Largest campground on the east side of Glacier National Park, near the St. Mary Visitor Center and the entrance of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Features views of Singleshot, East Flattop and Red Eagle Mountains, and St. Mary Lake.
Generators allowed only in Loops B & C (prohibited in Loop A). Food storage regulations strictly enforced due to grizzly and black bears. Maximum stay is 14 days. Maximum 2 tents per site. Hammocks must be hung over non-vegetated areas using 1-inch straps or wider. Commercial RV/trailer delivery prohibited. Don't move firewood. All campground loops are one-way traffic. Comfort station/restroom in Loop A between sites A9 and A44 is currently closed.
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: St. Mary. Elevation about 4500 feet.
Campground snapshot
- Agency / unit: NPS — Glacier National Park
- Sites: 148
- Type: Tent/RV
- Fee range: $30 – $90
- Season: August 17th - September 11th (day-of reservation window)
- Reservations: Recreation.gov (day-of reservation window for certain dates)
- Access road: Paved
- Max RV length: Not listed (vehicle restrictions apply on Going-to-the-Sun Road: longer than 21 ft or wider than 8 ft prohibited between Rising Sun picnic area and Avalanche Campground)
- Best for: East entrance Going-to-the-Sun
Amenities
Potable water, flush toilets, sinks with running water, bear-proof food storage lockers
How to book
Book early through Recreation.gov (day-of reservation window for certain dates). 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/232492.
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: St. Mary
- Focus: National Park
- Coordinates: 48.7436, -113.4333
- Road note: Paved
- 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.