Camping Near Glacier National Park: Best Overflow Options
Camping Near Glacier National Park: Best Overflow Options
Glacier’s 13 in-park campgrounds fill early — often by 8 AM in July and August. When Fish Creek, Apgar, and Many Glacier show full on Recreation.gov, dozens of private, USFS, and tribal campgrounds within 30 minutes of each entrance offer overflow sites at every price point.
This guide covers every major camping option outside Glacier National Park — from $85/night KOA resorts with pools and hot tubs to free dispersed sites along the Flathead River. Organized by location so you can find a site near whichever entrance you’re using.
Quick Comparison: Campgrounds Near Glacier NP
| Campground | Side | Distance to Gate | Sites | Price/Night | Hookups | Reservable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Glacier KOA Resort | West | 3 mi | 350+ | $85–$225 | Full | Yes |
| Glacier Campground | West | 1 mi | 160 | $38–$65 | Water/Electric | Yes |
| West Glacier RV Park | West | 0.5 mi | 40 | $75–$110 | Full | Yes |
| Mountain Meadow RV Park | West | 7 mi (Hungry Horse) | 60 | $45–$70 | Full | Yes |
| Glacier View Campground | West | 10 mi | 20 | $30–$45 | None | FCFS |
| Chewing Black Bones | East | 6 mi (St. Mary) | 120+ | $35–$65 | Elec/Dry | Yes |
| St. Mary / East Glacier KOA | East | 1 mi (St. Mary) | 200+ | $50–$300 | Full | Yes |
| Johnson’s of St. Mary | East | 0.5 mi | 75 | $35–$55 | Water/Elec | Yes |
| Divide Creek Campground | East | 12 mi | 12 | Free | None | FCFS |
| Big Creek USFS | North Fork | 20 mi (Camas) | 22 | $15 | None | FCFS |
| Emery Bay USFS | West | 15 mi (Hungry Horse) | 25 | $15 | None | FCFS |
| Tally Lake USFS | West | 30 mi | 39 | $15 | None | FCFS |
| Blankenship Bridge (dispersed) | West | 10 mi | 5–8 | Free | None | No |
| North Fork Flathead (dispersed) | North Fork | 15 mi | 3 | Free | None | No |
West Side Campgrounds
The west side of Glacier — centered on the towns of West Glacier, Coram, and Hungry Horse — has the highest concentration of overflow camping. These campgrounds position you near the West Entrance, Apgar Village, and the start of Going-to-the-Sun Road.
West Glacier KOA Resort
The largest campground near Glacier with resort-level amenities. Located 3 miles from the West Entrance on Highway 2, this KOA offers 350+ sites including full-hookup RV spots accommodating rigs up to 75 feet, tent sites, and deluxe cabins. Amenities include two heated pools, hot tubs, saunas, a playground, dog park, laundry, Wi-Fi, and the Lazy Bear Cafe for breakfast.
Prices range from $85/night for basic tent sites to $225/night for premium RV sites, plus a $25 nightly resort fee covering pool and amenity access. Open May through late September. Book at koa.com/campgrounds/west-glacier — summer weekends sell out months in advance.
Glacier Campground
The closest private campground to the West Entrance — just 1 mile. Family-owned for 42 years (since 1984), Glacier Campground offers 160 sites with a mix of tent-only, water/electric hookup, and cabin options. The forested setting along the Middle Fork Flathead River provides a quieter alternative to the KOA resort atmosphere.
Rates run $38–$65/night depending on site type. No full hookups, but water and electric are available at most RV sites. Showers, flush toilets, camp store, and firewood sales on-site. Open late May through September. Reserve at glaciercampground.com.
West Glacier RV Park
Operated by Glacier Park Collection, this compact 40-site RV park sits just half a mile from the West Entrance gate. Full hookups, paved pads, mountain views. Premium pricing ($75–$110/night) reflects the unbeatable proximity. Open May 8 through September 27 in 2026. Best for RV travelers who want to be first in line at the gate each morning.
Hungry Horse & Coram Area
Seven miles west of the park, the Hungry Horse corridor offers more affordable camping with easy Highway 2 access. Mountain Meadow RV Park in Hungry Horse has 60 full-hookup sites ($45–$70/night), a laundry, and a general store. The town of Hungry Horse has gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery — helpful for longer stays.
Glacier View Campground, 10 miles west on the Middle Fork, offers 20 primitive sites ($30–$45/night) in a quiet forest setting. No hookups, but vault toilets and fire rings provided. First-come, first-served only.
East Side Campgrounds
The east side of Glacier — St. Mary, Babb, and East Glacier — has fewer overflow options but positions you near Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and the eastern start of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Note: Two Medicine Campground inside the park is closed for the 2026 season for road reconstruction.
Chewing Black Bones Campground
A Blackfeet Nation campground on the shores of Lower St. Mary Lake. Located 6 miles from the St. Mary entrance, Chewing Black Bones offers 120+ sites including pull-through RV spots with electric hookups and primitive tent sites along the lake. Operated by the Siyeh Corporation, this is the largest east-side overflow option.
Rates range from $35–$65/night. Facilities include showers, restrooms, and direct lake access for fishing and kayaking. The campground hosts an annual cultural demonstration and Veterans Powwow on July 4th. Open June through October. Book at siycamp.com.
St. Mary / East Glacier KOA Holiday
One mile from the St. Mary entrance and the eastern terminus of Going-to-the-Sun Road. This KOA offers 200+ sites from basic tent spots ($50/night) to deluxe multi-bedroom cabins ($300/night). Full-hookup RV sites, playground, camp store, and organized activities. Open May 21 through September 30. Reserve at koa.com/campgrounds/st-mary or call 1-844-977-8844.
Johnson’s of St. Mary
A family-run campground just half a mile from the St. Mary entrance. 75 sites with water/electric hookups, tent-only spots, and a handful of basic cabins. Quieter and more affordable than the KOA ($35–$55/night). The on-site restaurant, Johnson’s Cafe, serves breakfast and lunch — a genuine local favorite. Showers, laundry, camp store available.
USFS Campgrounds (Flathead National Forest)
The U.S. Forest Service operates several affordable campgrounds in the Flathead National Forest surrounding Glacier. All charge $15/night or less, are first-come first-served, and have vault toilets with no hookups. These are the best budget option after dispersed camping.
Big Creek Campground
22 sites on the North Fork of the Flathead River, 20 miles from the Camas Creek entrance. Vault toilets, fire rings, river access. Heavily forested, excellent for kayakers and anglers. $15/night, 14-day stay limit. Elevation 3,400 feet.
Emery Bay Campground
25 sites on the shore of Hungry Horse Reservoir, 15 miles south of West Glacier via the East Side Reservoir Road. Boat ramp, swimming area, outstanding mountain views across the reservoir. $15/night, 14-day stay limit.
Tally Lake Campground
39 sites on Montana’s deepest natural lake (492 feet), 30 miles west of Glacier. Boat ramp, swimming beach, excellent fishing for westslope cutthroat and bull trout. The most developed USFS campground in the area with paved access roads. $15/night.
Free Dispersed Camping (Flathead National Forest)
Dispersed camping is permitted on most Flathead National Forest land — completely free. The maximum stay is 16 days. You must camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams, and dispersed camping is not allowed near developed recreation areas, trailheads, or day-use areas.
Blankenship Bridge
The most popular dispersed site near Glacier. Located along the Middle Fork Flathead River about 10 miles from the West Entrance via Highway 2 and Forest Road 1599. Five to eight established sites with fire rings. River access for fishing and swimming. Gravel road, accessible to most vehicles. Arrives early — sites fill by midday in July and August.
North Fork Flathead River
A small free campground maintained by the Forest Service along the North Fork, with three established sites featuring fire rings. 3-night stay limit (shorter than the standard 16-day forest limit). Gravel access via North Fork Road. Quiet and remote — 15 miles from the Camas Creek entrance.
McGinnis Creek Area
Free boondocking along Forest Road 895 near the McGinnis Creek drainage. Multiple pull-off sites suitable for tents, vans, and small RVs. 16-day stay limit. No established amenities — bring all water, pack out all trash. Roughly 20 miles from the West Entrance.
Dispersed camping rules: No campfires during fire restrictions (common July–September). Pack out all trash. Bury human waste 6–8 inches deep, 200 feet from water. Check Flathead National Forest conditions before heading out.
RV-Friendly Options
If you’re traveling in a large RV, your options narrow significantly. Here are the campgrounds that can handle big rigs:
| Campground | Max RV Length | Full Hookups | 30/50 Amp | Pull-Throughs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Glacier KOA | 75 ft | Yes | Both | Yes | $85–$225 |
| West Glacier RV Park | 45 ft | Yes | Both | Some | $75–$110 |
| Mountain Meadow RV Park | 50 ft | Yes | Both | Yes | $45–$70 |
| St. Mary / East Glacier KOA | 65 ft | Yes | Both | Yes | $50–$180 |
| Chewing Black Bones | 40 ft | No (elec only) | 30 Amp | Yes | $35–$65 |
Booking Tips
Peak season fills fast. West Glacier KOA and St. Mary KOA accept reservations starting in January for summer dates — book as early as possible for July and August. In-park campgrounds at Glacier release reservations 6 months ahead on Recreation.gov, and popular sites like Many Glacier sell out within minutes.
First-come strategy: USFS campgrounds and dispersed sites don’t take reservations. Arrive before noon on weekdays for the best chance at USFS campgrounds. For dispersed sites like Blankenship Bridge, arrive before 10 AM in peak season. Thursday arrivals for weekend stays give you the best shot.
Backup plan: If everything near the West Entrance is full, check Hungry Horse (7 miles) and Columbia Falls (20 miles). The east side has fewer options, but East Glacier Park Village (30 miles from St. Mary) has several small campgrounds and Airbnb options as a last resort.
What to Bring Camping Near Glacier
| Category | Essential Items | Why It Matters at Glacier |
|---|---|---|
| Bear Safety | Bear spray, bear canister or bear-resistant container | Grizzly bears are active May–October throughout the Glacier area. Required in backcountry, strongly recommended at all campgrounds. |
| Warmth | 20°F sleeping bag, fleece layers, warm hat | Temps drop to 30–40°F at night even in July. East side is 5–10° cooler than west. |
| Rain Gear | Rain jacket, tarp for tent vestibule | Glacier receives 30+ inches of precipitation annually. Afternoon thunderstorms are common July–August. |
| Water | Water filter or purification tablets | Essential for dispersed camping. Giardia is present in all surface water near Glacier. |
| Lighting | Headlamp with red light mode | USFS and dispersed sites have zero lighting. Sunrise is 5:30 AM and sunset 9:30 PM in peak summer. |
| Fire | Portable stove (as backup) | Fire restrictions are common July–September. A camp stove ensures you can cook regardless of fire bans. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Glacier National Park?
West Glacier KOA Resort (3 miles from West Entrance, 350+ sites, pools and amenities), Glacier Campground (1 mile, family-owned, forested), and Chewing Black Bones on the east side (Blackfeet Nation, lakefront, 120+ sites) are the top overflow options. For budget camping, USFS campgrounds like Big Creek and Emery Bay offer $15/night sites.
Can you camp for free near Glacier National Park?
Yes. Dispersed camping is free throughout Flathead National Forest surrounding Glacier. Popular free sites include Blankenship Bridge along the Middle Fork Flathead River, North Fork Flathead River campground, and the McGinnis Creek area. Maximum stay is 16 days. No amenities — you must be fully self-sufficient.
How early do campgrounds near Glacier fill up?
Private campgrounds should be reserved months in advance for July–August. USFS first-come campgrounds fill by noon on peak weekdays and mid-morning on weekends. Free dispersed sites like Blankenship Bridge fill by 10 AM in peak summer.
Is bear spray required at campgrounds near Glacier?
Bear spray is strongly recommended and required for backcountry camping. Grizzly and black bears are active at campgrounds near the park. Store food in bear-resistant containers or vehicles. Counter Assault 10.2 oz is the most popular choice.
What is the cheapest camping near Glacier National Park?
Free dispersed camping in Flathead National Forest is cheapest. Next are USFS campgrounds at $15/night. Among private campgrounds, Glacier View ($30–$45) and Johnson’s of St. Mary ($35–$55) are most budget-friendly.
Are there RV campgrounds near Glacier that can fit large rigs?
West Glacier KOA accommodates RVs up to 75 feet with full hookups and pull-throughs. St. Mary KOA handles rigs up to 65 feet. Mountain Meadow RV Park takes RVs up to 50 feet. All offer 30/50 amp service.
Is the Two Medicine Campground open in 2026?
No. Two Medicine Campground is closed for the entire 2026 season for road reconstruction. Nearest alternatives are Chewing Black Bones (Blackfeet Nation) and St. Mary KOA, both near the St. Mary entrance.
Planning your Glacier trip? Check our complete Glacier National Park guide for trail conditions, road status, and lodging options.
