Glacier National Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Glacier National Park offers exceptional RV camping across 13 campgrounds with over 1,000 sites, featuring America's most dramatic alpine scenery, pristine wilderness, and year-round outdoor adventures. Most campgrounds accommodate RVs up to 40 feet with no hookups inside the park, while strategic locations like Kalispell RV rentals and West Glacier camper van options offer convenient access to this 1-million-acre wonderland that welcomed over 3 million visitors in 2024.
What Makes Glacier National Park the Ultimate RV Destination?
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains along the Canadian border, Glacier National Park captures the raw majesty of America's wilderness with over 700 miles of hiking trails, pristine alpine lakes, and towering mountain peaks carved by ancient glaciers. Famous for being the "Crown of the Continent," this spectacular park sprawls across northwestern Montana and features some of the most iconic natural wonders like the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald, and the Continental Divide.
You'll discover a world of limitless adventure during your RV trip to Glacier, from hiking and wildlife viewing to boating and cross-country skiing. You can explore pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes throughout the park's million acres. There's no shortage of incredible spots for photography and wildlife viewing, like Many Glacier or the scenic Highline Trail. You can even experience the magic of crystal-clear mountain lakes at Lake McDonald or Bowman Lake. Pack your binoculars because you'll encounter roaming wildlife from mountain goats and bighorn sheep to black bears and grizzlies.
Summer is peak season for RVers with temperatures reaching a pleasant 70 to 80 degrees in the valleys, though it's typically 10-15 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Late spring and early fall offer mild weather with fewer crowds and stunning autumn colors. In winter, Glacier transforms into a snow-covered wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though heavy snowfall closes most roads except for limited access areas.
The park experienced significant visitation in 2024, making advance planning essential for securing campground reservations, especially during peak summer months when campgrounds fill quickly.
RV Rentals in Glacier National Park
Transportation
Driving
Driving
Glacier National Park is located in Montana's Rocky Mountains right at the US-Canada border and has four different entrances: the West Entrance, St. Mary, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier. The west entrance near West Glacier is the most accessible year-round and RV-friendly route. Size restrictions on the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road limit vehicles over 21 feet long, 10 feet high, and 8 feet wide (including mirrors), but there are still plenty of roads to explore in Glacier Country.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Montana West Gateway Access: Kalispell RV rentals position you perfectly for Glacier's west entrance, just 30 minutes from the park boundary. This vibrant city provides excellent access to amenities, services, and is the largest city in northwestern Montana with easy connections to Glacier National Park.
West Glacier Direct Access: West Glacier camper van rentals offer the closest access to Glacier's main entrance, providing premium convenience for park exploration while staying just minutes from the Apgar Visitor Center and Lake McDonald.
Parking
You can park your RV at campgrounds and visitor centers throughout the park, though parking can be challenging during the peak summer season. The parking lot at Logan Pass is notoriously busy, making maneuvering even small RVs extremely challenging. Winter parking is more limited due to road closures.
Public Transportation
Limited public transportation serves nearby gateway communities like West Glacier, Kalispell, and Whitefish. The Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell is about 24 miles from West Glacier, approximately a 35-40 minute drive. Once inside the park, alternative transportation includes guided tours, hiking, and seasonal shuttle services.
Campgrounds and parking in Glacier National Park
Campsites in Glacier National Park
Reservations camping
Apgar Campground
Apgar Campground is the largest campground in Glacier National Park, with 194 sites, located on the southern edge of Lake McDonald. The campground boasts 25 sites that can accommodate an RV up to 40 feet in length. This family-friendly campground features flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and an amphitheater for evening ranger programs. The location provides easy access to Lake McDonald's pristine waters, perfect for kayaking and fishing.
Fish Creek Campground
Fish Creek is the second largest campground in Glacier National Park, with 178 sites, conveniently located near Lake McDonald, with some sites offering filtered lake views. Open from May 26 to September 4, sites accommodate RVs with fees of $23 per night. For a generator-free experience, book in Loop C. Amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, potable water, and a dump station.
Many Glacier Campground
Many Glacier Campground sits at 4,500 feet on the eastern side of Glacier National Park, known for its natural beauty and serenity in a stunning aspen forest. Most campsites will not accommodate towed units over 21 feet, though a limited number can accommodate units 26 to 30 feet. The campground is within walking distance of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn with a restaurant, camp store, and coin-operated showers.
St. Mary Campground
St. Mary Campground sits right at the East Entrance of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and accommodates RVs up to 40 feet in length. Look for sites in Loop A for more shade as a tent camper; Loops B and C are typically better for RVs. This campground offers showers located in Loop C. The location provides dramatic mountain views and serves as an excellent base for eastside adventures.
West Glacier KOA Resort
This KOA Campground of the Year award winner is much more than a rustic campground, offering over 100 campsites with pull-through RV sites equipped with full hookups. RV sites accommodate rigs up to 75 feet with 50-amp service, along with amenities like cable TV and Wi-Fi. The resort features basketball courts, dog parks, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, the Lazy Bear Cafe, and an ice cream shop.
First-come first-served
Loop Brook Campground
The Loop Brook Campground can be found 5 km (3 miles) west of the summit of Rogers Pass. Open July 1 through late September, the campground offers 20 campsites that are first come first serve. Flush toilets, kitchen shelters and food lockers are available at the campground and generators can be used between the hours of 10am and 8pm; be sure to use sparingly so that others can enjoy the quiet of the campground and the park. Campfires are allowed with the purchase of a fire permit and firewood is free at the campground. Loop Brook Campground can accommodate RV’s and trailers of a variety of sizes; choose a site that is appropriate for your equipment, register and get set up!
Backcountry Camping
Glacier offers exceptional backcountry camping opportunities with permits required for overnight stays. The park's million-acre wilderness provides access to pristine camping locations, though higher elevations may have snow until July and can be extremely cold even during summer months.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds across North America for your next adventure.
Illecillewaet Campground
Located 3 km (1 mile) west of the summit of Rogers Pass, Illecillewaet Campground is open from late June through early October. The campground offers 60 campsites that offer kitchen shelters and food lockers. Water and flush toilets are available at the campground. Generators can be used between the hours of 10am and 8pm and it is requested that use is kept to a minimum so that the campground remains quiet. Firewood is available at the campground as is free with campfires being allowed with the purchase of a fire permit. Sites are first come first serve; upon your arrival, choose a site that fits your equipment and check in at the welcome station. The Illecillewaet campground makes a great home base from which to adventure!
Sprague Creek Campground
Sprague Creek Campground is a small, quiet campground located along the stunning shores of Lake McDonald, with some sites offering lovely water views. This generator-free campground accommodates vehicles up to 21 feet maximum, with 25 sites available. Open from the middle of May to the middle of September, fees are $30 per night with flush toilets and potable water available.
Avalanche Campground
Avalanche campground offers sites for tents and RVs, with a limited number accommodating larger vehicles up to 26 feet. Open from July 17 to September 17 with fees of $20 per night, the campground provides flush toilets, potable water, and dump station access. This location offers incredible access to the Avalanche Lake Trail and Trail of the Cedars right from your campsite.
Logging Creek Campground
Logging Creek Campground is one of the smallest in the park, with only 7 campsites, accessed by a very narrow dirt road where trailers and RVs are not permitted. Open from June 27 to late October with $10 fee, this remote location offers vault toilets but no electricity, potable water, or dump station.
Alternate camping
Private Campgrounds
If you cannot secure a campsite inside the park, you have plenty of options in nearby gateway cities like West Glacier, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Whitefish. These private campgrounds and RV parks offer modern amenities from full hookups and Wi-Fi to swimming pools and recreation facilities.
Backcountry Camping
Glacier offers exceptional backcountry camping opportunities with permits required for overnight stays. The park's million-acre wilderness provides access to pristine camping locations, though higher elevations may have snow until July and can be extremely cold even during summer months.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds across North America for your next adventure.
Seasonal activities in Glacier National Park
In-Season
Biking
During your visit to Glacier National Park, bring your bicycle along. The park will offer you a number of opportunities to explore it by bike, no matter your ability level. From the seat of your bike you can enjoy close-up views of old-growth forests, rivers and streams, a variety of birds and even some animals. Mountain bikers may enjoy a ride on the lower Beaver Valley Trail, beginning at the trailhead, which is near the Beaver Valley gravel pit, to the Grizzly Creek bridge. Keep in mind that mountain biking trails are also used by those hiking and walking, and caution should be taken when using the trails.
Wildlife Viewing
You will typically have a better chance of viewing wildlife by driving or hiking either early or late in the day, so keep that in mind if you are hoping for an animal encounter. Glacier National Park is home to grizzly and black bears and you are most likely to view them in the park from mid-May through early June. This is when they come out of hibernation and can frequently be seen from your car on the highway. Keep your eyes on the avalanche slopes in Rogers Pass to spot either type of bear. During the time that the dandelions are in bloom, you have a better chance to see a black bear eating the flowers near the side of the road. Mountain goats can be seen throughout the year above the highway snowsheds on the eastern side of Rogers Pass. Keep your eyes out for off-white forms near rocky areas; you may just spot a mountain goat!
Hiking
When it comes to hiking, you will find plenty of opportunities during your visit to Glacier National Park. Included in the park are the Columbia Mountains, which are rugged, with narrow valleys. You can find some easy hikes to take in the park, and many hikes that are more challenging. Many of the trails were built initially to access mountain climbs and glaciers. The majority of the hikes in the Illecillewaet area, for example, have an elevation gain of about 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). The reward is worth the effort, as your hike will frequently take you to ridges with amazing views or through stands of ancient giant trees. Regardless of your ability level, there is an opportunity for you to explore the park on foot during your visit.
Off-Season
Stay at Glacier Park Lodge
The Glacier Park Lodge is located at Rogers Pass in the Selkirk Mountains and provides a home based for you to begin and end your day. A traditional mountain lodge, staying at the Glacier Park lodge will provide the opportunity to experience one of the top year-round backcountry destinations in the world. The lodge is an excellent place to warm up and relax after a hard day of tramping through the park exploring! Rooms with two double beds or with a king or queen bed are available at the lodge.
Go Ski Touring in Rogers Pass
A popular winter activity in Glacier National Park is ski touring in Rogers Pass. The pass, which receives an average of 10 m (32 feet) of snowfall each year, is a popular destination for those who enjoy ski touring. Make sure to look into Parks Canada’s Winter Permit System, as explosive artillery fire is used in Rogers Pass in order to protect the highway and railway from natural avalanches and the system allows for the separation of skiers from the artillery fire and subsequent avalanches. Ski touring is an excellent way to enjoy the park and its beautiful winter scenery!
Visit the Rogers Pass Discovery Center
The Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, located within the Rogers Pass Historic Site, is open year-round and is a perfect place to explore during the months when there is a lot of snow on the ground in Glacier National Park. The Discovery Centre is a replica of a historic railway snowshed and, according to Explore Magazine, is “the best national park museum in Canada”. Recently renovated, the centre includes a theatre, exhibits about avalanches, wildlife and the area’s history and is the only facility in the front country that is open during the winter and early spring when campgrounds and day-use areas are covered in snow. The centre is open daily (except on December 25) though hours change throughout the year.
