Cut Bank Campground near Glacier NP – Primitive Tent Camping

Cut Bank Campground registration sign and information kiosk set among green trees in Glacier National Park.

Cut Bank Campground on Glacier NP's east side offers 14 primitive sites along a 5-mile dirt road. There are no hookups and potable water isn't provided; plan for bear safety.

The Cut Bank Campground is located on the east side of Glacier National Park and provides a sense of peace and quiet that may not be found in larger campgrounds within the park. The campground is accessed by a 5-mile dirt road off of highway 89. The campground is geared toward tent campers. RVs are not recommended. Starting in 2025, Scan & Pay will be required through the Recreation.gov app to pay for a campsite. This requires downloading the free Recreation.gov mobile app prior to arrival.

Quick facts

Reservation System: First-come, first-served; Scan & Pay via Recreation.gov app
Reservation Window: Not applicable; first-come, first-served
Reservation Tips: Arrive early; first-come, first-served; 2025 Scan & Pay via Recreation.gov app
Season Dates: Late May–mid-September

Reservations & season

Reservation System: First-come, first-served; Scan & Pay via Recreation.gov app
Reservation Window: Not applicable; first-come, first-served
Reservation Tips: Arrive early; first-come, first-served; 2025 Scan & Pay via Recreation.gov app
Season Dates: Late May–mid-September
Fills Up Speed: Generally not crowded; can fill on peak days
Per Night Cost: $20/night
Extra Vehicle Fees: Varies
Day Use Fees: Day-use access uses Glacier National Park entrance fees; no separate day-use camping rate is listed.
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful pass accepted for entrance; camping fees not discounted

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 14
Site Types: Tent-only
Site Type Breakdown: Tent: 14 sites
RV Max Length: 21 ft max
Hookups: No hookups (electric, water, or sewer)
Site Features: Picnic tables and fire rings at each site
Ground Type: Dirt/natural ground
Site Privacy: Sites close together at times; some feel secluded due to remoteness

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Vault toilets (seasonal)
Showers Available: None on-site; off-site showers at Rising Sun and Swiftcurrent Motor Inns
Potable Water: No potable water on-site; bring water or filter from Cut Bank Creek
Dump Station: None on-site; seasonal dump stations in Cut Bank town
Trash Service: Bear-proof dumpsters available seasonally
Camp Store: No
Firewood Availability: Firewood gathering prohibited; bring your own or buy elsewhere
Cell Service: No cell service
Nearby Facilities: Polebridge for limited services; East Glacier Park or St. Mary for gas/groceries

Access

Road Type: Dirt
Road Conditions: 5-mile dirt road; may be rough in places but passable for cars/vans
Vehicle Restrictions: RVs/truck/trailer longer than 21 ft not allowed
Clearance Needed: Sedan friendly; not recommended for larger RVs
Gate Hours: Gate hours are not published; the site is generally accessible 24 hours when the park is open.
Distance From Entrance: 30-40 minutes from East Glacier Park (59434) to Glacier NP Entrance Station
Nearest Gas Services: Polebridge limited; East Glacier Park or St. Mary for gas/groceries
Elevation: 5144 feet
Accessibility: No ADA-accessible sites; dirt road and basic facilities
ADA Accessible Sites: No ADA sites

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Seasonal food lockers provided; proper storage mandatory
Fire Restrictions: Fire rings permitted but subject to seasonal restrictions
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leash ≤6 ft; not on trails, in backcountry, or buildings
Generator Hours: Generators permitted but must respect quiet hours (10 PM–6 AM)
Quiet Hours: 10 PM–6 AM
Max Stay Limit: 7 days

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking from camp; stargazing
Trailheads Nearby: Triple Divide Pass; Medicine Grizzly Lake; Morning Star Lake
Wildlife Viewing: Bear country; be alert and store food properly
Stargazing Quality: Likely good due to remote location; tree cover may affect visibility
Shade Coverage: Good shade from tree cover
Scenic Views: Meadow and mountain views through trees
Noise Level: Generally quiet
Best Time To Visit: Late May–mid-September; roads open and conditions comfortable
Vibe Check: Remote, forested tent campground; no cell service; peace and solitude at the cost of few services
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: Tent camper seeking quiet, forested setting with a short dirt-road approach and no hookups; you bring your own water and manage vault toilets. ❌ SKIP IF: You need full RV amenities, paved access, or hookups for multiple vehicles.
Tips Advice: Bring ample water; no on-site potable water.
Use bear-safe storage; lockers seasonal.
Pack a headlamp; the gate and road are rough at dusk.
Arrive early on weekends; first-come sites go fast.
Expect a 5-mile dirt approach; drive slowly and heed conditions.

More details

Camp Types: tent
cabin
Reservation Info: This is a first come, first served campground that requires registration through a mobile app. Starting in 2025, Scan & Pay will be required through the Recreation.gov app to pay for a campsite at Cutbank Campground. This requires downloading the free Recreation.gov mobile app prior to your arrival. You will then need to sign into your Recreation.gov account. If you do not have an account, select the Sign-Up option. Look for the QR code located at the campground information board and read the posted instructions. Select an unoccupied first-come, first-served campsite and place your tent and/or equipment on the site to claim it. You will have to verify when filling out order details that the site you chose was unoccupied upon your arrival.
Family Friendly Notes: Tent-only, quiet campground with vault toilets; bear country awareness required; plan for no on-site showers
Senior Access Discounts: Half-price camping for Interagency Senior and Lifetime Access pass holders
Nearby Attractions: Polebridge, East Glacier Park, St. Mary
Terrain Type: Forest with meadows and mountain views
Snow Season: Potential early snowfall in fall
Bug Season: Black flies in May–June
Setup Strategy: 5-mile dirt approach; internal roads are narrow; RVs longer than 21 ft not allowed; tent-centric layout; prepare for limited space and rough parking. This is first-come, first-served, so arrive early to claim a site.
Bath Laundry Recon: No on-site showers; off-site showers at Rising Sun and Swiftcurrent Motor Inns; no explicit on-site laundry information
Ideal Camper Profile: Best for tent campers and small self-contained rigs up to 21 feet. Facilities are primitive—no hookups, no showers, and no on-site potable water; be prepared for bear country and a dirt-road approach.
Review Summary: 4.8 stars from 25 reviews; quiet, tent-focused appeal with rustic charm. No on-site water or showers, so plan ahead; space is limited and some sites are close together.