Pros & cons
PROS
- In-park options exist on both west and east sides
- Token-operated showers available near Many Glacier
CONS
- Very limited locations; most campgrounds have no showers
- Expect lines and a walk at Fish Creek; no parking by the building
Overview
If you’re craving a real rinse after dusty trails, showers do exist in the park—but only in a couple of spots. Plan around them and you’ll be fine; assume they’re scarce and you won’t be disappointed.
Where You’ll Find Them
- Fish Creek Campground (west side): Showers are in Loop A.
- Swiftcurrent Motor Inn (Many Glacier area, east side): Showers are token‑operated in a separate building.
What’s Not Guaranteed
St. Mary Campground offers flush restrooms in main season and reverts to no water in primitive/winter season. Showers are not listed there by official info, so don’t bank on them.
How to Plan It
- If you’re camping at Fish Creek but not in Loop A, factor in the walk; there’s no parking right at the shower house and folks report it can be an uphill trek from other loops.
- In peak summer, expect queues. Early morning or later evening tends to be quieter.
- Facilities and availability can change with season. Check current status at a visitor center before you make a special trip.
Best Time to Visit
- Early morning or after dinner for shorter waits.
- Midday sees the longest lines during summer.
- In shoulder seasons, verify hours and whether water is on at your campground before committing your plan.
Backup Options
If you absolutely need a guaranteed daily shower, consider a reset night at nearby lodging on the east side (e.g., St. Mary Village or similar) or plan your base around Many Glacier so you can use Swiftcurrent’s token showers.
Bottom Line
Showers are a limited commodity here. If you plan around Fish Creek or Swiftcurrent, you’ll get that hot rinse—just don’t expect widespread availability elsewhere.
Where it is
48.5273, -113.9800Tips for Shower
- 01At Fish Creek, showers are in Loop A; budget time to walk from other loops and note there’s no parking at the building.
- 02Swiftcurrent Motor Inn showers are token‑operated—plan ahead so you’re not caught without a rinse after a long hike.
- 03Go early or later in the evening to avoid peak summer lines.
- 04Facilities change with season; confirm status at a visitor center the day you plan to shower.
- 05Need a sure thing? Book a reset night at nearby lodging if your campground lacks showers.
Amenities
Near Shower
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayApgar CampgroundBig, shaded basecamp steps from Lake McDonald and Apgar VillageCampground · Restroom
0.5 mi awayApgar Visitor CenterWest-side hub for shuttles, rangers, maps, and quick trip fixesRestroom · Parking
0.6 mi awayApgar VillageLakeside hub for rentals, food, and shuttles on Lake McDonaldVisitor Center · Restroom
0.6 mi awayApgar Picnic AreaShaded lakeside tables with big Lake McDonald viewsPicnic Table · Restroom
1.3 mi awayRocky PointShort, breezy Lake McDonald ramble to rocky shore views and dipsEasy · 2 mi · 1.2 hr
2.4 mi awayApgar Lookout TrailSteady grind to big Lake McDonald views from a historic lookoutChallenging · 7.1 mi · 4 hr
6.1 mi awayHowe Lake TrailQuiet burn-area stroll to beaver ponds and loon-filled lakesEasy · 3.2 mi · 1.5 hr
6.5 mi awayLincoln Lake TrailBig climb, big payoff: a quiet lake beneath a colossal waterfallChallenging · 16.4 mi · 8.5 hr
