FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND campground
West Glacier, Montana

FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
188 campsites
Open in maps

188

Total Campsites

Campground

174

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

8

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About FISH CREEK 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. Fish Creek Campground is the second largest campground in Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park, in northwestern Montana, is comprised of pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles (1,125 km) of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. It also provides countless scenic vistas for those wishing to relax and take in its natural beauty. The campground is located on the western side of the park at an elevation of nearly 3,500 feet (1,066 m). This area of the park generally receives the most rainfall. Daytime temperatures can exceed 90°F (32°C), although it is frequently 10° to 15° F cooler at higher elevations. Weather in the mountains can be varied, including snow in summer; visitors should come prepared for anything. Recreation This facility is conveniently located in the western part of the park, nearby many day hikes, including Rocky Point Trail, which wanders through a burn area from a 2003 wildfire. 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, nearby many day hikes, including Rocky Point Trail, which wanders through a burn area from a 2003 wildfire. Explorers of all ages can attend nightly ranger programs at an amphitheater within the facility. Natural Features Fish Creek is heavily forested with plenty of 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

  • 188 total campsites listed.
  • 174 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • 8 accessible campsites listed.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (167).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND photo 2
FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND photo 3

Our Take

What makes FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND special

Fish Creek Campground is where Glacier National Park camping dreams come true. Tucked into dense cedar and hemlock forest on the west side of the park near West Glacier, Montana, this 188-site campground serves as the premier basecamp for exploring one of America's most spectacular mountain landscapes. Its location near the foot of legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road means you are perfectly positioned for the drive of a lifetime through the heart of the Continental Divide. The campground itself feels wonderfully secluded despite its size. Sites are carved into thick forest with generous spacing and natural screening between neighbors. A network of trails departs right from camp, and the nearby McDonald Creek and Lake McDonald offer fishing, kayaking, and some of the clearest freshwater you will ever see. Wildlife sightings are common — deer wander through camp regularly, and the park is home to grizzly bears, mountain goats, and wolverines. Fish Creek operates from early June through early September, and it fills to capacity almost every day during July and August. Reservations open six months in advance and disappear quickly, so mark your calendar and book the moment they become available. For a less hectic experience, consider visiting in mid-June or after Labor Day when the crowds ease. Summer evenings are long and luminous here, with alpenglow painting the peaks well past nine o'clock.

Campsite Inventory

188 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

167total sites

166

Reservable

8

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

12total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC

5total sites

4

Reservable

0

Accessible

WALK TO

4total sites

4

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Accessibility

Yes

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

12:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM

Condition Rating

Good

Double Driveway

No, Yes

Driveway entry

Back-In, Pull-Through

Driveway Grade

Severe, Slight

Driveway length (ft)

40

Driveway surface

Gravel

Fire Pit

Yes

Food Locker

Yes

Location Rating

Good

Max guests

2, 8

Max vehicle length (ft)

19, 21, 24, 27

Minimum guests

Yes

Pets allowed

Yes

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

406-888-7800

Email

chris_tesar@nps.gov

Getting There

Important: Please do not rely on GPS for directions to Fish Creek Campground. Please use these directions: Fish Creek is located four miles (6.4 km) northwest of the west park entrance near West Glacier, Montana. Access is from U.S. Highway 2, approximately 32 miles (51 km) northeast of Kalispell, Montana.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND.

How do reservations work for FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND?

Reservation availability for FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND?

FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (167), MANAGEMENT (12), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (5), WALK TO (4).

Where is FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND located?

FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND is in Montana near West Glacier. Coordinates: 48.5478, -113.9853.

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