Avalanche Campground, Glacier National Park

Avalanche Campground in Glacier National Park shown from a gravel lane surrounded by conifers and a small utility building.

Avalanche Campground sits inside Glacier National Park with 87 reservable sites for tents and small RVs. It operates June through September with seasonal water and no electric hookups. Bathrooms exist seasonally; showers are not available; generator windows are 8–10 am, noon–2 pm, and 5–7 pm. Bear-proof dumpsters are provided for trash.

Avalanche Campground is located in one of the most popular sections of Glacier National Park west of the Continental Divide. The campground accommodates tent and RV campers, however only 50 sites will accommodate vehicle lengths up to 26 feet. Bring your hiking boots and binoculars. Two popular day hikes offer spectacular scenery and glimpses of birds and wildlife that inhabit the area. Advanced reservations are required for all sites. Check Recreation.gov for details.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: Most sites have a 6-month rolling window; some sites have a 4-day booking window. In 2024, all sites through July 7 were released Jan 7 at 8 am MST; remainder followed the 6-month window.
Reservation Tips: Book as soon as the window opens (6 months ahead); check for 4-day windows; arrive early on release days; be flexible with site selection
Season Dates: June 19 – September 13

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: Most sites have a 6-month rolling window; some sites have a 4-day booking window. In 2024, all sites through July 7 were released Jan 7 at 8 am MST; remainder followed the 6-month window.
Reservation Tips: Book as soon as the window opens (6 months ahead); check for 4-day windows; arrive early on release days; be flexible with site selection
Season Dates: June 19 – September 13
Fills Up Speed: Sites fill quickly, often within an hour; early arrival recommended, especially on weekends (arrive by 7 AM if possible).
Per Night Cost: $20 per night
Extra Vehicle Fees: Varies
Day Use Fees: Varies
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful pass accepted for park entrance; camping fees separate

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 87
Site Types: Tent and RV sites
Site Type Breakdown: 87 single-family sites; 50 sites up to 26 ft
RV Max Length: 50 sites can accommodate up to 26 feet; Going-to-the-Sun Road length restrictions apply
Site Features: Fire ring; picnic table; bear-proof storage lockers near restrooms
Ground Type: Forest floor with some level tent pads
Site Privacy: Sites relatively spread apart and provide privacy

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets with running water; sinks; soap not provided
Showers Available: No showers on-site; fee showers may be available at Rising Sun and Swiftcurrent Motor Inn or nearby private campgrounds
Potable Water: Potable water spigots available seasonally
Dump Station: On-site
Trash Service: Bear-proof dumpsters
Camp Store: No
Firewood Availability: Gathering firewood prohibited; firewood can be purchased in Apgar Village
Nearby Facilities: Apgar Village with visitor center, general store, and restaurant; Lake McDonald nearby

Access

Road Type: Paved
Road Conditions: Main park road; generally good; length/width restrictions apply on Going-to-the-Sun Road between Sun Point and Avalanche
Vehicle Restrictions: Longer than 21 ft or wider than 8 ft prohibited on Going-to-the-Sun Road between Sun Point and Avalanche
Clearance Needed: Sedan-friendly road; large RVs/trailers restricted by length
Gate Hours: Park gate hours are not listed in the campground materials; confirm entry times on Glacier National Park's official site before you travel.
Distance From Entrance: Approximately 15.7 miles from the West Entrance
Nearest Gas Services: Nearest gas services are not listed for Avalanche Campground; plan to refuel before entering Glacier National Park.
Elevation: Approximately 3,100 to 3,500 feet
Accessibility: One ADA site; general campground access with paved paths where available
ADA Accessible Sites: One wheelchair-accessible site available

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Food must be stored in a closed, hard-sided vehicle or in provided bear-proof storage lockers near restrooms when not in immediate use
Fire Restrictions: Fire rings provided; grills not available
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leash at all times; pets not allowed on trails
Generator Hours: Generator use prohibited at all times
Quiet Hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Max Stay Limit: 14 days

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking, wildlife viewing, ranger programs
Trailheads Nearby: Avalanche Lake Trailhead; Trail of the Cedars
Wildlife Viewing: Birds and wildlife common; bears in the area; follow food storage rules
Stargazing Quality: Possible, especially at the amphitheater
Shade Coverage: Heavily shaded by trees
Scenic Views: Forest surroundings with trail access to nearby lakes
Noise Level: Some vehicle noise from Going-to-the-Sun Road
Best Time To Visit: Summer season (mid-June to mid-September); book early; arrive early on release days
Vibe Check: A functional Glacier basecamp in a dense forest; quieter than front-country campgrounds but still private; occasional road noise from the park road
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You run a small RV up to 26 ft and want a budget Glacier campground with bear safety rules and flush toilets. ❌ SKIP IF: You need full hookups, on-site showers, or a large RV beyond 21 ft on Going-to-the-Sun.
Tips Advice: Book via Recreation.gov with a 6-month window; arrive by 7 AM on release days.
No on-site showers; plan for Rising Sun/Swiftcurrent Inn or private options.
Food storage rules are strict—use bear-proof lockers or a hard-sided vehicle.
Expect forest shade, wildlife, and occasional road noise from Going-to-the-Sun.

More details

Camp Types: tent
cabin
Reservation Info: Campsites become reservable on a rolling basis, 6 months in advance from the date you want to book your stay. A certain number of sites will be reservable up to 4 days before the desired date.
Family Friendly Notes: Flush toilets and bear country safety; quiet hours; kids can hike to Avalanche Lake; leash rules apply
Senior Access Discounts: false
Amphitheater: Yes
Boat Launch: No boat launch at campground; Lake McDonald area offers boat tours
Nearby Attractions: Apgar Village nearby with visitor center, general store, and restaurants; Lake McDonald nearby
Terrain Type: Dense old-growth cedar and hemlock forest
Temperature Ranges: Temperature is seasonal, with nights cooler than daytime.
Snow Season: Road closed seasonally due to snow; typically Oct to late June
Setup Strategy: 50 sites accommodate up to 26 ft; some pull-throughs; roads are paved; plan for shorter rigs or back-in; ensure you’re within length limits on Going-to-the-Sun Road
Bath Laundry Recon: Showers are not on-site; plan to use facilities at Rising Sun or Swiftcurrent Inn or nearby private camps; on-site dump station available; no on-site laundry mentioned
Ideal Camper Profile: For campers seeking Glacier National Park access, Avalanche Campground supports tent camping and RVs, with some sites able to accommodate up to 26 feet; group sites are not offered.
Review Summary: Avalanche Campground draws high demand with 87 sites; reservations vanish quickly; expect decent privacy but not absolute in peak season; proximity to Avalanche Lake and Trail of the Cedars is a major draw