Harrison Lake Campground, Glacier National Park

Q: Can I bring a dog to Harrison Lake Campground?

Dogs are allowed only if leashed at all times. Given the backcountry and wildlife, many hikers leave dogs at home for safety and trip ease.

Q: Do I need a reservation for these backcountry sites?

Backcountry permits are required May 1-Oct 31; half the sites are advanced reservation, half walk-in. Check the Glacier backcountry system and book early via Recreation.gov; permits are free Nov 1-Apr 30.

Q: What should I expect for water and cooking?

There is no potable water on site. Bring all water and plan to use a gas stove only for cooking.

Q: What’s the access like to Harrison Lake Campground?

Access is hike-in only via the Boundary Trail from West Glacier (about 10 miles) or the Harrison Lake Crossing (about 2.9 miles with a river ford).

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Overview

About This Campground

Alright, Harrison Lake Campground is a true backcountry stop in Glacier National Park. There are 3 designated tent sites accessed by hiking only, with no hookups or on-site potable water. Water, bear safety, and cooking gear are all on you—gas stoves only, and pack it out when you leave. It’s quiet and secluded, with forest shade and lake-proximate hiking right at your doorstep.

Highlights

Site Types

Tent sites only

Scenic Views

Views of Harrison Lake and surrounding peaks

Nearby Attractions

West Glacier services; Harrison Lake area trails

Family Friendly

Backcountry, hike‑in only, with three campsites. No potable water on site, so bring enough for your group. Pit toilets are the only sanitation; there are no showers or a dump station. Pack out all trash. Access is via a long, rough hike; the road to trailheads is dusty with blind curves, and RVs or trailers aren’t allowed. From park entrances, the approach to Harrison Lake runs about 11.9 miles, so plan for a multi‑hour trek with a full load. There is no cell service or on‑site store. This setup suits families with older children who can handle backpacking and carrying water; toddlers or very young kids may find the trek and gear challenging.

Best Time to Visit

May-October when backcountry permits are active

Camping Tips

Pack enough water for the hike; bring water filtration if you intend to filter from lake inputs (note: not potable on-site).
Gas stoves only—no wood fires.
Bear safety: store all food and scented items properly (hang or bear boxes).
Arrive early for permits; only 3 sites, high demand in peak season.

RV Driver Intel

The Setup

Not applicable for RV; hike-in backcountry with designated tent sites

The Vibe

Backcountry, remote, quiet; you earn the solitude

Bath & Laundry

Bathrooms are pit toilets; no showers; water must be carried; no on-site laundry

Details

Campsite Information

Total Sites: 3

RV Max Length: Not applicable

Hookups: No hookups

Site Types

Tent sites only

Each Site Includes

Designated tent sites; pit toilets; no water on-site; gas stoves only; pack it in
Pack it out; bear safety required

Activities

Hiking, fishing (bull trout and non-native lake trout), wildlife viewing

Amenities & Facilities

Campground Amenities

Showers: No showers
Restrooms: Pit toilets
Water: Not available; bring your own water
Trash: Pack it in, pack it out

Facilities

RV Dump Station: Not applicable
Camp Store: No on-site store
Firewood: Wood fires prohibited; gas stoves only

Utilities

Restrooms: Pit toilets

Showers: No showers

Policies & Rules

Reservations

NPS Reservations / Glacier National Park backcountry permit system (via Recreation.gov) (Booking: 6-month rolling window)

Pet Policy

Pets Allowed - Leash required at all times; best to leave dogs at home

FAQs

Are bears a concern at Harrison Lake Campground?

Yes. It’s bear country. Store food and scented items properly (hang from poles or use bear boxes) and maintain good campsite cleanliness.

Can I bring a dog to Harrison Lake Campground?

Do I need a reservation for these backcountry sites?

What should I expect for water and cooking?

What’s the access like to Harrison Lake Campground?

📖 recreation.gov 📖 enjoyyourparks.com 📖 thebigoutside.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 thedyrt.com 📖 bedrockandparadox.com 📖 allglacier.com 📖 roamingbearmedia.com 📖 10adventures.com 📖 glacierinstitute.org 📖 rome2rio.com 📖 mt.gov ⭐ Google Reviews 🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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Harrison Lake Campground