Many Glacier Campground

Glacier National Park’s most dramatic valley — grizzlies and turquoise lakes

Location: Glacier National Park, MT (Many Glacier Valley), MT

Price: From $20 per night

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 (3244 reviews)

Season: Late May – late September

Many Glacier is the crown jewel of Glacier National Park — a dramatic glacially-carved valley with a Swiss chalet hotel, turquoise Swiftcurrent Lake, and some of the best wildlife viewing in North America. The campground has 109 sites in a cottonwood grove steps from the lake. Grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats are regularly spotted from camp. Trailheads to Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, and Ptarmigan Tunnel all start within 1 mile. One of the most beautiful campground settings anywhere i

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.

Amenities: Flush Toilets, Potable Water, Fire Rings, Bear Boxes, Dump Station, Many Glacier Hotel (nearby), Boat Rentals (nearby), Pet Friendly (on leash — bears present), Picnic Tables

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/many-glacier-campground to be notified when sites open up.

The crown jewel of Glacier NP — a dramatic glacially-carved valley with a Swiss chalet hotel, turquoise Swiftcurrent Lake, and the best wildlife viewing in North America. Grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and mountain goats are regularly spotted from camp.

Grinnell Glacier trail started at 6am before the boat shuttle begins operating — you’ll see the glacier with almost nobody else there. Morning light on the peaks is extraordinary. Turn around at Upper Grinnell Lake (4 mi) if you don’t want the full 11-mile round trip.

What is new at Many Glacier Campground: Vehicle reservation system updated 2024. Check nps.gov/glac for current entry requirements.

Wildlife alert: Grizzly bears regularly seen at the campground — one of the highest-density grizzly areas in the lower 48. Food storage in bear boxes is non-negotiable. Carry bear spray on every hike.

Fire rules: Campfires in provided fire grates only. Montana fire restrictions apply July–September. Check nps.gov/glac.

Things to do near Many Glacier Campground: Grinnell Glacier (11 mi RT or 5.5 mi with boat) — one of the best hikes in North America. Iceberg Lake (9.7 mi RT) — a cirque lake with icebergs floating through August. Swiftcurrent boat tour — $20 per person, excellent narration on the glaciers. Wildlife watching at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot at dawn — bears, moose, and goats predictably active.

Insider tips for Many Glacier Campground: Many Glacier Road has a vehicle reservation requirement in peak season — book separately from the campsite Sites 1–30 are closest to the lake and boat dock The Many Glacier Hotel restaurant serves dinner without a hotel reservation — make a reservation for the first night

Skip Many Glacier Campground if: You have an RV over 21 feet — the Many Glacier Road has strict length restrictions.

Best time to visit Many Glacier Campground: Jul–Aug — All trails open, wildflowers peak, glaciers visible. Book 6 months in advance.. Sep — Bears feeding before hibernation, crowds drop, fall colors starting..

Common issues at Many Glacier Campground: Many Glacier Road vehicle reservation required July–September. Book on Recreation.gov at the same time as your campsite — it’s a separate reservation.

What campers say about Many Glacier Campground: "Three grizzlies on the hillside above camp while we ate breakfast. A moose in the lake at dusk. Nothing compares to Many Glacier for wildlife." — Recreation.gov reviewer "The boat tour on Swiftcurrent Lake is the best $20 I’ve spent in any national park." — Recreation.gov reviewer "Getting here requires driving a narrow, crowded road. Allow 45 minutes from the highway even though it’s only 12 miles." — Recreation.gov reviewer

Nearby campgrounds: Rising Sun Campground (West Glacier, MT), St. Mary Campground — Glacier National Park (St. Mary, MT), Avalanche Campground (West Glacier, MT), Sprague Creek Campground (West Glacier, MT).