Campground
Lincoln Lake Campground
Alright, Lincoln Lake is a primitive backcountry campsite in Glacier National Park, accessed by a hike-in route. There are no designated pads, no facilities, and no water on site. Plan to filter water from Lincoln Lake or carry enough, and use bear canisters for food storage. Fires depend on current restrictions, and you must pack it in, pack it out.
Quick facts
- Reservation System
- Glacier National Park Backcountry permits via Recreation.gov
- Reservation Window
- Varies; permits released in advance; check Glacier NP site for current windows
- Reservation Tips
- Book early; backcountry permits release dates vary; monitor Glacier NP site and Recreation.gov
- Season Dates
- Late spring through early fall (season varies yearly)
Reservations & season
- Reservation System
- Glacier National Park Backcountry permits via Recreation.gov
- Reservation Window
- Varies; permits released in advance; check Glacier NP site for current windows
- Reservation Tips
- Book early; backcountry permits release dates vary; monitor Glacier NP site and Recreation.gov
- Season Dates
- Late spring through early fall (season varies yearly)
- Fills Up Speed
- Extremely high; permits often sell out immediately
- Per Night Cost
- Varies; backcountry permit fees apply
- Day Use Fees
- Park entrance fee or pass required
- Passes Accepted
- America the Beautiful pass may cover park entrance; backcountry permit separate
Sites & RV fit
- Sites Total
- Small; a few groups
- Site Types
- Backcountry hike-in campsite (primitive)
- Site Type Breakdown
- Backcountry hike-in campsites; limited number
- Group Sites Available
- 0
- Group Site Capacity
- Not applicable; Lincoln Lake Campground has no designated group site.
- Site Features
- Primitive site; no fire rings, no picnic tables; self-sufficiency required
- Ground Type
- Natural ground; no pads
- Site Privacy
- Limited privacy; remote wilderness
Facilities
- Bathroom Types
- Wilderness toilet (pit/cathole) required
- Showers Available
- No showers available
- Potable Water
- Potable water not available on site
- Trash Service
- Pack-it-in, pack-it-out; bear storage mandatory
- Camp Store
- No stores or services available
- Firewood Availability
- Firewood gathering may be restricted; plan to carry in fuel if fires permitted
- Cell Service
- Unreliable and inconsistent in backcountry
- Nearby Facilities
- Gas and groceries in West Glacier and Apgar Village
Access
- Road Type
- Trailhead accessed via paved roads
- Road Conditions
- Paved to trailhead; seasonal closures possible
- Vehicle Restrictions
- Not applicable to campsite; parking at trailhead only
- Gate Hours
- Seasonal operating hours; overnight access depends on road status
- Distance From Entrance
- Trailhead is approximately 2 miles west of Lake McDonald Lodge along Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Nearest Gas Services
- Gas and groceries in West Glacier and Apgar Village
- Accessibility
- Not ADA accessible
Rules & safety
- Bear Country
- Yes
- Food Storage Requirements
- Bear canisters or bear-resistant bags mandatory
- Fire Restrictions
- Campfires may be allowed in designated areas but are subject to seasonal bans
- Pet Restrictions
- Pets not allowed on backcountry trails or campsites
- Generator Hours
- Not permitted in backcountry
- Quiet Hours
- Not formally enforced
- Max Stay Limit
- 14 days
- Alcohol Permitted
- 0
What it is like
- Onsite Activities
- Backpacking; hiking; wildlife watching
- Trailheads Nearby
- Lincoln Lake Trailhead (Going-to-the-Sun Road)
- Wildlife Viewing
- Bear country; expect wildlife; store food properly
- Scenic Views
- Lincoln Lake views
- Noise Level
- Very quiet; remote
- Best Time To Visit
- Late spring through early fall; monitor snowmelt and conditions
- Vibe Check
- Pure backcountry; solitude with rugged practicality. This is for experienced hikers who want a wilderness stay rather than a campground experience
- Camp Here If Skip If
- ✅ BOOK IF: you're an experienced backpacker seeking concrete wilderness with bear safety discipline; you can handle a multi-mile carry and primitive conditions
- ❌ SKIP IF: you want drive-up, water-on-site, or full-service amenities
- Tips Advice
- Pack it in, pack it out; carry in all waste
- Bring bear canisters or bear-resistant bags
- Water: filter from Lincoln Lake or carry sufficient
- Check current fire restrictions; pack in all fuel
- Keep to established routes; minimize impact
- Cell service is unreliable; download offline maps
More details
- Park Area
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- Family Friendly Notes
- Not suitable for toddlers; Lincoln Lake Campground is a primitive, hike-in backcountry site. Bear safety is mandatory; use bear canisters for all food. There is no potable water on site—bring water or filter from Lincoln Lake. A wilderness toilet is available; no showers and pack out all trash. The hike-in approach is long and steep, with swampy patches possible early in the season. Cell service is spotty; plan ahead and bring offline maps. Nearest services are outside Glacier National Park.
- Nearby Attractions
- Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald area; West Glacier; Apgar Village
- Terrain Type
- Wilderness; rugged with no designated pads
- Setup Strategy
- Not drive-in; hike-in. Park at the trailhead and prepare for a 2-mile (one-way) pack-in; no RV access or on-site hookups
- Bath Laundry Recon
- No showers; wilderness toilets; plan to filter water and pack out waste; bring ample water or filtering setup
- Review Summary
- Rated 4.8 stars from 6 reviews; visitors praise the solitary, challenging wilderness experience and the payoff of a quiet lake setting, but note the lack of facilities and strict bear safety requirements. Expect a demanding hike with minimal amenities and high demand for permits.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Is there water at Lincoln Lake Campground?
No; there is no potable water on site. Bring adequate water or filter from Lincoln Lake.
Are there bears at Lincoln Lake?
Yes, Bear country. Use bear canisters or bear-resistant bags and store food properly at all times.
Can I bring a dog?
No; pets are not allowed on backcountry trails or campsites in Glacier National Park.
How do I book a permit?
Backcountry permits are issued through Glacier National Park's system on Recreation.gov; booking windows vary by year and conditions.
What facilities exist at the campground?
There are no bathrooms, showers, or water on site; plan accordingly and practice Leave No Trace.
More at Glacier National Park
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.
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.
Cut Bank
Quiet tent campground on a 5-mile dirt road; no hookups, vault toilets, bear country.
Recommended gear for Glacier National Park
Some booking links below are affiliate links, which may support YourNPGuide at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
Sources
- enjoyyourparks.com
- backpacker.com
- reddit.com
- yournpguide.com
- recreation.gov
- thedyrt.com
- nps.gov
- bchmt.org
- youtube.com
- rome2rio.com
- glaciernationalparklodges.com
- nationalparkschat.com
- usda.gov
- mtfireinfo.org
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
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.