Can You Boondock In Glacier National Park?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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While

there is no dispersed inside Glacier National Park

, there is plenty of it just outside of its western border inside Flathead National Forest. There are numerous forest roads where dispersed camping is allowed. You can find hundreds of previously-used campsites all of which are free.

Can you get to Lake McDonald in an RV?

There is parking for vehicles of all lengths in this area, but the spots can be tight. Lake McDonald Lodge sits on the shores of the lake. Ranger-led programs are held at this lodge in the evenings, and

campers from the campground can walk to attend

.

Is it hard to get a campsite in Glacier National Park?

How to Get a Campsite in Glacier.

A few of the biggest campgrounds in the park accept reservations

. If you're hoping to reserve something, click over to Recreation.gov to find a site. Reservations open up six months in advance of the first day of your reservation.

Can you drive an RV on the Going to the Sun Road?

Size restrictions apply on Going to the Sun Road.

Your vehicle cannot be longer than 21 feet, including bumpers and no wider than 8 feet, including mirrors

. It is also recommended that your vehicle is no taller than 10 feet, as you may encounter issues over that height with low rock overhangs.

Can I sleep in my car in Glacier National Park?


You can sleep in your car if you wish- assuming it's not a convertible!

Is there free camping in Glacier National Park?


Free, dispersed camping is easy to find in the National Forests outside of Glacier

. The closest is Flathead National Forest on the west side of the park. The two dispersed camping areas are: Billy Garret Memorial Bridge Access and Upper Twin Creek Access. Both have free camping with vault toilets.

Can you have a gun in Glacier National Park?

As of February 22, 2010,

a federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park

. Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances.

How do you get around Glacier National Park?

The best way to get around Glacier National Park is

by car or by using one of the park's shuttle services

. If you're arriving by car, Highway 2 runs along the southern edge of the park, while Highway 89 offers access on the east side.

Which side of Glacier National Park is best?

The

east side

of Glacier National Park is generally drier, cooler and windier than the rest of the park. The base elevation is higher and the valleys are wider. That makes for some epic scenery and outstanding adventuring. Here are some of our favorite spots on the east side.

How many days do you need in Glacier National Park?

How Many Days Do You Need in Glacier National Park? Ideally, plan on spending at least

two to three days

in Glacier National Park. This gives you enough time to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike one or two trails, and visit the Many Glacier or Two Medicine areas.

How far in advance can you book Glacier National Park Camping?

Glacier National Park

Visitors can reserve campsites

up to six months prior to the date of arrival

. New spots will be released online every morning at 10 a.m. ET. Sites at every other campground within the National Park will be available on a first-come, first-served basis this year.

Which is better Glacier or Yellowstone?

Which is better Yellowstone or Glacier?

Glacier is much more rugged than Yellowstone

. Hiking will demand much more physical ability and skill. The whole park is much higher than Yellowstone, so animals and plant life will be quite a bit different than what you find in Yellowstone.

Can you drive a motorhome through Glacier National Park?

21 foot restrictions for park road. You will have to go south of the park on Highway 2. You will have to take highway 2 around.

You cannot take your RV on the Going to the Sun road across Glacier National Park

.

How far can RV go on Going to the Sun Road?

A maximum vehicle length of

21 feet

….. is allowed on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.” We stayed on the east side at the Rising Sun. We were in the hotel but there was a campground next to it. Sun Point isn't too far in.

Do you need reservations to enter Glacier National Park?

Vehicle Reservation System


A vehicle reservation is required for vehicles entering Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork area between May 27 and September 11, 2022

. In addition to a vehicle reservation, you will also need to a park pass. Visit our Vehicle Reservation page for full details.

How early can you enter Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park is open

24 hours a day 365 days of the year

. An entrance fee is required, even when the entrance stations are not staffed.

Can you ride UTV in Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park is filled with spectacular vistas and all types of outdoor adventures. If you're looking for a fun adrenaline rush racing through the park in the open air,

rent a UTV from Glacier Ridge Runners to do some off-roading through the tall tree-lined pathways

.

Is alcohol allowed in Glacier National Park?

The minimum drinking age in Montana and Glacier is 21. There is “zero tolerance” for underage drinking, driving under the influence, open containers, drug possession and use, public intoxication, and the sale or distribution of alcohol to minors.

The legal blood alcohol limit is . 08

(.

How do you shower at Glacier National Park?


Mary, Fish Creek, and Apgar campgrounds have showers only for guests staying at those campgrounds

. There are also private campgrounds outside the park that sell shower service. Check with the Campground Host to find out where there are showers available near your campground.

How hard is the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park?

How hard is the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park? Hiking the Highline Trail one-way from Logan Pass Visitor Center to The Loop is a

moderate hike

. With little elevation gain, the difficulty comes from the sheer distance of the hike (roughly 12 miles).

Can you Boondock in Montana?


Boondocking in Montana allows you to enjoy this state's vast open spaces at a reasonable cost since you will be camping for free

. You can choose to explore Glacier National Park, play on the Missouri River, or ride horses at the iconic Rocking Z Ranch.

Which Glacier campground is best?

1.

Apgar Campground

. Apgar Campground is the largest campground in Glacier National Park. It's located on the Going-to-the-Sun Road less than three miles from the West Entrance and within a short walk of the Apgar Village with restaurants, gift shops, and camping supplies available.

How long is Hungry Horse Reservoir?

The Hungry Horse Reservoir is fed by the South Fork of the Flathead River. The Hungry Horse Dam, where the reservoir begins is located 3 miles south of Hungry Horse, MT. The reservoir is

34 miles

long and has about 170 miles of shoreline.

How many bear attacks a year in Glacier National Park?

On average, there are only

one or two non-lethal bear “incidents” in a given year

. And, there have only been 10 bear related fatalities in the history of the park (all of those have occurred since 1967). Only three of those fatalities involved hikers, and at least two of those were solo hikers.

Can you shoot a bear in self defense in Glacier National Park?

The NPS strives to protect wildlife populations. If a firearm is effectively used during an encounter, it can be lethal for the bear, while bear spray allows the bear to likely remain in the population.

If a firearm is used in self-defense against a bear, contact park authorities immediately.

Should I worry about bears in Glacier National Park?


Do your best never to surprise a bear

. Hiking in groups significantly decreases your chances of having a negative bear encounter. There have not been any reported attacks on groups of four or more in Glacier. If you're a solo hiker looking for company, check the Ranger-led Activity page for guided hikes.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.