Camping

Glacier has two types of auto campgrounds, Class A (accessed by paved road, running potable water, flush toilets and offering waste disposal) Class B (accessed by gravel road, outdoor toilet facilities). Some Class B campgrounds have potable water from a water pump, however, some Class B campgrounds have no water. Water obtained from lakes, rivers and streams and should be treated, filtered or boiled. A few sites are open year-round at Apgar and St. Mary, but services are primitive in the winter. There are no hookups at Glacier campgrounds. Store food in your car's trunk, in bearproof lockers provided at campgrounds or on bearpoles in the backcountry. Unattended food or storage containers are subject to confiscation and a fine.

Backcountry campgrounds (operated on a reservation or walk-in basis—see page 59) are reachable by hiking trails only, or in some cases, by private boats. Food poles and food preparation areas are available for every campsite.

Waterton provides a range of campsites from fully serviced sites with full hookups (water, sewer and power) to primitive sites with basic services such as picnic tables, potable water and toilets (chemical/pit).

Regulations

Backcountry permits are required for backcountry camping and fees are charged at both parks. (Glacier does not charge permit fees for winter camping.) Permits are available at the following locations: Apgar Backcountry Permit Center, St. Mary visitor center, and ranger stations at Many Glacier, Polebridge and Two Medicine. Permits for Glacier backcountry trips, with entry points at Goat Haunt or Chief Mountain, can also be obtained at the Waterton Visitor Center during summer months (credit card payment only).

At Glacier, campfires are allowed in designated fire pits only. At Waterton, campfires are prohibited in most backcountry campgrounds. In extreme fire-hazard conditions, the parks may request (or require) that campers use portable cook stoves.

Gathering firewood is prohibited at Glacier and in Waterton's campgrounds. Firewood is available for sale at camp stores throughout Glacier.

Store food in your car's trunk or in bearproof lockers provided at campgrounds, or picnic areas and on bearpoles in the backcountry. Unattended food and/or storage containers are subject to confiscation and a fine.