Glacier National Park's most remote frontcountry and car camping campground, located in the uppermost northwest section of the park known as the North Fork. The campground sits on Kintla Lake.
Motorcraft are not allowed on Kintla Lake. Boat inspection for Aquatic Invasive Species required prior to launch. Campsite capacity limited to eight people and two vehicles, maximum two tents per site. Sites may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. Check out time is 12:00 noon; re-register by 11 am for another night.
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: Polebridge. Elevation about 4000 feet.
Campground snapshot
- Agency / unit: NPS — Glacier National Park
- Sites: 13
- Type: Tent only
- Fee range: $25.00 (summer), $15.00 (primitive)
- Season: Late May to early September (summer), early September to end of October (primitive, weather dependent), November 1 to May 21 (winter closure)
- Reservations: FCFS
- Access road: Rough dirt road
- Max RV length: Not permitted
- Best for: Most remote Glacier camp
Amenities
Pit toilets, seasonal potable water, seasonal food storage lockers, seasonal trash/recycling collection, picnic tables, fire rings
How to book
Book early through FCFS. Glacier and Yellowstone gateway nights fill months ahead; smaller primitive loops still need a firm plan for arrival day. Official listing: www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/first-come-first-served-campgrounds.htm.
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: Polebridge
- Focus: National Park
- Coordinates: 48.9336, -114.3333
- Road note: Rough dirt road
- 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.