Emery Bay Campground, Hungry Horse Reservoir, Montana

Emery Bay Campground in Glacier National Park shows tents, an RV, and a white canopy among tall pines under a partly cloudy sky.

Alright, Emery Bay Campground in Glacier National Park is a family-friendly campground near the Lake McDonald area. Water access, restrooms, and exact site types vary by season, so come prepared with your own water and a plan. Keep bear safety in mind and practice Leave No Trace; nights are quiet, but wildlife visits happen.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Varies
Reservation Window: Varies
Reservation Tips: Check for seasonal closures and booking windows; Glacier NP campgrounds can operate on variable schedules.
Have a backup plan in nearby towns around the Lake McDonald area in case Emery Bay is full.
Prepare for variable site types and water access; bring everything you might need for your family and a quick exit if weather shifts.
Season Dates: Varies

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Varies
Reservation Window: Varies
Reservation Tips: Check for seasonal closures and booking windows; Glacier NP campgrounds can operate on variable schedules.
Have a backup plan in nearby towns around the Lake McDonald area in case Emery Bay is full.
Prepare for variable site types and water access; bring everything you might need for your family and a quick exit if weather shifts.
Season Dates: Varies
Fills Up Speed: Varies
Per Night Cost: $18-$22 per night for single sites; $175-$300 per night for group sites
Extra Vehicle Fees: $5 per vehicle per night
Day Use Fees: $4 for boat launching
Passes Accepted: Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior, and Access Passports

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: Varies
Site Types: Standard non-electric tent and RV sites
Site Type Breakdown: Standard non-electric tent and RV sites; 16 reservable, 10 FCFS
RV Max Length: 32 feet
Group Sites Available: 1
Group Site Capacity: Up to 75 guests per group site
Hookups: Dry camping; no hookups
Site Features: Picnic tables; campfire rings with grills
Ground Type: Gravel/dirt pads
Site Privacy: Screening varies; shoreline proximity affects privacy

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Vault toilets
Showers Available: No showers
Potable Water: Bring your own water jug just in case.
Dump Station: Not specified; nearest may be outside campground
Trash Service: Bear-proof dumpsters; some sites with individual food storage boxes
Camp Store: Ice and supplies availability not specified
Firewood Availability: Firewood available for purchase from camp host; gathering firewood not mentioned; follow Leave No Trace
Cell Service: Some reviews indicate lack of cell service
Nearby Facilities: Coram, MT for gas/groceries; West Glacier amenities ~15 miles away

Access

Road Type: Gravel forest service road to campground
Road Conditions: Dusty and potentially rough with potholes; final 5-6 miles
Vehicle Restrictions: Maximum trailer length 32 feet
Gate Hours: Gate hours vary; plan for daylight arrivals
Distance From Entrance: Approximately 15 miles from West Glacier National Park Entrance Station
Nearest Gas Services: Coram, MT (~15 minutes)

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Bear storage required; bear-proof containers provided
Fire Restrictions: Seasonal fire bans common; fire rings provided
Quiet Hours: Quiet hours not posted; assume 10pm–6am
Max Stay Limit: 16 consecutive days

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, exploring, big game hunting
Trailheads Nearby: Trailheads near campground; trails weave around shoreline
Fishing Details: Fishing allowed (species not listed)
Wildlife Viewing: Bear country; bear safety required
Stargazing Quality: Good stargazing due to low light pollution; tree cover may affect
Shade Coverage: Forest canopy provides shade
Scenic Views: Shoreline views of Hungry Horse Reservoir; bluff overlook
Noise Level: Low to moderate; forest setting with dusty approach road
Best Time To Visit: Mid-May to September; water access mid-summer; shoulder season are quieter
Vibe Check: This is a functional family campground in Glacier NP with convenient proximity to Lake McDonald. It’s not a remote backcountry setting; you’ll have nearby amenities and a community campground feel, with forest surroundings and a calm night atmosphere.
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want a Glacier Park family campground with basic facilities and easy access to the Lake McDonald area. ❌ SKIP IF: You need full hookups or absolute seclusion.
Tips Advice: Pack water filtration and a reliable water plan; bring enough water for your family if sources are uncertain.
Leave No Trace: pack out what you pack in; store food securely and keep a clean camp.
Arrive early in peak season to secure a site; GlacierNP campgrounds can fill quickly.
Bear safety: hang food or use provided bear boxes if available; always cook away from sleeping areas.

More details

Camp Types: tent
cabin
Park Area: Glacier National Park, Montana
Family Friendly Notes: Vault toilets; no showers; bear country; basic group sites available; good for families comfortable with primitive camping
Senior Access Discounts: 50% discount with eligible passes
Boat Launch: Native boat ramp for smaller watercraft
Nearby Attractions: West Glacier Entrance (~15 miles), Hungry Horse Reservoir shores, Coram, MT (~15 minutes)
Terrain Type: Bluff overlooking Hungry Horse Reservoir; forested with conifers
Wind Exposure: Forested bluff; generally sheltered
Setup Strategy: No official setup details published; plan for standard campground layout with individual sites and typical pine shade. Expect modest spacing between sites and moderate vehicle maneuvering; big rigs should verify site access beforehand.
Bath Laundry Recon: Showers are not available; laundry facilities are not listed; plan around seasonal water and on-site vault toilets
Review Summary: 4.5 stars from 101 reviews. A practical, water-access basecamp with shoreline character and bear safety requirements; limited cell service and a dusty final approach are noted realities. Visitors praise the quiet vibe and proximity to Glacier National Park while noting the primitive setup and seasonal water access.