WEST GLACIER, Mont.  – Glacier National Park is implementing fee rate changes to most front-country campgrounds in 2024 and Apgar Group Sites in 2025.  Projects funded by recreation fees include trail and campground repairs and improvements, increasing accessibility, and facility restoration. By increasing fees, Glacier National Park will continue to be able to provide and improve services that directly benefit visitors.

The rates for campsites will increase between $3-10 depending on the type of site. Some group sites will increase by $30 while others will decrease by $20.

The following are the 2024 fee rates changes for the most popular frontcountry campgrounds in Glacier National Park. For a full table on rate changes, visit the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GLACCampgroundFees.

 

Available Season/Service Provided

Campground(s)

Current Rate

2024 Rate

Standard Tent, Reservation

Peak Season

Apgar, Fish Creek, Many Glacier, Sprague Creek,

St. Mary

$23$30

Standard Tent, Reservation

Peak Season

Avalanche, Two Medicine$20$30

Standard Tent, First-Come First-Served Peak Season

Bowman, Kintla$15$25

Standard Tent, First-Come First-Served Peak Season

Rising Sun, St. Mary$20$30

NPS acknowledges that a fee increase can be a concern. Under the new fee rates, Glacier will continue to offer half priced camping for Interagency Senior pass holders and Interagency Lifetime Access pass holders.

The last major fee rate change occurred in 2007. After extensive research of local campground rates and provided services outside the park, the proposed rate increases were found to be comparable with current market rates in the surrounding areas for similar services.

A civic engagement period was held from August 9 through September 8, 2023, and comments were submitted on the proposed frontcountry camping fee rates. Of the 46 responses received, 43 percent expressed direct support for the fee rate changes in amenity fees for frontcountry campsites. Twenty-three percent opposed fee rate increases, and 34 percent were neutral or did not specify whether they supported or opposed but provided suggestions or feedback.

Visitors can start making 2024 campground reservations starting January 7, 2024, on Recreation.gov.  For more information regarding reservable and first-come, first-served campsites, visit the park’s website.

More From KSEN AM 1150