Glacier by RV: Campgrounds, Rules, and Practical Tips

By Victoria Boissonade · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Glacier

The short answer is yes, Glacier National Park is very RV-friendly. The main restriction comes down to two measurements: 21 feet long and 8 feet wide. Vehicles over those limits aren't allowed on the central section of the park's main scenic road, Going-to-the-Sun Road. If your RV fits within those limits, you can access the entire road. If it doesn't, leave it at the entrance and take the free shuttle up to Logan Pass. It's a matter of planning, not a dealbreaker.

The park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Admission costs $35 per private vehicle, or $70 for an annual pass, and is valid for seven consecutive days. In practice, the campgrounds and most secondary roads are accessible only between June and mid-September.

Can you drive and camp in an RV at Glacier?

Glacier lies in northwestern Montana, straddling the Continental Divide. You can reach it via Highway 2 along the park's southern boundary and US-89 on the east side. Both roads accommodate vehicles of all sizes year-round.

Inside the park, RVs are allowed throughout the road network except on the central section of Going-to-the-Sun Road described below. The Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and St. Mary areas are all accessible without length restrictions. The park has several official campgrounds equipped for RVs, spread across both sides of the Continental Divide.

RV restrictions and regulated roads

Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR). This 50-mile road crosses the park from east to west and climbs to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet. On the central section, between Avalanche Creek in the west and Sun Point in the east, vehicles over 21 feet long or 8 feet wide aren't allowed. These measurements include mirrors and roof racks. For RVs towing a car, the total combined length counts.

In practical terms, a compact camper van or short van will get through without trouble. A long Sprinter van may be right at the limit, so measure it before you leave. Class A motorhomes and large Class C motorhomes generally exceed the limit for this section.

Parking. The lots around Logan Pass reach capacity by midmorning in July and August. The NPS may require a timed entry reservation for access to GTTSR during the busy season, so check the alerts on the official NPS website before you leave.

What to do if your vehicle is too large. Leave your RV at the Apgar parking area on the west side or St. Mary on the east side, then take the park's free shuttles. During the season, they serve Logan Pass, the main trailheads, and the pass every 15 to 30 minutes. Many travelers choose this option deliberately, even when their vehicle meets the limits.

The park's official campgrounds

Glacier's NPS campgrounds mostly accept RVs, with site-specific length limits. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, often several months ahead for the summer season.

Apgar Campground

The park's largest campground sits at the west entrance, on the edge of Lake McDonald. It has large RV sites and direct access to shuttles, trails, and services in Apgar Village. It's our default base for large vehicles.

Fish Creek Campground

Two miles from Apgar, still on the Lake McDonald side. The setting is more heavily forested than Apgar. Some loops have specific length restrictions, so check the details for your site when you book on Recreation.gov.

Sprague Creek Campground

An idyllic spot on the shore of Lake McDonald, but there's one rule to remember: tow vehicles and trailers aren't allowed. Only self-contained motorhomes are accepted, and they must fit within a shorter length limit. If you're towing a car behind your RV, this campground isn't for you.

Avalanche Campground

Surrounded by centuries-old cedars and hemlocks, halfway to Logan Pass on the west side. RV sites are available in the designated loops. It's the starting point for the Trail of the Cedars and the trail to Avalanche Lake, two must-do hikes.

St. Mary Campground

The largest campground on the east side, beside St. Mary Lake. It accepts longer vehicles than the sites near GTTSR and makes a good base for exploring Many Glacier and the glaciers along the park's eastern front.

Many Glacier Campground

In one of the park's valleys with the highest concentrations of wildlife and hiking trails. It's accessible from Babb, Montana, via US-89 without using GTTSR. The sites accommodate standard-size RVs.

Two Medicine Campground

In the southern part of the park, noticeably less busy than Many Glacier or St. Mary in midsummer. RV sites are available, the setting feels wilder, and wildlife sightings are common early in the season.

Dispersed camping and areas around Glacier (boondocking)

Camping outside designated sites isn't allowed inside the park. The adjacent BLM lands and national forests, especially Flathead National Forest west of the park, offer opportunities for dispersed camping, often free of charge. We've identified several roads suitable for RVs west of the park, accessible from Columbia Falls. Our Regions guide covers these dispersed-camping options outside the national park boundary.

Outside the park, private campgrounds in West Glacier, Whitefish, and Browning offer full-hookup sites with water, electricity, and dump service. They're useful for nights when you arrive or depart, or for replenishing water and batteries between nights in the park.

Dump stations, water, and services

Here are a few essential logistical details.

Inside the park: Apgar Village has a dump station. St. Mary also offers services during the season. Primitive campgrounds such as Kintla and Bowman Lake don't have treated running water, so bring enough supplies.

Outside the park: West Glacier and Columbia Falls have dump stations and water sources. Whitefish, about 19 miles southwest of the main entrance, has the widest range of full services for RVs.

Electricity: None of Glacier's NPS campgrounds offer electrical hookups. If your power supply is limited, plan on staying at a private campground every three or four days.

Which campground should you choose?

Large vehicle that exceeds the GTTSR limit. St. Mary or Many Glacier offer roomy sites, access without using the restricted section, and shuttles to Logan Pass.

Van or compact motorhome. Choose Sprague Creek or Avalanche if you want to sleep in a cedar forest. Choose Apgar if you prefer versatility and proximity to services.

Families with children. Apgar or Fish Creek are close to ranger programs, Lake McDonald, and the shuttles.

Peace and wildlife. Try Two Medicine outside the busy season, in June or September. There are fewer people and more elk in the morning.

For lodging other than RV camping, including lodges, cabins, and tent camping, Glacier lodging, including lodges and cabins and the guide to tent campgrounds at Glacier cover all these options.

Renting an RV to visit Glacier

Coming from Europe or the East Coast without bringing your own vehicle? Renting one is the obvious choice. Kalispell, about an hour from the park, and Missoula, about two hours away, have branches of major agencies including Cruise America, RVshare, and Outdoorsy.

Class B camper van. The best fit for Glacier. It can handle GTTSR without trouble, is easy to maneuver in parking lots, and has enough room for two or three people.

Compact Class C motorhome. Check the exact length of the rental model before you sign. Some Class C motorhomes are over 21 feet and will be stopped at the central section.

Large Class A motorhome. Comfortable for large families, but not practical on GTTSR. You'll rely on the shuttles for Logan Pass and the major trails. Build that into your daily plans.

Check the mileage included in your contract. Glacier is remote, and the distances from major cities add up quickly.

RVs, pets, budget, and reservations: what to know

Pets. Dogs are allowed in campgrounds and on paved roads, but not on hiking trails or in the backcountry. Leashes are required and may be no longer than 6 feet.

Site fees. NPS campground rates vary by amenities and season. Check Recreation.gov for current prices. The park entrance fee of $35 per vehicle is added to the camping cost. For the overall trip budget, our editorial Rates and Passes page explains entrance fees and passes.

When should you reserve? As soon as reservations open on Recreation.gov, usually several months before summer. In July and August, the most sought-after campgrounds, including Apgar, Many Glacier, and St. Mary, fill up within minutes. Some unreserved walk-up sites are assigned the same morning when the office opens, so arrive early. To find the season with the best weather and lowest crowds, see our guide to the best seasons for Glacier.

In summary: our RV plan for Glacier

1. Measure your vehicle before you leave. 21 feet long and 8 feet wide are the only limits that will change your plans on site.
2. Book through Recreation.gov as soon as reservations open. During the busy season, campgrounds fill up within minutes.
3. Choose your base according to your vehicle's size. Large vehicle: St. Mary or Many Glacier. Compact vehicle: Apgar, Sprague Creek, or Avalanche.
4. Build the free shuttles into your plans. They eliminate the parking problem at Logan Pass and make the day run more smoothly.
5. Plan for water and dump service. NPS campgrounds have no electrical hookups, so plan a night at a private campground in West Glacier or Whitefish for full services.

Frequently asked questions