How much does camping cost at Fish Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Fish Creek Campground range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Fish Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Fish Creek 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 Fish Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Fish Creek Campground has 8 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 Fish Creek Campground?

Fish Creek Campground is open May 16 - September 4. 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 Fish Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Fish Creek Campground have?

Fish Creek Campground has 178 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Fish Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Fish Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Fish Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Fish Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Fish Creek Campground include Hiking, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Fish Creek Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Fish Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Fish Creek Campground: Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Firewood collection within the campground is prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.35

1.0K reviews

Glacier National Park P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Glacier#3 Camping Near Glacier National Park#3

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

178 campsites

Season

Open season: May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Fish Creek Campground is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

178 campsites

Season

Open season: May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Fish Creek Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee for a standard nonelectric tent or RV site is $30 per night. Hike-in tent-only sites cost $8 per person. Additional reservation fees apply...

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.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-888-7800chris_tesar@nps.gov

Been here recently?

Campers like you keep our info accurate. Fix a detail in under 30 seconds.

Plan a trip to Fish Creek Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 1.0K reviews

237 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullake

Some mention

crowdedunlevel

"Fish Creek Campground receives largely positive reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.22/5. Highlights include its proximity to Lake McDonald, the natural beauty of the area, and the ranger programs. Common complaints involve the cleanliness of shower facilities, the steep grade of some campsites, and the crowded layout of certain loops."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Glacier National Park P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

Fish Creek Campground

Glacier National Park P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

Nearby places

West Glacier (4 miles, 10 minutes), Kalispell (32 miles, 50 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in West Glacier (4 miles) and Apgar Village, which is nearby and accessible within the park.

Driving directionsFish 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.

Paved roads lead to the campground, but access is not reliable via GPS; visitors are advised to follow the provided directions. Roads are generally in good condition but may experience closures or delays during park maintenance.

Best Time to Camp at Fish Creek Campground

Summer brings valley highs of 70–90°F with cooler evenings, creating ideal conditions for hiking and swimming. This is the campground's busiest period, with all trails, services, and nightly amphitheater programs running at full capacity. Reservations fill quickly. The western slopes receive more precipitation than the park's eastern side, and July snow occasionally dusts higher peaks visible from the campground.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season with ideal hiking/swimming temps 70–90°F; busiest period with full services and programs.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16 - September 4. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 16 - September 4. Reservation period starts June 20.

About Fish Creek Campground

Fish Creek Campground offers 178 sites beneath a canopy of conifers near Lake McDonald's northwest shore. The campground sits just minutes from Apgar Village and is a base for exploring Glacier's trails and ranger-led amphitheater programs. Sites accommodate tents and smaller RVs at $30 per night, with reservations available starting June 20 for peak summer season.

Fish Creek Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles including tent camping, RVs, and walk-to sites.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings valley highs of 70–90°F with cooler evenings, creating ideal conditions for hiking and swimming. This is the campground's busiest period, with all trails, services, and nightly amphitheater programs running at full capacity. Reservations fill quickly. The western slopes receive more precipitation than the park's eastern side, and July snow occasionally dusts higher peaks visible from the campground.

ElevationPerched at 3,500 feet above sea level, Fish Creek Campground occupies a sweet spot in Glacier's vertical world. This elevation blessing brings crisp mountain air, frequent refreshing rains that keep the forest vibrantly green, and temperatures that offer welcome relief from summer's heat—creating the perfect basecamp for your high-country adventures.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering evergreens dominate the campground, filtering sunlight onto sites that vary from densely wooded to partially open. Lake McDonald's clear water sits close enough for swimming and water sports, and the surrounding forest hosts grizzly bears, black bears, and over 270 bird species. Select sites offer glimpses of the lake through the trees. The elevation of 3,500 feet keeps temperatures moderate even on hot valley days. Mosquitoes can be heavy during summer months.

Geological RegionHere, in the heart of Glacier National Park, the campground rests within one of Earth's most spectacular geological galleries. Ancient glaciers sculpted this masterpiece of pristine forests, wildflower-strewn alpine meadows, and towering peaks that pierce the sky. The landscape preserves the dramatic story of the last ice age, where every ridge, valley, and crystal-clear stream bears witness to the incredible forces that shaped this diverse tapestry of habitats and ecosystems.

Scenic ViewsMany sites are surrounded by dense woods, while some provide glimpses of Lake McDonald.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging besides campsites is available in the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNightly ranger programs at the amphitheater cover topics like local wildlife and park history. These are popular among campers and frequently praised in reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights within the start and end period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites allow up to 8 persons per site.

Groups

No specific group camping area details are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground divides into four loops (A, B, C, D). Sites are moderately spaced with tree screening, though privacy varies significantly by loop and location. Some areas feel densely packed during peak season. Loop C prohibits generators. Many sites present leveling challenges, particularly for larger RVs, and spacing in certain sections can feel tight when the campground fills.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via their app and phone services.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is extremely limited and not guaranteed. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are accepted before the date of arrival, with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations.

AccessibilityAccessible sites available. The amphitheater and some campground paths are accessible.

Site SizeSites vary in size but are generally suitable for tents and smaller RVs. Larger rigs may find it difficult to level on some sites.

PrivacySites are moderately spaced and surrounded by trees. Privacy varies by site and loop, with some areas more densely packed.

Total Campsites178 campsites

Recommended SitesFor quieter experiences, consider Loop C (no generators). Sites near Lake McDonald or the creek provide scenic views and tranquil settings, such as sites D161 and C107.

Need help booking Fish Creek 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

Fish Creek Campground in Glacier National Park is the second-largest campground in the park, located near Lake McDonald. It has 178 campsites offering options for both RVs and tent campers. The campground is heavily wooded, providing shade and some privacy between sites. Basic facilities include potable water, flush toilets, and sinks. Showers are only available in Loop A, and users often report cleanliness issues and cold water. The amphitheater hosts nightly ranger programs. There is a dump station for RVs, but no individual sewer or water hookups. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Fish Creek Campground offers a range of activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, and nightly ranger programs. Lake McDonald is nearby, allowing for swimming, kayaking, and other water-based activities.

Hiking

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are common; all food and scented items must be stored in bear-proof lockers or vehicles. Steep terrain in some campsites may pose challenges for leveling equipment.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at shared locations near restrooms. These lockers are essential for food storage in bear country.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Firewood collection within the campground is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in West Glacier, approximately 4 miles away, which includes medical facilities, fire services, and a ranger station.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are located throughout the campground, with designated sink areas for gray water disposal.

Water FeaturesClose proximity to Lake McDonald allows for swimming, kayaking, and lakeside hiking.

Camp HostCamp hosts are available and are described as friendly and helpful in user reviews.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews on cell phone service. Some users reported decent coverage with Verizon and T-Mobile, while others found it unreliable. Service may vary by site location.

Weather at Fish Creek 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

4.4

1.0K reviews

Recommended

Fish Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Fish Creek Campground receives largely positive reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.22/5. Highlights include its proximity to Lake McDonald, the natural beauty of the area, and the ranger programs. Common complaints involve the cleanliness of shower facilities, the steep grade of some campsites, and the crowded layout of certain loops.

Review Summaries

Based on 1033 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the 'beautiful setting' and the 'peaceful atmosphere,' as well as the convenience of being close to Apgar Village and Lake McDonald. Ranger programs and wildlife encounters were...

Based on 1033 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent criticisms include the poor condition and limited number of showers, steep or uneven campsites, and a lack of privacy in some areas. One user stated, 'the roads between sites were a...

Based on 1033 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend booking sites in Loop A for easier shower access and avoiding sites like B51 due to steep inclines. They also suggest bringing extra leveling equipment for RVs and a robust bug...

Based on 1033 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is busiest in summer, with some complaints about noise and crowded conditions. Spring and early fall are quieter, but some facilities may be less reliable in cooler...

Based on 1033 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The amphitheater talks were a highlight of our stay.' - User review. 'The sunset views over Lake McDonald are breathtaking.' - User review. 'Showers need an upgrade, but the park's beauty makes up...

Based on 1033 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites in Loop A are often recommended for their proximity to showers. Sites like B51 and C133 are frequently criticized for steep slopes and difficulty leveling.

Based on 1033 reviews