Avalanche Campground
The Quick Take
Avalanche sits in the sweet spot of Glacier's west side — close enough to the park entrance that you won't burn half your day on logistics, but deep enough into Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor that you're genuinely in the wild. The campground is nestled in old-growth cedar forest, which keeps things shady and cool even when the rest of Montana is baking. Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake trailhead are essentially in your backyard, making this the single best base camp for day hikers who don't want to fight for parking at a trailhead at dawn. The trade-off is real, though: no showers, no dump station, no hookups, and a hard 26-foot cap on RVs that rules out most big rigs. Cell service is nonexistent. This is the campground for hikers who want to maximize trail time and don't mind roughing it a little on the amenities front.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 87 sites are reservable.
Book at Glacier LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. Maximum length: 26 feet. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
1 campsite (A33) Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Pro Tips
Reservations open six months in advance on Recreation.gov and Avalanche fills within minutes of release. Set a calendar reminder for your exact target date and be logged in with payment info saved before the window opens — hesitation costs you the booking.
The Avalanche Lake trail starts steps from camp and is one of the most rewarding moderate hikes in the park — a four-mile round trip to a glacial lake ringed by waterfalls. Hit it before 8 AM to beat the tour bus crowds that flood the trailhead by mid-morning.
No camp store means no last-minute firewood or ice runs. Stock up in West Glacier or Apgar before driving in. Bear-proof food lockers are provided at every site, so bring everything you need for your full stay and use them religiously — this is serious grizzly country.
Photos
NPS/David Restivo
NPS/Gabriel Morrow
NPS PhotoGetting There
Directions
Approximate driving distance via Going-to-the-Sun Road from West entrance: 15.7mi from St. Mary entrance: 34mi
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