It’s always a sign of fall to get a press release from Glacier National Park about its campground transitioning to primitive status. Campgrounds in primitive status have pit toilets available, no potable or drinking water, limited number of sites and fees are reduced to $10 per night.
“Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and reminded that any water taken from streams or lakes requires treatment before use,” the park notes.
There is also a fall timeline for Going-to-the-Sun Road’s access to Logan Pass.
To allow accelerated fall season rehabilitation on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the last day to access Logan Pass by vehicle from the west side will be Sunday, September 18. Vehicle traffic will be restricted on the west side at Avalanche Creek beginning Monday, September 19. Vehicle access to Logan Pass will be available from the east side of the park through Sunday, October 16, weather permitting.
Some campgrounds will be closed after Labor Day, so here’s a list of dates for anyone who might want to camp in the park after Sept. 5:
Apgar
Campground closes October 10
Primitive camping October 10 – November 30 in picnic area
Winter camping December 1 – March 31 in picnic area
Avalanche
Campground closes September 5
Bowman Lake
Primitive camping begins September 12 (closing date is weather dependent)
Cut Bank
Campground closes September 5
Fish Creek
Campground closes September 5
Kintla Lake
Primitive camping begins September 12 (closing date is weather dependent)
Logging Creek
Campground closes September 26
Many Glacier
Primitive camping begins September 29-October 31 (closing date is weather dependent)
Quartz Creek
Operated in primitive status all season, through November 28 (closing date is weather dependent)
Rising Sun
Campground closes September 12
Sprague Creek
Campground closes September 12
St. Mary
Reservations end September 4,
First-come first serve September 5-19
Primitive camping September 19-November 30
Winter camping December 1-March 31
Two Medicine
Primitive camping September 19 – October 31 (closing date is weather dependent)
Overnight camping in the park by a person or party is limited between July 1 through Labor Day to a total of 14 days in either a single period or combined separate periods. Between Labor and June 30, overnight camping shall not exceed 30 days.
Camping information is available on the park’s website by clicking on “Plan Your Visit,” then “Camping.” Additional information about campgrounds, including current and historic fill times, can be found at www.nps.gov/applications/glac/cgstatus/cgstatus.cfm