Camping 99 Destination Series: Waterton-Glacier National Parks
Glacier
To the south, Glacier National Park continues with this super-natural theme - but on a much larger scale. There are basically four popular areas within the park. On the eastern boundary, the Many Glacier area (northeast) is accessed via U.S. 89, as is the St. Mary region further south. The Two Medicine area entrance is off Montana Highway 49 about 30 miles south of St. Mary on U.S 89. The West Entrance, and Apgar area (southwest), is just north of U.S. 2 and about 40 miles north of Kalispell, Montana.
Glacier's best known attraction is the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The narrow two-lane road runs 52 miles, starting near the Apgar Visitor's Center, traveling over Logan Pass and ending at the St. Mary entrance. It is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful and unforgettable drives I have experienced! The grand vistas from the many pullouts are spectacular. If you prefer not to drive yourself, Red Buses Tours will gladly do it for you.
The park's many large glacial lakes simply defy description. If you would like to be "on the lake," the Glacier Park Boat Co. offers tours and rentals at all the lakes. The park's abundant wildlife is frequently seen and photographed. From bighorn sheep, elk, moose and black and grizzly bear to beaver, river otter and golden eagle, nature's creatures are free and on display for your viewing pleasure!
There are over 700 miles of walking and hiking trails within Glacier National Park. If your tastes run to backpacking, biking, fishing, whitewater rafting or horseback riding, there are many guided tours available. Or obtain a park permit and go on your own.
Camping Facilities
Both Waterton Lakes and Glacier National Parks provide excellent camping facilities. Waterton has three main public campgrounds and many backcountry campsites. Townsite Campground (238 sites) supplies RVers with full hookups and is located near Upper Waterton Lake. We camped here and enjoyed every minute of our stay despite the numerous chipmunks that drove our beagles crazy - which drove us crazy in turn! Townsite offers some fantastic scenic vistas, lake access and is close to the town proper. (As of now, reservations are not available at this park.)
Glacier Camping ranges from primitive (tents only) to accommodations for 40 foot RVs. There are thirteen campgrounds in the park with over 1,000 sites. Apgar Campground (196 sites) is the largest and has flush toilets, dump
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