Apgar Campground

Apgar Campground is a large, wooded Glacier campground for tent and RV campers, close to Lake McDonald and Apgar Amphitheater ranger programs.

When to come

Check current campground operating dates, available sites, and services before choosing your travel dates. For an arrival evening, a short stroll to Lake McDon…

Campground

CampgroundOPERATIONAL★ 4.6

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

CHOOSE YOUR OVERNIGHT BASE

Should you camp here?

Why camp here?

Camp Here If Skip If
Camp here if you want Glacier’s largest campground, wooded tent-or-RV sites, Lake McDonald sunsets, ranger programs at Apgar Amphitheater, and trails a short drive away. Skip it if you specifically want a smaller, more remote campground setting; compare other Glacier campgrounds and verify their current access and reservation details.
Vibe Check
A functional, forested basecamp with lake access and ranger programs; busy but convenient, not a remote backcountry feel.

What kind of site will you get?

Site Type Breakdown
Tent sites, RV sites
Site Privacy
Shade between sites; some privacy

How does it fit your Glacier trip?

Distance From Entrance
About 1 mile from the park's west entrance
Trailheads Nearby
Many trails within a short drive

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
RV Max Length
Varies; some sites accommodate up to 40 ft; verify at booking
Group Sites Available
Yes
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 access, and bear-proof food storage; the reservation page does not mention an on-site dump station, so confirm before relying on one.
Ground Type
Paved campground roads; campsites on natural surfaces

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets with sinks and running cold water
Showers Available
Not confirmed. The Recreation.gov page lists flush toilets and potable water but does not mention showers; check with the campground host before counting on them.
Potable Water
Potable water is accessible in the campground (Recreation.gov). During primitive or shoulder-season operation, spigots may be off; confirm before arrival.
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
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.
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
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
Check current campground operating dates, available sites, and services before choosing your travel dates. For an arrival evening, a short stroll to Lake McDonald can fit after setting up camp; check the schedule before planning around an Apgar Amphitheater ranger program.
Tips Advice
Reserve ahead through Recreation.gov and save your confirmation before arriving. Cell service can be unreliable, so download or print the information you need. Apgar accommodates tent and RV camping; check the official reservation listing for the current site details.

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
Campground roads and site layouts vary; confirm the selected site's dimensions and access details when booking. The 21-ft/8-ft restriction applies to a section of Going-to-the-Sun Road between Sun Point and Avalanche, not to a stated Apgar campsite limit. Bring leveling blocks if your selected site requires them.
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.

Location

Apgar Campground tents set among tall pines in Glacier National Park, with bikes and a picnic table nearby, under bright blue sky.Apgar Campground shoreline along Lake McDonald with snowy Glacier peaks at sunset in Glacier National Park.A row of RVs parked among tall pines at Apgar Campground in Glacier National Park.Apgar Campground overlooking a tranquil lake with towering Glacier peaks beyond in Glacier National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears around Apgar Campground?

Apgar is in bear country. Keep food, beverages, coolers, cooking utensils, pet food, and other attractants in a closed, hard-sided vehicle or secured bear-proof storage locker.

Do all sites have electric hookups?

No. The campground is dry camping without electric hookups; potable water is accessible in the campground.

Can my RV or vehicle combination use every approach road?

Not every approach is unrestricted. Vehicles or combinations longer than 21 ft or wider than 8 ft, including mirrors, are prohibited on the Going-to-the-Sun Road between the Sun Point parking area and Avalanche Campground. This is a road restriction, not a stated Apgar campsite limit; verify your selected site's dimensions.

Do I need a reservation to stay here?

Apgar reservations are made through Recreation.gov. Most sites use a six-month booking window, while some use a four-day window; check the current listing before planning your visit.

What facilities are confirmed at the campground?

The reservation listing confirms flush toilets, sinks with running water, and potable water. It does not mention showers or a dump station, so confirm those services before relying on them.

What are the quiet hours?

Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am.

Are generators allowed?

Generators are allowed from 8 am to 10 am, noon to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 7 pm; some sites may be generator-free.

Many Glacier Campground

Year-round site with 101 single-family sites; 13 up to 35 ft, bear lockers, and Grinnell Glacier access.

Kintla Lake

Remote Glacier frontcountry on Kintla Lake. 13 tent sites, rough dirt road; no RVs.

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Sources

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 December 2025. Report an issue.