Glacier National Park 2026 Reservations: Complete Guide & What Changed
What to reserve for Glacier in 2026, in what order — shuttles first, campgrounds second, lodges third.
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Glacier National Park eliminated all vehicle reservations for 2026 — but shuttles now require paid tickets booked on Recreation.gov. Here’s exactly what to reserve, in what order, before your trip.
The biggest shift: the free hop-on shuttle system is gone. Tickets cost $1/person and sell out fast. Book shuttles first, campgrounds second, lodges third.
Before booking you’ll need a free Recreation.gov account (for shuttle tickets, campgrounds, and backcountry permits), a credit or debit card, and confirmed travel dates. If booking lodges, also a glaciernationalparklodges.com account or phone number (855-733-4522).
Step 1: Book Shuttle Tickets (Biggest 2026 Change)
The free walk-on shuttle system Glacier used in prior years is gone. In 2026, all park shuttles require pre-purchased tickets through Recreation.gov. The tickets cost just $1 per person as a processing fee, but availability is genuinely limited — sell-outs are expected on peak summer days.
How to book: go to Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777, then select your shuttle date and route. Per NPS.gov, the 60-day advance booking window opens May 2, 2026 at 8 a.m. MT.
2026 shuttle routes (express only): the west side runs Apgar Visitor Center → Lake McDonald Lodge → Logan Pass. The east side runs St. Mary Visitor Center → Rising Sun → Logan Pass. Transfer between routes at Logan Pass. Per NPS.gov, the 2026 express shuttle does NOT stop at Avalanche Creek or Trail of the Cedars — drive your own vehicle or plan an alternative trailhead.
Next-day tickets: starting June 30, 2026, a same-day window opens nightly at 7 p.m. MT for the following day. This is your safety net if you miss the 60-day window — check back each evening during your trip. Who is exempt: children under age 2 ride free. Backcountry permit holders and Granite Park Chalet guests have reserved shuttle access. If hiking a one-way route (e.g., Highline Trail west to east), book both your outbound and return shuttle tickets at the same time. The east and west routes connect at Logan Pass, but you need a separate ticket for each leg.
Step 2: Reserve Your Campsite
Glacier has 13 campgrounds. Seven require reservations; six are first-come, first-served. All reservations go through Recreation.gov.
Reservation campgrounds (7): Apgar, Avalanche, Fish Creek, Many Glacier, Sprague Creek, St. Mary, and Two Medicine. Peak-season 2026 sites opened January 2, 2026 on a 6-month rolling calendar. Many popular sites — especially Many Glacier — book out months in advance.
Cost: per NPS.gov, nightly rates run approximately $15–$30/night depending on campground and season. Confirm 2026 rates on Recreation.gov when booking.
Generator hours (all campgrounds): generators are allowed 8–10 a.m., noon–2 p.m., and 5–7 p.m. only. Prohibited entirely at Sprague Creek, Fish Creek C-Loop, Rising Sun, some Many Glacier sites, St. Mary A-Loop, Two Medicine sites 1–36, and Cut Bank. St. Mary exception: from August 17 to September 11, St. Mary Campground shifts to walk-up only — reservations must be made the same day you arrive. This is a quieter window to visit without advance planning. Didn’t get a reservation? Show up at first-come campgrounds by 10 a.m. — that’s when overnight departures clear. Rising Sun, Bowman Lake, and Cut Bank are your best bets for walk-up availability mid-week.
| Campground | Type | Max Vehicle Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apgar | Reservation | 40 ft (select sites) | Near west entrance, full facilities |
| Avalanche | Reservation | 21 ft | Near Trail of the Cedars |
| Fish Creek | Reservation | 35 ft | Lakeside, popular with families |
| Many Glacier | Reservation | 35 ft | Sells out fastest; book day-one |
| Sprague Creek | Reservation | 21 ft (no towed units) | Lakeside, no generators allowed |
| St. Mary | Reservation* | 35 ft | *Walk-up only Aug 17–Sep 11 |
| Two Medicine | Reservation | 32 ft | East side, quieter crowds |
| Bowman Lake | First-Come | 21 ft | North Fork, dirt road access |
| Cut Bank | First-Come | 21 ft | Primitive, no generators |
| Kintla Lake | First-Come | 21 ft | Remote North Fork |
| Rising Sun | First-Come | 25 ft | East side, walk-up only |
| Logging Creek | First-Come | 21 ft | North Fork, primitive |
| Quartz Creek | First-Come | 21 ft | Very remote, high-clearance advised |
Step 3: Book a Lodge
Glacier’s in-park lodges are operated by Pursuit (Glacier National Park Lodges). Reservations open up to 13 months in advance, with the monthly window opening on the 1st of each month at midnight MT for the corresponding month of the following year.
How to book: online at glaciernationalparklodges.com or by phone at 855-733-4522 (daily 7 a.m.–7 p.m. MT).
Deposit: first night’s rate charged at booking. Children 11 and under stay free with a paying adult. Extra adults: $15/night. No pets allowed (service animals permitted).
Missed the lodge window? Check Whitefish (25 miles west) or West Glacier (park gateway) for private lodging. Both towns have year-round options, and gateway stays let you enter the park early each morning before crowds build.
| Property | Location | Approx. Open Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake McDonald Lodge | West side | May 15 – Sep 28, 2026 | Historic NPS lodge, 82 rooms + cabins |
| Many Glacier Hotel | East side (Many Glacier) | June – September | Sells out fastest; set a midnight calendar reminder |
| Swiftcurrent Motor Inn | Many Glacier area | June – September | Motel-style rooms and cabins, good value |
| Rising Sun Motor Inn | East side (St. Mary) | June – September | Convenient for east-side hiking |
| Village Inn at Apgar | West entrance | May – October | Lake views, close to Apgar Visitor Center |
| Glacier Park Lodge | East Glacier | June – September | Gateway town, outside park boundary |
Step 4: Get a Backcountry Permit (If Applicable)
Backcountry camping in Glacier’s designated wilderness sites requires a permit year-round. Skip this step if you’re camping only in developed campgrounds or day-hiking.
Cost: $10 non-refundable application fee + $7/person/night camping fee. Per NPS.gov, cancellations made 7+ days before the trip receive a full camping fee refund.
Walk-up permits: about 30% of backcountry sites are reserved for walk-up permits, distributed at ranger stations. Show up early — stations typically open at 8 a.m. and lines form before that in peak season.
Booking: online at Recreation.gov (permit #4675321) or call 877-444-6777. Maximum itinerary: 16 miles per day.
| Method | When | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Large group lottery | Apply March 1, 2026 only (midnight–11:59 p.m. MT) | Groups of 9–12 people |
| Standard lottery | Apply March 15, 2026; booking window March 21–April 30 | Groups of 1–8 people; 3,000 reservations |
| General rolling sale | May 1, 2026 at 8 a.m. MT onward | Anyone; first-come, online |
Step 5: Buy Your Entrance Pass
No reservation needed for park entry. Pay the entrance fee at the gate or buy in advance at store.usgs.gov.
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) pays for itself in 3 visits and covers Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and 2,000+ other federal sites. Best value for anyone visiting more than one national park in a year.
| Pass Type | Cost | Valid |
|---|---|---|
| Private Vehicle | $35 | 7 consecutive days |
| Motorcycle | $30 | 7 consecutive days |
| Per Person (walk-in/bike) | $20 | 7 consecutive days |
| America the Beautiful Annual Pass | $80 | 1 year, all federal sites |
| Senior Pass (lifetime, 62+) | $80 | Lifetime |
| Military / Every Kid Outdoors | Free | Varies |
Step 6: Plan for Logan Pass (No Reservation, Time Limits Apply)
Logan Pass no longer requires a vehicle reservation — but as of July 1, 2026, private vehicles are subject to a 3-hour maximum parking limit, per NPS.gov. Overnight parking is prohibited except for backcountry permit holders and Granite Park Chalet guests.
Logan Pass fills by 9–10 a.m. on peak July/August days. The 3-hour limit is designed to create faster turnover — mid-morning arrivals (9:30–11 a.m.) may find openings as early visitors depart. Rangers can divert traffic during high congestion.
What Changed in 2026 vs. 2025
Glacier made major operational changes for 2026. If you visited in 2024 or 2025, the system is substantially different. Here’s the complete comparison, per the 2026 Summer Operations announcement on NPS.gov.
| Topic | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| GTSR vehicle reservations | Required 6 a.m.–3 p.m. peak season ($2 fee) | Eliminated entirely |
| Many Glacier / Two Medicine / North Fork | Vehicle reservations required | Eliminated |
| Logan Pass parking | No time limit | 3-hour maximum limit (July 1+) |
| Park shuttles | Free, board at any stop | Ticketed ($1/person), express routes, Recreation.gov required |
| Avalanche Creek shuttle stop | Served by shuttle | Not served in 2026 |
| Shuttle booking | Not applicable (walk-on) | 60-day advance (May 2); next-day at 7 p.m. (June 30 onward) |
Common Questions
Do I need a reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2026?
No. Vehicle reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road were eliminated for 2026. You can drive GTSR freely without any advance permit. However, Logan Pass has a 3-hour parking limit effective July 1, and the lot fills by 9–10 a.m. on peak days. Consider taking the shuttle or arriving before 8 a.m.
Are Glacier National Park shuttles still free in 2026?
No. The free shuttle system ended. In 2026, all park shuttles require a ticket purchased on Recreation.gov. The ticket costs $1/person as a processing fee. Shuttles run express routes only — west (Apgar → Lake McDonald Lodge → Logan Pass) and east (St. Mary → Rising Sun → Logan Pass). Children under 2 are free. Tickets open 60 days in advance starting May 2, 2026.
How far in advance can I book Glacier campgrounds?
Reservation campgrounds opened January 2, 2026 for peak-season 2026 dates on a 6-month rolling basis. Check Recreation.gov for current availability. Many Glacier fills first — check it immediately if it’s your target. First-come campgrounds (Bowman Lake, Cut Bank, Rising Sun, etc.) cannot be reserved — arrive by 10 a.m. on your target day.
When do Glacier National Park lodges open for 2026?
Lake McDonald Lodge opens May 15, 2026. Most other lodges (Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, Rising Sun Motor Inn) open in June. Village Inn at Apgar opens in May. Reservations open 13 months in advance — book on the 1st of each month at midnight MT for the corresponding month of next year at glaciernationalparklodges.com.
What is the entrance fee for Glacier National Park in 2026?
$35/vehicle, $30/motorcycle, or $20/person for walk-ins and cyclists. Valid for 7 consecutive days. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers all NPS sites for one year — best value if you’re visiting multiple parks. Senior passes (62+) are $80 lifetime. Active military and Every Kid Outdoors participants enter free.
Can I get a backcountry permit without winning the lottery?
Yes. If you miss the March lottery, general sale permits become available on Recreation.gov starting May 1, 2026 at 8 a.m. MT on a rolling basis. Additionally, about 30% of backcountry sites are held as walk-up permits distributed at ranger stations. Show up early — lines form before stations open at 8 a.m. during peak season.
Sources & Further Reading
- NPS — Visiting Logan Pass in 2026 — National Park Service
- NPS — Visiting Glacier in 2026 — National Park Service
- NPS — Glacier 2026 Summer Operations announcement — National Park Service
- NPS — Glacier camping information — National Park Service
- NPS — Glacier backcountry reservations — National Park Service
- NPS — Glacier fees and passes — National Park Service
- Recreation.gov — Glacier campground gateway — Recreation.gov
- Recreation.gov — Glacier wilderness permit #4675321 — Recreation.gov
- Recreation.gov — Recreation.gov
- glaciernationalparklodges.com — secure.glaciernationalparklodges.com
- store.usgs.gov — store.usgs.gov
