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Glacier National Park
A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness steeped in human history. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
RecAreaDirections
Glacier National Park is located in the northwest corner of Montana along the spine of the Rocky Mountains. By Car you can access Glacier via Highway 2, which runs along the southern boundary of the park. You can reach the east side of the park via Highway 89.
The nearest airports are in Kalispell and Great Falls, Montana
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Permits info
Facilities
Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations Timed Entry
Glacier National Park is implementing a vehicle reservation system in 2022 from May 27 through September 11. In addition to a vehicle reservation, visitors also need a park pass. There are two areas of the park affected by the vehicle reservation system.
Going-to-the Sun Road Corridor Vehicle Reservation (valid for 3 days)
A vehicle reservation is required for each vehicle accessing the Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor Vehicle Reservation Area, which includes all points inside the West Entrance Station, Camas Entrance Station, and the Rising Sun checkpoint (6 miles west of the St. Mary Entrance). The reservation period is 6 am to 4 pm daily. A vehicle reservation does not guarantee a parking space in popular areas
Vehicle reservations to access the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor west of the Rising Sun checkpoint from the St. Mary Entrance will not be required until the full length of Going-to-the-Sun Road opens for the season (typically late June).
North Fork Vehicle Reservation (valid for 1 day)
A North Fork Vehicle Reservation is required for each vehicle accessing the North Fork area of the park through the Polebridge Entrance Station. Vehicle reservations will be checked at the Polebridge Entrance Station. The reservation period is 6 am to 6 pm daily. A vehicle reservation does not guarantee a parking space in popular areas.
The North Fork is a primitive area of the park, with no cell service and rough, unimproved roads. To avoid vehicle breakdowns in a remote area without cell service, only vehicles with high clearance and 12-ply rated tires or higher should visit the North Fork area.
Glacier National Park Shuttle System Tickets Ticket Facility
The Glacier National Park Visitor Transportation System (shuttle bus) is an optional service aimed at reducing congestion along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Since 2007, the shuttle has been a wonderful alternative to explore the Going-to-the-Sun Road without a personal vehicle, providing visitors with transportation services to popular destinations without having to worry about traffic or parking. Restrictions are in place for personal vehicles over 21 feet long, 10 feet high and 8 feet wide (including mirrors) on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. For visitors wanting to access the higher elevations of the park that have arrived in oversized vehicles, you might want to consider purchasing a shuttle ticket.
During Glacier National Park’s bus season (July 1st - September 6th, 2021) a temporary timed Ticket-to-Ride system will be in place to maintain social distance per federal guidelines, reduce wait times, and manage congestion along the Going-to-the-Sun-Road (see FAQ). All passengers including children age 2 and older require a Ticket-to-Ride to board the shuttles. Children age two and under do not need a ticket, but must be held on an adult’s lap. You may reserve up to 10 tickets per day.
Due to reduced capacity on buses, certain stops will not be serviced in 2021. Visitors can reach the following areas using the shuttle: Apgar Visitor Center, Lake McDonald Lodge, Avalanche, Logan Pass, Sun Point, Rising Sun, Rising Sun Boat Dock, and the St. Mary Visitor Center. To get to Logan Pass, visitors must transfer at either Avalanche or Sun Point, since only smaller passenger vans can drive on the higher alpine sections of the GTSR.
Tickets are non-transferable and photo ID may be requested to verify that the ticket purchaser is present. Tickets purchased outside of recreation.gov will not be honored. The Ticket-to-Ride is considered a valid Going-to-the-Sun Road service reservation for the day of your shuttle ticket, allowing you to enter through the St. Mary, West Glacier, or Camas Road entrances to access the appropriate Visitor Center. In addition to the Ticket-to-Ride, you must still pay an entrance fee, or present a valid park pass at a Glacier National Park entrance station. The park will honor annual and lifetime passes for entry including: Glacier National Park Annual Pass, Interagency Annual Pass, Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Access Pass, Interagency Volunteer Pass, Interagency Military Pass, Interagency 4th Grade Pass. If you have one of these passes, you will not need to pay for a Glacier National Park pass, but you will need to have your pass available at the entrance station for verification.
Cut Bank Campground
List of CampsitesThe Cut Bank campground is located on the east side of Glacier National Park and provides a sense of peace and quiet that may not be found in larger campgrounds within the park. The campground is accessed by a 5 mile dirt road off of highway 89. The Campground is located among trees, providing shade and privacy for tent campers. RVs are not recommended due to the nature of the road and campground layout. Trailheads are near the campground for day hiking use or extended trips in the backcountry.
Logan Pass Visitor Center Visitor Center
The Logan Pass Visitor Center sits atop the Continental Divide at 6,646 feet. The visitor center houses exhibits on the plants and animals found in the sub-alpine region of the park. Numerous exhibits outside the visitor center tell the story of geology, climate change, and life in the harsh alpine world above treeline. Logan Pass is perhaps the most crowded location in the park with the parking lot filling to capacity early in the morning. Plan to arrive early or visit later in the afternoon.
Apgar Campground Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Apgar campground is the largest campground in the park. It is situated in trees and provides tent and RV campers with shade and some privacy. Evening sunsets on Lake McDonald are only a short stroll, and you won't want to miss evening programs with a ranger at the Apgar Amphitheater. Many trails are located within a short drive of the campground. Glacier's free shuttle service stops at this campground. Five Group Sites are reservable in advance.
Recreation
This facility is conveniently located in the western part of the park. Explorers of all ages can attend nightly ranger programs at an amphitheater within the facility.
Facilities
The campground is large with 194 campsites. The sites are relatively spread apart and provide privacy for both RV and tent campers. Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities have flush toilets and sinks with running water.
Natural Features
Apgar is heavily forested with partial shade. Some sites have views of Lake McDonald.
The park is named for its prominent glacier-carved terrain and remnant glaciers descended from the ice ages almost 10,000 years ago. Its diverse habitats are home to nearly 70 species of mammals including the grizzly bear, wolverine, gray wolf and lynx. Over 270 species of birds visit or reside in the park, including such varied species as harlequin ducks, dippers and golden eagles.
Nearby Attractions
One must-see attraction is Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier's sister park across the Canadian-U.S. border. As the other half of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes offers great hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the townsite of Waterton.
Waterton Lakes National Park
ST. MARY CAMPGROUND Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
The St. Mary Campground is reservation only during the peak season. For information on camping outside the reservation timeframe visit the Glacier NPS website .
St. Mary Campground is the largest campground on the east side of Glacier National Park, and is conveniently located approximately a half-mile from the St. Mary Visitor Center. The visitor center offers interpretive programs, shuttle service and Red Bus tours leaving from the center. The campground sits near the entrance of the popular scenic byway, the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Recreation
St. Mary Campground is located on the east side of the park, which boasts some of the best trails available for day hiking. Trailheads start at a higher elevation than those on the west side, so less ascent is required to reach scenic vistas.Facilities
Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities provide flush toilets and sinks with running water.A couple of miles down the road and outside the park, visitors will find all the comforts of home, including restaurants, gift shops, camp stores, gas and groceries.
Natural Features
Though shade is sparse, the aspen trees that grace St. Mary Campground flutter in spring and summer breezes and provide colorful splashes of yellow late in the season. Views of Singleshot, East Flattop and Red Eagle Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the landscape.St. Mary Lake which, although too cold and occasionally too rough to swim in, provides refreshing scenery on warm days.
Nearby Attractions
One must-see attraction is the sister park across the U.S.-Canadian border, Waterton Lakes National Park. As the other half of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes offers fantastic hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the Townsite of Waterton.Immediately east of Glacier National Park lies the picturesque Blackfeet Indian Reservation, spanning 1.5 million acres. Visit the Museum of the Plains Indian, in Browning, Montana, for a fascinating introduction to the rich cultural heritage of the largest Indian tribe in Montana.
FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Fish Creek Campground is the second largest campground in Glacier National Park, and one of four campgrounds that takes reservations. Glacier National Park, in northwestern Montana, is comprised of pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. It also provides countless scenic vistas for those wishing to relax and take in its nautural beauty. The campground is located on the western side of the park at an elevation of nearly 3,500 feet; this area of the park generally receives the most rainfall. Daytime temperatures can exceed 90 degrees, although it is frequently 10 to 15 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Weather in the mountains can be varied, including snow in summer; visitors should come prepared for anything.Recreation
This facility is conveniently located in the western part of the park, nearby many day hikes, including Rocky Point Trail, which wanders through a burn area from a 2003 wildfire. Explorers of all ages can attend nightly ranger programs at an amphitheater within the facility.Facilities
The campground is large with 178 campsites. The sites are relatively spread apart and provide privacy for both RV and tent campers. Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities have flush toilets and sinks with running water.Natural Features
Fish Creek is heavily forested with plenty of shade. Some sites have views of Lake McDonald. The park is named for its prominent glacier-carved terrain and remnant glaciers descended from the ice ages almost 10,000 years ago. Its diverse habitats are home to nearly 70 species of mammals including the grizzly bear, wolverine, gray wolf and lynx. Over 270 species of birds visit or reside in the park, including such varied species as harlequin ducks, dippers and golden eagles.Nearby Attractions
One must-see attraction is Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier's sister park across the Canadian-U.S. border. As the other half of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes offers great hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the townsite of Waterton.Waterton Lakes National Park
APGAR GROUP SITES Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Apgar Campground is situated on the southern tip of Lake McDonald in beautiful Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana. Pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains and spectacular lakes are found throughout the park. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for hikers seeking wilderness and solitude. It also provides countless scenic vistas for those wishing to relax and take in the natural beauty of the park.Recreation
Lake McDonald provides great opportunities for boating, water skiing, canoeing and fishing in its cold mountain waters. A variety of fish are found in the lake, including cutthroat, rainbow, bull and lake trout, whitefish and Kokanee salmon.The campground is conveniently close to many trailheads for day hikes, including Apgar Lookout Trail, a 3.3-mile trail leading up to a fire lookout with breathtaking views of Lake McDonald.
The Apgar Bike Path, a paved 1.5-mile trail popular for walking and biking, leads to the nearby Apgar Visitor Center and Village. Horseback ride reservations, boat rentals, shuttle service and Red Bus Tour reservations are available here.
One of the most amazing highlights of Glacier National Park is a drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which travels past the campground. This engineering marvel spans 50 miles through the park's wild interior, winding around mountainsides and treating visitors to some of the best sights in northwest Montana.
Facilities
Apgar is the largest campground in Glacier National Park. It offers 5 reservable group sites that accommodate 9-24 people each. Apgar Village is just minutes away, offering a visitor center, gift shops, a general store and casual restaurant. Amenities within the campground include flush toilets and drinking water. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided, and a campground host is on-site. Ranger programs are held nightly at the amphitheater. Lake McDonald is just a short stroll from the campground.Natural Features
Apgar is located in a dense forest on the western side of the park at an elevation of nearly 3,500 feet. This area of the park generally receives the most rainfall. Daytime temperatures can exceed 90 degrees, although it is frequently 10 to 15 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Weather in the mountains can be varied, including snow in summer. Visitors should come prepared for anything.The park is named for its prominent glacier-carved terrain and remnant glaciers descended from the ice ages almost 10,000 years ago. Its diverse habitats are home to nearly 70 species of mammals including the grizzly bear, wolverine, gray wolf and lynx. Over 270 species of birds visit or reside in the park, including such varied species as Harlequin ducks, Dippers and Golden eagles.
Nearby Attractions
One must-see attraction is Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier's sister park across the Canadian-U.S. border. As the other half of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes offers great hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the townsite of Waterton. Click here for more information.MANY GLACIER CAMPGROUND Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
The Many Glacier Campground is located on the east side of Glacier National Park, at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet. The campground is located about 22 miles from the town of St. Mary and the east entrance to Glacier National Park. The St. Mary Entrance allows access to the spectacular 50 mile-long Going-to-the-Sun Road, and traverses the high point at Logan Pass with an elevation of 6,646 feet. Babb, Montana, is the closest community to the Many Glacier Campground and is located approximately 12 miles east of the campground. Babb has a general store, gas station, several restaurants and an U.S. Post Office. Cell phone coverage is not available in the campground. However, limited coverage is available in Babb.
Recreation
Many Glacier Campground is located on the east side of the Continental Divide, and has excellent trails available for day hiking and overnight backpacking. Trailheads start at a higher elevation than those on the west side of the park, resulting in a shorter ascent to reach scenic vistas. Trails traverse areas frequented by grizzly and black bears, so take these safety precautions -- hike in groups, make lots of noise to avoid surprise encounters and carry bear pepper spray (know how to use it).Facilities
Potable water at shared spigots is available throughout the campground. Restroom facilities provide flush toilets and sinks with cold running water. Camper utility sinks are available to dispose of gray water. Each campsite has a picnic table. The campground is located in a forested area so most campsites have some shade. Some sites are "generator free" for a more quiet camping experience. Other sites have limited hours for generator use. Within walking distance of the campground is the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, a concession facility with a restaurant, camp store, gift shop, limited groceries, and coin operated showers. Please read the individual site descriptions carefully to ensure your vehicle and camping equipment (including RVs) will be accommodated in the campsite. Most campsites and driveways are very small and will not accommodate towed units over 21 feet. A limited number of sites can accommodate towed units 26 to 30 feet. Many campsites will not accommodate camper "slide-outs". If you must use slide-outs, please make a reservation at St. Mary Campground, located 22 miles from Many Glacier and 1/2 mile along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.Natural Features
Many Glacier Campground is situated in a mature Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and quaking aspen forest. Vegetation is dense and provides partial shade for almost all campsites. Occasional strong wind gusts occur, however, with tree cover, most sites have some protection from the weather. Nearby natural features include Swiftcurrent Creek and Lake, and mountain views of Altyn, Henkel, Wilber, Grinnell Point, Allen and Wynn.Nearby Attractions
If you have the time and a current passport, be sure to visit Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. Waterton Lakes National Park is a sister park to Glacier and both are known collectively as "Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park" -- the first international peace park in the world and designated in 1932. Waterton Lakes National Park offers fantastic hiking, scenic boat cruises and several short drives to view wildlife and access numerous hiking trails. Waterton Lakes National Park is located approximately 45 miles north of the town of Babb, Montana. Take Montana highway # 89 north to the intersection of Highway#17 or the Chief Mountain International Peace Park Highway. Continue north to the Chief Mountain international border crossing, where the road number changes to highway #6 and then highway # 5 into Waterton Lakes National Park.Kintla Lake Facility
Kintla Lake campground is Glacier National Park's most remote frontcountry and car camping campground. It is located in the upper most northwest section of the park known as the North Fork, approximately 40 miles from the west entrance. Access is via a rough dirt road. Trailers not advised. Due to it's remote location, the campground is very quiet and is very rarely filled, offering tent campers a sense of solitude. The campground sits on Kintla Lake.
Bowman Lake Facility
Bowman Lake campground is located in the North Fork area of Glacier National Park approximately 32.5 miles from the west entrance, and 30 miles from the Canadian border. The drive to Bowman Lake is a very slow, dusty, and bumpy ride on dirt roads. Trailers are not advised. The campground is located close to the shore of Bowman Lake and camp sites are within trees for shade and some privacy. Tent campers looking for peace and quiet will enjoy Bowman Lake for it's serenity and remote location.
Quartz Creek Facility
Quartz Creek campground is the smallest campground in Glacier National Park and remains in primitive status all season. It is located on the west side of the park in the North Fork area and is accessed by the Inside North Fork Road, a rough, dusty, dirt road with many blind curves and few pullouts. Trailers are not advised. Tent campers will enjoy a wilderness experience at the campground.
Logging Creek Facility
The Logging Creek Campground is one of the smaller campgrounds in Glacier and is located on the west side of the park, south of Polebridge. Access is via the Inside North Fork Road, a dusty narrow winding road. Caution is advised when traveling this road and RVs are not recommended. Once there, campers will find a small primitive campground with all the solitude one could want. The trailhead to Logging Lake is nearby and the easy hike to the lake is a great family day hike.
Sprague Creek Campground Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Sprague Creek is a small campground located on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald, just off Going-to-the-Sun Road. Towed units and RVs exceeding 21 feet are not permitted in this campground. The campground is located within trees, providing shade during warm summers. Some sites near the shore have unobstructed views of Lake McDonald.
Recreation
Amenities such as a camp store, resturant, gift shop, tour buses, boat tours, and horse rides can be found at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, about a mile away from the campground. Evening programs with a ranger are also located at Lake McDonald Lodge. Use Glacier's free shuttle service at this campground to access other shuttle stops on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Facilities
The campground is small with 21 reservable campsites in close proximity. The sites are best suited for small-footprint tent campers; although small RVs under 21 feet are allowed. No towed units of any size or generators are allowed. Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities have flush toilets and sinks with running water.
Natural Features
Sprague Creek is heavily forested with partial shade. Some sites have views of Lake McDonald.
The park is named for its prominent glacier-carved terrain and remnant glaciers descended from the ice ages almost 10,000 years ago. Its diverse habitats are home to nearly 70 species of mammals including the grizzly bear, wolverine, gray wolf and lynx. Over 270 species of birds visit or reside in the park, including such varied species as harlequin ducks, dippers and golden eagles.
Nearby Attractions
One must-see attraction is Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier's sister park across the Canadian-U.S. border. As the other half of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes offers great hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the townsite of Waterton.
Avalanche Facility
Avalanche campground in located in one of the most popular sections of Glacier National Park west of the Continental Divide. The campground accommodates tent and RV campers, however only 50 sites will accommodate vehicle lengths up to 26 feet. Bring your hiking boots and binoculars. Two popular day hikes offer spectacular scenery and glimpses of birds and wildlife that inhabit the area. Sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Rising Sun Facility
Rising Sun Campground is located just west of St. Mary and halfway along St. Mary Lake. Campers at Rising Sun will enjoy beautiful sunrises in the morning with Red Eagle Mountain as a backdrop, and the campground serves as a convenient base camp to many day hikes located east of Logan Pass. Some sites are open, allowing for cool breezes throughout the day, while others are located among trees, accommodating those seeking some shade and privacy.
Two Medicine Facility
Two Medicine is approximately 13 miles from East Glacier. Sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sites within the campground at are generally shaded by trees, and offer some privacy from other campers. Boat tours and Red Bus tours can be found at Two Medicine. There are numerous day hiking opportunities available, including a handicap accessible trail to Running Eagle Falls. The campground remains open in late-September for primitive camping with no running water or flush toilets.
Apgar Visitor Center Facility
Apgar Visitor Center is located 2 miles east of the West Glacier entrance to the park. Rangers are on duty to assist with trip planning. The visitor center is the hub for the Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle system on the west side of the park.
St. Mary Visitor Center Facility
The St. Mary Visitor Center is located just inside the east entrance of the park near the community of St. Mary, Montana. Rangers are on duty inside to assist with trip planning. A park film is shown throughout the day. Exhibits highlight the rich Native American history associated with Glacier National Park.
