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Glacier National Park is fast becoming one of America’s most popular national parks. Last year, over 3 million people visited the park and more crowds are expected in the coming years.
Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting? Absolutely yes! Glacier National Park is Worth Visiting! With 25 active glaciers, the park is one of the few places in the lower 48 states where you can view glaciers. Glaciers are not all that the park has to offer: Alpine meadows, lakes, scenic drives, wildlife, and beautiful hikes make Glacier a favorite with all types of travelers.
Our guide to RV camping in Glacier National Park will help you find the right campground for you and help you escape from the crowds so your visit is totally worth it.
Glacier National Park Webcams
But don’t take our word for it! Check out the Glacier National Park Webcams and see how awesome the park is for yourself!
- Apgar Mt. – Northeast View
- Apgar Mt. – Southeast View
- Apgar Village
- Apgar Visitor Center Plaza
- Goat Haunt Not in Service
- Lake McDonald PTZ
- Logan Pass – East View
- Logan Pass Parking Lot
- Logan Pass – South View
- Many Glacier PTZ
- Middle Fork of the Flathead River
- Park Headquarters
- St. Mary Visitor Center PTZ
- Two Medicine PTZ
- West Entrance
Which Campgrounds in Glacier National Park Accommodate RVs?
There are 13 developed campgrounds in Glacier National Park, seven of which can accommodate RVs and travel trailers. These campgrounds are Apgar, Avalanche, Fish Creek, Many Glacier, Rising Sun, St. Mary and Two Medicine.
Most of these campgrounds are located along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is the main thoroughfare within the park. When choosing a campground, it is important to know that RV travel is restricted from the Avalanche Campground on the eastern side of the park to the Rising Sun picnic area on the western side of the park.
Vehicles on Going-to-the-Sun Road must be no longer than 21 feet including bumpers and no wider than 8 feet (including mirrors). Vehicles over 10 feet in height may problems on the road as there are many rock overhangs along the section of the road near Logan Pass. These restrictions are heavily enforced and should definitely be considered when planning your stay, especially if you do not have a tow vehicle.
Be sure to determine which area of the park you plan to stay in and arrive from that direction to avoid a lengthy trip around the outside of the park.
Are There RV Hookups at Glacier National Park?
There are no hookups of any kind available at campgrounds in Glacier. Most campgrounds have flush toilets and potable water. Some have showers. Generators can be used at most campsites between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 10:00a.m., 12 noon and 2:00p.m., and 5:00p.m. and 7:00p.m.
Reservation-Only Campgrounds in Glacier
Only a few campgrounds in Glacier National Park accept reservations in advance. These campgrounds are Fish Creek, St. Mary, some sites in Many Glacier and half of the group sites in Apgar. Campsites in the rest of the park are first-come, first-served.
Fish Creek Campground
Located just off the Camas road near Apgar Village, Fish Creek Campground is the second largest campground in the park. It has 178 sites, 18 of which can accommodate up to a 35-foot RV or truck and trailer combination.
Sites at the campground are shaded and private. Some sites offer partial views of Lake McDonald. Fish Creek is a great location for easy access to many day hikes, and morning and evening drives along Camas Road are known for great wildlife viewing. There is also a nightly ranger program at the campground.
Fish Creek is open from late May through early September of each year. Rates are $23 per night. Reservations can be made through recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Reservations cannot be made less than 3 nights prior. There are flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and potable water at the campground.
St. Mary Campground
Located near the St. Mary Visitor Center, St. Mary Campground is the largest campground in the eastern part of Glacier National Park. It has 148 sites, 3 of which can accommodate a 40-foot RV or truck and trailer combination. 22 sites can accommodate an RV or truck and trailer combination up to 35 feet.
Sites at the campground do not have much shade but do have excellent views of nearby mountains. The campground is also very close to the town of St. Mary, which offers restaurants, along with a grocery store and a gas station.
St. Mary Campground accepts reservations from late May through early September of each year. During other months, sites are first-come-first-served and water is not available during the winter months. Reservations can be made through recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Reservations cannot be made less than 3 nights prior.
Rates are $23 per night during the reservation season, free in the winter and between $10-20 per night during the other months. There are flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and potable water at the campground. Keep in mind that Loop A in the campground is generator-free.
Many Glacier Campground
Located in the Many Glacier area along the eastern edge of the park, Many Glacier Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park. It has 109 sites, 13 of which can accommodate a 35-foot RV or truck and trailer combination.
Sites at the campground are shaded and ranger programs take place nightly during the summer season. In the Many Glacier area there is a restaurant, camp store, and gift shop.
Many Glacier accepts reservations at half of its campsites from June 14 through September 1. Reservations can be made through recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. During other months, all sites are first-come-first-serve.
Rates are $23 per night during the reservation season and $10 per night during the other months. There are flush toilets, a dump station, and potable water at the campground during the summer months. Token showers are available just down the road. During the winter, the campground is primitive and no water is available. Keep in mind that Sites 88 through 102 are generator-free.
Apgar Group Sites
If you are traveling with a group of 9-24 people, an Apgar group site may be best for you. These sites are open from late May to early September of each year and can be booked up to 12 months in advance. The fee for these sites is $65.
Glacier ‘s First-Come, First-Serve Campgrounds
Most campgrounds in Glacier National Park are first-come, first-served. With the increasing popularity of the park, be sure to check campground fill-times and plan your arrival time accordingly in order to make sure you have a spot.
Apgar Campground
Located near Apgar Village, Apgar Campground is the largest campground in Glacier National Park. It has 194 sites, 25 of which can accommodate a 40-foot RV or truck and trailer combination.
The campground is shady and private and ranger programs take place each evening at the nearby Apgar Amphitheater. Lake McDonald is close by, along with all the attractions and services of Apgar Village, which include a visitor center, gift shops, camp store, and restaurant. Many tours and shuttles depart from Apgar Village as well making it very convenient for exploring all the park has to offer.
Rates are $20 per night during the summer season, which runs from the end of April through early October. The campground is primitive during other times of the year. There are flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and potable water at the campground.
Avalanche Campground
Located in the busy and popular Avalanche area on the western side of the park, Avalanche Campground is a great spot for day hikes and adventures in Glacier. Avalanche Campground has 87 sites, 50 of which can accommodate up to a 26-foot RV or truck and trailer combination.
The campground is located in an old-growth forest, making it shady and private. Two of the most popular trails in the park, the Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake, are located adjacent to the campground. The free shuttle service also stops at the campground, giving you access to other locations in Glacier.
Rates are $20 per night during the summer season, which runs from the end of June to mid-September. There are flush toilets and potable water but no showers or dump station.
Many Glacier Campground
Located in the Many Glacier area along the eastern edge of the park, Many Glacier Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park. It has 109 sites, 13 of which can accommodate a 35-foot RV or truck and trailer combination. From June 14 through September 1, half of these sites are first-come, first-served. During the rest of the year, all campsites are first-come, first-served. As this campground is the most popular in the park, you will need to arrive early in the day to have a chance at securing a campsite in Many Glacier during the summer season.
Sites at the campground are shaded and ranger programs take place nightly during the summer season. In the Many Glacier area there is a restaurant, camp store, and gift shop.
Rates are $23 per night during the summer season and $10 per night during the other months. There are flush toilets, a dump station, and potable water at the campground during the summer months. Token showers are available just down the road. During the winter, the campground is primitive and no water is available. Keep in mind that Sites 88 through 102 are generator-free.
Rising Sun Campground
Located in the western part of the park between St. Mary and St. Mary Lake, Rising Sun Campground is known for its beautiful sunrises. Rising Sun has 84 sites, 10 of which can accommodate vehicle lengths up to 25 feet. The campground is open from early June to early September each year.
Some sites at the campground are shaded while others are open with stunning views. The campground is a great place for accessing the many hiking trails in the Logan Pass area of the park. Ranger programs take place nightly during the summer season.
Rates are $20 per night and there are flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and potable water at the campground.
Two Medicine Campground
If you are looking for privacy within Glacier, Two Medicine may be the campground for you. This quiet area approximately 13 miles from East Glacier offers peace and quiet along with some local history. Two Medicine has 100 sites, 10 of which can accommodate a 35-foot RV or truck and trailer combination.
Sites at the campground are shaded and ranger programs take place nightly at the amphitheater in the campground during the summer season. There is abundant wildlife in the area and you can also visit the Two Medicine Chalet, a historic landmark that is now a gift shop and camp store.
Rates are $20 per night during the summer season. There are flush toilets, a dump station, and potable water at the campground during the summer months. Generator use is prohibited in sites 1-36. During the winter, the campground is primitive and no water is available.
The Best RV Camping Near Glacier National Park
There are usually campsites available within the park but for those seeking more amenities, the areas outside of Glacier will not disappoint. Private campgrounds are available on both the eastern and western sides of the park, just a few miles from park entrances.
RV Campgrounds Near the West Entrance of Glacier
Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed and Breakfast
Formerly San-Suz-Ed Resort, Moose Creek opened with new ownership in 2018. The campground has spaces with full hookups, partial hookups, and tent campsites. It also has a small bed and breakfast, which makes it a great spot for RVers meeting up with friends and family. Be sure to check out their delicious cinnamon rolls at breakfast!
Moose Creek is open from May 15 to October 1 each year. Rates are between $45-55 per night depending on rig size and hookups needed.
West Glacier KOA
Loaded with amenities, West Glacier KOA is a very popular campground just outside of the park. The campground can accommodate rigs up to 75 feet and offers full and partial hookup sites.
In addition, the KOA has Wi-Fi, a hot tub, pool, dog park and snack bar making it a great place to relax and unwind. Rates range from $65-85 per night.
RV Campgrounds Near the East Entrance of Glacier
St. Mary/East Glacier KOA
Another first-class RV resort is the St. Mary/East Glacier KOA. The campground has amazing views of the peaks in the park along with St. Mary River and Lake. The campground can accommodate rigs up to 75 feet and offers full and partial hookup sites.
In addition, the KOA has Wi-Fi, a hot tub, a pool, an espresso bar, and a pizza shop. For pet owners, doggy daycare and boarding is also available for an extra charge. Rates range from $75-100 per night.
Good Sam RV Parks Near Glacier National Park
There are definitely some RV Parks near Glacier National Park. The park is so huge that you can’t search them by city or zip code but here is the link to the Good Sam website page for Good Sam RV Parks near Glacier National Park.
KOA Campgrounds Near Glacier National Park
KOA has two campgrounds near Glacier National Park. There are West Glacier KOA and St. Mary / East Glacier KOA.
The West Glacier KOA is just 2.5 miles away from the West entrance to Glacier National Park. It has plenty of amenities such as:
- 50 Max Amp
- 75′ Max Length
- Wi-Fi
- Pool (5/1 – 9/30)
- Hot Tub / Sauna
- Snack Bar
- Propane
- Firewood
- Pavilion
- Dog Park
The St. Mary / East Glacier KOA is less than 2 miles from the East entrance and has the following amenities:
- 50 Max Amp
- 75′ Max Length
- Wi-Fi
- Pool (6/15 – 9/10)
- Hot Tub/Sauna
- Snack Bar ($)
- Propane ($)
- Fishing ($)
- Firewood ($)
- Pavilion
Free Camping In and Around Glacier
There is abundant free camping around Glacier but only a few dispersed camping areas that are suitable or RVs and travel trailers. There are two potential sites that can accommodate RVers and both are located in the Flathead National Forest. As with any dispersed camping site, be sure to walk the road before taking your RV or travel trailer down it to avoid getting stuck or damaging your rig.
Demers Ridge
Demers Ridge can be accessed from both inside and outside of Glacier National Park. The drive from the park is easier and more big rig friendly. With only a ten minute drive into the park, this is a great place to explore the area or to camp for a night or two before trying to get a campsite within the park.
McGinnis Creek
With only two sites suitable for bigger rigs, McGinnis Creek has limited space available but if you can get a spot here you will not regret it. The camping area itself is a great place to relax and it offers easy access into the national park.
RV Camping Tips For Glacier National Park
As with any large national park, it is important to consider what you plan to do while visiting Glacier in order to best determine where you should camp. The RV restrictions along the Going-to-the-Sun Road can make it impossible for some visitors to get to areas of the park without utilizing one of the shuttle services or tour buses. Make sure to thoroughly research both sides of the park, as well as which direction you will be traveling from to make the drive easier for yourself.
As most sites in Glacier are first-come, first-served, you can arrive anytime to try to secure a site. Check out time is 12:00 noon so plan your arrival with that in mind.
Between July 1 and Labor Day, camping in Glacier is limited to no more than 14 days.
Related Reading:
– National Park Overcrowding and How to Avoid It
– 11 Essential Tips for RV Camping in National Parks
– 8 Best National Parks on the East Coast
– Big Cypress National Preserve Camping
Camping in Bear and Mountain Lion Country
Glacier National Park is home to both black bears and grizzly bears along with mountain lions. It is extremely important that you exercise safety precautions while in the area. Visitors have been attacked by bears in Glacier. While proper precautions must be taken, if you do so it is unlikely that you will have an altercation with a bear.
The most important thing is to safely store your food. Food in your hard-sided travel trailer or RV is permitted, but there should be no food in any tents or vehicles.
Keep a close eye on your children at all times and do not leave your pets unattended. If you do see a bear or mountain lion, report it right away to the nearest ranger or camp host.
Keep bear spray with you at all times. We keep SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray onboard our RV and I carry it on my belt whenever we go hiking in bear country. This is a useful line of defense against bears as well as mountain lions and other wildlife. Make sure that your bear spray is up to date and that you know how to use it. Bear spray can be rented or purchased at nearly all campground stores and gift shops both inside and outside of the park.
Glacier National Park RV Rentals
If you do not have your own RV, consider an RV rental. This is a popular option for those without RVs or for people flying into the Glacier area who want to camp. There are several options to choose from. This information will help you make the best decision for your situation.
Glacier Full Service RV Rental
Blacksford RV Rentals is located in Bozeman, Montana and offers a variety of Winnebago motor homes for rent. They are even located right at the airport so you step off the plane and into your RV rental. Pets are allowed in their rentals and all extras such as generators, dishes, linens and more are included in their price! They also offer unlimited Mileage and a free National Park Pass!
Corporate RV Rental Companies
Cruise America is one of the leading corporate RV rental companies in the nation. They have locations in Bozeman, Billings and Missoula Montana making them convenient for your vacation to Glacier.
There are several rental options ranging from truck campers to larger RVs. The largest option can fit up to seven people. You can also bring your pets.
Camper Van Rentals
Camper Vans are quickly becoming a popular way to travel and camp on a budget. To try out the craze, check out Escape Camper Vans. Their rentals come with a convertible bed, kitchen with sink, refrigerator, and stove and small dining area. You can rent bedding, kitchen sets, and other items for an additional fee.
There are four models to choose from that sleep anywhere from two to five people. The new Indie Campers even have a bathroom.
The closest pickup location to Glacier is Calgary, Alberta, Canada but there are many other locations in the Western US including Denver, Seattle, and Portland.
Private RV Owners Who Rent Their RV
If you prefer to rent an RV or travel trailer from an individual but want the peace of mind that comes from renting from a company, Outdoorsy or RVshare may be right for you.
There is a huge variety of RVs and travel trailers to choose from, so you are sure to find something that meets your needs.
Both companies provide insurance, lease, damage deposits and handle the payment process so you can rest easy.
Is There a VRBO or Airbnb for Glacier National Park?
So, if you aren’t into camping or RVing you are in luck because both VRBO and Airbnb both have over 300 rentals available for you to find the perfect place in and around Glacier National Park.
Conclusion
No matter where you stay, a trip to Glacier National Park should be on your bucket list. With the glaciers receding more and more each year, a visit to the area is a must if you want to view a glacier in the lower 48 states. From stunning vistas to spectacular drives, Glacier offers something for every camper.
