How much does camping cost at Sprague Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Sprague Creek Campground range from $20-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Sprague 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 Sprague Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Sprague Creek Campground has 5 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 Sprague Creek Campground?

Sprague Creek Campground is open May 20 to October 01. 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 Sprague Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Sprague Creek Campground have?

Sprague Creek Campground has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sprague Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Sprague 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 Sprague Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Sprague Creek Campground?

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

Sprague Creek Campground

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

Fire policies at Sprague Creek Campground: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.20

219 reviews

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

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Montana Summer Camping Montana Camping Near Glacier National Park +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,212 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Glacier National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,212 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Glacier National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Sprague Creek Campground

$20.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cutbank CG Scan and Pay: $20.00; 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

406-888-7800

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Sprague Creek Campground

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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

Nearby places

Kalispell (33 miles, ~50 minutes), Columbia Falls (~25 miles, ~40 minutes), Browning (~83 miles, ~2 hours).

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.

Weather at Sprague Creek Campground

Current alerts(9)

Fire Rings Only. Camp sites contain fire rings but do not have fire grates for grilling/ food preparation.
Food Storage and Wildlife. Grizzly and black bears frequent the area; food storage regulations strictly enforced; 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…
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 Sprague Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest, most reliable access to Sprague Creek — warm, sunny days (typically 60–80°F) and cool nights (40s–50s) make lake swimming, boating, fishing, and long hikes comfortable and safe. Trails and park services are fully open by mid-summer, wildlife is abundant along trail corridors and shorelines, and wildflowers are at peak earlier in the season. Note that this is also Glacier National Park's busiest time, and with only 21 sites at Sprague Creek reservations fill fast, so go Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Should offer quieter conditions and good scenery; season shortened by park service timelines.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 20 to October 01. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025, through October 2, 2025. Peak season runs during this period.

About Sprague Creek Campground

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.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest, most reliable access to Sprague Creek — warm, sunny days (typically 60–80°F) and cool nights (40s–50s) make lake swimming, boating, fishing, and long hikes comfortable and safe. Trails and park services are fully open by mid-summer, wildlife is abundant along trail corridors and shorelines, and wildflowers are at peak earlier in the season. Note that this is also Glacier National Park's busiest time, and with only 21 sites at Sprague Creek reservations fill fast, so go Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3212 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLake McDonald stretches out from the campground's shoreline, its waters backed by glacier-carved peaks. The heavily forested terrain creates a lush ecosystem supporting over 270 bird species. Grizzly bears, wolverines, and mountain goats roam the varied elevations around the campground at 3,212 feet. Old-growth conifers filter morning light onto moss-covered logs and fern-filled understory. Some sites offer direct lake views, while others sit deeper in the forest canopy.

Lodging & AccommodationsWhile there are no accommodations within the campground itself, the nearby Lake McDonald Lodge, located about a mile away, offers lodging and additional amenities.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led evening programs are hosted at the nearby Lake McDonald Lodge, offering educational insights about the park’s natural and cultural heritage.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to two tents and a maximum of eight individuals per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground provides basic amenities but lacks detailed information about accessibility for people with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites are generally small, best suited for tents or small RVs under 21 feet. Some sites are described as tight, such as site #18, which reportedly has a 10x10 pad area.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with outer loop sites offering better privacy and lake views. Inner loop sites tend to be closely spaced and less private.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site #14 due to close proximity to the road and small size. For group camping, pairs like #13 and #15 are recommended.

Best CampsitesSite #5 has a direct path to Lake McDonald. Site #15 offers lake views. Outer loop sites generally provide better scenery and privacy. Site #18 is tight with a 10x10 pad area. Site #8 reportedly gets some cell service, though coverage is limited throughout the campground.

Need help booking Sprague Creek Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Sprague Creek Campground is a small, heavily forested campground located on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. It offers 21 reservable campsites suitable for small-footprint tent campers and small RVs under 21 feet. Amenities include potable water, flush toilets, and sinks with running water. Fire rings and picnic tables are available at campsites, but grills for fire pits are not provided. Campers can access food storage lockers for bear safety, though not every campsite has an individual bear box. The nearby Lake McDonald Lodge provides additional resources, including a camp store, restaurant, gift shop, and recreational tours such as boat tours and horseback riding.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at shared locations near restrooms. Not all individual campsites have dedicated lockers.

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 PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and bear-proof food storage lockers are available, though not all campsites have individual bear boxes.

Cell CoverageSome reviews suggest limited cell service at certain locations within the campground. One user mentioned that campsite #8 had some cell service.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

219 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 219 reviews.

Site #5Loved
Site #5: Described as 'absolutely beautiful with a direct path down to the water.'.
Site #16Loved
Site #16: Praised for its location near the water but mentioned road noise.
Site #13Issues noted
Site #13: Cited as noisy and less desirable due to proximity to the road..

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...

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,...

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...

Based on 219 reviews