Two Medicine Campground

Two Medicine Campground in Glacier National Park features mountain goats near a red picnic table and campsite.

It's rustic, but your kids will thank you for real privacy under the pines. Boat tours and Red Bus rides are easy to access, and the accessible Running Eagle Falls trail is a nice morning option. Advanced reservations are required, it's about 13 miles from East Glacier, and in late September there’s no running water or flush toilets.

Two Medicine is approximately 13 miles from East Glacier. Sites within the campground at are generally shaded by trees, and offer some privacy from other campers. Boat tours and Red Bus tours can be found at Two Medicine. There are numerous day hiking opportunities available, including a handicap accessible trail to Running Eagle Falls. The campground remains open in late-September for primitive camping with no running water or flush toilets. Advanced reservations are required for all sites.

Quick facts

Reservation System: First-come, first-served
Reservation Window: No advance reservations
Reservation Tips: Arrive early; lines form by morning; prime sites fill fast; check with ranger for group sites
Season Dates: Late May–late October; primitive camping Sept 22–Oct 31 (weather permitting).

Reservations & season

Reservation System: First-come, first-served
Reservation Window: No advance reservations
Reservation Tips: Arrive early; lines form by morning; prime sites fill fast; check with ranger for group sites
Season Dates: Late May–late October; primitive camping Sept 22–Oct 31 (weather permitting).
Fills Up Speed: High demand; fills by mid-morning; plan to arrive by 8:30 AM.
Per Night Cost: $20/night (summer); primitive $10/night; some sources cite $30/$15.
Extra Vehicle Fees: Varies; no explicit fee listed
Day Use Fees: Park entrance fee applies; private vehicle pass $35 (1-7 days)
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful pass accepted at 50% discount

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 100
Site Types: 100 single-family sites; 13 RV/trailer-capable up to 32 ft; 40-42 and 51 reserved for non-vehicle campers; 52 backcountry permit site
Site Type Breakdown: 100 single-family sites; 13 RV/trailer-capable; 4 vehicle-free sites (40-42,51); 1 backcountry permit site (52)
RV Max Length: Varies by site; up to 32 ft on some sites; some sites suitable for 21 ft max; road conditions can restrict larger rigs
Group Sites Available: 1
Group Site Capacity: 9-24 campers
Hookups: No electric, water, or sewer hookups
Site Features: Fire ring (grate), picnic table; ADA site A19 next to bathroom; vault toilets in primitive season; water spigots in-season; on-site dump station; bear-proof dumpsters; camp store
Ground Type: Tent pads on dirt/gravel; internal roads paved
Site Privacy: Forested sites with some privacy between campers

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets with sinks and running water during peak season; vault toilets during primitive season
Showers Available: No on-site showers; fee showers at Rising Sun and Swiftcurrent Motor Inns and adjacent campgrounds
Potable Water: Potable water spigots in-season; bring water during primitive season
Dump Station: On-site RV dump station
Trash Service: Bear-proof dumpsters available
Camp Store: Yes - seasonal
Firewood Availability: Firewood for sale at camp store; gathering firewood prohibited
Nearby Facilities: East Glacier Park 13 miles away with basic services

Access

Road Type: Paved roads inside campground
Road Conditions: Generally well-maintained; some reports of tight sites; access for larger RVs limited
Vehicle Restrictions: RVs and towed units may not be permitted in some areas due to road conditions
Clearance Needed: Sedan-friendly; larger RVs may have access issues
Gate Hours: Not specified if night-locked
Distance From Entrance: 13 miles
Nearest Gas Services: East Glacier Park, ~13 miles
Accessibility: ADA site A19; accessible path to bathroom; some areas are sedan-friendly but may be tight for large rigs
ADA Accessible Sites: ADA site A19; located next to a bathroom

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Store all food, coolers, cooking gear, and scented items in bear-resistant container or locked vehicle or NPS locker; soft-side camping may not be allowed
Fire Restrictions: Fires must be contained within fire rings and attended; gathering of firewood prohibited
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leash 6 feet or less; not on trails, lake shores, or backcountry
Generator Hours: 8-10 AM, 12-2 PM, 5-7 PM; generators prohibited in sites 1-36
Quiet Hours: 10 PM–6 AM (some sources indicate 8 PM–8 AM)
Max Stay Limit: 7 days in July/August; 14 days per calendar year

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking directly from campground; fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing; boat tours; ranger-led programs
Trailheads Nearby: Northern Shore Trailhead; Southern Shore Trailhead
Fishing Details: Access to Two Medicine Lake for fishing; license rules not specified
Wildlife Viewing: Bear country; expect wildlife such as bears and small mammals
Stargazing Quality: Excellent stargazing due to minimal light pollution
Shade Coverage: Tree canopy provides shade throughout campground
Scenic Views: Lake access and forest views; Two Medicine Lake nearby
Noise Level: Variable; daytime noise from day-use activities; nights generally quiet
Best Time To Visit: Late May–late October; crowds peak in summer; arrive early; fall primitive camping begins Sept 22
Vibe Check: Forest shade, practical basecamp vibe; no hookups; be ready for an active day and early lines
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want forested, budget-conscious family camping with no hookups and can secure a first-come spot; you’re prepared for primitive water in shoulder seasons. ❌ SKIP IF: You need guaranteed reservations, full hookups, or RVs longer than about 32 ft.
Tips Advice: Arrive by 8:30 AM to secure a site in peak season
Bring water during primitive season
Store all food in bear-resistant containers
No wood gathering; buy from camp store

More details

Camp Types: tent
cabin
Reservation Info: Campsites become reservable on a rolling basis, 6 months in advance from the date you want to book your stay. A certain number of sites will be reservable up to 4 days before the desired date.
Family Friendly Notes: Shade and privacy; easy access to Two Medicine Lake and short hikes; family-oriented but busy in peak season
Senior Access Discounts: Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
Amphitheater: Amphitheater on-site hosting ranger programs during summer
Boat Launch: Boat tours available; no dedicated on-site boat launch listed
Nearby Attractions: Two Medicine boat tours; Red Bus tours; East Glacier Park services 13 miles away
Terrain Type: Forested, with paved internal roads; some sites tight; generally flat
Bug Season: Mosquitoes prevalent near water; bring repellent
Setup Strategy: Internal roads are paved; expect tight sites for larger RVs; 13 RV-capable sites up to 32 ft; plan to scout and arrive early
Bath Laundry Recon: No on-site showers; no listed laundry; nearby options at Rising Sun and Swiftcurrent
Review Summary: This campground is popular and fills fast in summer; water is seasonal; bear safety rules apply; rating 4.6 from 212 reviews.

Location

Photos

Two Medicine Campground area along a tranquil alpine lake with jagged peaks in Glacier National Park.

Two Medicine Campground in Glacier National Park shows a trailer parked among pines with a mountain backdrop.

Two Medicine Campground sits beneath rugged peaks in Glacier National Park on a clear summer day.

Two Medicine Campground sits along a calm river with rugged Glacier peaks and evergreen trees in Glacier National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears at Two Medicine Campground?

Yes. It’s bear country. Store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers or locked vehicles; soft-sided camping may be restricted.

Is there a water source on site?

Potable water spigots are available in-season; during primitive camping season you must provide your own water.

Can I bring a large RV or tow a trailer?

RVs up to 32 ft can use some sites, but road conditions and tight sites mean larger rigs may be restricted; sedan-friendly inside the campground but plan ahead.

Are pets allowed and what are the leash rules?

Pets are allowed but must be on a leash of 6 feet or less; not permitted on trails, lake shores, or backcountry.

When can I use a generator?

Generators allowed only during 8–10 AM, 12–2 PM, and 5–7 PM; not allowed in sites 1–36 at any time.

What amenities exist for water and bathrooms?

Peak-season bathrooms are flush toilets with sinks; primitive season uses vault toilets with no water; showers are not on-site.

Is there a booking URL or reservation system?

No advance reservations—it's strictly first-come, first-served; plan to arrive early and be flexible with your site choice.