Glacier National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks that we have in the US. Around every turn is another view that literally takes your breath away.
You can drive the Road to the Sun once it opens in July and see dozens of waterfalls, and then wildflowers bloom throughout the rest of the summer. You can camp in one of the established campsites or grab a pass to do some seriously awesome backpacking throughout the park.
This park has active wildlife including grizzly bears and mountain lions and all precautions must be taken into account with camping in Montana.
Only two campgrounds take reservations, and since camping that has potable water can be limited in Glacier, it is best to make a reservation which you can do six months in advance.
If you didn’t plan ahead they do have a few cancellations that you can slide into. If you would rather have lodging, check out Kalispell, White Fish, and Columbia Falls.
Here are the two Best Campsites in Glacier National Park:
Fish Creek Campground
Fish Creek Campground is one of two campgrounds that takes reservations and is located on the western side of the park. This area tends to see more rainfall than the rest and can see snow in the summer, so come prepared for all weather conditions. This campground sits in the middle of a beautiful forest, next to an alpine meadow with lots of blooming flowers. The backdrop of the Glacier mountains is nothing short of spectacular. Several of the campsites have views of Lake McDonald which is an excellent lake to fish in. The hiking is second to known and many of Glacier’s trails start around Fish Creek Campground.
The campground is large with 178 campsites that are pretty spread apart, which is nice. It fits both RVs and tent campers and has full hookups. Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restrooms running water which is essential after a day of hiking!
St. Mary Campground
St. Mary Campground is the largest campground located on the eastern side of Glacier National Park. It is right next door to the St. Mary’s visitor center, where you can also get a stamp for your National Parks Passport book. The visitor center has interpretive programs, shuttle service, and Red Bus tours that will take you all over the national park in an open-aired bus. One of the great things about where St Mary’s campground is located is that it is right near the entrance to both Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass.
There is not much shade at this campsite, but there do have a lot of aspen trees that wave in the wind. You can fish at St. Mary Lake but it is too cold to swim in most of the time. The trailheads coming off of this campground are at a high elevation, which means it is easier to hike up to see the breathtaking views.
There are 10 other campgrounds that are on a first come, first serve basis and not on the reservation system. Some have potable water but most do not and are meant for more rustic camping.
Have you ever been to Glacier National Park?
Jenn says
Glacier national park looks amazing! I haven’t been camping in ages – this is really inspiring me to plan a camping trip!
Tammi says
Almost time for the season, and to book those sites! 😉
Jennifer @TheRebelChick says
I am going to have to ask hubby if he wants to go camping there! We have never been camping together since we have been married, it’s time for a different kind of vacation! 🙂
brett says
I think i’d opt for Fish Creek myself. I’ve always wanted to go to Glacier National Park!
Tammi says
Beautiful backdrops are always great!
martha says
I think either option sounds fun- depends if you want a real national park wilderness experience or a few amenities from home . i’d probably go for amenities.
Tammi says
… especially if you have kids and they aren’t used to it! lol
Darlene Schuller says
Wow how breathtaking.
I’ve never been anywhere like that but, someday! I would love to have the beautiful camping experience with peaceful scenery like that.
Tammi says
So beautiful!
Sharon says
I love camping in national parks. I’ve never been to Glacier NP but I love getting the heads up before we head there!
Tammi says
They are beautiful!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I have never been to Glacier National park. I have a friend that lives in Montana that told me it is gorgeous there. I have only been to Montana once, it was only for two days and I didn’t leave my friends house except to go to the church as I was there for a Baptism.
Tammi says
We aren’t too far away from Montana actually!
kristin says
Wow that is incredible, you can see how the glaciers carved the valley. I have a love for National Parks so I would love to visit this one!
Tammi says
Studying them is amazing!
Nicole Brady says
I’ve never been to Glacier National Park but I would love to visit someday. As my kids get older, I hope they’ll want to go to serene places and not just shopping and amusement parks!
Tammi says
So true Nicole, a nice blend of both would be ideal
Terri says
This looks like it would be an incredible vacation
Tammi says
So serene and peaceful!
michelle rattan says
I have never been there. Our family loves to camp. I would love to go there.
Elizabeth D. says
That looks like an amazing place to visit! Thanks for the info.
Tammi says
You are very welcome! 🙂
Maria says
I love to camp! We have been to many State & National Parks. I would love to take off of work for a summer and just travel via State or National Parks
Tammi says
Wouldn’t that be nice?!
Melissa Vera says
This sounds and looks like a beautiful place to visit. Thank you for sharing it with us.
SoberJulie says
I have never been but wow how gorgeous it is. One day we hope to do a camping trip through the states, adding this to my list
Claire D says
Glacier National Park is my favorite national park to-date. And I’ve been to lots of national parks – Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Arches, Canyonlands, Badlands, Grand Tetons, Grand Canyon, Smoky Mountains, and Mt Rushmore. This park was grand and beautiful and majestic, but yet also accessible. I highly, highly recommend going there if you can.
Tammy Litke (@threedifferent) says
Thanks for your opinions on this. We’re really camping newbies, so we’re always grateful for recommendations from others!
Marcia says
We are planning on going there camping this Summer, thanks for this post!
Tammi says
Ahh, wonderful!
Jenny says
We went last Spring, it’s so beautiful there. Very peaceful indeed!
Tammi says
Peaceful is so nice, a great break from our usual lives!
Jennifer C. says
I’ve never been there, but I’ve been to Waterton Lakes National Park (the Canadian side of the park). I would love to go there one day. Thanks for the tips! 🙂
Tammi says
It’s also very gorgeous there!
Debbie W says
Stunning. The last time I traveled out that way I noticed RV’s just isolated and taking in the view. I know this experience is on my bucket list.
Liza @ Views From the 'Ville says
I’m forwarding your post to Ashley, as she’s talked forever about visiting the mountains up there. Might be a great last kick-off trip between her college graduation and when she starts her new job in the fall!
Christy Martin says
I have never been to Glacier National Park. It will now be a destination to add to the list. However, I have e feeling it would be hard to stay for just a week. It would be fun to have some quick 1 or 2 night stays along the way and back. A 10-14 day trip would be ideal.
Katrina L says
Wow! This place is beautiful. Adding to my bucket list.