Emery Bay Campground

Glacier NP family campground with basic facilities and variable water.

When to come

Mid-May to September; water access mid-summer; shoulder season are quieter

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

CHOOSE YOUR OVERNIGHT BASE

Should you camp here?

Why camp here?

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.
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.

What kind of site will you get?

Site Type Breakdown: Standard non-electric tent and RV sites; 16 reservable, 10 FCFS
Site Privacy: Screening varies; shoreline proximity affects privacy

How does it fit your Glacier trip?

Distance From Entrance: Approximately 15 miles from West Glacier National Park Entrance Station
Trailheads Nearby: Trailheads near campground; trails weave around shoreline

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

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
Gate Hours: Gate hours vary; plan for daylight arrivals
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
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
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.

Location

Photos

Emery Bay Campground sign along a forest road in Glacier National Park, with pine trees and rugged hills in the background.

Emery Bay Campground sits beside a calm glacier-fed lake with pine shoreline and distant mountain backdrop in Glacier National Park.

Emery Bay shoreline in Glacier National Park with turquoise water, pine trees, and a sunlit sky.

Emery Bay Campground site along a lake in Glacier National Park with tall pines and a dirt clearing.

Lincoln Lake Campground

Backcountry hike-in to Lincoln Lake: no water, no facilities, bear canisters required.

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.

Sprague Creek Campground

Lake McDonald camp: tent or 21 ft rigs, no hookups, reservations required.

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 January 2026. Report an issue.

Emery Bay Campground

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