Exploring Winter Camping at Apgar Campground: A Glacier National Park Guide

Glacier National Park, located in Northwest Montana, is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. Often referred to as the Crown of the Continent, it earns this title with its impressive mountains, crystal-clear blue waters, and wide array of wildlife. These features make it one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. Peak season in Glacier runs from July 4th until Labor Day weekend. If you want a less crowded experience, consider visiting in the off-season.

Winter in Glacier National Park

Visiting in winter is very different from visiting in summer. Be aware that most of the park is inaccessible during the winter months. Virtually all of Going-to-the-Sun Road, the main road running through the park, will be closed. From the West Entrance, you can travel along Going-to-the-Sun Road to Lake McDonald Lodge. Beyond that point, you will need to ski or snowshoe to continue. On the east side, Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed 1.5 miles west of the St. Mary Visitor Center.

Other entrances, such as the North Fork, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine, also have closed roads, requiring you to snowshoe or ski to access these areas.

Winter Camping

In the summer, securing a campsite in the park can be a challenge. In the winter, however, it’s much easier. There are two campgrounds open year-round: Apgar and St. Mary. During the winter, these campgrounds operate in “winter status,” meaning there are no services or running water. However, pit toilets are available, and there is no additional fee to camp. Note that you will still need to pay the entrance fee to access the park. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis during the winter months.

Apgar Campground

In the winter, a limited number of campsites are open, and the roads to these sites are plowed. Your campsite, including the fire ring and picnic table, won’t be dug out, so it’s a good idea to bring a shovel to clear snow from your site. Apgar Campground is heavily forested, so while you won’t have expansive mountain views, the forested setting is peaceful and serene during the winter. It’s a very enjoyable camping experience.

What to Do Around Apgar in the Winter

The most obvious options are snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. A popular area for these activities is the road beyond the winter road closure. As mentioned earlier, most services in the park are shut down during the winter, and the alpine sections of the park are largely inaccessible. However, there are some trails to explore before the West Side road closure at Lake McDonald Lodge.

Lake McDonald itself is another highlight. The lake is stunning in winter, and with ice forming, you could enjoy ice skating or ice fishing. Be sure to bring your own skates or fishing gear, and always check that the ice is safe before venturing out.

Final Thoughts

If you want to enjoy Glacier National Park without the crowds, consider visiting in winter. The park remains open in a limited capacity year-round, and camping at Apgar Campground during the winter offers a unique and rewarding experience that I highly recommend.