Fish Creek Campground

Star4.36
1.0K reviews
Glacier National Park P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

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

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
Fish Creek Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee for a standard nonelectric tent or RV site is $30 per night. Hike-in tent-only sites cost $8 per person. Additional reservation fees apply...
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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
406-888-7800chris_tesar@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 1.0K reviews

237 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullake

Some mention

crowdedunlevel

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFish Creek is located four miles (6.4 km) northwest of the west park entrance near West Glacier, Montana. Access is from U.S. Highway 2, approximately 32 miles (51 km) northeast of Kalispell, Montana.
Paved roads lead to the campground, but access is not reliable via GPS; visitors are advised to follow the provided directions. Roads are generally in good condition but may experience closures or delays during park maintenance.
Nearby places
West Glacier (4 miles, 10 minutes), Kalispell (32 miles, 50 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in West Glacier (4 miles) and Apgar Village, which is nearby and accessible within the park.

Best Time to Camp at Fish Creek Campground

Mother Nature paints with a dramatic brush here, where summer days can soar to a balmy 90°F (32°C) in the valleys, while mountain breezes keep the higher elevations refreshingly cool—often 10-15°F lower. The western slopes catch more of the Pacific's moisture, bringing life-giving rain to the lush forests, and don't be surprised if July snowflakes dust the distant peaks, reminding visitors of the park's wild, untamed spirit.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with full access to trails, lake activities and ranger programs; busy but excellent.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Quieter shoulder season with good scenery, though campground closes early September.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Early season access but cooler weather and some unreliable facilities in shoulder season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (open May 16 - Sep 4).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 4. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: May 16 - September 4. Reservation period starts June 20.

About Fish Creek Campground

Nestled beneath a canopy of ancient evergreens, Fish Creek Campground stands as Glacier National Park's second-largest outdoor haven, where 178 thoughtfully placed campsites await both tent enthusiasts and RV adventurers. Just moments from the crystalline waters of Lake McDonald, this woodland retreat serves as your gateway to scenic trails and evening gatherings at the amphitheater, where park rangers share stories of the wilderness under starlit skies.
Fish Creek Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles including tent camping, RVs, and walk-to sites.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights within the start and end period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe Rocky Point Trail, accessible from the campground, is a popular option. This trail passes through a burn area from a 2003 wildfire and offers stunning views. Other nearby trails connect to the broader Glacier National Park trail system.
SwimmingLake McDonald is a short walk from the campground and offers opportunities for swimming. Some users described it as refreshing but noted that the water can be cold.
Wildlife viewingThe campground and surrounding area are home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasional bear sightings. Rangers enforce bear safety protocols strictly.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsNightly ranger programs at the amphitheater cover topics like local wildlife and park history. These are popular among campers and frequently praised in reviews.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are common; all food and scented items must be stored in bear-proof lockers or vehicles. Steep terrain in some campsites may pose challenges for leveling equipment.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at shared locations near restrooms. These lockers are essential for food storage in bear country.

Weather at Fish Creek Campground

Reviews

4.4
1.0K reviews
Recommended
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 1033 reviews

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...
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Based on 1033 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...
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Based on 1033 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...
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Based on 1033 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...
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Based on 1033 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...
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Based on 1033 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites in Loop A are often recommended for their proximity to showers. Sites like B51 and C133 are frequently criticized for steep slopes and difficulty leveling.
Based on 1033 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed user reviews on accessibility features but the official description notes accessible sites are available.
Based on 1033 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews or data addressing pet policies or experiences.
Based on 1033 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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