The best camping near Glacier National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Glacier National Park adventure.

99% (235 reviews)
99% (235 reviews)

Lofty peaks, picturesque freight trains, and tumbling glaciers await.  

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Community favorites near Glacier National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Glacier National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Glacier National Park

74%
(70)

Golden Riverfront Campground

110 sites · RVs, Tents400 acres · Golden, BC
Golden Riverfront Campground offers a gateway to the wild beauty of British Columbia in a truly immersive experience. Spread over 400 scenic acres in Golden, BC, the campground is nestled near six stunning national parks, making it a prime base for outdoor enthusiasts. This campground brings you closer to nature with thoughtful, eco-friendly amenities designed to balance comfort with the great outdoors. Guests can choose from 56 RV sites with electric and water hookups, a range of tent sites, and a few cozy yurts. Each campsite is designed to respect the natural landscape, ensuring privacy and space, with features like picnic tables and fire pits for evening gatherings under the stars. The campground's convenience store is stocked with groceries, firewood, and camping essentials to enhance your stay. Golden Riverfront Campground provides direct access to the Columbia River, where guests can explore serene waters through kayaking, canoeing, or fishing, and even enjoy a swim on a warm day. The unique, eco-friendly pond, fed by the Columbia River, adds a tranquil touch and serves as a habitat for local wildlife, offering guests a rare chance to connect with nature. Beyond camping, the campground’s two-story event pavilion—with its commercial kitchen and games room—offers a versatile venue for celebrations, weddings, and gatherings, providing a memorable backdrop against the Columbia Valley's dramatic landscapes. Families and groups can gather here in harmony with the surrounding environment, creating lasting memories while minimizing their ecological footprint. Whether you’re an adventurer ready to explore BC's trails or a nature lover seeking peace by the water, Golden Riverfront Campground offers an authentic, eco-conscious retreat. Escape to a place where nature meets comfort and let British Columbia’s landscapes be the heart of your journey.
Pets
Potable water
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from 
CA$42
 / night

The best camping near Glacier National Park guide

Overview

About

Glacier-clad mountains welcome campers in Canada’s Glacier National Park, not to be confused with the U.S. park of the same name in Montana. Accessed via the Trans-Canada Highway and set near Rogers Pass, the park’s primary campgrounds are in a relatively flat area of the park and prime starting points for treks along wildflower-studded trails to reach snow-covered glaciers. Backcountry campsites are also available with a permit. Near the park’s western entrance, the Hemlock Grove boardwalk trail encircles towering trees located in an interior rainforest.

Notable campgrounds

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Glacier National Park has 13 campgrounds scattered throughout the park. Reservations can only be made in advance for the Fish Creek, Many Glacier, and St. Mary campgrounds. All others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
  2. Campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance online. Reservations fill quickly, so make sure to book well in advance. 
  3. Most first-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly, so arrive early for your best chance of scoring a spot. You can also check the Glacier National Park website for up-to-date campground status information, including the times at which each campground filled the previous day.

When to go

The best time for camping, hiking, and sightseeing in Glacier National Park is July through mid-September. Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens in late June or early July and stays open until late October, although these dates strongly depend on weather conditions. Cyclists like to visit before the road opens so they can bike the road without traffic. September through early October, when the trees change colors and trails are a bit quieter, is a great time to visit. Apgar Campground is the only campground that remains open in winter. 

Know before you go

  1. The park offers dump stations but no hookups.
  2. Showers are only available at the Fish Creek, Apgar, and St. Mary campgrounds. 
  3. Glacier National Park is bear country. All food, garbage, and toiletries must be stored in your vehicle or campsite bear-proof storage lockers when not in use. 
  4. Using the park shuttle is a great way to avoid dealing with parking at popular trailheads. Plus, vehicles longer than 21 feet are prohibited between Avalanche Campground and the Rising Sun Picnic Area on Going-to-the-Sun Road. 
  5. There are no gas stations in Glacier National Park—fill your tank in West Glacier or St. Mary. 

Frequently Asked Questions

At Glacier National Park, camping fees vary depending on the campground. Most campgrounds within the park charge between $15 to $23 per night for individual sites. Some campgrounds also offer group sites, which cost between $30 to $65 per night. Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, and it's always a good idea to check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information on camping fees.

Yes, you can camp in Glacier National Park, but camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds within the park. There are 13 campgrounds in Glacier National Park, some of which are reservation-based, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Campgrounds include Many Glacier, St. Mary, and Two Medicine among others. To find more information about campgrounds in Glacier National Park, visit Hipcamp.

Finding a campsite in Glacier National Park can be challenging, especially during the peak season from late June to early September. The park has 13 campgrounds with over 1,000 campsites, but many of them are first-come, first-served, and can fill up quickly. Some campgrounds, like Fish Creek and St. Mary, allow reservations, which can be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to make reservations as early as possible to secure a spot. You can also explore alternative camping options near Glacier National Park through Hipcamp. They offer a variety of accommodations, including private campgrounds, cabins, and unique stays like canvas tents, yurts, and treehouses. Remember that it's essential to plan ahead and be prepared with alternative options if your desired campground is full.

Glacier National Park offers a variety of campgrounds to choose from, depending on your preferences and needs. Here are some popular options:

  • Apgar Campground: This large campground is located near Lake McDonald and provides easy access to park amenities such as the visitor center, shuttle service, and a camp store.
  • Many Glacier Campground: This campground is situated near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It's an excellent base for hiking in the Many Glacier area.
  • St. Mary Campground: Located near the eastern entrance of the park, this campground provides convenient access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the St. Mary Visitor Center.
  • Two Medicine Campground: This quieter, more remote campground is located near the Two Medicine area, offering a more secluded camping experience and access to numerous hiking trails.

For more information about Glacier National Park campgrounds, visit Hipcamp. Keep in mind that some campgrounds require reservations, while others are first-come, first-served. It's always a good idea to check availability and make reservations in advance, especially during peak season.

Securing a Glacier National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Glacier National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Glacier campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

Most Glacier National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Glacier National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Glacier campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

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