Rising Sun Campground, Glacier NP: 84 Sites, FCFS, No Hookups

Rising Sun Campground, Glacier National Park, features a small general-store building with flags.

First-come, first-served campground on Glacier NP’s east side with about 84 sites for tents, trailers, and small RVs. No hookups; water spigots and a dump station are on site. Arrive early in peak season.

Rising Sun Campground is located just west of St. Mary and halfway along St. Mary Lake. Campers at Rising Sun will enjoy beautiful sunrises in the morning with Red Eagle Mountain as a backdrop, and the campground serves as a convenient base camp to many day hikes located east of Logan Pass. Some sites are open, allowing for cool breezes throughout the day, while others are located among trees, accommodating those seeking some shade and privacy.

Quick facts

Reservation System: First-Come, First-Served (FCFS)
Reservation Tips: FCFS; arrive early (before 6am) to secure a site; no online reservations
Season Dates: Mid-June to mid-September; 2024: Jun 19–Sep 13; 2026: Jun 11–Sep 13
Fills Up Speed: Very high demand; fills up early; arrive before 6am to secure a spot

Reservations & season

Reservation System: First-Come, First-Served (FCFS)
Reservation Tips: FCFS; arrive early (before 6am) to secure a site; no online reservations
Season Dates: Mid-June to mid-September; 2024: Jun 19–Sep 13; 2026: Jun 11–Sep 13
Fills Up Speed: Very high demand; fills up early; arrive before 6am to secure a spot
Per Night Cost: $20/night
Extra Vehicle Fees: Two vehicles per site maximum; no separate extra-vehicle fee is published.
Day Use Fees: Not applicable; park entrance fees apply separately
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful National Park Pass accepted (50% discount on camping fees)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 84 sites (some sources list 83)
Site Types: Tents, trailers, and small RVs
Site Type Breakdown: Largest 10 sites accommodate up to 21 ft; some sources note up to 25 ft; overall RVs limited to 21 ft
RV Max Length: 21 feet
Hookups: No hookups
Site Features: Fire ring and grate, picnic table, bear box at each site; potable water spigots throughout
Site Privacy: Some privacy in tree-lined areas; others more open

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets
Showers Available: Token-operated showers at Rising Sun Motor Inn adjacent to campground
Potable Water: Potable water spigots available throughout campground
Dump Station: On-site dump station
Trash Service: Trash collection provided; bear-proof dumpsters present
Camp Store: Yes - seasonal
Firewood Availability: Firewood available for purchase at camp store; gathering/cutting prohibited
Cell Service: Unreliable and inconsistent cell service
Nearby Facilities: General store adjacent; restaurant next to campground

Access

Road Type: Paved road along Going-to-the-Sun Road
Road Conditions: Internal roads paved; some sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road contain length restrictions; best for cars/small RVs
Vehicle Restrictions: RV/trailer length max 21 feet on many routes
Clearance Needed: Standard clearance; not recommended for large RVs
Gate Hours: Gate hours are not published; access follows Glacier National Park seasonal operations during the open months.
Distance From Entrance: 6.2 miles from St. Mary Entrance
Nearest Gas Services: General store adjacent; gas services in nearby St. Mary area
Elevation: Approximately 4,500 feet
Accessibility: ADA: Site #7 accessible
ADA Accessible Sites: Site #7 designated accessible

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Strict food storage: store in vehicle or bear-proof locker when not in use; bears frequently seen
Fire Restrictions: Fires in fire rings; gathering wood prohibited
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leash no longer than 6 feet; not allowed on playground, bathhouses, or laundry
Generator Hours: No generators in sites 49–84; allowed in other sites 8:00–10:00, 12:00–14:00, 17:00–19:00
Quiet Hours: 10:00 pm–6:00 am
Max Stay Limit: 14 days (Jul 1–Labor Day); 30 days (Labor Day–Jun 30)

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking from camp; day hikes east of Logan Pass
Trailheads Nearby: Day hikes east of Logan Pass accessible from camp
Wildlife Viewing: Bears frequently seen
Stargazing Quality: Limited tree cover in some areas; potential for good stargazing
Shade Coverage: Some sites breezy; others shaded under trees
Scenic Views: Red Eagle Mountain backdrop; sunrises over St. Mary Lake
Noise Level: Mixed; early-morning arrivals can mitigate parking and crowd sounds
Best Time To Visit: Mid-June to mid-September; mornings see the best light and highest demand
Vibe Check: Functional basecamp near St. Mary; bear country; no hookups; early mornings drive the flow
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You navigate FCFS, drive a small-to-mid-size rig (21 ft), want quick access to day hikes east of Logan Pass, and can handle bear country. ❌ SKIP IF: You need hookups, guaranteed reservations, or a large RV.
Tips Advice: Arrive before 6am
Bear safety: lock food in a vehicle or bear locker
No hookups
Bring water
Pack for bear country

More details

Camp Types: tent
cabin
Reservation Info: Sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Family Friendly Notes: Bear country; kids welcome; quiet hours 10pm–6am; plan for early mornings and bear safety
Senior Access Discounts: America the Beautiful pass discount applies
Amphitheater: Evening ranger programs at the amphitheater
Boat Launch: Boat tours available on St. Mary Lake; no dedicated on-site launch mentioned
Nearby Attractions: St. Mary area, St. Mary Lake, Going-to-the-Sun Road access, Logan Pass
Terrain Type: Varies from breezy open sites to shaded tree-covered sites
Wind Exposure: Some sites breezy due to open areas
Setup Strategy: Arrive early; most sites are compact and back-in; 21 ft max; paved internal roads; plan for compact rig
Bath Laundry Recon: Showers token-operated at adjacent Rising Sun Motor Inn; no on-site laundry listed
Ideal Camper Profile: Best for flexible campers who don’t mind first-come, first-served rules. Suitable for tents, trailers, and small RVs; groups up to eight people and two vehicles per site. Arrive early, especially in peak season, to secure a site.
Review Summary: High demand in peak season with praise for sunrise views over St. Mary Lake; expect lines and limited parking; strong emphasis on bear safety and cleanliness.