Fish Creek Campground is located on the western side of Glacier National Park at an elevation of nearly 3,500 feet. It is heavily forested with some sites offering views of Lake McDonald.
Food storage regulations strictly enforced due to bears. Generator hours: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., 12 noon to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (not allowed in Loop C). Maximum stay: 14 days. Loop C comfort station/restroom facilities temporarily closed due to construction; portable toilets available.
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: 178
- Type: Tent/RV
- Fee range: $30
- Season: Typically May-Oct (based on general Glacier NP info and booking window)
- Reservations: Recreation.gov
- Access road: Paved (implied by location and size)
- Max RV length: 21 ft
- Best for: Lake McDonald west shore
Amenities
Potable water, Flush toilets, Sinks with running water, Campfire rings, Picnic tables, Swimming, Wildlife viewing, Hiking, Fishing, Educational programs
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/232493.
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: 48.5636, -114.0333
- Road note: Paved (implied by location and size)
- 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.