FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
With 178 campsites, Fish Creek Campground is situated on the northwest shore of Lake McDonald and is the second-largest campground in Glacier National Park. It consists of 4 loops, with loops C and D being closest to the lake. It’s location and proximity to Apgar Village and Campground, just 2.5 miles away, make it a popular campground that fills up fast.
Arrival
As we arrived at Fish Creek Campground in Glacier National Park, we noticed that it had become quite hazy. Rangers informed us that it was from the smoke generated by the major wildfires burning in California. Little did we know that the day we returned from our trip, a wildfire would start along Lake McDonald, forcing the evacuation of all of the Lake McDonald area, including Fish Creek and Apgar campgrounds.
As I noted in one of my previous posts about planning our road trip to Glacier National Park, Fish Creek Campground was my “plan B” if I couldn’t get a campsite in Many Glacier, which turned out to be the case. I had researched and noted the campsites that I wanted to shoot for in Fish Creek, which really was anything on Lake McDonald, preferably in Loop D, then Loop C. As I nervously rushed to lock in a site, I saw one campsite left on Loop C that was on the lake so I grabbed it for the entire date range that we planned on being at Glacier for. There – we were guaranteed a site for the dates we wanted and we didn’t have to worry about having a place to stay.
As it turns out, I was able to get a larger site on Loop D prior to our arrival date and I canceled the reservation for our site on C Loop. I didn’t realize how lucky we were…
What a Campsite!
Prior to arriving, I had done a lot of research on the spot we ended up getting on D Loop. Based on the campground and campsite photos and videos I had found, this looked like a really great site but I was only able to find one reference to the site in a review and it wasn’t exceptionally descriptive. This being the case, I had told the family that the site looked to be pretty good and our anticipation for it was high – I always try and get everyone excited for a location if I think it’s going to be good, but it’s backfired on me a few times. I really hoped this wasn’t one of those times.
As we turned into loop D and descended a short hill, we came upon the campsite and it looked just as it had in the photos/videos – it was HUGE – perhaps one of, if not the largest, campsite in the campground. I think I even let out a muffled, “wow…” under my breath. Not only was it big but it had many tall pines, a huge tent pad, and was about 50 feet from Lake McDonald, which you could see through the trees.
We pulled into the gravel drive and the kids jumped out, all exclaiming, “Whoa!”, in unison and ran to look at the lake. I have come to realize that while I may value location to hiking, photography opportunities, and privacy of a campsite, our kids value one thing above all else – water to play and swim in. I don’t recall enjoying 60-degree water as a child but I kid you not, I have seen my children play in water that I would chill beer in. Anyway, I digress…
The campsite was a hit. I think I can objectively say it was one of the best, if not the best, we have been in ANY park. We were definitely spoiled by this site and it set the bar very high – almost too high – when comparing other sites. When we were packing up to leave for Many Glacier, the kids didn’t want to leave. It didn’t help to know that we had three separate rangers tell us that our campsite was their favorite.
Lake McDonald
There are three campgrounds along the shores of Lake McDonald, which is the largest lake in Glacier National Park: Apgar, Fish Creek, and Sprague Creek. Apgar is the largest and includes Apgar Village, a very nice Visitor’s Center, and the campground. Sprague Creek is located near the Lake McDonald Lodge and is a much smaller campground of 25 sites that do not allow trailed campers.
When making our reservations for Fish Creek, one of my goals was to have a campsite that was close to Lake McDonald. Several of the sites that are along the lake have short trails that lead to the shores of the lake that allow for swimming or lounging on the beach. A family in one of the campsites next to ours brought kayaks and stand up paddle boards to use and there are a number of watercraft rental options in Apgar Village.
One observation I made was that it felt strange to see and hear a large motorized recreational boat cruise by in the distance; it removed me from the remote and isolated feeling that Glacier can provide. This feeling quickly dissipated as I sipped a glass of wine and dipped my feet into the lake as the kids played in the water.
Quick Fact: Trailered boats with gas-powered motors are permitted on Lake McDonald but only after being inspected and quarantined for 30 days prior to launch. Non-motorized boats do not require this quarantine period. We didn’t see anyone fishing but we did see quite a few smaller fish swimming about the shallows.
Other Observations
The main draw for us in this area of the park was Lake McDonald and it didn’t disappoint. I wish it would have been less hazy but it was still an incredible view and experience. My research prior to the trip showed that there was only one hike that I wanted to do in this area – Trail of the Cedars/Avalanche Lake. I am sure there that there are other hikes and destinations on this side of the lake that we would like but I simply had not discovered them by the time we went. If you have ideas, feel free to share them in the comments section of this article.
If you plan on driving to Avalanche to do Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake, I highly recommend you go early. We arrived at about 8:30 AM and the lot was full. We circled once and got lucky and found one last spot.
Things We Liked
- Our Campsite on D Loop was incredible. It’s location, privacy, and size were off the charts.
- The proximity to Lake McDonald was awesome. Even if you were on one of the other loops, walking to the lake was easy.
- Even though we were on a loop that allowed generators, it was very quiet. There was only an occasional generator but it was always during acceptable hours.
- The sites on the stream in Loop D looked great. They were a bit smaller but they had direct access to the stream next to the campground and you could go to sleep listening to the rushing water.
- The bathrooms were nice and clean and weren’t crowded.
- A short, few minute drive from Apgar Village and Campground.
Critical Thoughts
- There were some really small and/or uneven campsites, particularly on Loop C. Our original site was tiny – we would have had to pitch the tent on the gravel drive.
- Only 4 showers for the entire campground and they are located at Loop A and offer no parking, you will need to walk to them.
- Noticed that a number of people with trailers had very tough times getting level on Loop C. Loop A did not appear to have this problem.
- It could get surprisingly noisy from traffic (especially Harleys) traveling on the Going to the Sun Road, which is directly across the lake from the campground.
Useful Links
- Fish Creek Campground Campsite Reservation Page on recreation.gov
- NPS Fish Creek Campground Information Page with historic campground fill times (time that the campground is full)
What site number is that?
Responded to you via email. Enjoy your trip!
If you don’t mind me asking, was this D150? I did a google search on the site and your post appeared so hoping that is the one you described so artfully and humorously regarding kids and 60 degree water!
I responded to your question via email. Let me know if you have other questions, I am happy to answer them.
Hi I know it is too late to try for that campsite this year, but what site did you get in the “D” loop?
Hi. I am also wondering about the site number. 🙂
Sent via email.
What site was this? I’m planning a trip and it looks great.
What site was this? We are planning a trip this year and it looks great.
Replied via email.
Do you mind telling me what the campsite number is? Thanks
Replied via email.
what site number did you have? Thank you
I responded via email.
Please email me the d loop campsite #, thank you.
Aloha, Hollie. I just responded via email.
Hello! Trying to get the fam there this summer, if you’re willing please email me the site #. We are just a tent, but it looks amazing and the frank are ra could fit 🙂
Sent via email. Good luck!
Hi! What campsite were you at? Also Amy other sites that were a close second to this one? Seeing that a lot of people are interested in it 🤣
Replied via email.
Hi I was wondering what site number you camped at? It looks wonderful!
Sent you an email with the site number.
Was it a group site or a individual site? If individual site, do you mind sharing the site number please?
This was an individual site on D Loop.
Thank you so much for the detailed tips and info!
I am researching for a long family road trip (Aug. 2023) and would very much appreciate to know what was your specific site on loop D and if maybe you have in mind other sites recommended or the opposite (in any loop). and in general, how would you rate the loops A,B,C,D?
what would you suggest as plan B if I fail to reserve a site in Fish Creek?
Any of the sites on the outer side of D loop are great – especially the ones that are along the lake. C loop has many sites but they tend to be smaller and many are quite uneven, which makes it difficult for trailers or larger tents.
If you can’t get into Fish Creek, check out some of the other campgrounds in the park. Unfortunately, due to its popularity, getting a site can be quite difficult in GNP. If you don’t get what you want immediately, keep checking back for cancellations.
Thanks for your great camping posts. I am making reservations for this summer, Can you reply by email?
I live in Colorado and do a lot of dispersed camping. Finding great out of the way spots is a hobby for me. If you ever want a tip for that kind of place, send me an email.
Could you please share the site number? Thank you.
What site is this and is there easy lake access?