Overview

Rising Sun Campground is located just west of St. Mary and halfway along St. Mary Lake. Campers at Rising Sun will enjoy beautiful sunrises in the morning with Red Eagle Mountain as a backdrop, and the campground serves as a convenient base camp to many day hikes located east of Logan Pass. Some sites are open, allowing for cool breezes throughout the day, while others are located among trees, accommodating those seeking some shade and privacy. Access to St. Mary Lake can be found at the Rising Sun Picnic Area, across the Going-to-the-Sun-Road from the campground.

During peak summer season, nearby Rising Sun day use area offers lodging, a restaurant, camp store/gift shop, picnic area, and boat tours. Shower facilities may be available at the Rising Sun Motor Inn for a fee. Rising Sun Campground is typically open from early June to early September. During its open season, the campground is located within the Moutain Daylight Time zone (MDT).

Facilities

Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities provide flush toilets and sinks with running water. Communal bear proof food storage lockers can be found spread throughout the campground.

Natural Features

Nestled against a cliffside, Rising Sun offers primarily shaded sites. Mixed aspen trees flutter in spring and summer breezes and provide colorful splashes of yellow late in the season. St. Mary Lake which, although too cold and occasionally too rough to swim in, provides refreshing scenery on warm days. Campers at Rising Sun will enjoy beautiful sunrises in the morning with Red Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

Recreation

Rising Sun Campground is located on the east side of the park, which boasts some of the best trails available for day hiking. Trailheads start at a higher elevation than those on the west side, so less ascent is required to reach scenic vistas. The Otokomi Lake Trailhead is the closest to the campground and begins at the west end of the Rising Sun Camp store parking lot.

Nearby Attractions

One must-see attraction is the sister park across the U.S.-Canadian border, Waterton Lakes National Park. As the other half of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes offers fantastic hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the Townsite of Waterton. Immediately east of Glacier National Park lies the picturesque Blackfeet Indian Reservation, spanning 1.5 million acres. Visit the Museum of the Plains Indian, in Browning, Montana, for a fascinating introduction to the rich cultural heritage of the largest Indian tribe in Montana.

For information on nearby campgrounds, including on US Forest Service land or the Blackfeet Nation, take a look at Glacier National Park's website.     

Important Notices

• • Generators: generators are allowed between the hours of 8:00am-10:00am, 12:00pm-2:00pm, and 5:00pm-7:00pm.

  • After Hours Arrival. Campers arriving after hours with valid reservation may proceed to their campsite. Camp reservation tags will be on designated site posts.

  • Wildlife and Food Storage. Grizzly and black bears frequent the area; food storage regulations strictly enforced; 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. Vehicles or vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet (6.4 m) or wider than 8 feet (2.4 m) including mirrors are prohibited between the Rising Sun picnic area and Avalanche Campground on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

  • Entrance Fees. The park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, $30 for a morotcycle or $20 for a hiker or bicyclist. The fee is valid for seven days and may be paid upon arrival or purchased in advance. The park also honors interagency annual and lifetime passes such as the senior or access. 

  • Pass Discounts on Camping. Campers making a reservation using an Interagency Senior Pass or Interagency Access Pass for a 50% camping discount will be required to present the pass upon arrival at the campground. The owner of the pass must be camping in the site to be entitled to the discount. Annual entrance passes and Glacier Annual Entrance passes are not eligible for a discount on camping fees. These passes are for entrance fees only.

  • Maximum Stay. The maximum length of stay in the campground is 14 days.

  • Maximum Number of Tents. Campsites allow a maximum of 2 tents per site.

  • Camping Rules and Regulations. It is the camper's responsibility to be aware of all Glacier National Park Campground Rules and Regulations 

  • Hammocks. Hammocks must be hung over non vegetated areas using one inch straps or wider. Vegetation may not be trampled to access hammocks.

  • Renting an RV or trailer? Per 36 CFR 5.3, commercial business may not take place inside Glacier National Park. This includes RVs and trailers being delivered within Glacier's boundaries. Renters of these must drive them in themselves.

  • Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

  • Directional Site Parking: All campground loops are one way traffic. Vehicles occupying sites must be facing the one way direction.

Notifications and Alerts

• Peak season 2026 campground dates will be posted and available on a 6-month rolling basis starting January 2, 2026. Peak seasons vary by campground. Please check each campground for peak seasons and availability. Spring and fall shoulder season dates will become available for reservation in the spring of 2026 as they are winter weather dependent. Please check back then for shoulder season availability.

Available Activities

• Camping - Camping
• Evening Programs - Evening Programs
• Hiking - Hiking
• Fishing - Fishing
• Photography - Photography
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Scenic Drive - Scenic Drive
• Star Gazing - Star Gazing

Contact Information

Phone: (406) 732-7708 (Mid-May through to September only) (406) 888-7800 (October to Mid-May only)

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip