Grab the family and pack the RV—it’s time to see the great outdoors!

Destination: Glacier National Park!

Glacier National Park was established in May of 1910 by President Taft as a wilderness escape for all Americans. Today, the park is the 10th most visited national park in the US, drawing in over 3 million visitors in 2019.

Located in northern Montana, Glacier National park encompasses over 1,500 square miles of pristine wilderness, gorgeous mountains, and dense forests. 

With year-round temperatures rarely breaking 60 degrees Fahrenheit, RV camping is the perfect way to stay warm and dry while also experiencing all Glacier National Park has to offer. 

Are you excited to know more about Glacier National Park? Not sure how to get started RV camping? Learn the basics and more in this comprehensive guide to RV camping in Glacier National Park. 

Table of Contents

• Glacier National Park Facts
• Best Glacier National Park RV Parks and Campgrounds
• Best Time to Visit the Glacier National Park for RV Camping
• Things To Do in Glacier National Park
• Tips on Visiting Glacier National Park
• RV Rental for Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park Facts

It’s no surprise Glacier National Park draws in so many visitors each year. It’s a breathtaking slice of the American wilderness. From the colossal glaciers to the small winding streams, this slice of northern Montana wilderness is truly every outdoor enthusiast’s dream. 

Here are some quick facts about this amazing national park to get us started:

• Glacier National Park spans over a million acres of wilderness, including 175 mountains and 26 shrinking glaciers.

• There are an amazing 762 lakes on park grounds encompassing over 25,000 acres.

• The highest peak in Glacier National Park is Mt. Cleveland, which stands an incredible 10,448 feet.

• The park also boasts an amazing abundance of wildlife, including 24 species of fish, 71 species of mammals, and over 276 species of birds. 

• If you love backpacking, Glacier National Park is the place for you. There are over 750 miles of pristine nature trails and 65 backcountry campsites for backpackers scattered across the park.

• Finally, there are over 1,000 campground sites in the park, so there’s plenty of room for everyone. 

Best Glacier National Park RV Parks and Campgrounds

Glacier National Park is an amazing spot to go RV camping. The mountain air, the inspiring views, the amazing starlit nights, it’s truly a paradise. 

However, inside the park, only primitive camping is allowed—that means no full hookups for RVs. Not to mention, most sites within the park are first-come, first-serve. 

Still, RV sites within Glacier National Park offer some amazing experiences and can’t be left off the list. 

That’s why on this list of RV parks and campgrounds, we’ve included spots both inside and outside the park. So, if you’d rather have that full hookup, you still have plenty of options. 

Many Glacier Campground

Amenities: Many Glacier Campground sits at 4,500 feet on the eastern side of Glacier National Park. Just 12 miles west of the gorgeous, 50 mile-long Going-to-the-Sun Road, this campground is known for its natural beauty and serenity.

The RV sites are set in a stunning aspen forest only a few minutes walk from Swiftcurrent Lake. The facilities nearby also include restrooms, a restaurant, a camp store, a gift shop, showers, and more.

Many Glaciers is the perfect spot to go boating, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, or just relax with a glass of wine and a view of the Altyn and Hekel Mountains.

Capacity: Many Glacier Campground is one of the largest in the area, but most campsites will not accommodate towed units over 21 feet. Although, some sites can accommodate towed units 26 to 30 feet.

More information: Many Glacier Campground

Apgar Campground

Amenities: If you’ve been dreaming of a clear mountain lake, this is the spot for you. Apgar Campground is located on the southern edge of Lake McDonald inside Glacier National Park.

Lake McDonald is the perfect spot for canoeing, water skiing, kayaking, and more. It’s cool blue mountain waters also attract freshwater fish like Kokanee salmon, trout, rainbow, and cutthroat, making it a fisherman’s paradise. 

If you’d rather stay off the water, check out the visitor’s center for wildlife viewing programs, day hikes, and more. 

Capacity: Apgar Campground boasts 195 campsites. It also has 25 sites that can accommodate an RV up to 40 feet in length. 

More information: Apgar Campground

St. Mary/East Glacier KOA 

Amenities: St. Mary/East Glacier KOA is the first park on this list to offer all the RV amenities. Sites offer fire pits, patios with furniture, BBQ grills, and breathtaking views.

St. Mary’s has a 75 feet max length for RVs, 50 AMP plugins, full RV hookups, propane, wi-fi, and more. It also boasts a laundromat, onsite food options, and nearby restaurants.

Located in between Saint Mary Lake and Lower Saint Mary Lake, the park offers a variety of water activities to keep everyone entertained too, including kayaking, biking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Capacity: There are dozens of full hookup RV sites, large and small, available at St. Mary/East Glacier KOA.

More information: St. Mary/East Glacier KOA

Johnson’s of St. Mary

Amenities: Located near the town of Browning, MT, just outside Glacier National Park, Johnson’s of St. Mary is a picturesque spot. The Johnson family has owned the park for over 30 years, and they take great pride in their park. 

Johnson’s offers amazing views over Lake Saint Mary plus several recreational opportunities nearby from hiking to fishing. 

Capacity: The park has a total of 75 tent sites and 82 RV sites. This is a great option for people who want the full RV hookup, electrical, and amenities, while also having easy access to Glacier National Park. 

More information: Johnson’s of St. Mary

Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed and Breakfast

Amenities: Formerly San Suz Ed RV Park, Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed and Breakfast is under new ownership who have made a number of improvements.

Located just 2.5 miles from the western entrance of Glacier National Park, Moose Creek’s RV sites are surrounded by aspen forest. The serene grounds are the perfect quiet home base from which to explore all the Glacier National Park has to offer. 

Capacity: Moose Creek now offers hundreds of RV sites, including pull-through and back-in sites with full hookups (sewer, water, and electric). There are also regular rustic campsites and a beautiful bed and breakfast nearby.

More information: Moose Creek RV Resort and Bed and Breakfast

Best Time to Visit the Glacier National Park for RV Camping

While summer is considered ‘in-season’ for Glacier National Park, northern Montana has something to offer for nature lovers and thrill-seekers year-round!

As long as you pack your winter wear and safety equipment, and come prepared for some snow, the ‘off-seasons’ at glacier park are well worth the trip. 

Winter

In winter, Glacier National Park still has some open campgrounds, including Apgar and St. Mary’s, despite the snow. And, if you’re up for it, with a permit you can go backcountry winter camping in a true winter wonderland. 

The winter in Glacier National Park also draws thousands of thrill-seeking skiers and snowboarders each year, as well as a few hundred adventurous cross-country skiers. 

If you’re more of a beginner when it comes to the snow, there’s plenty of ranger-led programs like the snowshoe hike near the Apgar Campground. Ranger tours are a great way to stay safe and experience the beauty of Glacier National Park in winter.

Spring

In spring, most roads still won’t be accessible in the park. Although, as in winter, several campgrounds will remain open.

Since this is Glacier National Park, after all, spring isn’t much different from winter. You can still do all the same outdoor snowbound activities—just in slightly warmer weather. 

By the end of spring, however, as temperatures warm, the park begins to defrost opening trails and roads. That means hiking, biking, and other summer activities become available in the park. It’s a beautiful time of year as the snow melts to reveal green grass and blooming flowers.  

Summer

Summer is the main season for tourism at Glacier National Park. That means more crowds and a slightly higher entrance fee—but for a good reason. 

Summer at Glacier National Park is perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. 

Average highs in the summer are a mild 62 degrees Fahrenheit. That makes it the ideal time of year to set out on Lake McDonald in a canoe, or take off down a trail on horseback—the options are endless. 

Fall

In fall, travelers need to be a little more careful as road closures begin, and road conditions can be icy. That being said, fall is a beautiful time of year in Glacier National Park. 

The trees begin turning shades of yellow in September, and wildlife is far more active. Fall is the perfect time of year to try a wildlife tour. Seeing a white-tailed deer, bear, or otter in their natural habitat can be a life-changing experience.

No matter what time of year you come RV camping in Glacier National Park, it will be a trip to remember. After all, the park’s namesake glaciers are there year-round, so there’s no reason to just come in summer!

Things To Do in Glacier National Park

With over a million acres of terrain, Glacier National Park has a lot to offer for outdoor lovers. No matter the season, there’s something to keep the whole family entertained.

• Try taking a drive down the famous, scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road and see some of the park’s namesake glaciers.

• Rent boats, kayaks, or paddleboards on Lake McDonald for a relaxing afternoon. 

• Go white water rafting down the Flathead River.

• Take a horseback ride through the pristine backcountry and see all the park has to offer.

• Try mountain biking on one of Glacier National Park’s many amazing trails.

• Learn about Native American traditions and heritage in the park on a Ranger-led program.

No matter your age, your hobby, or your level of outdoor experience, there are endless things to do in Glacier National Park. 

Tips on Visiting Glacier National Park

Northern Montana can be an unforgiving place. Temperatures for most of the year remain below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Thankfully, RVs are the ideal place to stay warm while still seeing all Glacier National Park has to offer. 

Need some more tips on visiting Glacier National Park? Here are a few to get you started.

• Be aware of bears and mountain lions—Glacier National Park is the real wilderness.

• Know vehicle size restrictions for campsites and the terrain limits of your vehicle.

• Strict noise pollution laws in some areas within the park means generators can only be used at certain campsites.

• Bring bug spray for mosquitos if you plan on coming in the summer!

• Glacier National Park is known for its huckleberries. Come in August if you want to pick them ripe and experience some huckleberry ice cream.

• If you’re a fisherman, there are hundreds of lakes open year-round for fishing. And, for some fish, the restrictions are few and far between. For example, there’s no limit on lake trout in park waters west of the Continental Divide. And, no limit on lake whitefish in Lake McDonald.  

Above all, if you’re coming to Glacier National Park, make sure you follow all rules and regulations. They’re meant to protect not only the environment but also the millions of visitors that come to the park every year. 

RV Rental for Glacier National Park

If you want to go RV camping in Glacier National park, but you’re not quite willing to pull the trigger and buy an RV, why not try RV rental?

Cruise America offers a wide range of RV options. All come fully equipped with air conditioning, cooktops, refrigerators, microwaves, and even a generator.

Cruise America RVs are pet friendly, too. So you can bring the whole family, including your furry friends, on your next outdoor adventure to Glacier National park!

Don’t wait to call today!