Avalanche Campground
4.3966 reviewsGlacier National Park, 64 Grinnell Dr., West Glacier, MT, 59936
Avalanche Campground
$8.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Peak season fees range from $30 per night for standard nonelectric sites to $8 per person per night for tent-only sites.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Glacier National Park on the western slopes of the Continental Divide, Avalanche Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's pristine wilderness. This enchanting retreat welcomes both tent enthusiasts and RV adventurers (with vehicles up to 21 feet), where ancient cedars create a natural cathedral overhead. Here, dappled sunlight filters through the dense canopy, crafting a peaceful sanctuary where the modern world feels wonderfully distant.
Avalanche Campground offers tent and RV camping with a focus on natural surroundings and basic amenities. The campground is primarily suited for smaller RVs and tent campers, with no group or cabin accommodations.
Historical SignificanceAvalanche Campground serves as your gateway to some of Glacier National Park's most treasured experiences. This storied landscape has witnessed millennia of natural history, from ancient glacial carving to the footsteps of Indigenous peoples who first called these mountains home. Today, the campground continues this legacy as the starting point for legendary adventures, including the breathtaking Avalanche Lake Trail and the wheelchair-accessible Trail of the Cedars, where interpretive signs share the secrets of this remarkable ecosystem.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings gentle warmth to this mountain haven, with temperatures that invite comfortable exploration by day and cozy campfire gatherings by night. The subalpine climate wraps the campground in a mystical morning mist, while afternoon sun breaks through the cedar boughs in golden streams. As winter approaches, the landscape transforms into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the forest floor and temperatures that remind visitors of nature's powerful presence.
ElevationPerched at subalpine elevation, the campground occupies a sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even on summer days. This higher altitude creates a unique microclimate where morning dew clings to ferns and moss carpets the forest floor, maintaining the lush, temperate rainforest atmosphere that makes this corner of Glacier so distinctive.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living postcard where ancient western red cedars and hemlocks tower overhead like gentle giants, some standing for over 500 years. The campground's trails wind through emerald understory where huckleberries ripen in late summer, and crystal-clear streams tumble over moss-covered stones. Keep your camera ready for magical wildlife encounters—graceful deer often browse near campsites at dawn, while the occasional black bear might be spotted foraging in the distance, reminding visitors to practice proper food storage.
Geological RegionPositioned on the lush western side of the Continental Divide, Avalanche Campground showcases Glacier National Park's incredible geological diversity. This subalpine wonderland tells an ancient story written in stone and forest, where Pacific moisture creates a temperate rainforest ecosystem unique to this region. Massive cedars and hemlocks thrive in the nutrient-rich soil, creating one of the most magnificent old-growth forests in the northern Rockies.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySeveral campsites, such as A26, are described as handicap accessible and provide level ground close to restrooms.
Sites SizeThe campsites vary in size. Many are suitable for tents and small RVs, but larger RVs and trailers may face restrictions due to size limits (maximum vehicle length: 26 feet).
Sites PrivacyCampers described the sites as relatively private due to the spacing and wooded area. "The camp sites feel secluded and private," noted one reviewer. However, others mentioned that sites are close enough to require awareness of neighbors' activities.
Total Campsites87 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites farther from bathrooms for privacy. Sites near B87 are larger and quieter.
Best CampsitesSite A16 has been noted as a pull-through site with convenient access to park roads.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Campsites allow a maximum of 2 tents and are generally designed for 1 vehicle.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are arranged in loops (A and B) with pull-through and back-in options.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season runs from July 15 to September 21. The campground is closed during other periods.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through the app, or by phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot available; all sites require reservations. However, some sites have a 4-day booking window for last-minute availability.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (after 12:00 AM local time the day before check-in) will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Avalanche Campground provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and day-use picnics. The highlight is its proximity to trails like Avalanche Lake and Trail of the Cedars. "The trail to the popular Avalanche lake trail can be accessed from inside the camp area," wrote one user.
Hiking
Hiking is a major activity at Avalanche Campground. Two popular trails, the Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake Trail, are accessible directly from the campground. "Access to the Avalanche lake trail on foot is extremely valuable, as parking fills up very early in the morning for day use," one reviewer noted.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with frequent sightings of deer and other animals. "In the middle of the night, we woke to a deer approximately 3-5 feet from our tent," one camper described.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable since the campground operates seasonally, closing in late September.Water Sports
No specific water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are allowed in designated fire rings. Cooking grates are absent, so campers should bring their own.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBears frequently visit the area; strict food storage rules apply. Limited sunlight and damp conditions can make tents soggy. Vehicle restrictions are enforced on nearby roads.
Active alertsSome users reported closures turning the campground into a parking lot.
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 14%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospital and emergency services are in Kalispell, MT, approximately 33 miles (40 minutes) away. Ranger stations are present within the park.
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly 15 - September 21.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available but specific details on locations or pickup schedules were not provided.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Avalanche Creek and Avalanche Lake.
Common complaintsSites are close together, creating noise issues. Bathrooms lack lighting. Limited vehicle access can be frustrating for RV users.
HostHosts are knowledgeable but strict about bear safety protocols. Recent reviews noted friendly interactions with hosts like Ranger Nancy.
Campground Map
Glacier National Park, 64 Grinnell Dr., West Glacier, MT, 59936
Driving directionsAvalanche Campground has multiple entry points on the east and west side of Glacier National Park. From the West side: Take Highway 2 east to the town of West Glacier from Columbia Falls (33 miles or 53 km). From Browning, take Highway 2 west to West Glacier. From the East side: Take Highway 2 east to Browning (83 miles or 134 km). Continue north on Highway 89 for another 30 miles (48 km) to the St. Mary Visitor Center / Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Accessible via paved roads; vehicle restrictions apply. Vehicle length limits prohibit rigs longer than 21 feet, wider than 8 feet, or taller than 10 feet. Seasonal road closures are possible.Nearby places
Columbia Falls (33 miles, approx. 40 minutes), Browning (83 miles, approx. 2 hours), St. Mary (113 miles, approx. 3 hours)
Nearby supplies
For firewood, visit Exxon in Columbia Falls (6th and 9th Streets) or Lake McDonald Lodge (smaller bundles available). Other supplies are available at Lake McDonald Lodge General Store, 10 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
66 reviews
Avalanche Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Avalanche Campground receives positive reviews for its natural beauty, proximity to trails, and privacy. However, frequent complaints include the lack of showers, basic toilet facilities, and early site fill times.
Review Summaries
Based on 66 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciated the campground’s location within Glacier National Park, its access to the trails, and the overall peaceful environment. "Beautiful campground lots of big trees and shade,"...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the absence of showers, dim or unlit bathrooms, and the need to arrive very early to secure a site. "No showers, no power in the washrooms," noted one user. Others described...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early, especially during peak season, to secure a site. "Get there before 9 am to guarantee a site," one user advised. Bringing a flashlight or headlamp is also recommended...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Positive experiences are mostly noted during summer. Campers highlighted the lush greenery and access to popular hiking trails. During peak season, however, the campground fills up quickly, often by...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The campground is nice, wooded, lots of shade. Spots aren’t super close together." - Yessi F. "Level ground, plenty of quiet spaces if you get there early enough." - Laurie N. "The trail to...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site A16 is noted as a pull-through site suitable for RVs. Campsite B84 is close to restrooms and described as clean. Site A50 is described as small but clean and quiet.
Based on 66 reviewsAccessibility Features
Several reviews mention that some sites, such as A26, are accessible and close to restrooms. However, detailed feedback on accessibility for persons with disabilities was limited.
Based on 66 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific feedback on pet-related policies or experiences was provided.
Based on 66 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025