Apgar Campground: 194 Tent & RV Sites, 40-ft, No Hookups

Snow-dusted peaks rise behind the campground area in Glacier National Park with a bright blue sky.

Apgar Campground is Glacier National Park’s largest campground, with 194 sites and five group sites. It offers RV-ready spots (some up to 40 ft), no electric hookups, seasonal potable water, and generator rules.

Apgar Campground is the largest campground in the park. It is situated in trees and provides tent and RV campers with shade and some privacy. Evening sunsets on Lake McDonald are only a short stroll, and you won't want to miss evening programs with a ranger at the Apgar Amphitheater. Many trails are located within a short drive of the campground. Advanced reservations are required for all sites. Click the reservation button below for details.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: 6-month rolling window; some sites with a 4-day window
Reservation Tips: Book six months out; peak season sells out quickly; some sites have 4-day windows; use Recreation.gov
Season Dates: Year-round; full services late May–early September; shoulder seasons (April 1–May 1 and Oct 14–Nov 30) primitive; winter operations limited

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: 6-month rolling window; some sites with a 4-day window
Reservation Tips: Book six months out; peak season sells out quickly; some sites have 4-day windows; use Recreation.gov
Season Dates: Year-round; full services late May–early September; shoulder seasons (April 1–May 1 and Oct 14–Nov 30) primitive; winter operations limited
Fills Up Speed: High demand; reservations sell out quickly during peak season
Per Night Cost: Peak season standard sites $30/night; walk-to sites $8 per person/night; shoulder season standard sites $20/night; off-season primitive $10/night; group sites $90/night
Extra Vehicle Fees: Campsites permit up to two vehicles per site; no extra-vehicle fee is listed in the campground pricing.
Day Use Fees: $35 per vehicle, valid 7 days
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful pass accepted; 50% discount on camping fees with pass

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 194
Site Types: Tent and RV sites
Site Type Breakdown: Tent sites, RV sites
RV Max Length: Varies; some sites accommodate up to 40 ft; verify at booking
Group Sites Available: 1
Group Site Capacity: 5 group sites, each accommodating 9-24 people
Hookups: Dry camping only (no electric); potable water via shared spigots
Site Features: Picnic table, fire ring, potable water spigots; bear-proof dumpsters; on-site dump station (seasonal); camp store in Apgar Village; ADA sites nearby
Ground Type: Paved campground roads; campsites on natural surfaces
Site Privacy: Shade between sites; some privacy

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets with sinks and running cold water
Showers Available: Hot showers available for a fee
Potable Water: Potable water spigots available throughout
Dump Station: RV dump station on-site, seasonal
Trash Service: Bear-proof dumpsters available
Camp Store: Yes - seasonal
Firewood Availability: Firewood for sale from camp host; gathering firewood prohibited
Cell Service: Cell service generally poor in the area
Nearby Facilities: Apgar Village adjacent with visitor center, general store, and restaurant

Access

Road Type: Camp roads generally paved or in good condition
Road Conditions: No notable washboard or potholes noted
Vehicle Restrictions: Length limits on Going-to-the-Sun Road between Sun Point and Avalanche Campground: 21 ft; width limits also apply in some sections
Clearance Needed: 21 ft limit on certain park roads
Gate Hours: No campground-specific gate hours are published; Glacier entrances operate year-round with seasonal service changes.
Distance From Entrance: About 1 mile from the park's west entrance
Nearest Gas Services: Apgar Village adjoins the campground and has a General Store; the listing does not include on-site gas pumps or fuel services.
Accessibility: Two ADA sites (C122, C152); bear country awareness; easy move around Apgar Village area
ADA Accessible Sites: Two ADA sites: C122 and C152

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Store all food, beverages, and attractants in a closed, hard-sided vehicle or bear-proof locker
Fire Restrictions: Fire rings provided; no fire grates; firewood gathering prohibited; seasonal fire bans may apply
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leashed pets; specific trail restrictions not documented
Generator Hours: 8:00–10:00, 12:00–14:00, 17:00–19:00; some sites designated generator-free
Quiet Hours: 10:00 pm–6:00 am
Max Stay Limit: 14 days

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking, boating; ranger programs at Apgar Amphitheater
Trailheads Nearby: Many trails within a short drive
Fishing Details: Fishing available; local regulations apply
Wildlife Viewing: Bear country; store food properly and keep it secured
Stargazing Quality: Stargazing opportunities available
Shade Coverage: Good shade from trees
Scenic Views: Sunset views over Lake McDonald
Noise Level: Generally quiet with occasional ranger programs and lake sounds
Best Time To Visit: Peak season runs May through September, when most sites are open and demand is highest. Lakeside loops fill early in summer, so consider non-lakeside or walk-in options if you want more solitude. Shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) can offer quieter camping with easier access to Lake McDonald.
Vibe Check: A functional, forested basecamp with lake access and ranger programs; busy but convenient, not a remote backcountry feel.
Camp Here If Skip If: Camp here if you want easy access to Lake McDonald, convenient base for hikes like Trail of the Cedars, and you don't mind peak-season crowds. If you seek solitude or fewer crowds, consider walk-in sites or visiting in the shoulder season or choosing a different Glacier campground.
Tips Advice: Bring your reservation confirmation through Recreation.gov, since bookings are on a 6-month rolling window. Pack for both tent and RV camping, as Apgar offers both site types. Be prepared for crowds during peak season and consider quieter visits in the shoulder seasons.

More details

Camp Types: tent
cabin
Reservation Info: Reservations are required throughout the spring, summer, and fall at Apgar Campground. A reservation is not required during the winter months. Reservations must be made through Recreation.gov. Five group sites are available for parties of 9-24 people. Reservations are also required for group campsites.
Family Friendly Notes: Flush toilets and hot showers; ranger programs at Apgar Amphitheater; quiet hours protect sleep; Apgar Village nearby for supplies
Senior Access Discounts: 50% discount via America the Beautiful pass
Amphitheater: Apgar Amphitheater
Boat Launch: There is no boat launch listed at Apgar Campground.
Nearby Attractions: Lake McDonald, Apgar Village, Glacier National Park trails
Terrain Type: Tree-covered, lakeside terrain
Setup Strategy: Internal campground roads are paved or in good condition; plan for 21 ft road limits on some park sections; confirm site length (some RV sites up to 40 ft). Bring leveling blocks and back-in spots near Apgar Village if possible.
Bath Laundry Recon: Bathrooms: flush toilets with running water; showers are available to campers. Potable water spigots are seasonal; during primitive camping, no potable water is provided. No dedicated on-site laundry facility information is listed.
Ideal Camper Profile: Best for families and larger groups seeking easy access to Glacier National Park, with 194 sites including five group sites for 9–24 people each. RVs up to 40 ft are possible on about 25 sites; most sites have no electric hookups. Generators are allowed only during specified hours, and the campground sits near Apgar Village.
Review Summary: Large, forested campground near Lake McDonald; family-friendly with shade and ranger programs; high demand and limited cell service; plan ahead for reservations and amenities.