Sprague Creek Campground

Star4.24
219 reviews
64 Grinnell Drive, Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT, 59936
Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,212 ft

Price

$8 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Glacier National Park 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
Sprague Creek Campground
$8.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard campsites cost $30 per night, while walk-in hike/bike sites are $8 per person per night. Reservation fees ($8 online, $9 via contact center)...
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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
406-888-7800
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What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 219 reviews

69 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanlake

Some mention

noise

"Sprague Creek Campground receives high praise for its stunning lakeside views, cleanliness, and quiet environment. However, some complaints include road noise from the adjacent Going-to-the-Sun Road, limited bear boxes, and small campsite sizes."

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Campground Map

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

Sprague Creek Campground

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

Driving directionsSprague Creek Campground has multiple entry points on the east and west side of the park. West Side: From Columbia Falls, take Highway 2 east to the town of West Glacier (approximately 33 miles/53 km from Kalispell). From Browning, take Highway 2 west to the town of West Glacier. East Side: From Columbia Falls, take Highway 2 east to the town of Browning (approx. 83 miles/134 km). At the traffic circle, exit onto Hwy 89 north and continue for another 30 miles (48 km). Follow signage to the St. Mary Visitor Center / Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Roads are accessible year-round. However, maximum vehicle length is restricted to 21 feet, and road conditions vary due to construction and seasonal factors. The Going-to-the-Sun Road has specific restrictions on vehicle sizes and closures in winter.
Nearby places
Kalispell (33 miles, ~50 minutes), Columbia Falls (~25 miles, ~40 minutes), Browning (~83 miles, ~2 hours).
Nearby supplies
Lake McDonald Lodge (1 mile away) has a camp store, restaurant, and fuel. Additional supplies are available at the West Glacier entrance station.

Best Time to Camp at Sprague Creek Campground

From May through October, Sprague Creek transforms into a haven of perfect camping weather. Summer days bring endless sunshine and comfortable warmth, ideal for swimming in the lake or lounging by your campfire. The dry mountain air carries the scent of pine and wildflowers, while star-filled nights offer a refreshing coolness. Early season visitors in May might encounter the occasional spring shower, adding drama to the mountain vistas, while October brings crisp autumn air and golden larch displays. As winter approaches, the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road closes its gates, leaving the campground in peaceful hibernation until spring's return.

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

Peak season with perfect weather, swimming and kayaking; reviewers recommend summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into October; likely quieter with fall colors though fewer reviews reference fall stays.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens late May (May 23); late-spring visits possible but limited compared with summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Oct 2; winter camping not available here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - October 2, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025, through October 2, 2025. Peak season runs during this period.
  • Current Alerts: Road construction on Going-to-the-Sun Road may cause noise and dust, affecting campground tranquility. Some users reported limited bear boxes.

About Sprague Creek Campground

Tucked along the pristine northeast shore of Lake McDonald, Sprague Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's wilderness. This cozy retreat features just 21 campsites, each one thoughtfully positioned beneath a canopy of towering evergreens that filter the morning light into gentle patterns. While some sites offer breathtaking, unobstructed views of the lake's crystalline waters, all provide the authentic tent camping experience that draws adventurers seeking simplicity. Designed for those who travel light, the campground welcomes tent campers and small RVs under 21 feet, preserving the peaceful atmosphere that makes this spot so special.
Sprague Creek Campground caters to tent campers and small RVs under 21 feet. It does not accommodate towed units or larger vehicles, and generator use is prohibited. The campground offers a tranquil environment with proximity to Lake McDonald.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

Sprague Creek Campground offers a range of activities, including hiking, lake access, and ranger-led evening programs. Its location near Lake McDonald provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The free shuttle service to other areas in Glacier National Park is a convenient way to explore the park.
HikingNumerous hiking opportunities are accessible from the campground. Nearby popular trails include Avalanche Lake Trail and John’s Lake Loop. Some reviewers highlighted the proximity to trails as a major advantage.
FishingFishing is permitted in Lake McDonald, offering opportunities to catch local fish species.
SwimmingSome campsites provide direct access to Lake McDonald, which features clear, cool waters ideal for swimming. The lake is described as 'a perfect bathtub' by one reviewer.
BoatingBoating activities, including paddleboarding and kayaking, are popular in Lake McDonald, with accessible launch sites nearby.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is situated in a diverse habitat home to grizzly bears, black bears, and a variety of bird species. Wildlife sightings are common, and campers are advised to follow strict food storage regulations to avoid encounters.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsRanger-led evening programs are hosted at the nearby Lake McDonald Lodge, offering educational insights about the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife, including grizzly and black bears, frequent the area. Proper food storage is mandatory. Traffic noise and ongoing road construction are recurring concerns.
Active AlertsRoad construction on Going-to-the-Sun Road may cause noise and dust, affecting campground tranquility. Some users reported limited bear boxes.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at shared locations near restrooms. Not all individual campsites have dedicated lockers.

Weather at Sprague Creek Campground

Reviews

4.2
219 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Sprague Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Sprague Creek Campground receives high praise for its stunning lakeside views, cleanliness, and quiet environment. However, some complaints include road noise from the adjacent Going-to-the-Sun Road, limited bear boxes, and small campsite sizes.
Review Summaries
Based on 219 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently highlight the campground’s 'amazing views of Lake McDonald,' 'clean facilities,' and 'friendly and helpful camp hosts.' The small size of the campground is noted as contributing...
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Based on 219 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring issues include road noise from Going-to-the-Sun Road, limited bear-proof storage lockers, and the lack of shower facilities. Some campers also noted that campsites are closely spaced,...
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Based on 219 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure desirable sites near the lake. Bring earplugs to mitigate road noise, and be prepared for the absence of showers. Follow proper food storage protocols due to high bear activity.
Based on 219 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are particularly busy, with many reviewers recommending early arrival to secure the best sites. Road noise and construction during peak seasons have been noted as drawbacks.
Based on 219 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Awesome views of Lake McDonald. Campground is adjacent to the road-to-the-sun, so it's a little noisy during daylight hours." - Timothy Anderson "Campground is small and quiet. The lake is a perfect...
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Based on 219 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #5: Described as 'absolutely beautiful with a direct path down to the water.' Site #13: Cited as noisy and less desirable due to proximity to the road. Site #16: Praised for its location near...
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Based on 219 reviews

Accessibility Features

Detailed reviews about accessibility features are limited, though the campground is noted as clean and well-maintained.
Based on 219 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No detailed reviews regarding pet policies were found.
Based on 219 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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