How much does camping cost at Fish Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Fish Creek Campground are $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Fish Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Fish Creek 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 Fish Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Fish Creek 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 Fish Creek Campground?

Fish Creek Campground is open May 15 to September 03. 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 Fish Creek Campground?

Yes, Fish Creek Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Fish Creek Campground have?

Fish Creek Campground has 178 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Fish Creek Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Fish Creek Campground?

Fish Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Fish Creek Campground?

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

Fish Creek Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Fish Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Fish Creek Campground: Campfire Rings Only . Campsites contain fire rings but do not have fire grates for grilling/ food preparation.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.35

1.1K reviews

Glacier National Park P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

C+Report Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Glacier#3 Camping Near Glacier National Park#3

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

178 campsites

Season

Open season: May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

178 campsites

Season

Open season: May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Fish Creek Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00

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This campground gets 1 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

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Provider

406-888-7800chris_tesar@nps.gov

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Campground Map

Glacier National Park P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

Fish Creek Campground

Glacier National Park P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

Nearby places

West Glacier (4 miles, 10 minutes), Kalispell (32 miles, 50 minutes)

Weather at Fish Creek Campground

Current alerts(7)

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. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Food storage regulations are strictly enforced. Grizzly and black bears frequent the area and 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…
Generator Hours. Generator hours for Fish Creek Campground are 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., 12 noon to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Generators are not allowed in Loop C.
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 Fish Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest access to Fish Creek Campground and Lake McDonald — warm, long days (valley highs commonly 70–90°F / 21–32°C, cooler evenings) make hiking, swimming, and ranger programs enjoyable. Trails and services are fully open and the amphitheater programs run nightly, but this is also the park's busiest time, so reservations (available beginning June 20) and early planning are essential. Summer delivers peak wildflower displays in meadows and the best window for backcountry day-h Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season: full access to lake, hiking, warm days; campground busiest and most active in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 03. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 16 - September 4. Reservation period starts June 20.

About Fish Creek Campground

Fish Creek Campground sits along Lake McDonald's western shore in Glacier National Park, operated by the National Park Service. This very large campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, showers, and a dump station, plus nightly ranger programs at the amphitheater. Visitors hike park trails, swim in the lake, and watch for wildlife while staying close to Apgar Village.

Fish Creek Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles including tent camping, RVs, and walk-to sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest access to Fish Creek Campground and Lake McDonald — warm, long days (valley highs commonly 70–90°F / 21–32°C, cooler evenings) make hiking, swimming, and ranger programs enjoyable. Trails and services are fully open and the amphitheater programs run nightly, but this is also the park's busiest time, so reservations (available beginning June 20) and early planning are essential. Summer delivers peak wildflower displays in meadows and the best window for backcountry day-h Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTowering evergreens dominate the campground, filtering sunlight onto sites that vary from densely wooded to partially open. Lake McDonald's clear water sits close enough for swimming and water sports, and the surrounding forest hosts grizzly bears, black bears, and over 270 bird species. Select sites offer glimpses of the lake through the trees. The elevation of 3,500 feet keeps temperatures moderate even on hot valley days. Mosquitoes can be heavy during summer months.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging besides campsites is available in the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNightly ranger programs at the amphitheater cover topics like local wildlife and park history. These are popular among campers and frequently praised in reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights within the start and end period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites allow up to 8 persons per site.

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 through Recreation.gov online or via their app and phone services.

AccessibilityAccessible sites available. The amphitheater and some campground paths are accessible.

Site SizeSites vary in size but are generally suitable for tents and smaller RVs. Larger rigs may find it difficult to level on some sites.

PrivacySites are moderately spaced and surrounded by trees. Privacy varies by site and loop, with some areas more densely packed.

Total Campsites178 campsites

Recommended SitesFor quieter experiences, consider Loop C (no generators). Sites near Lake McDonald or the creek provide scenic views and tranquil settings, such as sites D161 and C107.

Need help booking Fish Creek 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

Fish Creek Campground in Glacier National Park is the second-largest campground in the park, located near Lake McDonald. It has 178 campsites offering options for both RVs and tent campers. The campground is heavily wooded, providing shade and some privacy between sites. Basic facilities include potable water, flush toilets, and sinks. Showers are only available in Loop A, and users often report cleanliness issues and cold water. The amphitheater hosts nightly ranger programs. There is a dump station for RVs, but no individual sewer or water hookups. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Fish Creek Campground

Fish Creek Campground offers a range of activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, and nightly ranger programs. Lake McDonald is nearby, allowing for swimming, kayaking, and other water-based activities.

Wildlife viewing4.5/5Top 5% in Montana

Home to grizzly/black bears and 270+ bird species; frequent wildlife viewing noted.

Hiking4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 14% in Montana

Water Sports3.5/5

Overview notes kayaking on Lake McDonald is possible; proximity to lake supports launching.

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing not explicitly mentioned though campground sits on Lake McDonald; limited direct evidence.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Glacier NP implies dark skies, but no explicit stargazing mentions; proximity to Apgar adds light.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at shared locations near restrooms. These lockers are essential for food storage in bear country.

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 PolicyCampfire Rings Only . Campsites contain fire rings but do not have fire grates for grilling/ food preparation.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are located throughout the campground, with designated sink areas for gray water disposal.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews on cell phone service. Some users reported decent coverage with Verizon and T-Mobile, while others found it unreliable. Service may vary by site location.

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

1.1K reviews

Recommended

Fish Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Fish Creek Campground receives largely positive reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.22/5. Highlights include its proximity to Lake McDonald, the natural beauty of the area, and the ranger programs. Common complaints involve the cleanliness of shower facilities, the steep grade of some campsites, and the crowded layout of certain loops.

Review Summaries

Based on 1105 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1105 reviews.

Loop AMentioned
Sites in Loop A are often recommended for their proximity to showers.
B51Issues noted
Sites like B51 and C133 are frequently criticized for steep slopes and difficulty leveling.

What Campers Love

Many users praised the 'beautiful setting' and the 'peaceful atmosphere,' as well as the convenience of being close to Apgar Village and Lake McDonald. Ranger programs and wildlife encounters were...

Based on 1105 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent criticisms include the poor condition and limited number of showers, steep or uneven campsites, and a lack of privacy in some areas. One user stated, 'the roads between sites were a...

Based on 1105 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend booking sites in Loop A for easier shower access and avoiding sites like B51 due to steep inclines. They also suggest bringing extra leveling equipment for RVs and a robust bug...

Based on 1105 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is busiest in summer, with some complaints about noise and crowded conditions. Spring and early fall are quieter, but some facilities may be less reliable in cooler...

Based on 1105 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The amphitheater talks were a highlight of our stay.' - User review. 'The sunset views over Lake McDonald are breathtaking.' - User review. 'Showers need an upgrade, but the park's beauty makes up...

Based on 1105 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed user reviews on accessibility features but the official description notes accessible sites are available.

Based on 1105 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews or data addressing pet policies or experiences.

Based on 1105 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Fish Creek Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 1 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-888-7800chris_tesar@nps.gov

Go if

you want easy lake access, solid ranger programs, and don't mind picking your site carefully (Loop A is closest to showers).

Skip if

you're sensitive to grimy shower facilities, tightly packed loops, or get assigned a sloped site like B51 or C133 without checking first.

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Campgrounds

Glacier National Park

Fish Creek Campground

C+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 45% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 862 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 B+.Getting there
Grade B.Staff & hosts
Grade B-.Scenery

Watch-outs

Grade C+.Rules & policies
Grade C+.Booking
Grade C+.Safety

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 Fish Creek 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

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

Fish Creek Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Fish Creek Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Fish Creek Campground

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Fish Creek Campground

Planning Tips

About Fish Creek Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Fish Creek Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Fish Creek 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

Avalanche Campground

Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Fish Creek Campground

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Fish Creek Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Fish Creek Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Fish Creek Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Nearby alternatives

Sprague Creek Campground

Avalanche Campground

Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, Mt)