5-Day RV Itinerary for Glacier National Park, Montana

Experience America's Crown of the Continent by RV

Glacier National Park, straddling the Montana-Canada border, offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America. This 5-day RV itinerary guides you through the park's most accessible and family-friendly destinations while navigating the unique challenges of RV travel in mountainous terrain. From crystal-clear lakes to ancient glaciers, wildlife viewing to scenic drives, this carefully planned route maximizes your time while keeping daily drives manageable for families.

Why RV Glacier National Park?

Traveling Glacier by RV provides unparalleled flexibility and comfort for families. You'll have your home base with you, eliminating the need for daily packing and unpacking. Kids can nap during drives, you can prepare meals with stunning mountain views, and everyone has their own space after long days of exploration. The park's campgrounds offer some of the most scenic RV spots in the country, though advance reservations are essential.

Best Time to Visit

This itinerary is designed for the peak season (July through September) when all roads are typically clear of snow. The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road usually opens fully by late June or early July. For this family-focused itinerary, we recommend visiting in late July or August when weather is most stable and all facilities are operational.

RV Size Considerations

Glacier National Park has strict vehicle length restrictions. The Going-to-the-Sun Road prohibits vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet. For this itinerary, we recommend a Class C RV (under 25 feet) or a mid-sized travel trailer (under 21 feet) that you can unhitch for the scenic drive. Larger RVs can still enjoy the park but will need to use alternative routes and tour services.

Day 1: Arrival and West Glacier Exploration

Morning: Kalispell to West Glacier (33 miles, 45 minutes)

Begin your adventure by picking up your RV in Kalispell, Montana's gateway to Glacier. Stock up on groceries at Costco or Super 1 Foods before heading northeast on US Highway 2. The drive follows the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, offering glimpses of the mountains ahead.

Key Stops:

Milepost 151.5: Pull over at the Glacier National Park sign for your first family photo
West Glacier Village: Stop at the Alberta Visitor Center (open 8 AM - 4:30 PM) for maps and Junior Ranger booklets

Afternoon: Set Up Camp and Lake McDonald

Campground: Apgar Campground (West Glacier)

194 sites, 25 with RV-suitable spacing
No hookups, but potable water and dump station available
First-come, first-served in shoulder season; reservations required July-August
Sites A-Loop: Best for RVs under 40 feet

Pro Tip: Arrive before noon for the best site selection if first-come, first-served.

After setting up camp, drive the short distance to Lake McDonald, Glacier's largest lake at 10 miles long. The Apgar Village area offers:

Rocky Beach Access: Perfect for kids to skip stones and wade (water is cold year-round)
Apgar Village: Gift shops, ice cream at Eddie's Cafe, and bike rentals
Sunset Viewing: The lake faces west, creating spectacular evening colors

Evening: Trail of the Cedars

This 0.7-mile boardwalk loop is perfect for families with young children or those still adjusting to the altitude. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible, winding through an ancient cedar and hemlock forest. Look for the champion western red cedar, over 500 years old.

Wildlife Alert: Black bears frequent this area. Carry bear spray and make noise.

Day 1 Practical Notes:

Fuel: Fill up in West Glacier; limited options inside the park
Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms common; pack rain gear
Food: Cook at your campsite or eat at Apgar Village restaurants
Cell Service: Limited to none; download offline maps

Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun Road Adventure

Early Morning: Preparation and Departure

CRITICAL: If your RV exceeds 21 feet in length or 8 feet in width, you cannot drive Going-to-the-Sun Road. Options include:

Unhitch your trailer at Apgar Campground
Take the free shuttle (runs every 15-30 minutes July-September)
Book a Red Bus Tour ($95 adults, $45 children)

For this itinerary, we'll assume you're driving a compliant vehicle or taking the shuttle.

Morning: West Side Ascent (Apgar to Logan Pass - 32 miles, 1.5 hours)

Depart by 7 AM to beat crowds and secure parking at Logan Pass. This engineering marvel climbs 3,400 feet through some of North America's most spectacular scenery.

Must-Stop Viewpoints (with RV-safe pullouts):

Mile 10 - McDonald Creek: Multiple pullouts to view cascading waterfalls
Mile 11.5 - Avalanche Creek: Parking area for Avalanche Lake Trail (skip if traveling with small children - 4.5 miles round trip)
Mile 16 - The Loop: Major switchback with parking and restrooms
Mile 22 - Big Bend: Spectacular valley views (limited parking)
Mile 26 - Weeping Wall: Water cascades directly onto the road

Midday: Logan Pass Experience

Logan Pass Visitor Center (6,646 feet elevation)

Arrive before 9 AM or parking will be full
Interactive exhibits perfect for kids
Restrooms and water fountain
Ranger programs hourly in summer

Hidden Lake Trail (1.4 miles to overlook)

Boardwalk section suitable for families
Mountain goats and bighorn sheep frequently spotted
Wildflower meadows bloom July-August
Turn back at the overlook for easier hiking with kids

Afternoon: East Side Descent

Continue east through equally spectacular but distinctly different terrain.

Key Stops:

Mile 37 - Jackson Glacier Overlook: One of the park's most photographed glaciers
Mile 41 - St. Mary Falls Trail: Short 0.8-mile hike to waterfall
Mile 48 - Wild Goose Island Overlook: Iconic Glacier photo opportunity
Mile 51 - St. Mary Visitor Center: Film, exhibits, and gift shop

Late Afternoon: St. Mary Campground

Campground Details:

148 sites total, Loop A best for RVs
No hookups, water and dump station available
Reservations essential in summer
More exposed and windy than Apgar

Evening Options:

St. Mary Village: Restaurants and supplies just outside park
Sunset at St. Mary Lake: Different perspective than morning drive

Day 2 Practical Notes:

Mountain Driving: Use lower gears for descents; never ride brakes
Weather: Temperatures can drop 20°F from valley to pass
Altitude: Logan Pass is 6,646 feet; stay hydrated
Wildlife: Mountain goats have right of way on roads

Day 3: Many Glacier Valley - The Heart of the Park

Morning: St. Mary to Many Glacier (21 miles, 45 minutes)

Take US-89 north to Babb, then west on Many Glacier Road. This less-traveled valley offers some of the park's best wildlife viewing and hiking.

Route Highlights:

Duck Lake Road: Quick detour for Native American cultural sites
Babb, MT: Last services before Many Glacier; small grocery store

Many Glacier Campground

Why Move Camps? Many Glacier offers unique experiences worth the effort of relocating.

Campground Details:

109 sites, 13 suitable for RVs up to 35 feet
No hookups, primitive camping
First-come, first-served only
Arrive before 10 AM for RV sites

Afternoon: Swiftcurrent Lake Activities

Family-Friendly Options:

Boat Tour and Hike Combo ($35 adults, $17.50 children)
- 1.5-hour boat tour across Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes
- Optional 0.2-mile walk to Grinnell Lake
- Rangers often join to discuss wildlife
Swiftcurrent Nature Trail (2.6-mile loop)
- Level, stroller-friendly sections
- Circles Swiftcurrent Lake
- Moose frequently spotted in marshy areas
Red Rock Falls (1.8 miles round trip)
- Easy trail following Swiftcurrent Creek
- Multiple water access points for kids

Evening: Wildlife Watching

Many Glacier is renowned for wildlife. Best viewing times are dawn and dusk.

Prime Locations:

Many Glacier Road: Pull-offs between hotel and campground
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn: Deck overlooks meadows where bears feed
Fishercap Lake: 2.5 miles east of campground; moose habitat

Common Sightings: Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep

Day 3 Practical Notes:

Bear Safety: Highest grizzly density in park; proper food storage critical
Services: Limited; bring supplies from Babb or St. Mary
Weather: Valley traps afternoon storms; rain gear essential
Campground: No reservations; have backup plan if full

Day 4: Two Medicine Valley and Native American Heritage

Morning: Many Glacier to Two Medicine (85 miles, 2 hours)

This longer drive showcases the park's east side and Blackfeet Nation connections.

Route: Many Glacier Road → US-89 South → MT-49 West → Two Medicine Road

Stops Along the Way:

St. Mary: Fuel and supplies
Kiowa Junction: Historic camp store and gas
East Glacier Park Village: Glacier Park Lodge worth a quick tour
Two Medicine Road: 7-mile scenic drive to valley (RVs allowed)

Two Medicine Campground

Campground Details:

99 sites, 11 designated for RVs
No hookups, primitive camping
First-come, first-served
Less crowded than other valleys

Afternoon: Two Medicine Lake Experience

This serene valley offers excellent family activities with fewer crowds.

Activity Options:

Boat Tour ($15 adults, $7.50 children)
- 45-minute cruise with mountain views
- Captain shares Blackfeet stories
- Option to hike one-way and boat back
Running Eagle Falls (0.6 miles round trip)
- Wheelchair accessible to viewing platform
- Unique "trick falls" phenomenon
- Sacred site to Blackfeet Nation
South Shore Trail (3.2 miles to Paradise Point)
- Level lakeside trail
- Numerous picnic spots
- Beaver dams visible

Evening: Blackfeet Cultural Experience

Options:

Evening Ranger Program: Often focuses on Native American connections
Campfire Stories: Traditional Blackfeet tales if offered
Star Gazing: Less light pollution than other valleys

Day 4 Practical Notes:

Cultural Sensitivity: Two Medicine is sacred to Blackfeet; respect sites
Wind: Exposed valley can be very windy; secure camp items
Services: No services in valley; bring everything needed
Wildlife: Lower bear density but still present; follow protocols

Day 5: Return Journey and Hidden Gems

Morning: Two Medicine to West Glacier (100 miles, 2.5 hours)

Take the scenic southern route back, exploring often-missed attractions.

Route: Two Medicine → US-2 West through Marias Pass

Marias Pass and Continental Divide

Marias Pass Summit (5,216 feet)

Lowest pass through the Rocky Mountains
Theodore Roosevelt Monument
Continental Divide marker
Restrooms and picnic area

Essex and the Izaak Walton Inn

Worth a Stop: This historic railroad inn offers:

Restaurant with famous huckleberry pie
Gift shop with local crafts
Train watching platform
Short nature trails

Afternoon: Flathead River Activities

Before returning your RV, enjoy final adventures along US-2.

Options:

Raft the Middle Fork (West Glacier)
- Half-day family floats available
- Class II-III rapids suitable for children 6+
- Multiple outfitters in West Glacier
Belton Bridge (West Glacier)
- Swimming hole popular with locals
- Cliff jumping for older kids/teens
- Picnic area available
House of Mystery (Columbia Falls)
- Quirky roadside attraction
- Optical illusions and "mystery spot"
- 35-minute guided tour

Evening: RV Return and Departure

Plan to return your RV by 4 PM in Kalispell, allowing time for:

Dumping tanks at West Glacier if needed
Refueling (same level as pickup)
Basic cleaning
Inventory check

Essential Planning Information

Reservations and Permits

Campground Reservations:

Book at Recreation.gov
Open 6 months in advance
July-August fill within minutes
Have multiple date options ready

Vehicle Reservations (Starting 2024):

Required for Going-to-the-Sun Road
$2 per vehicle plus park pass
Book at Recreation.gov

What to Pack for RV Camping

Essential Gear:

Bear spray (2 cans minimum)
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Layered clothing (temperatures vary 40°F daily)
Rain gear for entire family
Sturdy hiking shoes
Sunscreen and hats (high altitude sun)
Cash (limited cell service for cards)
Paper maps as backup
First aid kit
Plenty of water containers

RV-Specific Considerations

Power and Water:

No hookups in park campgrounds
Generator hours: 8 AM - 8 PM only
Water available at all campgrounds
Dump stations at Apgar and St. Mary

Driving Tips:

Mountain grades up to 6%
Use engine braking on descents
Pull over to let traffic pass
Never park beyond designated areas
Check propane levels (high altitude affects efficiency)

Wildlife Safety

Bear Protocol:

Store all food in hard-sided RV or bear boxes
Never leave food in awnings or screen rooms
Close windows when away from RV
Dispose of trash immediately
Make noise while hiking
Keep children within arm's reach

Other Wildlife:

Mountain goats: Aggressive around salt/urine
Elk and Moose: Unpredictable, especially in fall
Ground squirrels: Major camp pests; secure food

Weather Preparedness

Typical Conditions (July-August):

Valleys: 45-80°F
Mountain passes: 35-65°F
Afternoon thunderstorms common
Snow possible above 7,000 feet any day
Wind speeds can exceed 60 mph

Budget Estimation

5-Day Cost Breakdown (Family of Four):

RV Rental (Class C): $150-250/day = $750-1,250
Fuel: 400 miles @ 10 mpg = $160-200
Park Pass: $35 per vehicle
Campgrounds: $23-30/night = $92-120
Food/Groceries: $400-500
Activities (boat tours, etc.): $200-300
Total Estimated Cost: $1,637-2,405

Making the Most of Your Glacier RV Adventure

Photography Tips

Golden Hour Locations:

Sunrise: Lake McDonald, Wild Goose Island
Sunset: Many Glacier Hotel meadows, St. Mary Lake
Midday: Waterfalls and forest scenes

Family Engagement Ideas

Junior Ranger Program: Free at visitor centers
Nature Bingo: Create cards with wildlife/features to spot
Travel Journals: Kids document daily adventures
Glacier Challenge: Learn to identify different peaks
Huckleberry Hunt: August is prime picking season

Alternative Options for Weather Days

Indoor/Covered Activities:

Park visitor centers with films and exhibits
Glacier Park Lodge tour in East Glacier
Huckleberry Patch restaurant and gift shop
West Glacier shops and cafes
RV movie night with downloaded content

Conclusion: Your Glacier National Park RV Journey

This 5-day itinerary balances Glacier's must-see highlights with the practical realities of RV travel with families. By staying at multiple campgrounds, you'll experience the park's diverse ecosystems while keeping daily drives manageable. The memories created—from spotting your first grizzly bear to standing atop Logan Pass—will last a lifetime.

Remember that Glacier is a wilderness park where weather and wildlife create dynamic conditions. Flexibility in your plans, proper preparation, and respect for nature will ensure a safe and memorable adventure. Whether it's your first RV trip or you're seasoned travelers, Glacier National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the Crown of the Continent at your own pace, with all the comforts of home traveling with you.

Start planning early, especially for summer visits, and don't be discouraged if you can't secure reservations immediately. Persistence pays off, and even partial success with this itinerary will provide an incredible family adventure. The park's beauty and grandeur make every moment worthwhile, from the simplest lakeside picnic to conquering mountain passes in your home on wheels.