St. Mary Campground: $30/Night, 148 Sites, Reservations

Wooden bridge spans a misty, forested landscape in Glacier National Park near St. Mary.

Here's the plan. This is a large east-side basecamp with year-round reservations and near the Visitor Center for interpretive programs and shuttle tours. Expect limited shade and cool evenings—pack layers, bring a water jug just in case, and plan ahead for a smooth stay.

St. Mary Campground is the largest campground on the east side of Glacier National Park and is open year-round. Activities such as interpretive programs, book sales, and shuttle service tours are located at the nearby St. Mary Visitor Center. St. Mary requires a reservation throughout the season. Though shade may be sparse, aspen trees grace St. Mary Campground with soothing sounds from spring and summer breezes, and colorful splashes of yellow late in the season.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: 6 months rolling for advance reservations; 0-day bookings open at 8:00 AM MT on the day
Reservation Tips: Book six months out; for last-minute visits, the 0-day window opens at 8 AM MT on the day
Season Dates: Open year-round; full services typically late May/early June through mid-September/early October; primitive camping in off-season

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: 6 months rolling for advance reservations; 0-day bookings open at 8:00 AM MT on the day
Reservation Tips: Book six months out; for last-minute visits, the 0-day window opens at 8 AM MT on the day
Season Dates: Open year-round; full services typically late May/early June through mid-September/early October; primitive camping in off-season
Fills Up Speed: High demand; books quickly for advance reservations
Per Night Cost: $30 standard site; tent sites $8 per person per night; group sites $90; primitive $20
Extra Vehicle Fees: Not explicitly stated; campsite capacity is two vehicles per site
Day Use Fees: Park entrance fee applies separately
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful passes accepted; Interagency Senior/Access Pass 50% off camping

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 148 sites
Site Types: Tent and standard (tent/RV) sites; no hookups
Site Type Breakdown: 14 tent-only sites; rest standard (tent/RV)
RV Max Length: Up to 40 ft in 3 sites; up to 35 ft in 22 sites; larger rigs in designated sites
Group Sites Available: 1
Group Site Capacity: 9-24 people
Hookups: None (no electric, water, or sewer)
Site Features: Fire ring (grate) and picnic table at each site
Ground Type: Paved campground roads; site surfaces vary (gravel or dirt)
Site Privacy: Limited privacy; some screening from trees

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets with sinks and running water
Showers Available: Shower facilities for Loop C registered campers; tokens required at entry
Potable Water: Potable water spigots available throughout campground
Dump Station: On-site dump station
Trash Service: Bear-proof dumpsters
Camp Store: No
Firewood Availability: Firewood available at most camp stores; gathering or cutting firewood prohibited
Cell Service: Unreliable and inconsistent
Nearby Facilities: In the nearby town of St. Mary, you’ll find a camp store, a gas station, grocery options, and several restaurants about 2 miles from the campground.

Access

Road Type: Paved roads within the campground
Road Conditions: Generally well-maintained
Vehicle Restrictions: Two-vehicle max per site; longer rigs limited on Going-to-the-Sun Road in some sections
Clearance Needed: Sedan friendly within designated sites
Gate Hours: Not stated
Distance From Entrance: Approximately 0.9 miles from the St. Mary entrance via Going-to-the-Sun Road
Nearest Gas Services: Town of St. Mary ~2 miles away; gas, groceries, and shops available
Accessibility: ADA-accessible sites exist (list includes B51, B57, B60, B62, B65, B69, B70, B73, B78, B81, B83, B84, B85, B86, B91–B95, B97–B100, C102–C109, C113, C115, C117, C118, C122–C126, and Site 146)
ADA Accessible Sites: ADA sites exist: B51, B57, B60, B62, B65, B69, B70, B73, B78, B81, B83, B84, B85, B86, B91–B95, B97–B100, C102–C109, C113, C115, C117, C118, C122–C126, and Site 146

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Store all food, coolers, cooking utensils, and scented items in a hard-sided vehicle or bear-proof locker when not in use
Fire Restrictions: Campfires permitted in designated fire rings; may be restricted during high fire danger
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leash 6 feet or less
Generator Hours: Loops B & C: 8:00-10:00, 12:00-14:00, 17:00-19:00; Loop A: generators prohibited
Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Max Stay Limit: 14 days between July 1 and Labor Day; 30 days between Labor Day and June 30

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives
Trailheads Nearby: Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor trails; local St. Mary area trails
Wildlife Viewing: Wildlife viewing opportunities
Stargazing Quality: Observatory available; good opportunities for stargazing
Shade Coverage: Shade may be sparse; aspens provide limited shade
Scenic Views: Meadow and mountain views through tree lines
Noise Level: Moderate; proximity to visitor center and road
Best Time To Visit: Summer (June–Aug) best for weather and trails; fall (Sept–Oct) colors; spring (Apr–May) variable
Vibe Check: Functional basecamp with proximity to St. Mary amenities; not a deep-worest retreat—expect some activity and crowds
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want a large east-side Glacier campground with solid water access and no hookups, plus shuttle access from St. Mary. ❌ SKIP IF: You seek total seclusion and full hookups
Tips Advice: Reserve early via Recreation.gov; this one sells out.
Two vehicles max per site; larger rigs go to designated sites.
Shower tokens required in Loop C; bring coins if needed.
Bear safety: keep food in hard-sided containers or lockers.

More details

Camp Types: tent
cabin
Reservation Info: Campground sites can be reserved April 19 through October 31, 2025. Reservations are NOT required during the winter months. Reservations must be made through Recreation.gov. Individual campsites may be reserved up to 6 months in advance. The two group sites can be reserved up to six months in advance.
Family Friendly Notes: Interpretive programs at St. Mary Visitor Center; family-friendly layout with easy access to the town and shuttle tours
Senior Access Discounts: 50% off camping with Senior/Access pass
Nearby Attractions: St. Mary Visitor Center; shuttle tours; town of St. Mary; Going-to-the-Sun Road access
Terrain Type: Flat, open campground with aspens; some shaded sites
Wind Exposure: Higher loops more exposed; Loop A tends to be more sheltered
Setup Strategy: Internal roads are paved; plan for level, paved pads and a two-vehicle limit per site; larger rigs should target designated sites; watch for long-vehicle restrictions on Going-to-the-Sun Road
Bath Laundry Recon: Shower facilities for Loop C; tokens at entry; hot water expected for registered campers
Ideal Camper Profile: This campground suits tents and mid-size RVs up to 40 feet seeking a basic, non-serviced setup in Glacier National Park. There are 141 standard, non-serviced sites with gravel spurs (20–40 ft), and some sites designated as Tent Only, plus a group site at 139–140. No hookups are available; generators are prohibited in Loop A and may run in Loops B & C during 8–10, 12–2, and 5–7. Potable water spigots are located around the campground and at the dump station; during primitive camping, no potable water is provided. The town of St. Mary is about 2 miles away for camp store, gas, groceries, and dining.
Review Summary: St. Mary Campground serves as a solid east-side Glacier basecamp with quick access to Going-to-the-Sun Road and local programs. It draws crowds in peak season, and shade is limited, so plan accordingly. Water, dump, and showers in Loop C add convenience for families and groups.

Location

Photos

St. Mary Campground area in Glacier National Park offers a turquoise lake and snow-capped peaks beyond green forests.

Picnic table and bench at a Glacier National Park campground with a distant mountain view near St. Mary.

St. Mary Lake at Glacier National Park reflects jagged, snow-dusted peaks and a weathered driftwood shoreline.

St. Mary Campground boardwalk in Glacier National Park crosses a calm river with snowcapped peaks in the distance.

Frequently asked questions

Are bears present at St. Mary Campground?

Yes. Bear country; store food and scented items in hard-sided containers or bear lockers; effectively manage food storage when not in use.

Will my RV fit, e.g., 35-40 ft?

A few sites accommodate up to 40 ft; 22 sites up to 35 ft; larger rigs can stay in designated sites within the campground.

Do I need a reservation?

Yes. St. Mary requires a reservation during the season; advance bookings are common and popular.

Is cell service reliable here?

Cell service is unreliable and inconsistent across Glacier.

Are showers available at the campground?

Yes, in Loop C for registered campers; tokens are required at the entry station.

Can I drive to the town for supplies easily?

Yes. St. Mary town is about 2 miles away with gas, groceries, and a camp store; shopping and dining options are nearby.

Are ADA sites available?

Yes. Numerous ADA sites exist; list includes B51, B57, B60, B62, B65, B69, B70, B73, B78, B81, B83, B84, B85, B86, B91–B95, B97–B100, C102–C109, C113, C115, C117, C118, C122–C126, and Site 146.