you’re steps away from biking, swimming or paddle boarding on Lake McDonald, the trailheads to several great hikes – especially along Lake McDonald Creek with a few beautiful waterfalls.

This lodging accommodation is open seasonally and fills up so I recommend you book far in advance!

Rates: $120+/night per room, $200+/night per cabin
2024 Dates: May 10 – September 29

Lake McDonald Lodge

Lake McDonald Lodge, built in 1913, is one of the most popular places to stay in Glacier National Park. Consequently, with only 82 rooms, it also sells out months in advance.

The location of Lake McDonald Lodge is perfect- just a quarter mile from the lake which means it comes with some stunning views of the park.

Rates: Starting at $140, quickly increase during busy season
2024 Dates: May 10 – September 29

Village Inn at Apgar

Village Inn at Apgar has a variety of room types, suitable for everyone. If you’re looking for a simple, standard room you can find that here. You can also find one and two bedroom units that come with fully equipped kitchens (great for saving money while traveling by cooking your own meals).

Rates: Starting at $234/night but can be as high as $500 during summer
2024 Dates: May 10 – September 29

Motel Lake McDonald

Motel Lake McDonald is a motel-style Glacier National Park lodging option which offers a no-frills, cozy and rustic experience right on the lake shore. The stay rooms are a bit dated but you can’t beat the location.

Rates: Starting around $200/night
2024 Dates: May 24 – September 22

Granite Park Chalet

Staying at Granite Park Chalet is an experience! It’s reachable only by trail so you must hike in. 

Additionally, Granite Park Chalet has a fascinating history. It was built in 1914 by the Great Northern Railway. Why would a railway build a Chalet in the middle of nowhere? They recognized that there was a business opportunity to increase profits by selling cross-country rail fare to wealthy families interested in exploring the park… if only they had nice accommodations to stay in while they visited. The solution was to build several chalets. Unfortunately, only two still remain today.

How is this experience different? Aside from having to hike in… while food is supplied, you are responsible for cooking your own meals. You must also bring your own linens or sleeping bag (however, the option to add a “linen package” to your stay is available with advanced notice).

I should also mention that there is no water – so you must either bring your own, walk ¼ mile to fetch some, or pay to have it provided. No running water also means the bathrooms are pit toilets in a separate out building.

Rates: Starting at $134/night
2023 Dates: June 26 – September 10 (*2024 dates not yet released*)

Sperry Chalet

While the original chalet was constructed in 1914 by the Great American Railroad, similar to Granite Park Chalet, it was sadly burned in 2017. In 2020, after strenuous reconstruction the chalet was reopened to the public.

Similar to staying at Granite Park Chalet, Sperry Chalet is a very rustic experience. In fact, it’s basically like camping (no heat, electricity or running water) with a few exceptions: no tent is needed and there is someone who will cook your meals for you. For obvious reasons, candles are not permitted so you will need to use a flashlight or headlamp at night.

Compared to Granite Park Chalet, Sperry Chalet has more convenience, but this will cost you more per night.

Rates: Starting at $273/night
2023 Dates: July 8 – September 10 (*2024 dates not yet released*)

Prince of Wales Hotel (Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada)

If you’re planning to explore the Canadian portion of Glacier National Park (called Waterton Lakes National Park) this is a great lodging option. Prince of Wales Hotel is an iconic hotel with breathtaking views of the mountains. If you’re searching for luxury this is it.

These rooms tend to sell out quickly so I recommend booking as close to a year in advance as possible.

Rates: Starting around $350/night
2024 Dates: May 17 – September 16

East Glacier Places To Stay

There are so many incredible hikes in Glacier National Park, but the best ones are in East Glacier, specifically Many Glacier. This is definitely an area in the park with staying for a night so you can maximize your time on the trails.

• Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins
• Many Glacier Hotel
• Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins

Drive Time To Popular Attractions From East Glacier
Lake McDonald: 1.5 hours
Logan Pass: 30 minutes
St Mary Lake: n/a
Two Medicine: <1 hours
Many Glacier: n/a
Waterton, Canada: 1 hours

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins is one of two lodging options in Many Glacier. While both options will sell out quickly, this one tends to be available for longer than Many Glacier Hotel, and it’s also the more affordable accommodation.

This is a great location for hiking Many Glacier hikes, including Iceberg Lake, Redrock Falls, and Ptarmigan Tunnel.

Rates: Starting at $150/night and increase to $250+/night during the summer busy season
2024 Dates: June 4 – September 8

Many Glacier Hotel

This is a very popular hotel in Many Glacier and will sell out up to a year in advance so be proactive when making your reservations! July and August dates sell out the quickest.

Many Glacier Hotel is another lodge built in 1914 by the Great American Railroad company, intended to boost sales of railway tickets. It sits on Swiftcurrent Lake and has several great hiking trailheads right next to it, including Cracker Lake, Grinnell Glacier Trail, Swiftcurrent Nature Trail and Piegan Pass Trail.

Rates: Starting at $250/night and increase to $600+/night during the summer busy season
2024 Dates: May 31 – September 8

Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins

Originally built in 1940 and renovated in 2015, Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins has 72 rooms and sells out quickly. This is one of the most coveted Glacier National Park lodging locations – it’s nestled along Going-To-The-Sun Road, only 12 miles from Logans Pass and only a quarter mile from Saint Mary Lake. 

The shuttle is accessible from Rising Sun Motor, too, which makes it great if you’re looking for an easy and stress free way to get around the park.

Rates: Starting at $230/night and increase during the summer busy season
2024 Dates: June 7 – September 8

Glacier National Park Lodging – Outside The Park

Places to stay inside Glacier National Park can be expensive, and they sell out really quickly, so staying outside of Glacier National Park may be a better option for you. The majority of hotels and lodging options are near the entrances for West Glacier, St Mary’s and Many Glacier. I’m going to break them down by East side of the park and West side.

East Side

The East side of the park is boarded by the Blackfeet Reservation and it’s fairly remote, so options for places to stay are limited.

• St Mary Village
• Duck Lake Cabin
• Glacier Park Lodge
• Travelers Rest Lodge
• Mountain Pine Motel
• Glacier Peaks Hotel

St. Mary

St. Mary is located right outside of the St. Mary Entrance, along Going-To-The-Sun road. This is the most ideal place to stay outside of Glacier National Park on the Eastern side of the park because it’s centrally located to Going-To-The-Sun road and Logan Pass, as well as to Many Glacier and Two Medicine. As a result, these hotels tend to book up quickly.

St Mary Village

This rustic and comfortable motel-style hotel is literally right outside of the entrance to Glacier National Park, which makes it the most ideal location if you don’t want to stay inside of the park.

Rates: $225/night and $329/night during busy summer dates
2024 Dates: May 24 – September 30

Duck Lake Cabin

If you prefer a vacation rental consider Duck Lake Cabin. This private cabin on the lake is only 2 miles from Glacier National Park. It has 2 bedrooms and can sleep 4.

Rates: Starting at $237/night
Open year-round

East Glacier Park Village

East Glacier Park is located along Route 2 on the Southeastern side of Glacier National Park. It’s a popular location if you’re interested in exploring Two Medicine. However, if Two Medicine is not on your itinerary then consider staying in St Mary or Browning for easier access to the park.

Glacier Park Lodge

Glacier Park Lodge is a charming log cabin style lodge just 15-minutes from Glacier National Park.

Rates: Starting at $250
2024 Dates: May 31 – September 24

Travelers Rest Lodge

If your preference is for an entire cabin to yourself then Travelers Rest Lodge is perfect. It’s less than an hour to Saint Mary Lake.

Rates: Starting at $250/night
2024 Dates: May – September

Mountain Pine Motel

This funky art deco motel is only 45-minutes to Glacier National Park, with friendly staff and very clean rooms. Rooms start at $120+ and rise modestly to $160+ per night during the busiest weeks.

Rates: $120/night to $160/night
2024 Dates: May 15 – October 31

Browning

Browning is located on the Eastern side of Glacier National Park. While it seems far on the map, the highways connect directly to St Mary and Many Glacier, which cuts down on drive time into the park.

Glacier Peaks Hotel

Approximately 40-minutes from St Mary Visitor Center in Glacier National Park, Glacier Peaks Hotel is one of the nicest options outside of the park. Large, spacious and modern guest rooms are available starting at $159/night and increasing to $359 during the busiest weeks in the season.

Rates: $159/night during the winter and $359/night during peak summer months
Open year-round

West Side

The Western side of Glacier is a popular option given the abundance of accommodations. Unfortunately, there just aren’t many options on the Eastern side of the park, and what’s available tends to book up quickly. Luckily, the West side of Glacier is easy to get to from major airports and also provides an abundance of restaurants, coffee shops, and retailers.

• West Glacier Cabin Village
• Belton Chalet
• Paddle Ridge
• Great Northern Resort
• Glacier Guides Lodge
• Glacier Homestead
• Silverwolf Log Chalet Resort
• North Forty Resort
• Cedar Creek Lodge
• Wonderstone at Glacier
• Meadow Lake Resort & Condos

West Glacier

West Glacier is the closest town to Glacier National Park and is quite literally right outside the main gate. It offers many great hotels and restaurants, but you’ll likely pay for the convenience of being so close.

West Glacier Cabin Village

If you’re looking for a place to stay near Glacier National Park you literally can’t get any closer than this! This log cabin village is less than half a mile from the park, and less than 3 miles from Lake McDonald – which means even if timed-entry vehicle reservations are sold out you can still explore Apgar Village and Lake McDonald areas by foot. Cabin rates start at $220/night and can accommodate up to 4 people.

Rates: $220+/night
2024 Dates: May 10 – September 29

Belton Chalet

If you’re looking for an upscale, rustic vibe Belton Chalet is for you. Belton Chalet was built in 1910 and was the first Chalet built by the Great Northern Railroad. It’s been well maintained for over a century and it’s like stepping back in time when staying here. Additionally, Belton Chalet is conveniently located just a few minutes outside of Glacier National Park.

Rates: $170-$270/night
2024 Dates: May 10 – October 13

Paddle Ridge (Previously Glacier Outdoor Center)

Paddle Ridge, previously known as Glacier Outdoor Center, is a very popular place to stay in West Glacier, near Glacier National Park. It offers spacious cabins and lodge rooms, is less than one mile to Glacier National Park, and it’s even dog friendly! Pet rates are $50 per pet per night.

Rates: Rooms start at $230/night and private cabins start at $460/night
2024 Dates: May 3 – November 1

Great Northern Resort

Located just a mile outside of Glacier National Park, in West Glacier, Great Northern Resort offers a lodge with private rooms or private log cabins.

Rates: $170 during the shoulder season and $270+/night during peak weeks
2024 Dates: May 1 – October 31

Glacier Guides Lodge

Another convenient place to stay near Glacier National Park, Glacier Guides Lodge is just a 17-minute walk from Glacier National Park, or a short drive. Rooms only accommodate 2 people, so for larger groups you’ll need to reserve multiple rooms. This seems counterintuitive because rooms offer two queen beds.

Glacier Guides was established in 1983 which provided guided rafting, biking, hiking and fishing excursions. In 2010, the company built Glacier Guides Lodge as a way to provide an eco-friendly place to stay near Glacier National Park for they’re guests.

Rates: $188-$325
2024 Dates: May 5 – Oct 15

Glacier Homestead

Glacier Homestead is located 10 minutes from the entrance to Glacier National Park. Rooms start around $160/night and increase to $220+ during the busy season. In addition to lodge rooms, a hostel, bunkhouse and cabins are also available if you have a larger group. Dogs are also welcome here! They’re just $35 per dog per night.

Rates: $160-$220/night
Open year-round

Silverwolf Log Chalet Resort

This little log cabin village is highly rated for friendly staff and clean private cabins. Even better, these private cabins are the more modestly priced ones in the area at around $200/night.

Rates: $159-$199/night except mid-June through mid-September when rates increase to $289
2024 Dates: May 1 – Oct 31

Columbia Falls

Columbia Falls is slightly further west than West Glacier, and is approximately a 20-minute drive to Glacier National Park. If you’re looking for where to stay in Glacier National Park and trying to make last minute reservations, this area is less likely to be sold out than hotels in West Glacier.

North Forty Resort

North Forty Resort offers private cabins, a hot tub and sauna. The cabins are spacious and clean. If you’re traveling with a pet there are a few pet-friendly cabins available to reserve. This hotel near Glacier National Park is open year-round with rates starting at $164 per night.

Rates: $164/night during the winter and $230-$350/night during peak summer months
Open year-round

Cedar Creek Lodge

Cedar Creek Lodge is a cozy place to stay near Glacier National Park that’s open year-round. They provide a hot buffet breakfast and have an indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center.

Rates: As low as $108 during the winter months with summer months around $400+ per night
Open year-round

Wonderstone at Glacier

Wonderstone at Glacier is a newer hotel, built in 2020, which offers modern rooms with a fresh and crisp feel. It’s just steps from Big Sky Waterpark and a 20-minute drive to Glacier National Park. Most importantly, Wonderstone at Glacier offers rooms with air conditioning (which isn’t as common in the older buildings in Montana as one might expect). Wonderstone is open year-round with rooms starting at $94/night.

Rates: $94/night during winter months and $213-$340/night during the summer with peak weekends hitting $595/night
Open year-round

Meadow Lake Resort & Condos

Condos and vacation homes are available for rent at Meadow Lake Resort & Condos. The resort includes a golf course, spa, and dining accommodations.

Rates: Starting at $89/night during the winter months and averaging $199/night to $349/night during peak summer months
Open year-round