Questions on Camping in Glacier National Park

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Hi there- Two of us are planning a couple nights of car-camping in Glacier at one of your campsites in two weeks.

One of us is a semi experienced camper, I however am not and frankly fear like the idea of encountering a Grizzly Bear. Are there camp sites that are much safer ie have less (or no!) Grizzly Bear encounters?

I day hiked in Glacier last year, it was fantastic, but I made noise the whole time after coming across bear scat.

We’ll be going from Missoula to Alberta and back to Whitefish this trip by car so any safer sites you can recommend would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Answer

Hi Rob,

Unfortunately, no campground will be 100% safe from Grizzly Bears. That is why you must keep a clean site and follow all regulations.

That said, most of the grizzly bears hang out around Many Glacier Lodge. So, if you want to minimize your chances of an encounter, do not camp at Many Glacier campsite.

So long as you keep a clean camp, you should not encounter a Grizzly Bear while sleeping.

Either way, make sure you have bear spray!

https://www.glacier-national-park-travel-guide.com/bear-repellent.html

Have fun and stay safe!

Perry

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Hammock Camping Question: Camping with a Hammock in Glacier

I’m planning a trip up to Glacier National Park in late July. I spend alot of time on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, mostly I sleep in a hammock (a hennessy hammock with no seeum netting and a rainfly).

I use thick “tree saver” webbing straps that do not damage tree bark.

My question is are there any drawbacks to using a hammock in glacier park? Potential problems with rangers? Do many campsites have sturdy trees?

Should I just breakdown and buy a tent? Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks,

Ryan

Answer

Hi Ryan,

Camping with a hammock is not something I have much experience with. But working through the situation, I think I can provide you with logical advice from which you can make a decision (hopefully some readers will chime in, too!)

It seems like you have a sturdy hammock for camping, one with a rainfly and one that will keep you protected from the elements.

From my research, it seems that hammocks are allowed in Glacier National Park. You just cannot damage the trees (no drilling into the tree). Based on your set-up, you should be fine.

Here’s where the problem can be

Glacier National Park campgrounds fill up fast during peak season.

Many Glacier, Rising Sun, and Avalanche Lake campgrounds have the most trees and would probably be best for finding a campground where you can hang your hammock.

But what if you can’t get a campground that you can hang your hammock at?

If you’re late to get to a new campground, or if the only spots available aren’t suitable for your hammock, what do you do?

Personally, I would buy a tent and bring it as a precaution.

Also, do you plan on doing any backcountry camping? If so, then you will need a backpacking tent.

Good luck and please come back and share your favorite hike in Glacier after your trip!

~ Perry

PS Readers… any thoughts or suggestions for Ryan?

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Best campsite on Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park?
Laura

We’re going to be in Glacier for 3 days/2 nights, and I was wondering if you had a preference between the campsites on Lake McDonald.

We would like to be as close to the lake as possible and, ideally, somewhere that won’t be too crowded. What are the differences between the Apgar, Sprague Creek, and Fish Creek campsites?

Thanks!

Answer

Hi Laura,

Fish Creek is by far the nicest, but very far removed from many activities in the park (you will add an extra hour round-trip when traveling Going to the Sun Road).

I’d steer clear of Apgar. The campsites aren’t really nestled on Lake McDonald and it isn’t very nice overall.

Sprague Creek is a great campsite all-in-all.

Also, while Avalanche campground isn’t on Lake McDonald, it is the closest campground on the western side to Logan Pass. If you are an avid hiker, I’d recommend Avalanche over the rest.

Enjoy your trip!!

Perry

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Storing Food While Camping in Glacier National Park
Mike

Does Glacier National Park provide food storage protection at the established campsites, i.e. containers or hanging systems?

I’ll be staying at Granite park, Reynolds Creek, Gunsight Lake, Lake Ellen Wilson, and Sperry.

Answer

Hi Mike,

When camping in the frontcountry of Glacier National Park, you can store your food in your car or in bear storage bins.

You can find out more about Glacier National Park camping here.

The campgrounds you listed are backcountry campsites that you get to with your own two feet. I’m sure you know that, but I just wanted to clarify for our readers.

Almost all backcountry campsites in Glacier National Park have ‘bear posts’/hanging systems.

Be sure to bring a VERY long parachute cord with you. You tie one end to your backpack and the other end to a rock. Throw the rock over the post and pull your pack up.

Here are things that you need to store hanging in order to prevent any unwanted visitors (ie Grizzly Bears)

• Toothpaste/toothbrush
• Female hygiene products
• Deodorant
• Food
• Clothing you cooked in
• Anything and everything that has any kind of scent

Your other option is a bear can. My girlfriend and I now use bear cans all the time when backpacking in Colorado. They weigh a bit more and so it defeats the purpose of ultralight backpacks, but it’s SO much easier than lifting your food over a bear post.

You can buy bear canisters at REI.

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Do I have to camp at a campground in Glacier National Park?
Mike

I’m planning a backcountry outing at Glacier National Park in early August and was wondering if we have to stay at the back country campsites, or can we go out and find our own campsites along the way?

Answer

Really?

Yes, of course you need to stay at a backcountry campsite in Glacier National Park!

In addition to that, you need a permit from a Park Ranger for your campgrounds. If you go out without a permit and a Ranger sees you, you will be fined A LOT of money (and don’t think they won’t find you–Rangers patrol the backcountry religiously… you’ll likely run into one while hiking).

Glacier National Park is a wilderness area with very delicate ecosystems.

Campgrounds are designated areas that prevent further damage to the ecosystem.

By a group of campers being arrogant enough to camp outside a designated area, you risk destroying delicate wildflowers, ruining grass that Glacier’s wildlife eats, and damaging the ecosystem.

Have respect and camp in a designated area.

If you don’t, I hope you get caught and fined an exorbitant amount of money (that your parents will probably pay).

I hate questions like these… don’t you?

Comment from Anonymous

I can understand the preservation of the park, and it is a shame that some campers don’t take precautions to prevent damage to the natural environment inside the park.

I however do, and love the experience of wilderness camping. I also feel that people who are more inclined to camp in the wilderness are also more environmentally conscious individuals that would respect the land.

Comment from Perry

You’re right and that’s a very valid point. However, backcountry campsites exist to minimize the impact on the land.

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