Harrison Lake Campground
Backcountry tent sites (3) along Harrison Lake — hike-in, no on-site water.
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The full road crossing depends on seasonal access—even in summer.
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May-October when backcountry permits are active
Campground
Alright, Harrison Lake Campground is a true backcountry stop in Glacier National Park. There are 3 designated tent sites accessed by hiking only, with no hookups or on-site potable water. Water, bear safety, and cooking gear are all on you—gas stoves only, and pack it out when you leave. It’s quiet and secluded, with forest shade and lake-proximate hiking right at your doorstep.
Quick facts
- Reservation System
- NPS Reservations / Glacier National Park backcountry permit system (via Recreation.gov)
- Reservation Window
- 6-month rolling window
- Reservation Tips
- Book early; Glacier backcountry permits operate under a 6-month rolling window; some walk-ins available day-before/ day-of
- Season Dates
- Backcountry permits required May 1-Oct 31; permits free Nov 1-Apr 30
CHOOSE YOUR OVERNIGHT BASE
Should you camp here?
Why camp here?
- Camp Here If Skip If
- ✅ BOOK IF: You want a remote backcountry experience and you’re prepared to hike in with gear. ❌ SKIP IF: You need vehicle access, on-site water, or modern camp amenities.
- Vibe Check
- Backcountry, remote, quiet; you earn the solitude
What kind of site will you get?
- Site Type Breakdown
- 3 tent sites
- Site Privacy
- Secluded backcountry with 3 sites; spacing not detailed
How does it fit your Glacier trip?
- Distance From Entrance
- Boundary Trail from West Glacier ~10 miles; Harrison Lake Crossing ~2.9 miles (river ford)
- Trailheads Nearby
- Harrison Lake Trail; Boundary Trail from West Glacier; Harrison Lake Crossing
Reservations & season
- Reservation System
- NPS Reservations / Glacier National Park backcountry permit system (via Recreation.gov)
- Reservation Window
- 6-month rolling window
- Reservation Tips
- Book early; Glacier backcountry permits operate under a 6-month rolling window; some walk-ins available day-before/ day-of
- Season Dates
- Backcountry permits required May 1-Oct 31; permits free Nov 1-Apr 30
- Fills Up Speed
- Highly competitive; half reserved in advance, half walk-in
- Per Night Cost
- Adults $5; seniors/young adults $2.50; children under 7 free; season pass $60
- Day Use Fees
- Park entry fee required
- Passes Accepted
- America the Beautiful pass may be accepted for park entry
Sites & RV fit
- Sites Total
- 3
- Site Types
- Tent sites only
- Group Sites Available
- No
- Group Site Capacity
- 12
- Hookups
- No hookups
- Site Features
- Designated tent sites; pit toilets; no water on-site; gas stoves only; pack it in, pack it out; bear safety required
- Ground Type
- Tent pads designated on natural soil
Facilities
- Bathroom Types
- Pit toilets
- Showers Available
- No showers
- Potable Water
- Not available; bring your own water
- Trash Service
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Camp Store
- No on-site store
- Firewood Availability
- Wood fires prohibited; gas stoves only
- Cell Service
- Unreliable
- Nearby Facilities
- West Glacier for groceries and services
Access
- Road Type
- Trail access only
- Nearest Gas Services
- West Glacier, MT
- Accessibility
- Trail-only access; no road into campground
Rules & safety
- Bear Country
- Yes
- Food Storage Requirements
- Hang from provided food poles or use bear boxes
- Fire Restrictions
- Gas stoves only; wood fires not permitted
- Pets Allowed
- Yes
- Pet Restrictions
- Leash required at all times; best to leave dogs at home
- Max Stay Limit
- 14 days per permit per calendar year
- Alcohol Permitted
- No
What it is like
- Onsite Activities
- Hiking, fishing (bull trout and non-native lake trout), wildlife viewing
- Fishing Details
- Bull trout and non-native lake trout
- Wildlife Viewing
- Moose, loons, mountain goats reported; wolves possible
- Stargazing Quality
- Excellent stargazing potential due to remote location; some tree cover
- Shade Coverage
- Dense forest canopy
- Scenic Views
- Views of Harrison Lake and surrounding peaks
- Best Time To Visit
- May-October when backcountry permits are active
- Tips Advice
- Pack enough water for the hike; bring water filtration if you intend to filter from lake inputs (note: not potable on-site).
- Gas stoves only—no wood fires.
- Bear safety: store all food and scented items properly (hang or bear boxes).
- Arrive early for permits; only 3 sites, high demand in peak season.
More details
- Park Area
- Glacier National Park, MT
- Family Friendly Notes
- Backcountry, hike‑in only, with three campsites. No potable water on site, so bring enough for your group. Pit toilets are the only sanitation; there are no showers or a dump station. Pack out all trash. Access is via a long, rough hike; the road to trailheads is dusty with blind curves, and RVs or trailers aren’t allowed. From park entrances, the approach to Harrison Lake runs about 11.9 miles, so plan for a multi‑hour trek with a full load. There is no cell service or on‑site store. This setup suits families with older children who can handle backpacking and carrying water; toddlers or very young kids may find the trek and gear challenging.
- Nearby Attractions
- West Glacier services; Harrison Lake area trails
- Terrain Type
- Deep valley with rugged terrain and dense forests
- Wind Exposure
- Valley sheltered; not exposed
- Bug Season
- Variable; bring insect repellent
- Setup Strategy
- Not applicable for RV; hike-in backcountry with designated tent sites
- Bath Laundry Recon
- Bathrooms are pit toilets; no showers; water must be carried; no on-site laundry
- Review Summary
- Two reviews rate Harrison Lake 5 stars. Reviewers highlight solitude and the reward of a rugged, quiet backcountry experience; be prepared for limited amenities and water-haul planning.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Are bears a concern at Harrison Lake Campground?
Yes. It’s bear country. Store food and scented items properly (hang from poles or use bear boxes) and maintain good campsite cleanliness.
Can I bring a dog to Harrison Lake Campground?
Dogs are allowed only if leashed at all times. Given the backcountry and wildlife, many hikers leave dogs at home for safety and trip ease.
Do I need a reservation for these backcountry sites?
Backcountry permits are required May 1-Oct 31; half the sites are advanced reservation, half walk-in. Check the Glacier backcountry system and book early via Recreation.gov; permits are free Nov 1-Apr 30.
What should I expect for water and cooking?
There is no potable water on site. Bring all water and plan to use a gas stove only for cooking.
What’s the access like to Harrison Lake Campground?
Access is hike-in only via the Boundary Trail from West Glacier (about 10 miles) or the Harrison Lake Crossing (about 2.9 miles with a river ford).
More at Glacier National Park
Lincoln Lake Campground
Backcountry hike-in to Lincoln Lake: no water, no facilities, bear canisters required.
Many Glacier Campground
Year-round site with 101 single-family sites; 13 up to 35 ft, bear lockers, and Grinnell Glacier access.
Apgar Campground
Apgar Campground is a large, wooded Glacier campground for tent and RV campers, close to Lake McDonald and Apgar Amphitheater ranger programs.
Kintla Lake
Remote Glacier frontcountry on Kintla Lake. 13 tent sites, rough dirt road; no RVs.
Sprague Creek Campground
Lake McDonald camp: tent or 21 ft rigs, no hookups, reservations required.
Sources
- recreation.gov
- enjoyyourparks.com
- thebigoutside.com
- nps.gov
- thedyrt.com
- bedrockandparadox.com
- allglacier.com
- roamingbearmedia.com
- 10adventures.com
- glacierinstitute.org
- rome2rio.com
- mt.gov
- National Park Service
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.