Avalanche Campground

Star4.46
280 reviews
Glacier National Park, 64 Grinnell Dr., West Glacier, MT, 59936
Great HikingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,451 ft

Price

$8 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

87 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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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
Avalanche Campground
$8.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season fees range from $30 per night for standard nonelectric sites to $8 per person per night for tent-only sites.
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

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 280 reviews

111 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulshadelocationsites

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

Glacier National Park, 64 Grinnell Dr., West Glacier, MT, 59936

Avalanche Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Avalanche Campground

Summer 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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 4% in MT

Peak season (July 15–Sept 21); summer reviews are very positive for trails, greenery, and weather.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into early fall (till Sept 21) so fall experience is short; early fall can be pleasant but limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside July 15–Sept 21; spring not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside July 15–Sept 21; winter not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 15 - September 21.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season runs from July 15 to September 21. The campground is closed during other periods.
  • Current Alerts: Some users reported closures turning the campground into a parking lot.

About Avalanche 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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

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.
HikingHiking 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 viewingWildlife 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
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears 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.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are located near restroom facilities and are shared among campers.

Weather at Avalanche Campground

Reviews

4.5
280 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
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 280 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,"...
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Based on 280 reviews

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...
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Based on 280 reviews

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...
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Based on 280 reviews

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...
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Based on 280 reviews

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...
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Based on 280 reviews

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 280 reviews

Accessibility 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 280 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific feedback on pet-related policies or experiences was provided.
Based on 280 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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