The drive from Apgar to St Marys is called the Going-to-the-Sun road and it is a must do when you visit Glacier. Portions of the trail are accessible to hiking, but the trail is not completely accessible to Grinnell Glacier until late July when trail crew staff, and melting snow, open higher portions of the trail. What a spectacular place to stay our first night at Glacier. The other loop allows generators and is more open and The few spots left were very tight for our 25 ft airstream. Can you reserve these group campsites? Check with the Campground Host to find out where there are showers available near your campground. This campground doesnt have a lot of shade but there are some nice aspens around. I like Avalanche Creek because its close to the Avalanche Lake hike and the Going-to-the-Sun road. The Trail of Cedars and Avalanche Lake hiking trails begin nearby. 54 per person). Facilities: Picnic tables, fire pits, pit toilets, Typical Fill Time: Fills mid to late afternoon (if it fill). First-come, first-serve are available at Apgar, Avalanche, Bowman Lake, Cut Bank, Kintla Lake, Logging Creek, Quartz Creek, Rising Sun, Sprague Creek, Two Medicine and half of the sites at Many Glacier. This year, they had the As soon as Deas and I pulled into the Two Medicine campground, we knew we were in a special place. The Two Medicine Campground ($20 per dayno reservations, first come first served basis) is close to the area trailheads, as well as the ferry. . Finding a parking spot here between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. is very difficult (see shuttle info). This campground is accessed via a winding dirt road that handles vehicles up to 21 ft. in length. We could rave for days about Glacier and will talk about it to anyone who will listen. more. The lodge here is small but a best kept secret. Listed details from Spring 2018. It is not an easy hike and it can get really crowded. Campgrounds in primitive status do not have flush toilets or potable water. West Glacier to Polebridge: 28 miles, 1 hour. We navigated it fine in our 25 foot motorhome. Apgar, Sprague Creek, Fish Creek, and St. Mary campgrounds. Sprague Creek and Fish Creek are also good options nearby. West Glacier to Many Glacier: 70 miles, 2 1/2 to 3 hours When does the Ptarmigan Tunnel open? In addition, the only food options along the drive are at Rising Sun, Lake McDonald Lodge, and Apgar Village. I am not sure about all the campgrounds but at the many glacier campground people start lining up first thing in the morning and wait for a ranger to come out at seven and assign spots. West Glacier to St. Mary (US Hwy 2 to Hwy 89): 90 miles, 2 to 2 1/2 hours How do I find a campsite? You may want to also join us on Instagram and follow our travels.. While I love the cute town of Whitefish and totally recommend staying there a few days before or after, but if you want to get the most out of your stay in Glacier NP, camp in the park. This past year we spent a few days in Many Glacier and hiked Iceberg Lake and Cracker Lake and I have to say, these should not be missed! 49 going south to East Glacier is easier to drive. Read the full disclosure policy here. Even though the crowds can suck the Going of the Sun Road is too magnificent to miss. We walked all over the park and attended a nightly ranger talk. The campground is located near the shore of Bowman Lake and many of the campsites have trees for shade. RVs? If you have questions, please let us know in the comments. For a short hike (about 4 miles round trip), do Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake overlook, and St Marys Falls. : Reservations are accepted for 1/2 the sites, ADA specific sites: No, but the bathrooms are accessible. Most of our higher elevation trails are not snow and hazard free until mid-July. This is a primitive campground away from the hustle and crowds of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. 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. We shall return! This campground is a favorite of people looking to be away from the hustle, but sill want to make a day trip on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Along the way we completed three hikes Trail of Cedars, Avalanche Lake, and Hidden Lake while also stopping at multiple interest points. To best plan for our non-reserved accommodation, we used the parks campground status websiteto monitor daily fill times and plan our arrival to the park accordingly. : Yes, 18 sites can accommodate RVs up to 35 ft. Facilities: Water, picnic tables, fire pits, flush toilets, dump station, Season: Fish Creek Campground is from late May to early September. Water and restroom facilities will be available and the nightly camping fee will be $20. Kiosk is the park's smallest campground, with less than 30 campsites and one small cabin. Kiosk Campground is the most northern campground in Algonquin and is located at the end of Highway 630, in the park's northwestern corner. Wow! It is highly recommended to make your reservation as early as possible this is especially true if wanting to make a July or August reservation. There are a few restaurants in Apgar Village, but we never eat at those since the food is not healthy and besides, its too expensive for such a large family. You can check the road status here. It is not uncommon for plowing crews to need to re-plow sections of park roads when weather events happen. Its 32 miles from the west entrance and 18 miles from the east entrance. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Without stopping, it will take at least 2 hours to drive the entire 50 miles of the Going-to-the Sun Road. Each one is crystal clear and a dazzling shade of blue with its own unique features and character. When most people think of Glacier National Park they think of the Going to the Sun Road the only through-road in the entire park. This trailhead is a good starting point for many of this area's best hikes. What does it mean when a campground is in Primitive Status? Driving Times to St Maryfrom West Glacier: Via Going-to-the-Sun Road: 50 miles, 2 to 2 1/2 hours There is quite a bit of free camping in the area, although not especially close to West Glacier. We'll be spending the night before we enter the park in Missoula and then driving up along Flathead Lake and into the park where we have. recommend it. Thank you! Season: Apgar Campground is open year-round. The site and park are very well kept up and the camp host are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. I wish someone would have told us that this campground is closed in May. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, These are averages based on the 2019 and 2018 fill times for the season. There are numerous campgrounds available within Glacier National Park, of which only Fish Creek and Saint Mary take reservations (not required, but probably a good idea during the peak summer tourist period). We stayed at a remote campsite and drove about 60 miles per day. For backcountry campsites, secure by suspending from any NPS designated food hanging device or in an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) approved bear resistant container. With great beauty comes great crowds and an even greater headache. St. Mary Campground is one of the most popular in the park. They run about every 40 minutes, providing you with enough time to explore before catching the next one. Two Medicine is an iconic, stand-alone in the park - both for its scenic views and history. (Traviss favorite experience). I did however appreciate that the market in Apgar Village sold cold beer and at a very reasonable price! Reservations Accepted? : Yes, up to six months in advance. The other half are first-come first-serve. If you are arriving late in the day, your best bet for space is Logging Creek, Quartz Creek, or Cut Bank. Bring all water with you. Each mode of transportation has its pros and cons, but both serves as a great option to explore the most popular portion of the park. We have complied all the fill times for each individual campground on our website so you can get an idea of how early you might want to show up. Run as a hop-on, hop-off bus, this option allows you to explore the park without white-knuckling along the narrow mountain roads and insane tourist traffic. While camping, where do I store food to keep it safe from wildlife? All food, caught fish, trash, and any equipment used to cook, serve, or store food must be stored securely at all times (except when these items are being transported, consumed, or prepared for consumption). Camping in the park is not only gorgeous, but it puts you close to the shuttle service which will save you time and get you on your hikes earlier when the trails are less crowded, plus you get better photos in the early morning light. When deciding to prescribe any medicines in advance, a number of things should be taken into account, such as whether there are likely to be any new or changing symptoms, any possible risks and benefits of medicines, and whether medicine is likely to be needed . The minimal roads and expanse of trails allows nature-enthusiasts to truly experience the beauty and wonder of the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park. Good hiking too! The St. Mary and Fish Creek campgrounds have showers only for guests staying at those campgrounds. ADA specific sites: No, but the toilets are accessible. Get the details for Glacier National Park reservations in our simple guide. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Bring all water with you. The road itself was designed to showcase Glaciers natural beauty by blending the road into the existing landscape. During a visit to Glacier National Park it is near impossible for you tire of seeing another one of the thousands of glacier fed lakes scattered throughout the park. The Two Medicine Campground is planned to open Saturday with limited sites, on a first-come first-serve basis. Whether you wish to tent-camp, camp with an RV or other vehicle, one or more of the park campgrounds should suit your interest. There are no gas stations in the park so make sure you fuel up in West Glacier. You can explore Glacier National Park from the comfort of your own vehicle or via a free park shuttle that runs along the entire Going of the Sun Road. The other popular campgrounds are Many Glacier and St Marys, both of which are on the east side of the park. This is a central campground and is located near the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Amtrak offers rail service to the East Glacier, West Glacier, and Whitefish train depots on the Empire Builder line. Rising Sun Campground has one of the best locations. Two Medicine Campground - Reviews & Photos (West Glacier, Montana) - Tripadvisor United States Montana (MT) West Glacier West Glacier Hotels Camping in West Glacier Two Medicine Campground 49 reviews #8 of 10 campsites in West Glacier Save Share Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT 59936 Check In / / Check Out / / Guests Using the shuttle system is a great way to see the park especially if you have a vehicle thats too long to go on the Going To The Sun Road. We also explored the eastern half of the Going of the Sun Road after peak hours in order to avoid the day traffic and masses of tourists. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The drive is one of the most scenic in the U.S. and is filled with breathtaking views and constantly changing scenery. The Apgar, Logan Pass, and St Marys visitor centers all have restroom facilities, trip planning information, bookstores, drinking water, and exhibits. Camping fees are $20/night. If you come after hours, your information and site number will be posted at the kiosk window. Via US Hwy 2 to Hwy 89: 90 miles, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. One of the parks most popular hikes, the Highline Loop follows the Continental Divide and challenges hikers with diverse terrain and every-changing landscapes. Reservations can only be made in advance for the Fish Creek, Many Glacier, and St. Mary campgrounds. Throughout Glacier National Park wildlife is plentiful: bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, elk, grizzly and black bears, wolverines, deer and so many more. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Travis + Stephanie = Travanie Logan Pass is the highest point on the Going-to-the Sun Road at 6,646 feet. ADA specific sites: Yes, the designated campsite is #7. : Yes, 50 sites can accommodate RVs up to 26 ft. Facilities: Water, picnic tables, fire pits, food locker, flush toilets, Season: Avalanche Campground is open from late May to early September. 2021 could see further delays due to COVID restrictions. If this is your first time to Glacier National Park, its important to know that it can be quite a long drive to get from one area to another and hopefully, this blog will help you plan accordingly. The remainder of the sites are on a first come, first serve basis. This campground takes reservations during the summer season. From high desert to mountain lakes to alpine spruce-fir forest, Cibola National Forest has it all 7 States Where You Can Find Epic Springtime Glamping. Facilities: Picnic tables, fire pits, flush toilets, water, Season: Sprague Creek Campground is open from mid-May to mid-September. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Reservations open at 10 a.m (EST). The campground is first-come, first-serve and fills up quickly during the peak season. ), An 11 mile there-and-back hike wandering through burnt forest and alpine landscape that ends at the stunning Lake Otokomi. Hi, sorry for the delayed response. But that doesnt mean you should skip this national park. For group site reservations, 5 of Apgar Campground's 10 group sites can be reserved up to one year in advance. We are spending a month in Missoula from mid Sept to mid Oct. We plan to drive up to GNP on the weekends, probably very very early in the morning. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Reservations Accepted? Two Medicine Campground does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. The Apgar Campground has one loop open for winter camping. The Highline Trail is one of the more popular trails and is often closed well into the summer season due to snow. Tennis Has Met Its Match: Play Pickleball at These 45 RV Campgrounds, 18 Campgrounds Where You Can Stay Cool This Summer. Yes we do! Site 92, East Glacier, dump station, no hookups, first come This is a beautiful campground located north of East Glacier off of route 49. . Its easy to tent camp here as there are many water faucets throughout the park and each bathroom (which has flushing toilets) also has a gray water dumping station. This is a quiet campground that is a bit off the beaten path while still providing access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road and Two Medicine. 1-877-444-6777.Many Glacier and Two Medicine Campgrounds have one group site at each campground, and both are on a first-come first-serve basis. Get your information correct. The Going-to-the-Sun road closes in the winter due to snow and typically reopens at the end of June or early July. more. During weekends and peak seasons, shuttles can get really packed, so make sure you show up early to beat the crowds. The campground can only be reached via a bumpy dirt road. To explore hikes and attractions along the Going of the Sun Road, we rode the free park shuttle & highly recommend it. Kintla Lake Campground is a remote frontcountry campground near the Canadian border. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (406) 888-7800. We had site #1 which is the only site with unobstructed views of the lake. Product details. General campground information is available, Only a select-few campsites allow reservations, the majority of the campgrounds are first come first serve. Note that only 50 sites will accommodate vehicle lengths up to 26 feet and that there are fewer ammenities here. There are camp hosts on duty and the area is regularly patrolled by Park Rangers as well. St. Mary Campground has 2 group sites that can be reserved up to one year in advance. NHS England supports the Royal Pharmaceutical Society guidance Medicines Optimisation: helping patients make the most of medicines . Driving Times This mostly a tent campground. Not as convenient for visiting the rest of Glacier NP. The following campsites do NOT allow generators at any time: At Sprague Creek Campground, In Loop C in Fish Creek Campground, In sites 49-84 in the Rising Sun Campground, In sites 86-100 in the Many Glacier Campground, In Loop A of St. Mary's, Two Medicine Campground: Tent campers, beware of noise in the off season - See 49 traveller reviews, 66 candid photos, and great deals for Two Medicine Campground at Tripadvisor. Safe places include sealed in a vehicle or solid, non-pliable camping unit. The true wilderness of the park makes each sighting feel authentic & rare making you love the park even more. Glacier National Park is a magical place filled with colorful rock bottom lakes, sharp jagged mountain peaks waiting to be summited, a ton of wildlife, and of course, glaciers. Rising Sun is near St Marys and Swiftcurrent and is within walking distance from Many Glacier Campground. Only a select-few campsites allow reservations, the majority of the campgrounds are first come first serve. Hikers should assess their comfort level and be ready to turn around if they cannot cross a snow field safely. In Apgar, Fish Creek, Sprague Creek, Many Glacier and St. Mary Campgrounds (our reservation campgrounds for all or part of the summer), you will be checked in at the kiosk. (See shuttle info below). We accidentally arrived too early, around 1:00 am and slept in our car until first light. Plowing Going-to-the-Sun Road is a monumental challenge each year. So we have broken down what you need to know and created this comprehensive guide to Glacier camping. Although this works in the favor of last-minute planners (like us), not knowing if you will have a campsite can cause some stress. This small campground is tucked in on the east side of the park in between St. Mary and Two Medicine. Is hiking the Highline Trail scary? The following Glacier campgrounds can accommodate RVs or travel trailers: Apgar Campground is the largest campground in Glacier National Park. You could also use the, For those of you planning a trip now, all the details you need to plan a backcountry trip in Glacier are located, https://home.nps.gov/applications/glac/cgstatus/cgstatus.cfm, For monitoring fill campground fill times & checking availability, Great resource for finding free campsites on BLM land around Glacier, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window).