ST. MARY CAMPGROUND campground
West Glacier, Montana

ST. MARY CAMPGROUND

Mostly first-come
158 campsites
Open in maps

158

Total Campsites

Campground

Reservable Sites

Mostly first-come

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About ST. MARY 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. The St. Mary Campground is reservation only during the peak season. For information on camping outside the reservation timeframe visit the Glacier NPS website . St. Mary Campground is the largest campground on the east side of Glacier National Park, and is conveniently located approximately a half-mile from the St. Mary Visitor Center. The visitor center offers interpretive programs, shuttle service and Red Bus tours leaving from the center. The campground sits near the entrance of the popular scenic byway, the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Generators are allowed only in Loops B & C. Generators are prohibited in Loop A. Recreation St. Mary Campground is located on the east side of the park, which boasts some of the best trails available for day hiking. Trailheads start at a higher elevation than those on the west side, so less ascent is required to reach scenic vistas. Facilities St. Mary Campground is located on the east side of the park, which boasts some of the best trails available for day hiking. Trailheads start at a higher elevation than those on the west side, so less ascent is required to reach scenic vistas. Natural Features Though shade is sparse, the aspen trees that grace St. Mary Campground flutter in spring and summer breezes and provide colorful splashes of yellow late in the season. Views of Singleshot, East Flattop and Red Eagle Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the landscape. St. Mary Lake which, although too cold and occasionally too rough to swim in, provides refreshing scenery on warm days. Nearby Attractions One must-see attraction is the sister park across the U.S.-Canadian border, Waterton Lakes National Park . As the other half of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes offers fantastic hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the Townsite of Waterton. Immediately east of Glacier National Park lies the picturesque Blackfeet Indian Reservation , spanning 1.5 million acres. Visit the Museum of the Plains Indian, in Browning, Montana, for a fascinating introduction to the rich cultural heritage of the largest Indian tribe in Montana.

  • 158 total campsites listed.
  • Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
  • Most common site type: unknown (158).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
ST. MARY CAMPGROUND photo 2
ST. MARY CAMPGROUND photo 3

Our Take

What makes ST. MARY CAMPGROUND special

St. Mary Campground commands one of the most dramatic settings in all of Glacier National Park, perched at the eastern gateway where the Great Plains collide with the Northern Rockies. With 158 sites arranged among aspen groves and open meadows, the campground offers unobstructed views of the park's signature peaks and sits at the eastern terminus of the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of America's most spectacular alpine drives. The location is unbeatable for exploration. Going-to-the-Sun Road climbs from St. Mary over Logan Pass through scenery that defies description: cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff faces, hanging glaciers, and meadows blazing with wildflowers in July. The St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls trail departs nearby and ranks among the park's most rewarding moderate hikes. Wildlife sightings are frequent, from mountain goats on high ledges to grizzly bears foraging in distant avalanche chutes. The campground operates from late May or early June through mid-September, depending on conditions. July and August are peak months with the warmest weather and full access to Going-to-the-Sun Road after plowing is complete. Be aware that the east side of Glacier is windier and drier than the west, so secure your tent well. Reservations are strongly recommended and competition for sites is fierce. The small community of St. Mary provides basic services. For those who want to experience Glacier's raw, towering beauty from its most iconic vantage point, St. Mary Campground is the place to be.

Campsite Inventory

158 sites to choose from

Unknown

158total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Accessibility

Yes

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

12:30 AM, 12:30 PM

Check-out time

12:00 AM, 12:00 PM

Double Driveway

No

Driveway entry

Back-in, N/A, Pull-Through

Driveway Grade

Moderate, N/A, Severe, Slight

Driveway length (ft)

100, 45, 50, 52

Driveway surface

Gravel

Fire Pit

Yes

Max guests

2, 24, 8

Max vehicle length (ft)

20, 21, 22, 24

Minimum guests

Yes, 9

Pets allowed

Yes

Proximity to Water

N/A

Shade

No, Yes

Site Access

Drive-In, Hike-In

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mostly first-come

Phone

406-732-7708

Getting There

Located a half-mile west of the St. Mary entrance near St. Mary, Montana. Access is from U.S. Highway 89 approximately 33 miles (51 km) northwest of Browning, Montana or over Logan Pass when open. Vehicle restrictions are in effect.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to ST. MARY CAMPGROUND.

How do reservations work for ST. MARY CAMPGROUND?

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

What campsite types are available at ST. MARY CAMPGROUND?

ST. MARY CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (158).

Where is ST. MARY CAMPGROUND located?

ST. MARY CAMPGROUND is in Montana near West Glacier. Coordinates: 48.7508, -113.4469.

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