Thank you for reading our post, please rate this article at the end.
Last Updated on September 4, 2024 by Shera Mae Torollo
Table of Contents
Can You Drive An RV through Glacier National Park?
Navigating Glacier National Park in an RV can be a challenging yet rewarding adventure. Driving an RV through this vast expanse of natural beauty requires careful planning due to the park’s vehicle size restrictions and unpredictable weather conditions.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road permits smaller vehicles.
- Class B and smaller Class C RVs navigate well.
- Larger RVs are limited to specific park roads.
- Check the official website for current restrictions and guidelines.
- Overnight parking outside designated campgrounds is prohibited.
- Only a few campgrounds in the park accommodate RVs.
Can You Drive An RV through Glacier National Park? Yes, but certain roads and locations will be difficult to manage with an RV due to the size. It’s best to travel in Glacier National Park with an RV under 21 feet to maximize the RV parks and roads that can accommodate you.
The Sun Road is closed to RVs that are longer than 21 feet, taller than 10 feet, and wider than 8 feet (including mirrors), But you can still explore Glacier National Park’s alpine roads by taking alternate routes.
To get around the park, take a taxi or go on one of the retro 1930s Red Bus Tours.
The park’s main campgrounds do not have water, sewer, or electricity hookups, so for the best views, remain outside the park’s main campgrounds.
West Glacier RV Park, a recent addition to the park, provides full-service sites with convenient facilities and fewer restrictions.
In Glacier National Park, having your standard-sized vehicle makes things a lot easier. To get the best views of the park’s sunrise, get on the road earlier than the rest of the crowd.
Plan ahead of time to get to the best picture spots, such as Logan Pass, at the best times.
Things To Consider When Driving An RV Through Glacier National Park
Check Road Conditions and Restrictions
Glacier National Park has roads that can be harsh, narrow, and winding. Certain routes, like the Going-to-the-Sun Road, have vehicle length restrictions (21 feet) due to tight hairpin turns and narrow lanes. Always check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information.
Stay Informed About Weather Forecasts
Weather in Glacier National Park can change rapidly. Heavy rain, snow, and ice can make driving an RV more challenging. Stay updated with the latest weather forecasts to plan your drive accordingly.
Wildlife Awareness
The Park is home to a variety of wildlife like bears, mountain goats, and elk. They often cross roads, so be alert and maintain a safe speed to avoid accidents.
Parking
Parking can be challenging due to the size of an RV. Plan and arrive early at popular spots to secure parking. Some campgrounds also offer pull-through sites for larger RVs.
Camping Reservations
Campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak summer months. Consider making a reservation to ensure a spot to park your RV for the night.
Gas Stations
There are no gas stations within Glacier National Park. Plan your trip accordingly and fill up your gas tank before entering the park.
Pack Necessities
Ensure you have all necessary supplies like food, water, and a first-aid kit. Services within the park are limited.
Respect Park Rules and Regulations
National Parks have specific rules to protect the ecosystem. Follow all posted rules such as speed limits, noise restrictions, and proper waste disposal.
Prepare for Limited Connectivity
Cell service and Wi-Fi are limited or non-existent in many parts of the park. Download maps and important information ahead of time.
Some Related Questions
What to do in Glacier National Park?
Ride a shuttle and let someone else do the driving. Many roads within Glacier National Park are seasonal. Check Road Status to see what’s open.
Some roads outside the park are seasonal as well (parts of U.S. Hwy 89, for example). Check the Montana Department of Transportation map for road status.
Is there parking in Glacier Montana?
Check the Montana Department of Transportation map for road status. There are no fueling stations within Glacier’s boundaries. Parking is an issue, particularly at Logan Pass Visitor Center.
During summer, that parking lot often fills by late morning. Visitors are encouraged to travel early or use the free park shuttle to avoid congestion.
Are generators allowed in Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park is strict on noise pollution and limits generator use in all campgrounds.
Generators are not allowed to be used in parts of the Fish Creek, Many Glacier, Rising Sun, St. Mary, and Two Medicine campgrounds and are not allowed to be used anywhere in the Sprague Creek or Cutbank campgrounds.
Can you Boondock in Glacier National Park?
It’s also worth noting a short wade across the north fork would have taken us within the boundaries of the national park. Boondocking within wading distance of Glacier National Park is just another adventure in RVing.
The Access Road! Both sites are just a short drive from the west entrance of Glacier National Park.
What size RV can you take into national parks?
Maximum lengths for trailers, campers, and motor homes vary from park to park. The average maximum length permitted is 27 feet, but some parks can accommodate up to 40 feet in length.
What is the largest RV allowed in Yosemite?
The maximum length in Yosemite Valley for RVs is 40 feet long. Trailers are limited to 35 feet long. Only a dozen of the Yosemite Valley sites can take the bigger campers. Most sites are limited to 35-foot RVs and 24-foot trailers.
What length RV will fit in a parking space?
The length of Class A RVs ranges from 26 feet to 40 feet. In a regular parking lot, this means your small Class A will take up a parking space and a half (lengthwise) to more than two parking spaces (lengthwise).
Once it’s more than 2 parking spaces lengthwise you would park it across parking spaces instead.
Are you allowed to camp anywhere in a national park?
Camping in State or National Parks is strictly regulated and with good reason. These parks are historic and are nature reserves, and the rangers are there to protect them.
Areas, where camping is allowed, are marked out. Stay anywhere else and you do so at your own risk.
Do you need reservations to enter Glacier National Park?
Reservations for individual sites must be made 3 days in advance. Group campsites at the Apgar Campground are reserved no more than 12 months in advance.
Can you sleep in your car in Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park on Twitter: “You can sleep in your car if you wish- assuming it’s not a convertible.”
What size RV is allowed in Yellowstone?
- 40 feet
Is Glacier National Park open right now?
Glacier’s concessioners operating lodging, restaurants, boat rentals, horseback rides, and bus tours have closed for the season.
Do you have to pay to drive through Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park has had an entrance fee since 1914. The current rate of $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle has been in effect since 2016.
The park is one of 117 in the National Park System that charges an entrance fee. The remaining 300 sites are free to enter.
Is Glacier National Park free?
Glacier National Park is one of approximately 100 national parks that has an entrance fee.
Bernhardt signed Secretary’s Orders 3386 and 3387, granting veterans, Gold Star Families, and fifth-graders free access to all national parks, wildlife refuges, and other federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior.
Can you camp anywhere in Glacier National Park?
Camping in Glacier National Park is permitted only in designated campgrounds. Glacier’s 13 campgrounds provide more than 1000 campsites, with most available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Group sites for 9-24 campers are available at Apgar, Many Glacier, St. Mary, and Two Medicine.
How long can you stay at a national park campground?
- 14 days
Are RVs allowed in Glacier National Park?
Most of Glacier National Park‘s campgrounds are first-come, first-served, and many fill up early in the summer months.
All of these campgrounds can accommodate RVs, but make sure to check the specs of your campsite at Many Glacier before reserving – some of their sites can only accommodate vehicles under 21 feet long.
Final Words
To answer the question, “Can You Drive An RV Through Glacier National Park?” Yes, you can, but there are certain restrictions and guidelines to follow.
The picturesque Going-to-the-Sun Road, a highlight of the park, is open to smaller vehicles including Class B and smaller Class C RVs that can navigate its winding, often narrow stretches with relative ease.
However, larger RVs are limited to specific park roads due to safety considerations and to prevent traffic congestion. To stay updated on current restrictions and guidelines, visitors are advised to check the official Glacier National Park website regularly.
It’s also important to note that overnight parking outside designated campgrounds is strictly prohibited. There are a few campgrounds within the park that accommodate RVs.
Therefore, it is crucial to plan your visit carefully and ensure your RV meets the park’s size requirements for a hassle-free journey through this breathtaking national treasure.
Home page
Back to top of page
