Hard-sided Camping Only at St. Mary Campground in Glacier

The St. Mary Campground, located on the east side of Glacier National Park, is currently available to hard-sided camping only. The campground has seen a recent increase of black and grizzly bear activity, creating a high potential for negative human/bear interactions. No incidents between humans and bears have been reported in the St. Mary Campground to date.

Park rangers and wildlife managers are initiating some aversive conditioning, or negative reinforcement, to attempt to modify bear behavior near the campground. This conditioning will be on-going in the area of the campground. It is unknown when hard-sided camping limitation will be lifted in the campground.

Primitive camping is available at the St. Mary Campground through October 31 for a fee of $10 per night. From November 1 – March 31, camping is free with a valid entrance pass at the St. Mary Campground. Campgrounds in primitive status have pit toilets available, no potable or drinking water, and limited number of sites. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and reminded that any water taken from streams or lakes requires treatment before use.

Glacier National Park is home to black and grizzly bears. Campers are reminded to keep campground and developed areas clean and free of food and trash. Regulations require that all edibles, food containers, and cookware be stored in a hard-sided vehicle or food locker when not in use, day or night. Place all trash in bear-proof containers. Do not burn waste in fire rings or leave litter around your camp. Fire rings should be free of trash before vacating a campsite. All bear sightings should be reported to a park ranger.

For more information about camping or hiking in bear country while recreating in Glacier National Park, please click here. For updated information about campgrounds and campground status, please visit here or contact the park at 406-888-7800.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com