Apgar
Glacier
Montana
Date filmed:2025-07-30
Number of sites:194
GPS:48.526527, -113.981982
Max vehicle length:40 Feet
Check in:12:00 pm
Check out:4:00 pm
Quiet hours:10:00 pm - 6:00 am

Amenities and Activities

Amenities
Fire Ring
Picnic Table
RVs
Tents
Accessible Sites
Showers
General Store
Flushing Toilets
Food
Fire Wood
Trash Collection
Shade
Dump Station
Activities
Fishing
Hiking
Biking
Scenic Driving
Picnicking
Boating
Scenic Overlooks
Amphitheater
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
Photography

Things to Do

Into the Montana Woods

Red Meadow Creek Offroad Adventure

Featured: Avalanche, Apgar, Big Creek, Fish Creek, Saint Mary, Sprague Creek, Two Medicine

Join us on a peaceful backroad adventure through the stunning forests of northwest Montana. This route, known as Red Meadow Creek on OnX Offroad, winds through the Flathead National Forest, past Upper Whitefish Lake, and near Whitefish Mountain. The dirt road climbs steadily into dense evergreens, with glimpses of alpine lakes and rugged ridgelines that make every mile worth the drive. Along the way, we explore quiet turnouts, hidden picnic spots, and pristine views of Montana’s wilderness that few travelers ever see. The drive ends with a choice — continue on the Red Meadow Creek route or detour north toward the Canadian border. Either way, this scenic stretch offers a perfect blend of solitude, adventure, and classic Big Sky beauty. Whether you’re planning your own overlanding route or just love the serenity of forest roads, this episode captures the magic of Montana’s backcountry.

Canada Border Roads & Huckleberry Dreams

A Sweet Finish in Big Sky Country

Featured: Avalanche, Apgar, Big Creek, Fish Creek, Saint Mary, Sprague Creek, Two Medicine

Welcome back to our 2025 Campvue Northern Tour on the Cactus Atlas. In this episode, we continue our journey through the forests of Montana, following scenic dirt roads north toward the Canadian border. Along the way, we stop to admire crystal-clear creeks, mountain views stretching toward Glacier National Park, and the quiet beauty of the Flathead National Forest. After reaching the border area, we make a stop at the legendary Polebridge Mercantile for one of their world-famous huckleberry bear claws — the perfect treat to end a long day of exploration. We return to Big Creek Campground, where the evening calm and riverside views wrap up our time in this unforgettable part of Montana. Be sure to catch up on previous episodes of our Northern Tour if you missed them — there’s plenty more scenery, history, and adventure to enjoy.

Between the Mountains and the Mission

Filming in Glacier Country

Featured: Avalanche, Apgar, Big Creek, Fish Creek, Saint Mary, Sprague Creek, Two Medicine

Welcome back to our 2025 Campvue Northern Tour. In this episode, we leave Big Creek Campground in the Flathead National Forest and make our way around to the east entrance of Glacier National Park. Unlike our usual days of pure exploration, today offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what fuels much of our travels — filming campground drive-thrus for our CampVue YouTube channel and web app. It’s a quieter day, focused on the work that goes into documenting the campgrounds we share with our viewers and building the resource at the heart of our road trips. As the day winds down, we settle into Apgar Campground, near Glacier’s west entrance, ready to explore the park and travel the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road in the next episode. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating the content behind our adventures, this one’s for you.

Driving Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road

Overlooks, Lake McDonald & Camp Views

Featured: Avalanche, Apgar, Fish Creek, Saint Mary, Sprague Creek, Two Medicine

We travel the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road through Glacier National Park, stopping at overlooks to take in its soaring peaks and waterfalls. A day of awe and reflection ends with calm skies over Lake McDonald. Welcome back to our 2025 Campvue Northern Tour on the Cactus Atlas. In this episode, we experience one of the most breathtaking drives in America — Glacier National Park’s legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road. Heading east from our campsite, we wind through towering mountain passes, stop at scenic overlooks, and take in the grandeur of Glacier’s rugged landscape. With every turn, the scale of the park leaves us in quiet awe — jagged peaks, waterfalls, and alpine vistas stretching as far as the eye can see. After a full day immersed in the beauty of Glacier, we return to camp for a peaceful evening. The episode closes with quiet moments at Lake McDonald near Sprague Creek Campground — a fitting end to a day defined by reflection, gratitude, and the unmatched majesty of nature. If you love the calm, the mountains, and the open road, this episode is one to get lost in.

Montana Miles

Scenic Drive from Glacier to Virginia City

Featured: Cabin Creek, Baker's Hole, Avalanche, Apgar, Beaver Creek , Fish Creek, Saint Mary, Sprague Creek, Two Medicine

Rolling south from Glacier through Montana’s valleys and riversides — a peaceful ride filled with winding roads, big skies, and quiet beauty on the way to Virginia City. After several days exploring the beauty of Glacier National Park, we turn south — trading the jagged peaks and alpine forests for the long, open stretches of Montana backroads. This leg of the journey is quieter, more reflective, and captures the kind of peaceful rhythm that only a long drive through the West can offer. Our route winds through valleys lined with golden grass and follows rivers that glint in the sunlight. Every curve of the road reveals another postcard-perfect view — farmland dotted with weathered barns, cottonwoods shimmering in the breeze, and mountains fading into the horizon. There’s a sense of calm in this episode — a simple appreciation for motion, for the sound of tires on dirt, and the small towns that pass by almost unnoticed. Sometimes, road trips aren’t about the destinations or the landmarks — they’re about these moments in between, when you can just sit back, watch the scenery roll past, and breathe. By day’s end, we find ourselves nearing Virginia City, Montana — ready to explore another piece of the state’s fascinating past.

Campground Overview

Apgar Campground – Glacier National Park, Montana

Apgar Campground is the largest and most accessible campground in Glacier National Park, located near the western entrance and the shores of Lake McDonald. With its mix of forested sites, modern amenities, and proximity to visitor services, it’s one of the best basecamps for exploring Glacier’s west side. Ideal for families, road trippers, and first-time Glacier visitors, Apgar offers both convenience and classic national park atmosphere.

Location & Setting

Situated just inside the West Glacier entrance, Apgar Campground sits within a mature cedar and hemlock forest only a short walk from Lake McDonald’s scenic shoreline. The surrounding area includes the Apgar Visitor Center, gift shops, a camp store, and access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Forest shade, proximity to the lake, and easy access to services make Apgar one of the most comfortable and convenient places to stay in the entire park.

Campground Overview

With over 190 campsites spread across several loops, Apgar is Glacier’s largest developed campground. Sites accommodate tents, trailers, and a wide range of RV sizes, making it one of the most flexible options in the park. The layout provides a mix of shaded forest sites, quieter back loops, and centrally located spots near the path to Lake McDonald. Because of its size, Apgar tends to offer more availability than smaller campgrounds, though it still fills quickly during summer.

Amenities

Apgar Campground offers modern restrooms with flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings at every site. While there are no electrical hookups, a nearby seasonal dump station is available for RV campers. The Apgar area includes a camp store, watercraft rentals, restaurants, and ranger programs during the summer months. Lake McDonald Lodge, additional visitor services, and boat tours are only a short drive away. This combination of natural setting and easy access to services makes Apgar one of Glacier’s most comfortable places to camp.

Activities & Nearby Trails

Campers staying at Apgar have immediate access to the lakeshore for swimming, paddling, photography, or simply relaxing at sunset. Popular activities include kayaking on Lake McDonald, biking park roads and paths, and exploring Apgar Village’s shops and viewpoints. Several short trails originate nearby, including the Rocky Point Nature Trail, which offers excellent views across the lake toward the Livingston Range. The campground is also perfectly positioned for driving or shuttling up the Going-to-the-Sun Road, giving campers quick access to Logan Pass, Avalanche Lake, the Trail of the Cedars, and numerous scenic overlooks.

Summary

Apgar Campground blends convenience, scenery, and comfort in one of Glacier National Park’s most accessible settings. With its shaded forest sites, close proximity to Lake McDonald, and easy access to services and trailheads, it’s an excellent basecamp for families and first-time visitors exploring the west side of the park. Whether you’re launching into the Going-to-the-Sun Road, paddling the lake, or enjoying a quiet evening in the trees, Apgar offers a classic Glacier camping experience.

Nearby Campgrounds