The best camping near Glacier National Park

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.

• Best for hikers: Avalanche Campground 
• Best for solitude seekers: Many Glacier Campground or Two Medicine Campground
• Best for RVs: St. Mary Campground

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.

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. 

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.