Kintla Lake Campground - Glacier National Park North Fork

Kintla Lake at Glacier National Park reflects jagged peaks and evergreen forests under a bright blue sky.

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...

Kintla Lake Campground is Glacier National Park's most remote frontcountry and car camping campground. It is located in the uppermost northwest section of the park known as the North Fork, approximately 40 miles from the west entrance. Access is via a rough dirt road. Trailers not permitted. Due to its remote location, the campground is very quiet and rarely fills, offering tent campers a sense of solitude. The campground sits on Kintla Lake.

Quick facts

Reservation System: First-come, first-served (FCFS)
Reservation Window: No advance reservations; arrive early
Reservation Tips: FCFS; arrive early; no reservations; 13 sites available
Season Dates: Mid-June to mid-September; primitive camping early Sept–end Oct (weather permitting)

Reservations & season

Reservation System: First-come, first-served (FCFS)
Reservation Window: No advance reservations; arrive early
Reservation Tips: FCFS; arrive early; no reservations; 13 sites available
Season Dates: Mid-June to mid-September; primitive camping early Sept–end Oct (weather permitting)
Fills Up Speed: Rarely fills; peak months July–August can fill
Per Night Cost: $25/night (summer); $15/night (primitive camping)
Day Use Fees: Varies
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful pass generally accepted; not explicitly stated for Kintla Lake

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 13
Site Types: Tent camping (no RVs)
Site Type Breakdown: 12 tent sites, 1 ADA-accessible site
RV Max Length: 21 feet max; trailers not permitted
Site Features: Fire ring, picnic table; cooking grate may be absent from pits
Ground Type: Dirt and natural ground
Site Privacy: Sites spaced; some lack complete privacy due to open nature

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Pit toilets
Showers Available: No on-site showers; nearby options may be at Rising Sun or Swiftcurrent facilities
Potable Water: Potable water via hand pump; may be unavailable during primitive season
Dump Station: No on-site dump station
Trash Service: Pack it out; no on-site dumpsters specified
Camp Store: No
Firewood Availability: Not stated; follow Leave No Trace and local fire rules
Cell Service: Generally unavailable or spotty
Nearby Facilities: Polebridge has limited amenities; plan for basic supplies

Access

Road Type: Rough dirt road
Road Conditions: Washboard sections; potholes; slow, dusty; ~1.5+ hours from west entrance
Vehicle Restrictions: Trailers not permitted; longer than 21 ft not allowed
Clearance Needed: High clearance not required; sturdy vehicle recommended
Gate Hours: Not published
Distance From Entrance: Approximately 40 miles from the west entrance
Nearest Gas Services: Polebridge (limited amenities)
Elevation: Approximately 4000 feet
Accessibility: Limited accessibility; 1 ADA site (#13)
ADA Accessible Sites: 1 site (#13) wheelchair-accessible

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Store food in vehicles; bear boxes not provided
Fire Restrictions: Campfires allowed in fire rings; seasonal bans may apply
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leashes under 6 feet
Generator Hours: 8 am–10 am, 12 pm–2 pm, 5 pm–7 pm
Quiet Hours: 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
Max Stay Limit: 14 days between July 1 and Labor Day; 7-day limit noted elsewhere

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking
Trailheads Nearby: Polebridge area trailheads nearby
Fishing Details: Direct access for boating (non-motorized) and fishing
Wildlife Viewing: Bear country; expect wildlife around the lake
Stargazing Quality: Remote location yields excellent stargazing
Shade Coverage: Abundant shade from trees
Scenic Views: Lakefront views along Kintla Lake
Noise Level: Generally very quiet; no highway noise
Best Time To Visit: July–August; arrive early
Vibe Check: Secluded wilderness-frontcountry feel; cell service is non-existent; quiet nights and star-filled skies; bring basic cooking gear and water
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: you want remote frontcountry solitude, tent camping, and no hookups. ❌ SKIP IF: you need RV hookups, paved access, or frequent showers.
Tips Advice: 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

More details

Reservation Info: Sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Family Friendly Notes: Very remote with minimal services; good for families who want solitude and hiking; showers are not on-site; plan accordingly
Senior Access Discounts: Varies
Boat Launch: Non-motorized boating access on Kintla Lake; no dedicated ramp mentioned
Nearby Attractions: Polebridge – limited amenities a short drive away
Terrain Type: Lakeshore sites near Kintla Creek; wooded
Temperature Ranges: Varies by season
Bug Season: Mosquitos can be prevalent; bring insect repellent
Setup Strategy: 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
Bath Laundry Recon: No on-site showers; use Rising Sun/Swiftcurrent options nearby; water via hand pump; primitive season may lack water
Ideal Camper Profile: Solitude-seekers and practical campers who don’t mind a long drive to a lakeside setting. Kintla Lake Campground accommodates 13 first-come, first-served sites that are best for tent camping and small groups. Expect a rough 40-mile dirt road from the West Glacier entrance and limited vehicle access; RVs and large trailers aren’t allowed (some reports indicate a possible 21-foot limit if an exception is made). There are no hookups. Generators may be restricted by quiet hours. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table; bear boxes aren’t provided, so store food in your vehicle and keep scented items out of tents. Water comes from a seasonal hand pump; bring your own water if camping during the primitive season. Vault toilets are the only facilities; no showers or dump stations on site. Two vehicles per campsite are allowed. Nightly rates run around 15 dollars in summer; primitive camping around 10 dollars. The campground runs roughly June to early September, with potential primitive camping into October if weather and roads permit; construction can close the site in early September in some years. This spot suits hikers, wildlife watchers, stargazers, and anyone who wants a quiet, remote lakeside experience far from crowds.
Review Summary: 4.6 stars from 30 reviews. Campers praise the solitude and remote setting, but warn about the rough dirt road and lack of on-site water/showers.

Location

Photos

Kintla Lake Campground sign framed by rustic logs and stone bases at Glacier National Park entrance.

Forest trail beside Kintla Lake in Glacier National Park, with pines and distant mountains beyond clear lake waters.

Kintla Lake shoreline with forested hills and distant Glacier peaks under a blue sky in Glacier National Park.

Kintla Lake panorama in Glacier National Park, with meadow, evergreen trees, and rugged, snow-dusted peaks.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

Are bears a concern?

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

Do I need a reservation?

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

Is cell service available?

Generally unavailable; download offline maps and plan accordingly.

Harrison Lake Campground

Backcountry tent sites (3) along Harrison Lake — hike-in, no on-site water.

Logging Creek

Seven tent sites; dusty Inside North Fork access, no hookups, forest solitude.

Quartz Creek

Primitive tent sites on Inside North Fork Road; rough dirt drive, high demand.

Lincoln Lake Campground

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

Whitefish Bike Retreat

8 primitive wooded sites, ride-in cyclist option; bathhouse with hot showers and water spigots.

Bowman Lake

Bowman Lake FCFS campground: 48 tent sites, dirt road access, bear country.

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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 December 2025. Report an issue.