Sprague Creek Campground sits on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald, right off Going-to-the-Sun Road, about 9.5 miles from the West Entrance and roughly 1 mile from Lake McDonald Lodge. With only 21 sites — the smallest of the three campgrounds on the lake — it's also the most requested, thanks to a run of sites that sit almost at the water's edge.
The defining feature of Sprague Creek is what it doesn't allow: no towed units of any kind (travel trailers, boat trailers, towed cars) and no generators. Only small, self-contained vehicles up to 21 feet long and 8 feet wide are permitted. That restriction is exactly why it stays quieter than Apgar or Fish Creek.
All 21 sites are reservable via recreation.gov on a 6-month rolling booking window. With so few sites, Sprague Creek is often the first Lake McDonald campground to sell out for peak-season dates.
Book on recreation.govSite Types
Amenities
Showers: There are no shower facilities at Sprague Creek. The closest fee showers are near Apgar/West Glacier, or at Rising Sun and Swiftcurrent Motor Inns on the east side of the park. Plan accordingly, especially for longer stays.
Location & Getting There
Sprague Creek sits directly on Going-to-the-Sun Road, on the lake's northeast shore, about 9.5 miles from the West Entrance and roughly 1 mile southwest of Lake McDonald Lodge. Because it's right on GTSR, a nearby shuttle stop connects to the broader NPS shuttle network, giving you access to Avalanche Creek, Logan Pass and beyond without driving.
The no-towed-vehicles rule means you can't tow a boat trailer in — if you want to launch a kayak or canoe, park at the campground and carry gear a short distance to the shore, or use one of the dedicated kayak launch points along the lake.
What's Nearby
Booking Tips for 2026
- Book the moment reservations open. With only 21 sites, Sprague Creek is often the first of the three Lake McDonald campgrounds to sell out for peak dates.
- Double-check your vehicle fits. Combined length must be 21 ft or under, 8 ft wide or under, and towed units are not permitted — measure your rig before booking, not after arriving.
- Check for cancellations. Sites are released back regularly — check recreation.gov at 7 am MT and 9 pm MT when the system processes daily cancellations.
- Shoulder season is easier. Mid-May and late September have more availability and a quieter, more solitary experience.
Bear country rules apply: Store all food, scented products and cooking equipment away when not in use, day and night — Sprague Creek is active grizzly and black bear habitat. Never leave food or coolers unattended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring an RV or trailer to Sprague Creek Campground?
Only a small, self-contained RV — the maximum vehicle length is 21 feet (including bumpers) and 8 feet wide (including mirrors), and no towed units of any kind are allowed, whether a travel trailer, boat trailer or towed car. This restriction is what keeps Sprague Creek quieter than Apgar or Fish Creek.
How many sites does Sprague Creek Campground have?
Sprague Creek has 21 reservable sites, including 2 shared hiker/biker sites for visitors arriving without a vehicle. It's the smallest of the three campgrounds on Lake McDonald — Apgar and Fish Creek are both considerably larger.
Are there showers or a dump station at Sprague Creek?
No. Sprague Creek has flush toilets and potable water but no showers and no dump station. The closest fee showers are at Rising Sun and Swiftcurrent Motor Inns on the east side of the park, or in West Glacier near Apgar.
Are dogs allowed at Sprague Creek Campground?
Yes — pets are allowed in the campground and on paved roads throughout Glacier National Park, but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Pets are not permitted on unpaved trails, in the backcountry, or on NPS shuttle buses. Never leave pets unattended at a campsite.
Is Sprague Creek Campground the same as Lake McDonald Campground?
There's no campground officially named "Lake McDonald Campground." Sprague Creek is one of three NPS campgrounds along the lake — alongside Apgar and Fish Creek — and it's the smallest and most lakefront of the three. See the full comparison of all three campgrounds if you're deciding between them.