Lincoln Lake Campground

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

When to come

Late spring through early fall; monitor snowmelt and conditions

Campground

CampgroundOPERATIONAL★ 4.8

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)

CHOOSE YOUR OVERNIGHT BASE

Should you camp here?

Why camp here?

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
Vibe Check
Pure backcountry; solitude with rugged practicality. This is for experienced hikers who want a wilderness stay rather than a campground experience

What kind of site will you get?

Site Type Breakdown
Backcountry hike-in campsites; limited number
Site Privacy
Limited privacy; remote wilderness

How does it fit your Glacier trip?

Distance From Entrance
Trailhead is approximately 2 miles west of Lake McDonald Lodge along Going-to-the-Sun Road
Trailheads Nearby
Lincoln Lake Trailhead (Going-to-the-Sun Road)

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)
Group Sites Available
No
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

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
Gate Hours
Seasonal operating hours; overnight access depends on road status
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
Pets Allowed
No
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
No

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Backpacking; hiking; wildlife watching
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
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

Man relaxing in a sunny alpine pool at Lincoln Lake Campground, Glacier National Park.Lincoln Lake Campground along Lincoln Lake in Glacier National Park shows snow-dusted pines and a tranquil lakeside clearing.Sunlit granite peaks over a campground near Lincoln Lake in Glacier National Park.Lincoln Lake Campground sits beside a calm alpine lake with snow-capped peaks in Glacier National Park.

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.

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.

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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 January 2026. Report an issue.