Yes. Store food in vehicles; bear boxes are not provided; keep meals secured and away from sleeping areas.

Kintla Lake

Q: Is there water in September?

Potable water is via hand pump; primitive-season water may be unavailable—bring your own.

Q: Do I need a reservation?

No. It’s first-come, first-served; arrive early, especially in July and August.

Q: Is cell service available?

Generally unavailable; download offline maps and plan accordingly.

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Overview

About This Campground

Kintla Lake Campground is Glacier National Park’s most remote frontcountry campground. It has 13 tent-only sites with first-come, first-served access and no reservations. The road in is rough; high-clearance or 4WD is recommended. RVs and trailers aren’t allowed, and vehicles over 21 feet are prohibited. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. There are no hookups, and generators are not permitted. Water is available from a summer hand pump; in the fall, campers must bring their own...

Highlights

Site Types

Tent camping (no RVs)

Scenic Views

Lakefront views along Kintla Lake

Nearby Attractions

Polebridge – limited amenities a short drive away

Family Friendly

Very remote with minimal services; good for families who want solitude and hiking; showers are not on-site; plan accordingly

Best Time to Visit

July–August; arrive early

Camping Tips

Pack extra water and a sturdy vehicle for the dirt road
Arrive early in peak season—these 13 sites go fast
Practice Leave No Trace, and keep food secured in the vehicle

RV Driver Intel

The Setup

Rough dirt road with washboard sections; trailers not permitted; 21' max length; 13 on-site spots; plan for back-in parking and slow approach; expect a long drive from the West Entrance

The Vibe

Secluded wilderness-frontcountry feel; cell service is non-existent; quiet nights and star-filled skies; bring basic cooking gear and water

Bath & Laundry

No on-site showers; use Rising Sun/Swiftcurrent options nearby; water via hand pump; primitive season may lack water

Details

Campsite Information

Total Sites: 13

RV Max Length: 21 feet max; trailers not permitted

Hookups: None

Site Types

Tent camping (no RVs)

Each Site Includes

Fire ring
Picnic table; cooking grate may be absent from pits

Activities

Hiking

Amenities & Facilities

Campground Amenities

Showers: No on-site showers; nearby options may be at Rising Sun or Swiftcurrent facilities
Restrooms: Pit toilets
Water: Potable water via hand pump; may be unavailable during primitive season
Trash: Pack it out; no on-site dumpsters specified

Facilities

RV Dump Station: No on-site dump station
Camp Store: No
Firewood: Not stated; follow Leave No Trace and local fire rules

Utilities

Restrooms: Pit toilets

Showers: No on-site showers; nearby options may be at Rising Sun or Swiftcurrent facilities

Policies & Rules

Reservations

First-come, first-served (FCFS) (Booking: No advance reservations; arrive early)

Pet Policy

Pets Allowed - Leashes under 6 feet

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.6 /5

Based on 30 Google reviews

Reviews from Google

Great views of a beautiful lake away from masses of people - they let only thirty cars in per hour (you do need a reservation, and they are gone within one second of being released!). Bring bear spray! The road is unpaved and dusty, but no problem for a 2WD (that might change seasonally)

Beautiful Views of Kintla Lake located in Northern Glacier NP……. Met Ranger Dave and toured his Ranger Station cabin and he told us some great things about his experiences serving the National Parks.

We couldn’t access it without a 4WD or AWD vehicle. We checked with the ranger at the entrance to the park who said the road was accessible and we should be fine in our rental car. Unfortunately there was an area about 5 miles from the lake that was mud and standing water that we thought we may get stuck in so we opted to turn around. The drive to that point was gorgeous though.

Showing 3 of 30 reviews

FAQs

Can my RV fit at Kintla Lake Campground?

RVs longer than 21 feet are prohibited; road and parking are tight.

Is there water in September?

Are bears a concern?

Do I need a reservation?

Is cell service available?

📖 nps.gov 📖 parkrangerjohn.com 📖 recreation.gov 📖 thedyrt.com 📖 parkadvisor.com 📖 allglacier.com 📖 nationalparkstraveler.org 📖 aaa.com 📖 visitmt.com 📖 yournpguide.com 📖 campflare.com 📖 nationalparkschat.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 youtube.com 📖 hipcamp.com 📖 yourlifenature.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Kintla Lake