Many Glacier Campground Closure: What You Need to Know and Best Alternatives

If you were planning to visit Many Glacier Campground in Glacier National Park in 2025, you’ll need to change your plans. The campground will be closed for the entire season to allow for important updates and maintenance. While this might be disappointing for some, there are still great options for camping in the park.

Why Is Many Glacier Campground Closing?

The Many Glacier Campground is closing to make improvements in the Swiftcurrent area. This includes replacing the water system and upgrading the roads and parking areas. The project is expected to take some time, and the campground will be closed until mid-May 2026. This means no camping in Many Glacier for the 2025 season. The closure also affects the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and trailhead parking.

What Does This Mean for Visitors?

Although Many Glacier Campground is closed, some popular hiking trails nearby are still accessible. Trails like Iceberg Lake, Swiftcurrent Pass, and Grinnell Glacier will be open, but visitors will need to find alternative parking at nearby locations and follow detour routes to reach the trailheads. If you’re planning to stay in the Many Glacier area, the best bet is to choose another nearby campground for the season.

Best Campground Alternatives Near Many Glacier

Even though Many Glacier Campground is closed, there are other great campgrounds within Glacier National Park where you can enjoy the park’s beauty. Here are some options:

St. Mary Campground

Location: About 22 miles from Many Glacier, close to the park’s east entrance.

Features: This campground has 148 sites and can accommodate both tents and RVs. You’ll find restrooms, water, and easy access to the St. Mary Visitor Center.

Reservation: Book a campsite at St. Mary Campground.

Why Choose It?: It’s close to many of the park’s best attractions and offers a great base for exploring Glacier.

Fish Creek Campground

Location: Near the West Glacier entrance, on the park’s west side.

Features: Fish Creek has 178 campsites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet long. There are restrooms and water, plus access to the Rocky Point Nature Trail.

Reservation: Book a campsite at Fish Creek Campground.

Why Choose It?: It’s larger and close to the popular Lake McDonald area.

Apgar Campground

Location: Situated along Lake McDonald, near the West Glacier entrance.

Features: Apgar is the biggest campground in Glacier National Park, with 194 sites for tents and RVs. It has restrooms, water, and is close to the Apgar Visitor Center.

Reservation: Book a campsite at Apgar Campground.

Why Choose It?: It’s the largest campground and is great for families and those looking to explore the west side of the park.

Rising Sun Campground

Location: Along Going-to-the-Sun Road, close to St. Mary Lake.

Features: This smaller campground has 84 sites for tents and RVs. It offers water, restrooms, and access to trails like Baring Falls.

Reservation: Book a campsite at Rising Sun Campground

Why Choose It?: Perfect for those who want a quieter spot and access to scenic hikes.

Two Medicine Campground

Location: In the southeastern part of the park, near East Glacier Park Village.

Features: Two Medicine offers 100 campsites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet long. You’ll find restrooms, water, and easy access to Two Medicine Lake.

Reservation: Book a campsite at Two Medicine Campground

Why Choose It?: This is a peaceful and less crowded part of the park with great hiking opportunities.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

When visiting any of these campgrounds, keep in mind a few important tips:

Make Reservations Early: These campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during the summer months. Be sure to reserve your site as early as possible through Recreation.gov.

Wildlife Safety: Glacier National Park is home to bears, both grizzly and black. Make sure to follow all rules for food storage and keep a safe distance from any wildlife you might encounter.

Cell Service: There’s very little cell service in the park, so let someone know your plans before you head out. Always be prepared in case of an emergency.

Weather: Weather in the mountains can change quickly, even in summer. Be sure to pack layers and check the weather forecast before heading out.

Conclusion

While the closure of Many Glacier Campground for the 2025 season might disrupt your camping plans, Glacier National Park has many other fantastic campgrounds nearby. By planning ahead and reserving your spot, you can still enjoy everything this beautiful park has to offer. Whether you choose St. Mary, Fish Creek, or one of the other alternatives, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature.