How much does camping cost at Apgar Campground?

Camping fees at Apgar Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Apgar Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Apgar Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Apgar Campground before I book?

Yes! Apgar Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Apgar Campground?

Apgar Campground is open April 20 - September 29.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Apgar Campground?

Yes, Apgar Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Apgar Campground?

Fire policies at Apgar Campground: Campfires are restricted to designated fire rings. Fire restrictions may apply during dry periods.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Apgar Campground?

Cell phone service at Apgar Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Apgar Campground have?

Apgar Campground has 194 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Apgar Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Apgar Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Apgar Campground?

Apgar Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Apgar Campground

4.30

1.0K reviews

64 Grinnell Drive, Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT, 59936

Summer Destination

Featured in:Glacier Camping Near Glacier National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

3,222 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

194 campsites

Season

Open from April 20 t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

3,222 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

194 campsites

Season

Open from April 20 t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Apgar Campground

$0.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric sites cost $30 during peak season (April 20-Sept 29), reduced to $20 during non-peak season (Sept 30-Oct 31), and are free...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-888-7800null

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See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.30

Satisfactory

Based on 1.0K reviews

245 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadelocationsites

Some mention

noise

"Overall, Apgar Campground is highly regarded for its spacious sites, proximity to Lake McDonald, and excellent ranger programs. However, some recurring issues include long wait times for showers, the lack of soap in restrooms, and noise from nearby road construction."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

64 Grinnell Drive, Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT, 59936

Apgar Campground

64 Grinnell Drive, Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT, 59936

Nearby places

Columbia Falls (33 miles, approx. 45 minutes), Browning (83 miles, approx. 1.5 hours), Kalispell (approx. 1 hour)

Nearby supplies

Apgar Village, adjacent to the campground, offers groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and dining options.

Driving directionsApgar Campground can be accessed from the east and west entrances of Glacier National Park. From Columbia Falls, take Highway 2 east to West Glacier (approx. 33 miles). From Browning, take Highway 2 west to West Glacier. For the St. Mary Entrance, drive east from Columbia Falls on Highway 2 to Browning (approx. 83 miles), then take Highway 89 north to Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Road access is seasonal, and vehicle length limits apply. Roads are paved but may have closures due to construction. During peak season, accessibility is impacted by heavy traffic and restricted road widths.

Best Time to Camp at Apgar Campground

Summer offers the fullest experience: warm, mostly dry days with highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and nights in the 40s–50s°F. Full park services operate, and Lake McDonald is accessible for boating, swimming, and fishing. Trailheads, bike rentals in Apgar Village, and boat tours run at peak capacity. July through early August brings the heaviest crowds. Spring delivers frequent rain showers that nourish wildflower meadows, while autumn transforms the forest into gold before winter brings snow and crystalline cold. October mornings can be frosty.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Top 22% in MT

Peak season offers best access to activities but is busiest with long waits and high demand.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 20 - September 29.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 20 to October 31 for reservations. November 1 to December 31 operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Current Alerts: Road construction on Going-to-the-Sun Road and fire restrictions during certain periods.

About Apgar Campground

Apgar Campground is Glacier National Park's largest campground, with 194 sites spread across dense evergreen forest near the shores of Lake McDonald. The campground sits a short walk from Apgar Village and offers flush toilets, potable water, and three complimentary hot showers in Loop A. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and groups, with some pull-through spaces available.

Apgar Campground caters to a variety of camping styles, from RVs to tent camping. With 194 spacious sites, the campground provides options for individual, group, and primitive camping.

Weather and SeasonsSummer offers the fullest experience: warm, mostly dry days with highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and nights in the 40s–50s°F. Full park services operate, and Lake McDonald is accessible for boating, swimming, and fishing. Trailheads, bike rentals in Apgar Village, and boat tours run at peak capacity. July through early August brings the heaviest crowds. Spring delivers frequent rain showers that nourish wildflower meadows, while autumn transforms the forest into gold before winter brings snow and crystalline cold. October mornings can be frosty.

ElevationPerched at a mountain elevation that offers the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere, the campground provides a comfortable base camp for exploring both lower valleys and high country adventures.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies land carved by massive glaciers over millennia, within view of Lake McDonald. The park's largest lake. Dense coniferous forests provide partial shade and filtered light across the sites. The surrounding ecosystem supports 70 mammal species, including grizzly bears and mountain goats, plus over 270 bird species. At 3,222 feet elevation, the area sits where Pacific maritime weather meets continental climate, creating one of the most biodiverse habitats in the temperate zone. Glacier-carved valleys frame the mountain vistas beyond the treeline.

Geological RegionSet within one of North America's most spectacular geological showcases, the campground occupies land sculpted by massive glaciers over millennia. These ancient forces carved deep valleys, polished granite faces, and created the stunning Lake McDonald – the park's largest lake. The surrounding forests thrive in this unique ecosystem where Pacific maritime weather patterns meet continental climate, creating an incredibly biodiverse habitat. Home to 70 species of mammals and a vital corridor for wildlife migration, this region represents one of the most intact ecosystems in the temperate zone, offering campers an authentic wilderness experience in a landscape that has remained largely unchanged since the last ice age.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not officially stated
typical check-in by noon.

Check-out

Check-out by noon.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights, enforced year-round.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per site.

Groups

The campground features five group sites that can be reserved in advance. These sites accommodate larger parties and provide ample space for multiple vehicles and tents.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground divides into multiple loops (A, B, C, D). Sites vary in size but accommodate RVs, large tents, and multiple vehicles. Dense tree cover provides partial privacy, though some sites feel more secluded than others. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov and through the app or contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites available first-come, first-served from November 1 to December 31. During the reservation season, walk-up availability is limited.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made prior to the check-in date. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's stay fee. No-show penalties apply.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites and flush toilets are available. The campground strives to be inclusive for visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size but are spacious enough for RVs, large tents, and multi-vehicle setups. Certain loops, such as C and D, are noted for larger pull-through spaces.

PrivacyCampsites offer partial privacy due to dense tree cover. Some are more secluded than others, with Loop C often highlighted as quieter and roomier.

Total Campsites194 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Loop A for easy shower access. Sites away from construction corridors are quieter. Loop B offers cleaner facilities.

Need help booking Apgar Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

Apgar Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, with easy access to Lake McDonald and nearby hiking trails. Campers can enjoy ranger-led educational programs, wildlife viewing, and water-based activities. The amphitheater hosts nightly ranger programs, which are highly recommended by visitors.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent bear activity; all food must be stored in bear-proof containers or vehicles. Construction on Going-to-the-Sun Road may pose driving challenges.

Active AlertsRoad construction on Going-to-the-Sun Road and fire restrictions during certain periods.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available near restroom areas.

Fire PolicyCampfires are restricted to designated fire rings. Fire restrictions may apply during dry periods.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital and emergency services are in Kalispell, MT, approximately 1 hour away. Ranger stations are nearby within the park.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are conveniently located throughout the campground. Bear-proof trash cans are widely available, emphasizing the park's commitment to wildlife safety. However, there are no dishwashing stations, which some campers found inconvenient.

Water FeaturesWalking distance to Lake McDonald, known for recreational activities and scenic views.

Camp HostHosts are available and helpful throughout the campground, ensuring adherence to regulations. Rangers conduct nightly programs at the amphitheater.

Weather at Apgar Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

1.0K reviews

Satisfactory

Apgar Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Apgar Campground is highly regarded for its spacious sites, proximity to Lake McDonald, and excellent ranger programs. However, some recurring issues include long wait times for showers, the lack of soap in restrooms, and noise from nearby road construction.

Review Summaries

Based on 1033 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback highlights the campground's scenic location, clean facilities, and the convenience of being near Apgar Village. One camper stated: 'The campground itself is beautiful, with large,...

Based on 1033 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the limited number of showers, long wait times, and the absence of dishwashing stations. Some visitors also mentioned issues with noise from road construction.

Based on 1033 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a good site, particularly in Loop A for convenient access to showers. Bring soap and hand sanitizer, as restrooms lack soap dispensers. Consider visiting in the offseason to...

Based on 1033 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the busiest, with long shower lines and high demand for sites. Offseason visits offer a quieter experience but with limited amenities. Noise from road construction has been...

Based on 1033 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The campground is the perfect base camp for exploring the park.' 'Ranger programs were a highlight of our stay.' 'The showers were hot, but the wait times were long.'

Based on 1033 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Loop A is praised for its proximity to showers, while Loop B is noted for its spacious layouts. Loop C tends to be quieter and more secluded. Group sites are highly recommended for large parties.

Based on 1033 reviews