How much does camping cost at Apgar Campground?

Camping fees at Apgar Campground are $20/night. 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 13 to October 31. 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.

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

Q: Can I have a campfire at Apgar Campground?

Fire policies at Apgar Campground: Don't Move Firewood : Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood within the same county in which you plan to camp. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Firewood collection is prohibited within Apgar Campground.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.29

1.0K reviews

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

Top 9% in MTFall

CReport Card

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Glacier Camping Near Glacier National Park

Quick Facts

3,222 ft

Price

$20/night

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

Quick Facts

3,222 ft

Price

$20/night

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

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric : $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 44 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

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Provider

406-888-7800NA

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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)

Weather at Apgar Campground

Current alerts(8)

Fire Rings Only. Campsites contain fire rings but do not have fire grates for grilling/ food preparation.
Food storage regulations are strictly enforced. Grizzly and black bears frequent the area. When not in immediate use, all food, beverages, coolers, cooking utensils, pet food, or other attractants must be kept in a closed, hard-sided vehicle or secured in bear proof storage…
Groups . Parties of nine or more may make reservations for the Apgar Campground Group Sites or at the St. Mary Campground.
Hammocks. Hammocks must be hung over non vegetated areas using one inch straps or wider. Vegetation may not be trampled to access hammocks.

Best Time to Camp at Apgar Campground

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the fullest experience at Apgar: warm, mostly dry days (highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F; nights in the 40s–50s°F), full park services, and clear access to Lake McDonald for boating, swimming, fishing, and lakeside hikes. Trailheads, bike rentals in Apgar Village, and boat tours operate at peak capacity, so you can do day hikes on nearby trails (Avalanche, Trail of the Cedars) and paddle the lake in the same day. Expect the busiest crowds in July–early August and plan/ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in MT

Shoulder season: quieter, great scenic value (October reviews positive), fewer crowds but cooler weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 13 to October 31. 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.

About Apgar Campground

Apgar Campground sits on the shore of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, operated by the National Park Service. This very large campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Campers come for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with Apgar Village nearby for supplies and boat rentals.

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 SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the fullest experience at Apgar: warm, mostly dry days (highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F; nights in the 40s–50s°F), full park services, and clear access to Lake McDonald for boating, swimming, fishing, and lakeside hikes. Trailheads, bike rentals in Apgar Village, and boat tours operate at peak capacity, so you can do day hikes on nearby trails (Avalanche, Trail of the Cedars) and paddle the lake in the same day. Expect the busiest crowds in July–early August and plan/ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation3222 ft above sea level

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.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led programs are held nightly at the amphitheater and cover topics ranging from local wildlife to park history. Attendees have praised these sessions as informative and engaging.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

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

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.

Best CampsitesLoop C is often quieter and roomier than other areas. Loop A offers the most convenient access to the campground's three showers. Loops C and D feature larger pull-through spaces suitable for RVs and multi-vehicle setups. Arriving early improves your chances of securing a good site, especially during peak summer season.

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

Apgar Campground, the largest campground in Glacier National Park, offers extensive amenities. Campers can find flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and seasonal showers in Loop A. The campground has well-maintained restroom facilities, and a dump station is available for RV campers. Fire rings are provided at each site, and shaded areas offer privacy. Cell phone service is limited, with only sporadic reception for certain carriers. The campground's proximity to Lake McDonald and Apgar Village offers convenient access to shops, food, and recreational opportunities. However, users have noted that the shared showers often have long lines due to their limited number. A lack of dishwashing stations and soap in restrooms has been criticized by some users.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Apgar Campground

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.

Wildlife viewing4.5/5Top 5% in Montana

Hiking4.0/5

Numerous trails accessible from campground or short drive; options for novice to experienced hikers.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Non-motorized boating (kayak/canoe) popular; rentals available in nearby Apgar Village.

Beach activities4.0/5Top 17% in Montana

Small beach area on Lake McDonald used for beachcombing and sunbathing; scenic lakeshore setting.

Water Sports4.0/5

Non-motorized boating includes kayaking; rentals available in Apgar Village and lake access is immediate.

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5National Park setting suggests good dark-sky potential, but campground proximity to village and crowds may limit it.

Photography5.0/5Lake, mountains, forests and wildlife create high photographic variety and iconic Glacier vistas.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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 PolicyDon't Move Firewood : Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood within the same county in which you plan to camp. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Firewood collection is prohibited within Apgar Campground.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am

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.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is inconsistent. Some users reported sporadic T-Mobile and AT&T signals, while others found no service at all. One review mentioned: 'Spotty cell reception on the main road in, but nothing in the loops.'

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Apgar Campground

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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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1033 reviews.

Loop ALoved
Loop A is praised for its proximity to showers, while Loop B is noted for its spacious layouts.
Loop CLoved
Loop C tends to be quieter and more secluded.

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Apgar Campground

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric : $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 44 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-888-7800NA

Go if

you want easy lake access, spacious sites, good ranger-led programs, and are camping with a large group or family.

Skip if

you need quick showers, quiet nights free of road noise, or fully stocked restrooms without bringing your own soap.

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Campgrounds

Glacier National Park

Apgar Campground

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 23% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 744 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A.Getting there
Grade B.Staff & hosts
Grade B.Bugs & weather

Watch-outs

Grade D.Belonging
Grade C-.Booking
Grade C-.Crowds & noise

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Montana grades overall

About Glacier National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Apgar Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness steeped in human history. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Directions

Glacier National Park is located in the northwest corner of Montana along the spine of the Rocky Mountains. By car you can access Glacier via Highway 2, which runs along the southern boundary of the park. You can reach the east side of the park via Highway 89. The nearest airports are in Kalispell and Great Falls, Montana.

Featured in these camping guides

Apgar Campground appears in our curated guides. Explore more top-rated campgrounds for the same activities and regions.

Apgar Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Apgar Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Apgar Campground

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Apgar Campground

Planning Tips

About Apgar Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Apgar Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Apgar Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Sprague Creek Campground

Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)

Avalanche Campground

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Apgar Campground

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Apgar Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Apgar Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Apgar Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Nearby alternatives

Sprague Creek Campground

Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)

Avalanche Campground