St. Mary Campground
4.18356 reviewsGLACIER NATIONAL PARK P.O. BOX 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
St. Mary Campground
$8.00 - $90.00 / 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$90.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $8 per person for tent-only sites to $90 for group sites. Standard nonelectric sites are $30 per night. Discounts are available for holders of specific Interagency Passes.
About this campground
Welcome to St. Mary Campground, where the majesty of Glacier National Park's eastern wilderness unfolds before you. As the largest campground on the park's east side, this beloved basecamp puts you at the doorstep of the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, opening up a world of alpine adventures. From here, pristine hiking trails beckon, breathtaking vistas await around every corner, and fascinating interpretive programs bring the park's stories to life. For those traveling with RVs, loops B and C welcome generator use, ensuring comfort meets convenience in this mountain paradise.
St. Mary Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent, RV, and group camping. Sites are primarily non-electric and designed for a more rustic experience.
Historical SignificanceSt. Mary Campground sits at a remarkable cultural crossroads where ancient traditions meet pristine wilderness. Just beyond the park boundaries lies the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, home to a proud people whose ancestors have called these mountains sacred for countless generations. Immerse yourself in this rich heritage at the Museum of the Plains Indian in nearby Browning, Montana, where artifacts and stories paint a vivid picture of life on the Northern Plains. For international adventurers, the stunning Waterton Lakes National Park awaits just across the Canadian border, creating a unique opportunity to experience two nations' crown jewels in one unforgettable journey.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps things interesting at St. Mary, where mountain weather writes its own rules. Summer brings those perfect bluebird days that make memories, with warm sunshine and crystal-clear skies ideal for exploration. But the mountains have moods – powerful winds can sweep through the valley, and afternoon thunderstorms occasionally rumble overhead, sometimes bringing dramatic flash floods that remind visitors of nature's raw power. Spring and fall visitors should pack layers, as temperatures can swing from crisp mornings to pleasant afternoons, with rain always a possibility in this dynamic ecosystem.
ElevationElevation information unavailable.
Natural Features and SceneryBeneath a canopy of quaking aspens that dance in the mountain breeze, St. Mary Campground offers a front-row seat to some of Glacier's most dramatic scenery. These graceful trees, though providing modest shade, burst into golden flames each autumn, creating a photographer's paradise. But it's the surrounding peaks that steal the show – the distinctive profiles of Singleshot, East Flattop, and Red Eagle Mountains rise like ancient sentinels, their rocky faces catching the alpenglow at sunrise and sunset in a daily spectacle that never grows old.
Geological RegionPerched in Glacier National Park's spectacular eastern reaches, St. Mary Campground serves as your gateway to a geological wonderland millions of years in the making. The campground's dramatic backdrop tells an ancient story written in stone – Singleshot, East Flattop, and Red Eagle Mountains tower overhead, their layered cliffs revealing epochs of Earth's history. From this strategic location along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, you're perfectly positioned to explore the park's eastern valleys, where glacial forces have carved a landscape of breathtaking beauty and raw, untamed wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes ADA-accessible sites, though some reviews describe these sites as poorly designed, lacking privacy, and resembling parking lots.
Sites SizeSites vary in size; some are described as small and not suitable for larger RVs or trailers.
Sites PrivacyMany sites lack privacy due to sparse vegetation and close proximity to neighbors. Some areas have more trees providing shade and seclusion.
Total Campsites231 campsites
Recommended CampsitesResearch sites prior to booking. Loop C offers privacy and views; Loop A has shade and proximity to the river.
Best CampsitesLoop C offers scenic views and is preferred by visitors seeking mountain vistas.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- After hours arrival allowed
- tags will be on site posts.
Check-out
Check-out by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
14 nights during any single visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 2 tents and multiple vehicles depending on site size.
Groups
Group sites are positioned on the edge of the campground, offering some seclusion and proximity to bathroom facilities. Each site includes multiple picnic tables and a fire pit.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is organized into loops (A, B, and C). Loops have varying features: Loop A offers privacy and shade, while Loop C is preferred for views.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 2025; reservations start June 20, 2025, and end on August 10, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website or mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites revert to first-come, first-served availability after the reservation period ends.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed before the day of check-in. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations incur a charge equal to the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Food storage lockers
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Outdoor activities around the St. Mary Campground include hiking, wildlife viewing, and ranger programs. The campground is conveniently located near the Going-to-the-Sun Road, providing access to trails and scenic views.
Hiking
Numerous high-elevation trails are accessible from the campground, reducing the ascent required to reach scenic vistas. Popular hikes include St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include bears, moose, and deer. Campers are advised to follow strict food storage regulations to prevent bear encounters.Cultural and Educational Programs
Ranger-led evening programs are highly praised, with topics ranging from grizzly safety to astronomy.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire pits. Firewood must be locally sourced and burned on-site to prevent pest spread.
- Quiet hours are enforced; specifics unavailable.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent bear activity requires heightened food storage vigilance. Wind is a significant concern, especially for tent campers. Flash floods and uneven sites pose additional challenges.
Active alertsPark closures during construction in Many Glacier from July 1 to September 21, 2025.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Nearest emergency services include the St. Mary Visitor Center (half-mile) and hospitals in Browning, Montana (approximately 40 minutes by car).
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 20, 2025 to August 10, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are provided. Some reviewers noted that dumpsters were occasionally overfilled during peak times.
Proximity to water featuresSt. Mary Lake provides scenic views but is unsuitable for swimming due to cold temperatures and rough conditions.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of shade, wind exposure, crowded showers, small campsite sizes, and infrequent rule enforcement during busy times.
HostHosts are generally helpful but may be absent during certain times. Noted for enforcing food safety regulations.
Campground Map
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK P.O. BOX 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
Driving directionsLocated a half-mile west of the St. Mary entrance near St. Mary, Montana. Access is from U.S. Highway 89 approximately 33 miles northwest of Browning, Montana, or over Logan Pass when open. Vehicle restrictions are in effect.
Access is from a major highway (U.S. Highway 89), and Logan Pass provides additional access when open. Vehicle restrictions apply, including limits on vehicle length and width.Nearby places
St. Mary (half-mile, walking distance), Browning (33 miles northwest, approximately 40 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available a couple of miles down the road outside the park, including restaurants, gift shops, camp stores, gas stations, and groceries.
Camper Reviews
4.2
356 reviews
St. Mary Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Campers appreciate the campground's proximity to the Going-to-the-Sun Road and visitor center. However, issues cited include a lack of shade, poorly maintained facilities, and overcrowding in peak season.
Review Summaries
Based on 356 reviews
What Campers Love
Common praises include excellent location, breathtaking mountain views, clean restrooms, and engaging ranger programs. Some noted good cell service as a bonus.
Based on 356 reviewsCommon Concerns
Repeated complaints focus on limited and often non-operational shower facilities, long queues for showers, lack of shade, high winds, and proximity of campsites leading to noise and lack of privacy.
Based on 356 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra soap, toilet paper, and bug spray. Prepare for high winds and limited tree cover. Early arrival is advised to avoid traffic and ensure access to amenities.
Based on 356 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight overcrowding and long waits for showers but praise the campground's access to park highlights. Shoulder seasons are less crowded but may feature closed facilities and cold...
Based on 356 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The views were stunning!" "Bathrooms were clean, but showers were broken." "Quiet and peaceful campsite with great ranger talks."
Based on 356 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Many reviews note specific issues with individual sites, such as lack of privacy, exposure to wind, and proximity to bathrooms leading to noise.
Based on 356 reviewsAccessibility Features
ADA-accessible sites were described as lacking privacy and poorly designed for wheelchair users.
Based on 356 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Bear safety guidelines apply to pet food storage.
Based on 356 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025