Summer is quickly approaching and for many people that means camping, especially in Glacier National Park. For the folks who want to get away from the early-season crowds on the west side of the park, Rising Sun Campground on St. Mary Lake may be the perfect getaway.
According to the National Park Service, Rising Sun is known as the place where “the mountains meet the prairies,” which is an apt analysis of what you’ll find there. Along with a campground (opening May 25), there is a camp store, casual restaurant and showers.
The campground has 83 sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The campground is also a stop along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which as of last week was open as far as the Jackson Glacier Overlook, just a few miles west of Rising Sun. The Rising Sun area is also a perfect spot to serve as a base camp for backcountry hiking trips.
Each campground site costs $20 a night and the sites fill up fast later on during the summer.