Lake McDonald access defines the camping experience at Apgar Campground, where 194 sites spread across three loops put campers within walking distance of Glacier National Park's largest lake. The campground sits near the park's west entrance, offering immediate access to boat rentals, fishing spots, and the southern shore of the 10-mile-long lake where summer temperatures can reach the mid-60s for swimming.
Sites vary considerably in size and terrain, with some accommodating larger RVs while others work better for tents. "Sites are extremely tight and unlevel," notes Scott B., particularly for RVs claiming 32-foot capacity. The forested setting provides tree cover across most sites, though campers report being able to see multiple neighboring campfires from their own spots. Train noise carries through the campground at night, and morning traffic can be heavy near the entrance as day visitors head toward Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The single shower building on Loop A serves all 194 sites with just two private showers, creating wait times during peak season. Bathrooms throughout the campground often lack soap, and there's no designated dishwashing station—campers must clean gear at their sites and transport gray water to disposal areas. Bear storage boxes are shared between sites and accessible to all campers.
Apgar Village sits within walking distance, offering a camp store, restaurant, and equipment rentals. The campground operates on a reservation system from May through October, with fees ranging from $45-90 per night. "During season it fills quickly," reports Jeremy A., who recommends arriving around checkout time for the best chance at securing a site. Cell service varies by carrier, with some networks providing better coverage than others.
For those seeking additional options, camping destinations around West Glacier include both private RV parks and other park campgrounds like nearby Fish Creek Campground — Glacier National Park.
Description
Overview
Apgar Campground is situated on the southern tip of Lake McDonald in beautiful Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana. Pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains and spectacular lakes are found throughout the park. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for hikers seeking wilderness and solitude. It also provides countless scenic vistas for those wishing to relax and take in the natural beauty of the park.All sites require a reservation. Most sites have a 6-month booking window with a good handful having a 4-day booking window.
Recreation
Lake McDonald provides great opportunities for boating, water skiing, canoeing and fishing in its cold mountain waters. A variety of fish are found in the lake, including cutthroat, rainbow, bull and lake trout, whitefish and Kokanee salmon.The campground is conveniently close to many trailheads for day hikes, including Apgar Lookout Trail, a 3.3-mile (5.3 km) trail leading up to a fire lookout with breathtaking views of Lake McDonald. The Apgar Bike Path, a paved 1.5-mile (2.4 km) trail popular for walking and biking, leads to the nearby Apgar Visitor Center and Village. Horseback ride reservations, boat rentals, shuttle service and Red Bus Tour reservations are available here.One of the most amazing highlights of Glacier National Park is a drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which travels past the campground. This engineering marvel spans 50 miles (80 km) through the park's wild interior, winding around mountainsides and treating visitors to some of the best sights in northwest Montana.
Facilities
Apgar is the largest campground in Glacier National Park. It offers 5 reservable group sites that accommodate 9-24 people each. Apgar Village is just minutes away, offering a visitor center, gift shops, a general store and casual restaurant. Amenities within the campground include flush toilets and drinking water. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided, and a campground host is on-site. Ranger programs are held nightly at the amphitheater. Lake McDonald is just a short stroll from the campground.
Natural Features
Apgar is located in a dense forest on the western side of the park at an elevation of nearly 3,500 feet (1067 m). This area of the park generally receives the most rainfall. Daytime temperatures can exceed 90 degrees, although it is frequently 10 to 15 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Weather in the mountains can be varied, including snow in summer. Visitors should come prepared for anything.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, Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park offers great hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the townsite of Waterton.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundApgar Campground — Glacier National Park is located in Montana
Directions
Apgar group sites are located 1 mile (.3 km) northeast of the west entrance near West Glacier, Montana. Access is from U.S. Highway 2, approximately 32 miles (10km) northeast of Kalispell, Montana.
Address
Glacier National Park
West glacier, MT 59936
Coordinates
48.525 N
113.9836111 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 76 usersLast on 4/2/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 112 usersLast on 4/2/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 47 usersLast on 4/2/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 76 usersLast on 4/2/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 112 usersLast on 4/2/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 47 usersLast on 4/2/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 25 min from Missoula, MT
- 2 hrs 54 min from Great Falls, MT
- 3 hrs 30 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 55 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID















































