Apgar Campground

Glacier National Park

Apgar campground is the largest campground in the park. It is situated in trees and provides tent and RV campers with shade and some privacy. Evening sunsets on Lake McDonald are only a short stroll, and you won't want to miss evening programs with a ranger at the Apgar Amphitheater. Many trails are located within a short drive of the campground. Five Group Sites are reservable in advance.

The campground is large with 194 campsites. The sites are relatively spread apart and provide privacy for both RV and tent campers. Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities have flush toilets and sinks with running water.

Notifications and Alerts

Front country campgrounds on Recreation.gov for Glacier National Park typically have a 6-month booking window along with a number of 4-day and 1-day out booking windows. For the peak season of 2024, booking windows will be shortened to open sometime in January due to program changes. Please check back in January for updates.

Need to Know

Food storage regulations are strictly enforced. Grizzly and black bears frequent the area. When not in immediate use, all food, beverages, coolers, cooking utensils, pet food, or other attractants must be kept in a closed, hard-sided vehicle or secured in bear proof storage lockers near campground restrooms.
Vehicle length limits. 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.
Groups. Parties of nine or more may make reservations for the Apgar Campground Group Sites or at the St. Mary Campground.
Maximum Stay. Campground length of stay is limited to 14 days.
Quiet Hours. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. Noise must be kept to a low level that does not disturb other campers.Generator use in campgrounds is permitted only during the following times: 8 am – 10 am, noon – 2 pm, or 5 pm – 7 pm.
Fire Rings Only. Campsites contain fire rings but do not have fire grates for grilling/ food preparation.
Hammocks. Hammocks must be hung over non vegetated areas using one inch straps or wider. Vegetation may not be trampled to access hammocks.
Tent Maximum. Campsites allow a maximum of 2 tents per site.
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood within the same county in which you plan to camp. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Firewood collection is prohibited within Apgar Campground.

Natural Features

Apgar is heavily forested with partial shade. Some sites have views of Lake McDonald.

The park is named for its prominent glacier-carved terrain and remnant glaciers descended from the ice ages almost 10,000 years ago. Its diverse habitats are home to nearly 70 species of mammals including the grizzly bear, wolverine, gray wolf and lynx. Over 270 species of birds visit or reside in the park, including such varied species as harlequin ducks, dippers and golden eagles.

Nearby Attractions

One must-see attraction is Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier's sister park across the Canadian-U.S. border. As the other half of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes offers great hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the townsite of Waterton.

Waterton Lakes National Park

Recreation

This facility is conveniently located in the western part of the park. Explorers of all ages can attend nightly ranger programs at an amphitheater within the facility.

Contact Information

Mailing

Glacier National Park 64 Grinnell Drive West Glacier MT 59936

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 406-888-7800

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Apgar Campground has multiple entry points on the east and west side of the park.

West Side Entrance

West Entrance – From Columbia Falls, take Highway 2 east to the town of West Glacier (approximately 33 miles (53 km) from Kalispell).
West Entrance – From Browning, take Highway 2 west to the town of West Glacier.

East Side Entrance

St. Mary Entrance – From Columbia Falls, take Highway 2 east to the town of Browning (approx. 83 miles/134 km). At the traffic circle, exit onto Hwy 89 north and continue for another 30 miles (48 km). Follow the signage to the St. Mary Visitor Center / Going-to-the-Sun Road.
St. Mary Entrance – From Browning, take Highway 89 north to Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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