Avalanche Campground

87 sites, 26' RV limit, no hookups, bear country, near Avalanche Lake.

When to come

Summer season (mid-June to mid-September); book early; arrive early on release days

Campground

CampgroundOPERATIONAL★ 4.6

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
Reserve through Recreation.gov and check the site for current availability. Campground conditions and access can change, so confirm current park status before traveling.
Season Dates
June 19 – September 13

CHOOSE YOUR OVERNIGHT BASE

Should you camp here?

Why camp here?

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.
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

What kind of site will you get?

Site Type Breakdown
87 single-family sites; 50 sites up to 26 ft
Site Privacy
Sites relatively spread apart and provide privacy

How does it fit your Glacier trip?

Distance From Entrance
Approximately 15.7 miles from the West Entrance
Trailheads Nearby
Avalanche Lake Trailhead; Trail of the Cedars

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
Reserve through Recreation.gov and check the site for current availability. Campground conditions and access can change, so confirm current park status before traveling.
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
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

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
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.
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
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
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
Match your vehicle to the selected campsite before booking. NPS lists the largest 50 parking spaces at Avalanche as 26 feet maximum; smaller sites may have less room.
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

Location

Avalanche Creek winds through a mossy canyon in Glacier National Park, turquoise water carving between moss-covered rocks.Avalanche Campground along a rocky stream in Glacier National Park, with autumn trees and dark, cloudy mountains in the distance.Avalanche Campground sits beside a turquoise Glacier National Park lake, framed by forested slopes and rugged, snow-dusted peaks.Ancient tree with wide, twisting roots at Avalanche Campground in Glacier National Park, surrounded by dense conifer forest.

Frequently asked questions

Are bears present at Avalanche Campground?

Yes. It is bear country; store all food in a closed hard-sided vehicle or in bear-proof lockers near restrooms when not in use.

Is there an on-site shower or laundry?

No showers on-site. Showers may be available at Rising Sun and Swiftcurrent Inn or nearby private campgrounds.

Do I need a reservation?

Yes. Advanced reservations are required for all Avalanche sites via Recreation.gov.

Are there group sites at Avalanche?

Group sites are not specified for Avalanche; group sites exist at Apgar, Many Glacier, St. Mary, and Two Medicine Campgrounds.

What is the price per night for tent or RV sites?

Tent and RV sites are $20 per night during the season.

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.

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.