Sprague Creek Campground

Lake McDonald camp: tent or 21 ft rigs, no hookups, reservations required.

When to come

Varies

Campground

CampgroundOPERATIONAL★ 4.5

Here's the plan. Sprague Creek sits on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald, shaded by pines. Only smaller rigs up to 21 ft fit here and reservations are required; some shore sites offer unobstructed lake views.

Sprague Creek is a small campground located on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald, just off Going-to-the-Sun Road. Towed units (vehicle plus unit) and RVs exceeding 21 feet are not permitted in this campground. The campground is located within trees, providing shade during warm summers. Some sites near the shore have unobstructed views of Lake McDonald. Reservations are required to camp at Sprague Creek Campground. Click the reservation button below for details.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Most sites: 6-month rolling window; some sites: 4-day window. In 2024, all sites through July 7 were bookable on Jan 7 at 8:00 MST; rest follow 6-month rolling.
Reservation Tips
Reservations via Recreation.gov; most sites open 6 months out; all sites require reservations; non-reserved sites require early arrival
Season Dates
May 26 - October 2, 2024

CHOOSE YOUR OVERNIGHT BASE

Should you camp here?

Why camp here?

Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You want a forested lakeside site with a tent or small RV up to 21 ft and you plan ahead on Recreation.gov. ❌ SKIP IF: You need full hookups or a large RV; you want more privacy
Vibe Check
Forest campground near Lake McDonald; quiet but with road noise; limited privacy

What kind of site will you get?

Site Type Breakdown
Tent sites, small RV sites ≤21 ft, hike/bike sites
Site Privacy
Sites generally close together; outer loop may offer better privacy

How does it fit your Glacier trip?

Distance From Entrance
About 9 miles from the West Entrance
Trailheads Nearby
Avalanche Lake Trail; John's Lake Loop

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Most sites: 6-month rolling window; some sites: 4-day window. In 2024, all sites through July 7 were bookable on Jan 7 at 8:00 MST; rest follow 6-month rolling.
Reservation Tips
Reservations via Recreation.gov; most sites open 6 months out; all sites require reservations; non-reserved sites require early arrival
Season Dates
May 26 - October 2, 2024
Fills Up Speed
High competition; sites sell out quickly; arriving very early is recommended for non-reserved sites.
Per Night Cost
$30/night standard; $8 per person per night for hiker/biker
Day Use Fees
Park entrance fees apply; day-use fee not listed
Passes Accepted
Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Access Pass

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
25
Site Types
Primarily tent sites; small RVs ≤21 ft; hike/bike sites
RV Max Length
21 feet
Hookups
No electric, water, or sewer hookups
Site Features
Fire ring (with grate on some sites); picnic table; tent pads (site 18 is 8x8 ft); bear-proof storage lockers available nearby
Ground Type
Tent pads; site 18 has an 8x8 ft pad

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets with sinks and running water; no hand soap
Showers Available
None on-site
Potable Water
Potable water spigots available seasonally
Dump Station
Seasonal dump station
Trash Service
Bear-proof dumpsters and recycling
Camp Store
No
Firewood Availability
Gathering firewood prohibited; no on-site firewood sales
Cell Service
Poor or no cell service
Nearby Facilities
Lake McDonald Lodge camp store, restaurant; West Glacier entrance station

Access

Road Type
Paved
Road Conditions
Roads vary; construction noise and dust possible
Clearance Needed
Sedan-friendly (paved roads; size limits)
Gate Hours
No gate hours listed; access along Going-to-the-Sun Road
Nearest Gas Services
Lake McDonald Lodge ~1 mile away (camp store, restaurant, fuel); West Glacier entrance station for supplies
Elevation
Varies
Accessibility
One ADA site; assistive access may vary
ADA Accessible Sites
One wheelchair-accessible site

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Bear safety: bear-proof storage lockers available; store food in a vehicle or locker when not in use
Fire Restrictions
Fire rings provided; gathering firewood prohibited
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Leash required (6 ft)
Generator Hours
Generators prohibited at all times
Quiet Hours
10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Max Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking, lake swimming/kayaking, fishing, ranger talks, stargazing
Fishing Details
Fishing nearby; Montana regulations apply
Wildlife Viewing
Bear country; bear storage rules; expect wildlife
Stargazing Quality
Possible, though tree cover may limit views
Shade Coverage
Dense forest provides shade
Scenic Views
Some shoreline sites have unobstructed views of Lake McDonald
Noise Level
Noticeable road noise from Going-to-the-Sun Road
Best Time To Visit
Varies
Tips Advice
  • Book 6 months ahead on Recreation.gov
  • Bring a headlamp for 2am bathroom runs
  • Store food properly in bear lockers or vehicle
  • Check water availability; bring jugs in shoulder seasons
  • Outer loop offers privacy and lake views, but expect road noise

More details

Camp Types
  • tent
  • cabin
Reservation Info
Reservations are required to camp at Sprague Creek Campground. Campsites become reservable on a rolling basis, 6 months in advance from the date you want to book your stay. Reservations must be made through Recreation.gov. A certain number of sites will be reservable up to 4 days before the desired date.
Family Friendly Notes
Quiet hours 10pm-6am; shoreline access for kids; bear awareness
Senior Access Discounts
Senior/Access pass discounts apply when camping
Boat Launch
Nearby boat launch sites
Nearby Attractions
Lake McDonald Lodge (1 mile); West Glacier supplies
Terrain Type
Heavily forested with partial shade
Temperature Ranges
Varies by season
Setup Strategy
RVs: no towed units; 21 ft max; roads paved; parking per site; not RV friendly for long rigs
Bath Laundry Recon
Shower facilities: none on-site; nearest options may be Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge
Review Summary
High demand; shade and lake proximity praised; plan ahead for reservations and privacy

Location

Sprague Creek Campground at Glacier National Park sits along a tranquil lake with forested mountains in the distance.Sprague Creek Campground along Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park at sunset, with a sandy shore and forested mountains in the distance.A person stands on a rocky shore at Sprague Creek Campground in Glacier National Park, watching a glowing sunset over Lake McDonald.Sprague Creek Campground in Glacier National Park with a glowing campfire and a tent among tall pines.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears at Sprague Creek Campground?

Yes. It is bear country; use bear-proof storage lockers and store food in a vehicle or locker when not in use.

Are there showers at Sprague Creek?

No showers on-site. The nearest options are likely at Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge.

Can I bring a larger RV?

No. RVs are limited to 21 feet and towing is not allowed.

Do I need a reservation?

Yes. All sites require reservations via Recreation.gov.

Is there a dump station on-site?

There is a seasonal dump station available.

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 December 2025. Report an issue.