Apgar campground is the largest campground in Glacier National Park, situated in trees, providing shade and privacy. It is heavily forested with partial shade, and some sites have views of Lake McDonald.
Evening programs with a ranger at the Apgar Amphitheater. Many trails are located within a short drive. Five Group Sites are reservable in advance. Food storage regulations are strictly enforced. Vehicle and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet (6.5 m) or wider than 8 feet (2.4 m) including mirrors are prohibited between the Sun Point parking area and Avalanche Campground. Campground length of stay is limited to 14 days. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. Generator use is permitted only during 8 am – 10 am, noon – 2 pm, or 5 pm – 7 pm. Campsites contain fire rings but do not have fire grates for grilling/food preparation. Hammocks must be hung over non vegetated areas using one inch straps or wider. Campsites allow a maximum of 2 tents per site. Firewood collection is prohibited. Commercial business (RV/trailer delivery) is not permitted within Glacier National Park.
National Park camping is the cathedral experience—crowded in peak season, reserved far in advance, and worth the planning. Food-storage orders are strict, and walk-up nights are scarce when the parks fill.
Nearest town: West Glacier. Elevation about 3200 feet.
Campground snapshot
- Agency / unit: NPS — Glacier National Park
- Sites: 194
- Type: Tent/RV
- Fee range: $30
- Season: May-Oct
- Reservations: Recreation.gov
- Max RV length: 21 ft
- Best for: Lake McDonald west side base
Amenities
Potable water, flush toilets, sinks with running water, picnic table, fire rings, coin operated showers (nearby at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn), restaurant (nearby at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn), camp store (nearby at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn), gift shop (nearby at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn), limited groceries (nearby at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn)
How to book
Book early through Recreation.gov. Glacier and Yellowstone gateway nights fill months ahead; smaller primitive loops still need a firm plan for arrival day. Official listing: www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10171274.
Bear country & campcraft
This stop sits in classic Montana bear country. Store all attractants—food, trash, toiletries, cookware, and pet food—in a hard-sided vehicle, an IGBC-approved container, a provided bear box, or a proper hang. Never bring food or cooking clothes into the tent.
Campfires belong only in provided metal rings when restrictions allow. Drown, stir, and feel the ashes with the back of your hand before leaving or sleeping. In Stage II restrictions, open fires are banned even in developed sites—use a shut-off stove only.
Follow Leave No Trace: camp on durable surfaces, pack out everything you pack in, and leave the site cleaner than you found it.
Plan the rest of the trip
- Camping reference: reservations, bears, and fire rules
- Open this stop on the Backroads Guided Trails map
- Campgrounds directory
Visitor Access
- Nearest town: West Glacier
- Focus: National Park
- Coordinates: 48.5283, -113.9831
- Access note: Confirm road conditions, water availability, and fire restrictions before arrival. Mountain weather can drop below freezing even in midsummer.
- Legal reminder: Follow agency food-storage orders, stay within designated sites in developed camps, and respect private land and tribal boundaries.