Apgar Campground sits at the southwestern tip of Lake McDonald, inside Glacier National Park, roughly one mile from the West Glacier entrance. With 194 sites spread across forested loops, it is the largest campground in the Lake McDonald area — and one of the most popular in all of Glacier. It books out weeks or months in advance for July and August, often within minutes of reservations opening on recreation.gov.
The location is exceptional. Several loops back directly onto the lake shore, the Apgar Visitor Center is a short walk away, and the free NPS shuttle stops at the campground entrance — meaning you can reach Going-to-the-Sun Road's major trailheads without moving your vehicle once you've parked.
Most sites are reservable via recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. A small number of first-come, first-served sites open daily at 8 am — arrive early in shoulder season or you will not get one.
Book on recreation.govSite Types
Amenities
Showers: There are no shower facilities at Apgar. The closest paid showers are available in West Glacier (approximately 2 miles from the campground entrance). Plan accordingly, especially for longer stays.
Location & Getting There
Apgar Campground is located inside Glacier National Park, approximately 1 mile east of the West Glacier entrance on Going-to-the-Sun Road. If driving from the west, follow US-2 to West Glacier, enter the park, and turn right toward Apgar Village — the campground entrance is signed on the left within a mile.
Once parked, you rarely need to move your vehicle. The free NPS shuttle stops at Apgar and connects north along Going-to-the-Sun Road to Avalanche Creek, the Loop, Logan Pass and St. Mary — giving you access to the park's best trailheads without driving or worrying about trailhead parking. Vehicle permits are required on GTSR from 7 am – 3 pm during peak season, but shuttle riders are exempt.