If you’re looking to wake up to alpine lakes, share your morning coffee with mountain goats, and cap the night with the Milky Way overhead, Glacier National Park is your jam. With over a dozen frontcountry campgrounds and endless options for adventure, it’s paradise for beginner and intermediate campers who want wild beauty without needing a compass degree.
Important Note for 2025:
Even though it would absolutely make the list, the beloved Many Glacier Campground will be closed due to extremely limited parking during construction in the Swiftcurrent area, personal vehicle access into Many Glacier will be restricted from July 1-September 21, 2025. A temporary shuttle service will be provided for hikers wanting to access the area.
What Kind of Camper Are You?
rolling in with an RV that’s more tricked out than a tiny home? Are you tent camping with the kids and a cooler full of hot dogs? Or maybe you’re the type who straps everything to your back and calls a granola bar dinner. Wherever you fall on the spectrum — car camper, glamping curious, or trailhead warrior — knowing your style is key to picking the perfect spot.
Why? Because each of Glacier’s campgrounds caters to a slightly different flavor of adventure. Some have flush toilets and hot showers (hello, Fish Creek), while others are more barebones but come with epic views and quieter vibes (looking at you, Two Medicine). The park is vast, and where you camp influences what trails you’re near, what activities are convenient, and even how social or serene your nights are.
So take a moment to think about your ideal experience — comfy and close to the lake, or rugged and remote? This will help you pick a site that matches your kind of wild.
Here’s where Glacier shines — you don’t have to go full Grizzly Adams to get deep into nature.
Top Glacier Campgrounds for Beginner to Intermediate Adventurers (That Are Open in 2025!)
1. Apgar Campground
Why we love it: Big, accessible, and right on Lake McDonald. Great for families and first-time campers. This is your go-to if you want easy access to amenities and still feel like you’re camping in the wild.
- Best for: SUP, kayaking, chilling
- Nearby trails: Rocky Point Nature Trail, Apgar Lookout
- Activities: Paddle boarding, ranger talks, stargazing on the lake
- Reservation required: Yes, via Recreation.gov for individual and group sites
- Fees: Standard camping fees (approx. $45–$90 depending on site and season); entrance fee is separate ($35/vehicle, $20/person bike/foot)
- Facilities: Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings (no grill grates), free showers in Loop A, RV dump station in nearby Apgar Village
- Fire policy: Campfires allowed in fire rings only (check for temporary fire restrictions during high-risk periods)
- Generator hours: Allowed 8–10 am, 12–2 pm, and 5–7 pm; prohibited in certain loops
- Other rules: Max two tents and two vehicles per site, hammock hanging only in non-vegetated areas, no moving firewood, quiet hours 10 pm–6 am
- Reservation required: Reservations are required throughout the spring, summer, and fall at Apgar Campground. A reservation is not required during the winter months. Reservations must be made through Recreation.gov. Five group sites are available for parties of 9-24 people. Reservations are also required for group campsites.
2. Fish Creek Campground
Why we love it: Fish Creek is tucked away in the trees and close to West Glacier. It’s the campground equivalent of your chill friend who also happens to make a killer cup of camp coffee.
- Best for: Relaxing basecamp vibes
- Nearby trails: Rocky Point, Johns Lake Loop
- Activities: Lake McDonald access, sunset photography, mountain biking nearby (outside park)
- Reservation required: Yes, via Recreation.gov
- Fees & entrance: Camping fees via reservation; park entrance fees as above
- Facilities: Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables. Showers available for registered campers
- Fire policy: Fire rings only; check for local restrictions
- Generator use: Prohibited at all times in Fish Creek C Loop
- Other rules: Max two tents and two vehicles per site, hammock hanging only in non-vegetated areas, no moving firewood, quiet hours 10 pm–6 am, food storage, quiet hours, Leave No Trace principles apply
3. Two Medicine Campground
Why we love it: Underrated gem with serious mountain views and less tourist traffic.
- Best for: Campers who like solitude with their scenery
- Nearby trails: Scenic Point, Aster Falls
- Activities: Hiking, boat tours, relaxing away from the crowds
- Reservation required: No; pay at ranger station upon arrival (wilderness permit for hiker/biker sites)
- Fees & entrance: $10/night for primitive sites (off‑season), standard camping fees in season; plus park entrance of $35/vehicle or $20/hiker-bike
- Facilities: Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire pits. No showers—rustic charm only
- Fire policy: Campfires allowed in pits unless temporary bans are in effect. Generators are prohibited in Loop A, sites 1–36
- Other rules: Strict food storage—all attractants must be locked or secured, 2 tents max/site, quiet hours enforced, max 14‑day stay limit
Two Medicine is a favorite of Glacier regulars. If you roll in early, you might just score a lakeside site worth bragging about.
Two Medicine Campground will be closed due to construction for the fall of 2025 starting September 16, 2025.
4. St. Mary Campground
Why we love it: Gateway to the Going-to-the-Sun Road and tons of east-side hikes.en lak
- Best for: Access to Logan Pass and family-friendly trails
- Nearby trails: Hidden Lake Overlook, Baring Falls
- Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, photography
- Reservation required: Yes, via Recreation.gov for both individual and group sites
- Fees: Camping fees plus separate entrance fee
- Facilities: Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables; showers available for registered campers
- Fire policy: Fire rings only—observe temporary restrictions.
- Generator rules: prohibited in A Loop sites
- Other rules: Strict food storage—all attractants must be locked or secured, 2 tents max/site, quiet hours enforced, max 14‑day stay limit, don’t move firewood
Perfect if you want to see Glacier’s east side without feeling like you’re in a theme park.
The bathroom at the bottom of Loop A is closed indefinitely for repairs. All campers residing in Loop A will need to walk to the second bathroom at the top of Loop A, or one of the bathrooms located in the other loops.
St. Mary campground is requiring reservations through its primitive spring season with a 6-month booking window. Starting August 11, 2025, St. Mary campground will have a 0-day booking window and reservations will be required until it closes for the season.
Outdoor Activities to Plan Around Your Campsite
Whether you’re a paddler, hiker, or just like to walk with your coffee, Glacier has a trail or waterway for you:
Hiking
- Hidden Lake Overlook (Logan Pass): Short, rewarding, good for kids
- Avalanche Lake (near Apgar): Shady forest, dreamy lake destination
- Scenic Point (Two Medicine): Incredible views, decent calf workout
Kayaking & SUP
- Lake McDonald: Calm mornings, glassy reflections
- Two Medicine Lake: Quieter waters, plenty of wildlife
Mountain Biking (Just outside the park)
- Try the trails in nearby Flathead National Forest or Whitefish Trail systems
Pro Tips for Glacier Camping in 2025
- Many Glacier is closed: Yep, the whole campground is taking a break this year. Plan accordingly.
- Reserve early: Sites like Fish Creek and St. Mary get booked months in advance
- Pack layers: Weather can change faster than your GPS signal
- Wildlife safety: Bear spray isn’t optional — it’s Montana etiquette
- Leave no trace: Yes, even your coffee grounds
- Vehicle reservations: Some areas of the park require timed-entry passes — check the latest on Recreation.gov
Final Thoughts: Go Wild, Not Unprepared
Camping in Glacier isn’t just about unplugging — it’s about tuning in to nature, adventure, and the occasional mountain goat blocking your path. With the right campground, a solid plan, and a sense of fun, your Montana adventure will be one for the books (or at least the ‘gram).
Many Glacier might be on pause, but the rest of Glacier National Park is wide open and waiting. Claim your spot, gear up, and get ready to chase alpine sunrises and trailhead thrills. The mountains are calling — and adventure’s waiting at the trailhead.