Fish Creek Campground – Glacier National Park, Montana

Fish Creek Campground is a large, forested campground on the western side of Glacier National Park, offering shaded sites and partial views of Lake McDonald in a quieter setting than the busy entrance area at Apgar. Surrounded by cedar and hemlock trees with easy access to the lake and the Going-to-the-Sun Road, it’s a favorite basecamp for families, road trippers, and returning Glacier visitors who want a more tucked-away feel without giving up convenience.

Location & Setting

The campground is located along the western shore of Lake McDonald, a few miles north of Apgar and the West Glacier entrance. Nestled in dense forest on gently sloping hillsides, Fish Creek offers a cool, shaded environment with the sound of wind in the trees and glimpses of the lake and surrounding peaks in select areas. Its position along the lake and not far from the Going-to-the-Sun Road makes it easy to reach key west-side viewpoints, boat launches, and visitor services while still feeling removed from the busiest traffic zones.

Campground Overview

Fish Creek is one of Glacier’s larger campgrounds, with around 170 sites spread across multiple loops that accommodate tents, trailers, and mid-sized RVs. Many sites are tucked into the trees for privacy and shade, while a handful enjoy filtered views toward Lake McDonald. The loops follow the natural contours of the hillside, creating a layered, terraced feel rather than a flat grid, which adds to the sense of seclusion. Because of its size, shaded forest character, and west-side location, Fish Creek is a very popular campground that typically requires advance planning during peak season.

Amenities

Campsites at Fish Creek include picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-resistant food storage lockers at each site. Restroom buildings with flush toilets and potable water are located throughout the loops. There are no electrical hookups or showers in the campground itself, and RV dump facilities are available closer to the park entrance area. The combination of modern restrooms and traditional, hookup-free sites gives Fish Creek a classic national park camping feel, with enough comfort to be family-friendly while keeping the focus on the surrounding forest and lake.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

From Fish Creek, campers have quick access to Lake McDonald for paddling, shoreline walks, photography, and evening sunset watching. Nearby day-use areas and small beaches provide spots to relax along the water. The campground is also close to the Rocky Point Nature Trail, which offers views across Lake McDonald toward the Livingston Range. A short drive south brings you to Apgar Village, where you’ll find boat rentals, stores, ranger programs, and the start of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. From there, it’s easy to head deeper into the park toward Avalanche Lake, Logan Pass, and other iconic west-side hikes and viewpoints.

Summary

Fish Creek Campground offers a shaded, lakeside forest setting with a quieter atmosphere than the more centralized Apgar area while still keeping campers close to Glacier National Park’s west-side highlights. With its large number of sites, classic wooded loops, and easy access to Lake McDonald and the Going-to-the-Sun Road, it’s an excellent choice for visitors who want a comfortable, scenic, and well-located base for exploring the park.