Fish Creek Campground

Shady west-side base with lake access and rare showers
Fish Creek Campground, Glacier National Park
InsideGlacier National Park

Overview

Fish Creek Campground is the park’s second-largest campground and a super convenient west-side base. It sits a few miles from the West Entrance, tucked in dense forest that keeps sites cool and private-feeling, with some filtered peeks toward Lake McDonald. If you want easy access to the lake and the west-side highlights without the bustle of Apgar, this is a solid pick.

Campsites & Amenities

  • 178 reservable sites across four loops (A–D); no electric hookups.
  • Flush restrooms and potable water throughout; a small set of showers in Loop A (capacity is limited, and early season closures can happen).
  • Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, but rings don’t have built-in grates—bring a grill or camp stove.
  • Generator hours are 8–10 a.m., 12–2 p.m., and 5–7 p.m.; Loop C is a no‑generator zone.
  • Loops C and D are closest to the lakeshore; expect shade everywhere.

Booking & Access

All sites are by reservation, with most released 6 months out and some on a 4‑day rolling window. Don’t count on cell service for booking once you’re here. If the park is using vehicle reservations during your dates, a campsite booking doesn’t grant access—you’ll need that separate vehicle reservation for Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road or other timed-entry areas.

What You’ll Do Nearby

  • Walk to Lake McDonald for a swim, wade, or a quiet shoreline sunset/sunrise.
  • Catch the evening ranger program at the campground amphitheater.
  • Hike the nearby Rocky Point Trail (views and burn-area ecology); Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche are a short drive.
  • The Apgar area is close for shuttle access, snacks, and quick supplies.

Wildlife & Safety

Grizzly and black bears frequent the area. Keep a spotless camp: store all food and attractants in a closed hard‑sided vehicle or bear lockers when not in use, and use the designated dish‑washing sinks at restrooms. Buy firewood locally and don’t collect it in the campground.

RV Notes

A handful of sites can take rigs up to about 35 feet, but some drives are narrow or uneven. If you plan to drive Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road, remember the size limits between Sun Point and Avalanche (over 21 feet long or 8 feet wide is prohibited in that stretch).

Best Time to Visit

Summer is prime and busy—arrive early on Fridays or Sundays if you can’t swing midweek. For photos and calm water, slip down to the lakeshore at sunrise; evenings are pleasant under the trees after the day’s heat. Expect hot afternoons on occasion and quick weather swings—pack layers and rain gear.

Pros

  • Shady, forested sites near Lake McDonald
  • Flush toilets plus rare campground showers in Loop A
  • Nightly ranger programs at the on-site amphitheater

Cons

  • No electric hookups and fire rings lack cooking grates
  • Some sites are tight or unlevel for RVs—choose carefully

Tips

  • Book early: most sites drop 6 months out, with a small 4‑day release.
  • If you want quiet and no generator noise, target Loop C near the lake.
  • Bring a stove or grill grate—fire rings don’t have cooking grates.
  • Vehicle reservations (when in effect) are separate from your campsite booking.
  • Use the nearby Apgar shuttle to avoid parking headaches on Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road.
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