How much does camping cost at Avalanche Campground?

Camping fees at Avalanche 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 Avalanche Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Avalanche 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 Avalanche Campground before I book?

Yes! Avalanche 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 Avalanche Campground?

Avalanche Campground is open July 14 to September 20. 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 Avalanche Campground?

Avalanche Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Avalanche Campground?

Fire policies at Avalanche Campground: No Firewood Collection. Firewood collection is prohibited within Avalanche Campground.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Avalanche Campground have?

Avalanche Campground has 87 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Avalanche Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Avalanche Campground?

Avalanche Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Avalanche Campground?

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

Avalanche Campground

4.43

280 reviews

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

Great HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Glacier National Park#1 Glacier#2 Best Campgrounds Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,451 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

87 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,451 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

87 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Avalanche Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00

Get Notified When Available

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-888-7800NA

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Avalanche Campground

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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

Nearby places

Columbia Falls (33 miles, approx. 40 minutes), Browning (83 miles, approx. 2 hours), St. Mary (113 miles, approx. 3 hours)

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.

Weather at Avalanche Campground

Current alerts(7)

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…
Hammocks . Hammocks must be hung over non vegetated areas using one inch straps or wider. Vegetation may not be trampled to access hammocks.
Maximum Number of Tents . Campsites allow a maximum of 2 tents per site.

Best Time to Camp at Avalanche Campground

Best season: summer. Summer (mid-July through mid-September) offers the most reliable access, mild daytime temperatures (roughly 55–75°F) and cool nights (mid-30s to mid-40s°F), plus long daylight for hiking and wildlife viewing. Trails through the ancient cedar and hemlock forest and nearby subalpine meadows are at their best, with morning mist giving way to sunny afternoons — ideal for photographers and families. Expect peak crowds in July and August and limited services, so reserve a site in advance and be ready, Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season (Jul 15–Sep 21) with most reliable access and positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 14 to September 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season runs from July 15 to September 21. The campground is closed during other periods.

About Avalanche Campground

Avalanche Campground sits in Glacier National Park's ancient cedar and hemlock forest, operated by the National Park Service. Large sites offer shade and a sense of seclusion despite proximity to neighbors, with trailhead access and wildlife viewing drawing hikers and nature watchers. The campground accommodates both tent and RV campers during the summer season, with flush toilets, potable water, and designated quiet hours.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer (mid-July through mid-September) offers the most reliable access, mild daytime temperatures (roughly 55–75°F) and cool nights (mid-30s to mid-40s°F), plus long daylight for hiking and wildlife viewing. Trails through the ancient cedar and hemlock forest and nearby subalpine meadows are at their best, with morning mist giving way to sunny afternoons — ideal for photographers and families. Expect peak crowds in July and August and limited services, so reserve a site in advance and be ready, Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation3451 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient western red cedars and hemlocks dominate the canopy, some standing for over 500 years. The nutrient-rich soil supports dense understory vegetation, including huckleberries that ripen in late summer. Crystal-clear streams run over moss-covered stones. Deer browse near campsites at dawn. Black bears forage in the area, which is why bear lockers are standard at each site. Morning mist is common, especially early in the season, clearing to reveal the subalpine forest in full detail.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or alternate accommodations available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not detailed in the campground description.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites allow a maximum of 2 tents and are generally designed for 1 vehicle.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through the app, or by phone.

AccessibilitySeveral campsites, such as A26, are described as handicap accessible and provide level ground close to restrooms.

Site SizeThe campsites vary in size. Many are suitable for tents and small RVs, but larger RVs and trailers may face restrictions due to size limits (maximum vehicle length: 26 feet).

PrivacyCampers described the sites as relatively private due to the spacing and wooded area. "The camp sites feel secluded and private," noted one reviewer. However, others mentioned that sites are close enough to require awareness of neighbors' activities.

Total Campsites87 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites farther from bathrooms for privacy. Sites near B87 are larger and quieter.

Best CampsitesSite A16 is a pull-through with convenient access to park roads. Reviews mention that wooded spacing creates relatively private sites, though you'll still hear neighbors. Larger RVs should confirm the 26-foot length limit before arrival.

Need help booking Avalanche Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Avalanche Campground is well-equipped for both tent and RV campers, offering amenities like flush toilets, potable water (seasonally available), and picnic tables at each site. Sites are generally spread apart to provide privacy. "The bathrooms have flush toilets and sinks with running water (no soap)," one user noted. A unique aspect of this campground is the presence of bear boxes for food storage due to the area's grizzly and black bear population. While fire rings are available, "the cooking grates have been cut off of all of them," according to a reviewer.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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 PolicyNo Firewood Collection. Firewood collection is prohibited within Avalanche Campground.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available but specific details on locations or pickup schedules were not provided.

Cell CoverageCell phone service at Avalanche Campground is described as spotty. One reviewer mentioned, "No cell service unless I was high up in elevation (tops of mountains)."

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

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From Booking Sources

4.4

280 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 280 reviews.

Campsite B84Loved
Campsite B84 is close to restrooms and described as clean.
Site A50Loved
Site A50 is described as small but clean and quiet.
Site A16Mentioned
Site A16 is noted as a pull-through site suitable for RVs.

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,"...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a base for hiking Glacier's trails and don't mind close site spacing in exchange for old-growth forest shade.

Skip if

You need well-lit facilities, widely spaced sites, or easy RV maneuvering.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.2

(219)

Sprague Creek Campground

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

Sprague Creek Campground sits on the shore of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, operated by the National Park Service. This small campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and a camp store, drawing visitors who come to hike, fish, and watch wildlife along the lake and nearby trails. Reviewers praise the clean facilities, helpful camp hosts, and peaceful atmosphere that comes with a smaller footprint.