St. Mary Campground Review & Camping Guide

Q: Will my RV fit, e.g., 35-40 ft?

A few sites accommodate up to 40 ft; 22 sites up to 35 ft; larger rigs can stay in designated sites within the campground.

Q: Do I need a reservation?

Yes. St. Mary requires a reservation during the season; advance bookings are common and popular.

Q: Is cell service reliable here?

Cell service is unreliable and inconsistent across Glacier.

Q: Are showers available at the campground?

Yes, in Loop C for registered campers; tokens are required at the entry station.

Q: Can I drive to the town for supplies easily?

Yes. St. Mary town is about 2 miles away with gas, groceries, and a camp store; shopping and dining options are nearby.

Q: Are ADA sites available?

Yes. Numerous ADA sites exist; list includes B51, B57, B60, B62, B65, B69, B70, B73, B78, B81, B83, B84, B85, B86, B91–B95, B97–B100, C102–C109, C113, C115, C117, C118, C122–C126, and Site 146.

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Overview

About This Campground

Here's the plan. This is a large east-side basecamp with year-round reservations and near the Visitor Center for interpretive programs and shuttle tours. Expect limited shade and cool evenings—pack layers, bring a water jug just in case, and plan ahead for a smooth stay.

Highlights

Site Types

Tent and standard (tent/RV) sites; no hookups

Scenic Views

Meadow and mountain views through tree lines

Nearby Attractions

St. Mary Visitor Center; shuttle tours; town of St. Mary; Going-to-the-Sun Road access

Family Friendly

Interpretive programs at St. Mary Visitor Center; family-friendly layout with easy access to the town and shuttle tours

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June–Aug) best for weather and trails; fall (Sept–Oct) colors; spring (Apr–May) variable

Camping Tips

Reserve early via Recreation.gov; this one sells out.
Two vehicles max per site; larger rigs go to designated sites.
Shower tokens required in Loop C; bring coins if needed.
Bear safety: keep food in hard-sided containers or lockers.

RV Driver Intel

The Setup

Internal roads are paved; plan for level, paved pads and a two-vehicle limit per site; larger rigs should target designated sites; watch for long-vehicle restrictions on Going-to-the-Sun Road

The Vibe

Functional basecamp with proximity to St. Mary amenities; not a deep-worest retreat—expect some activity and crowds

Bath & Laundry

Shower facilities for Loop C; tokens at entry; hot water expected for registered campers

Details

Campsite Information

Total Sites: 148

RV Max Length: Up to 40 ft in 3 sites; up to 35 ft in 22 sites; larger rigs in designated sites

Hookups: None (no electric, water, or sewer)

Site Types

Tent and standard (tent/RV) sites; no hookups

Each Site Includes

Fire ring (grate) and picnic table at each site

Activities

Hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives

Amenities & Facilities

Campground Amenities

Showers: Shower facilities for Loop C registered campers; tokens required at entry
Restrooms: Flush toilets with sinks and running water
Water: Potable water spigots available throughout campground
Trash: Bear-proof dumpsters

Facilities

RV Dump Station: On-site dump station
Camp Store: No
Firewood: Firewood available at most camp stores; gathering or cutting firewood prohibited

Utilities

Restrooms: Flush toilets with sinks and running water

Showers: Shower facilities for Loop C registered campers; tokens required at entry

Policies & Rules

Reservations

Recreation.gov (Booking: 6 months rolling for advance reservations; 0-day bookings open at 8:00 AM MT on the day)

Pet Policy

Pets Allowed - Leash 6 feet or less

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.3 /5

Based on 241 Google reviews

Reviews from Google

This is an amazing place with a nice view and it’s a cozy little campground. During this time of year though you’ll have to bring more water because it’s pit toilets (really nice by the way) and no water but that’s as expected during the colder months. It’s really a neat spot because of the view of the mountains and stars. I highly recommend this campground for its really cool and quiet! 😃

We booked 5 nights online and there was no announcement that the campground would go into primitive status. On our first day, restrooms and water were available, but starting the second day everything was shut down with no running water and no restrooms, only pit toilets. We were camped right in front of the restroom area and it was extremely frustrating to wake up and find it closed without warning.A lot of campers around us were also upset. Imagine reserving, expecting basic facilities, and suddenly being left without water or bathrooms. Because of this, we had no choice but to cut our stay short and move to another campground.We are very disappointed with how poorly this was handled. At the very least, there should have been a clear notice online before booking or an announcement at check-in. This campground really let us down.

A nice campground for tenting and trailers. RV camping is welcome. Motor Coaches are a little challenging. No electricity but generator usage is available in loop B and C. The restrooms are updated and clean. Clean showers too. Close to great hiking and sightseeing.

Showing 3 of 241 reviews

FAQs

Are bears present at St. Mary Campground?

Yes. Bear country; store food and scented items in hard-sided containers or bear lockers; effectively manage food storage when not in use.

Will my RV fit, e.g., 35-40 ft?

Do I need a reservation?

Is cell service reliable here?

Are showers available at the campground?

Can I drive to the town for supplies easily?

Are ADA sites available?

📖 recreation.gov 📖 visitmt.com 📖 thedyrt.com 📖 campnab.com 📖 campsitephotos.com 📖 dirtinmyshoes.com 📖 acrockofschmidt.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 travelandleisure.com 📖 campscanner.com 📖 parkcabinco.com 📖 rvparky.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 hipcamp.com 📖 reddit.com ⭐ Google Reviews 🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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St. Mary Campground