Summit Campground

Star4.08
26 reviews
Summit Campground, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest site

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Summit Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite fees are $20/night for single units and $10/night for additional vehicles. Interagency Senior and Access Recreation Pass holders receive a...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.08

Satisfactory

Based on 26 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

noisetrain

"Summit Campground receives mixed reviews. Positive aspects include its affordability, cleanliness, and scenic location close to major attractions like Glacier National Park. Common complaints focus on noise from nearby highways and train tracks, as well as cleanliness of facilities."

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Campground Map

Summit Campground, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Summit Campground

Summit Campground, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Driving directionsFrom East Glacier Park, MT, take US Rt. 2 west 11.3 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.
Roads leading to the campground are paved. Accessibility is weather-dependent as the campground is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Nearby places
East Glacier Park: 11 miles (approximately 15 minutes by car)
St. Mary Glacier National Park entrance: 42 miles
West Glacier entrance: 46 miles.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely available in East Glacier Park, approximately 11 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Summit Campground

Mother Nature rules with dramatic flair at Summit Campground, where mountain weather writes its own script daily. Spring arrives tentatively, often dusting campsites with surprise snowfalls well into May, while autumn paints the landscape in gold before winter's early knock brings frost and flurries. Peak summer months reward patient visitors with gloriously warm days perfect for hiking, though mountain veterans know to pack layers—even July evenings can demand a cozy fleece. The elevation ensures that scorching heat never overstays its welcome, making this a refreshing refuge when valley temperatures soar.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with wildflowers and trail access; chilly nights and noise noted by campers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through Labor Day (early fall); weather can be volatile and seasonal color limited in timing.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Opens Memorial Day weekend; spring often brings snow and limited access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal campground closed outside Memorial Day–Labor Day window; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Late spring to early fall. Peak season runs between Memorial Day and Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather permitting.
  • Current Alerts: No specific alerts provided, although seasonal fire and wildlife warnings apply.

About Summit Campground

Perched high in the majestic Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Summit Campground offers 17 pristine campsites where the sky feels closer and the air tastes crisp with mountain freedom. Here, where paved parking aprons literally straddle the Continental Divide, you'll find yourself camping at the backbone of North America. The adjacent Memorial Square, a touching tribute to President Theodore Roosevelt and the Blackfeet tribe, adds historical depth to your mountain escape. Adventure beckons via a scenic 3-mile spur trail that connects directly to the legendary Continental Divide Scenic Trail, inviting you to explore some of the continent's most spectacular high-country terrain. This pack-it-in, pack-it-out wilderness retreat challenges visitors to leave only footprints while taking home unforgettable memories.
Summit Campground is a small, rustic campground suitable for tent camping and small vehicles. It does not accommodate RVs or offer specialized camping options like glamping or cabins.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Summit Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and picnicking. A 3-mile spur trail connects the campground to the Continental Divide Scenic Trail and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. No swimming, fishing, or water-based activities are available. Limited recreational facilities might make it less attractive for casual visitors.
HikingThe campground is near the Summit Cutoff Trail #133, a 3-mile trail suitable for day hikes, horseback riding, and mountain biking. It also connects to the Continental Divide Scenic Trail, providing access to extensive backcountry adventures.
BikingThe Summit Cutoff Trail accommodates mountain biking. The terrain and skill requirements are not explicitly detailed.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent bear activity necessitates strict food storage practices. Mosquitoes are commonly reported during summer.
Active AlertsNo specific alerts provided, although seasonal fire and wildlife warnings apply.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredMandatory food storage in approved containers is required due to frequent bear activity. Lockers are not specifically described but are essential for safety.

Weather at Summit Campground

Reviews

4.1
26 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Summit Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Summit Campground receives mixed reviews. Positive aspects include its affordability, cleanliness, and scenic location close to major attractions like Glacier National Park. Common complaints focus on noise from nearby highways and train tracks, as well as cleanliness of facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the affordability and convenience of the campground, especially its proximity to Glacier National Park. One camper commented, 'The campground was very clean and well maintained and...
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Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Major complaints include noise from frequent train activity and the nearby highway. Several users also mentioned issues with the cleanliness of pit toilets. One reviewer stated, 'Nice campground but...
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Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing mosquito repellent due to bugs and being prepared for noise from trains and highways. A reviewer advised, 'Be sure to bring repellent.' Another camper suggested the...
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Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from late spring to early fall but is weather-dependent. Some campers reported colder temperatures at night, even in summer: 'Can get quite chilly at night, even in...
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Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice campground but the hosts DO NOT KEEP THE PIT TOILET CLEAN.' 2. 'Clean, inexpensive national forest campground.' 3. 'Great campsite; cheap and easy to get a campsite.' 4. 'The campground was...
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Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 15 was noted for being close to the highway, with noise from trains and cars. 'We had site 15, which was pretty close to the highway.' No other specific site reviews or ratings provided.
Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

The vault toilets are wheelchair accessible. However, no additional feedback is available on accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews did not include any specific feedback or experiences related to pets.
Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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