Sprague Creek Campground

Sprague Creek Campground building at Glacier National Park, a small brown utility structure among pines.

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

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
Extra Vehicle Fees: Not specified
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
Site Type Breakdown: Tent sites, small RV sites ≤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
Site Privacy: Sites generally close together; outer loop may offer better privacy

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
Vehicle Restrictions: No towed units; RVs max 21 ft
Clearance Needed: Sedan-friendly (paved roads; size limits)
Gate Hours: No gate hours listed; access along Going-to-the-Sun Road
Distance From Entrance: About 9 miles from the West Entrance
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
Trailheads Nearby: Avalanche Lake Trail; John's Lake Loop
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
Vibe Check: Forest campground near Lake McDonald; quiet but with road noise; limited privacy
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
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