211
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Apgar Campground
Overview Apgar, Fish Creek, and St. Mary Campground reservations WILL NOT provide access to any vehicle reservation areas (including the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and North Fork). To obtain a vehicle reservation, visit Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations on Recreation.gov. Apgar campground is the largest campground in the park. It is situated in trees and provides tent and RV campers with shade and some privacy. Evening sunsets on Lake McDonald are only a short stroll, and you won't want to miss evening programs with a ranger at the Apgar Amphitheater. Many trails are located within a short drive of the campground. Five Group Sites are reservable in advance. Recreation This facility is conveniently located in the western part of the park. Explorers of all ages can attend nightly ranger programs at an amphitheater within the facility. Facilities This facility is conveniently located in the western part of the park. Explorers of all ages can attend nightly ranger programs at an amphitheater within the facility. Natural Features Apgar is heavily forested with partial shade. Some sites have views of Lake McDonald. 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, Waterton Lakes offers great hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the townsite of Waterton. Waterton Lakes National Park
- 211 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (211).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes Apgar Campground special
Apgar Campground is where Glacier National Park begins for most visitors, and what a beginning it is. Situated at the foot of Lake McDonald near the West Glacier entrance, this 211-site campground places you at the doorstep of Going-to-the-Sun Road — widely regarded as the most spectacular mountain drive in North America. From here, the park's vast wilderness of glacially carved peaks, turquoise lakes, and alpine meadows unfolds before you. The campground occupies a forested flat near the southern shore of Lake McDonald, the park's largest lake. Evenings bring the chance to stroll the lakeshore and watch the sun paint the surrounding peaks in shades of pink and gold. The nearby Apgar Village offers restaurants, boat rentals, and a visitor center, while trailheads for routes ranging from easy lakeside walks to strenuous backcountry adventures are close at hand. Sites accommodate tents and RVs, with flush toilets and drinking water available. Apgar operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival is essential during peak season — sites can fill by morning in July and August. The campground typically opens in May and closes in mid-October, with late June through early September offering the best weather and full access to Going-to-the-Sun Road after snowplows clear the high passes. For those seeking a slightly quieter visit, September delivers golden larch season and thinner crowds. Apgar Campground is the classic gateway to one of America's wildest and most awe-inspiring national parks.
Campsite Inventory
211 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
CAMPFIRE CIRCLES
Campfire Circles
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
1:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Driveway entry
N/A, Parallel, Pull-through
Driveway Grade
Moderate, N/A, Severe, Slight
Driveway surface
Gravel, N/A
Electricity Hookup
N/A
Max guests
2, 8
Max vehicle length (ft)
18, 19, 20, 21
Minimum guests
Yes
PICNIC AREA
Picnic Area
PICNIC TABLES
Picnic Tables
Pets allowed
Yes
Shade
No
Site Access
Drive-In, Hike-In
TENT PADS
Tent Pads
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
406-888-7800
NA
Getting There
Apgar Campground has multiple entry points on the east and west side of the park. West Side Entrance West Entrance – From Columbia Falls, take Highway 2 east to the town of West Glacier (approximately 33 miles (53 km) from Kalispell). West Entrance – From Browning, take Highway 2 west to the town of West Glacier. East Side Entrance St. Mary Entrance – From Columbia Falls, take Highway 2 east to the town of Browning (approx. 83 miles/134 km). At the traffic circle, exit onto Hwy 89 north and continue for another 30 miles (48 km). Follow the signage to the St. Mary Visitor Center / Going-to-the-Sun Road. St. Mary Entrance – From Browning, take Highway 89 north to Going-to-the-Sun Road.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Apgar Campground.
How do reservations work for Apgar Campground?
Reservation availability for Apgar Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Apgar Campground?
Apgar Campground currently lists Unknown (211).
Where is Apgar Campground located?
Apgar Campground is in Montana near West Glacier. Coordinates: 48.5250, -113.9836.
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