Apgar Campground

Star4.30
1.0K reviews
64 Grinnell Drive, Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT, 59936
Summer Destination

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

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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...
Show more
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 with account · Checks every 2 minutes

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

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
406-888-7800null
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect?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

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Apgar Campground

Experience Montana's dramatic seasonal tapestry, where warm summer days invite endless outdoor adventures and crisp mountain air fills your lungs. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a golden wonderland before winter's embrace brings blankets of snow and crystalline beauty. Spring awakens the wilderness with frequent rain showers that nourish wildflower meadows, while summer temperatures create perfect conditions for hiking and lakeside relaxation. Come prepared for nature's full spectrum – from sun-drenched July afternoons to frosty October mornings that paint the peaks in alpenglow.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Top 22% in MT

Peak season with full services and activities, but crowded and longer amenity lines.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn offers foliage and quieter conditions though some amenities scale back.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens Apr 20; spring brings fewer crowds but variable weather and ramping services.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground largely closed Nov–Mar for reservations; services and amenities are limited.

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

Nestled in the heart of Glacier National Park, this sprawling wilderness retreat stands as the park's largest campground, where towering evergreens create a natural canopy over thoughtfully spaced tent and RV sites. Just a leisurely stroll from the pristine shores of Lake McDonald and the charming Apgar Village, campers find themselves perfectly positioned to explore both backcountry adventures and local amenities. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with the wild setting, featuring fresh potable water throughout, well-maintained flush toilets and sinks, plus the welcome luxury of complimentary hot showers in Loop A after a day of mountain exploration.
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.
Advertisement

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.

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.
HikingNumerous hiking trails are accessible from the campground or within a short drive. Trails vary in difficulty, with options for both novice and experienced hikers. One reviewer stated, 'We hiked as many trails as we could that were right near Apgar and Fish Creek.'
FishingFishing is permitted in Lake McDonald, which is within walking distance of the campground. Visitors have noted the serene setting and accessibility.
SwimmingLake McDonald offers swimming opportunities with a small beach area close to the campground. The lake's clear waters provide a refreshing experience during warmer months.
BikingBiking paths connect the campground to Apgar Village and the visitor center. The trails are described as well-maintained and family-friendly.
BoatingNon-motorized boating, such as kayaking and canoeing, is popular on Lake McDonald. Rentals are available in Apgar Village.
Wildlife viewingThe campground and surrounding areas are ideal for observing a variety of wildlife, including deer and birds. However, campers must follow bear safety guidelines strictly.
Advertisement

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.

Weather at Apgar Campground

Reviews

4.3
1.0K reviews
Satisfactory
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,...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites and facilities are available, but detailed reviews from users with disabilities are limited.
Based on 1033 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and several reviews indicate that the campground is pet-friendly, with ample spaces for walking dogs.
Based on 1033 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Apgar Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Montana

Campgrounds
Glacier National Park
Apgar Campground