Where to Stay in Glacier National Park (Best Lodges, Areas & Tips)

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Best Places to Stay Inside Glacier National Park: Lodges, Hotels, and Campgrounds

Planning a trip to Glacier National Park and wondering where to stay? Choosing the right location can make a huge difference, especially since the park is large and lodging fills up quickly.

Glacier National Park isn’t just about breathtaking hikes and stunning landscapes—it’s also home to some incredible places to stay. The hotels in and around the park offer spectacular views and easy access to all that this national park offers. Whether you’re looking for a historic lodge, a cozy cabin, or a scenic campground, staying inside the park enhances your experience by keeping you close to the action.

In this guide to the best places to stay in Glacier National Park, we’re breaking down the top lodges, campgrounds, and nearby towns—plus tips to help you choose the best area for your trip.

During our recent summer trip in Glacier National Park, I chose to stay inside the park and was very happy I did. We were so much closer to the best hikes in Glacier National Park which saved us a lot of time. The lodging inside the park is considerably more expensive, so it wasn’t the easiest decision to make, but I feel that it was worth it. My sister stayed outside of the park and spent a lot of time commuting to and from. And because of that, she didn’t explore nearly as much of the park as we did.

Here’s a breakdown of the best places to stay in Glacier National Park, organized by location, to help you find the perfect spot for your adventure.

Best Areas to Stay in Glacier National Park

Choosing the right area is just as important as choosing the right hotel.

West Glacier (Best for First-Time Visitors)

• Most amenities, restaurants, and lodging options
• Close to Lake McDonald and Apgar Village
• Easier access to Going-to-the-Sun Road

Many Glacier (Best for Hiking, Views & Wildlife)

• Home to some of the park’s best hikes
• Incredible scenery and wildlife
• Fewer lodging options, books up quickly

St. Mary (Best for Sunrises & Access to East Side)

• Great base for exploring the east side
• Less crowded than the west
• Easy access to Going-to-the-Sun Road

Outside the Park (Best for Budget & Availability)

• Towns like Whitefish and Columbia Falls offer more options
• Often more affordable and easier to book

Should You Stay Inside or Outside Glacier National Park?

Staying Inside the Park

• Pros:
  • Close to hikes and major attractions
  • Less driving time
  • More immersive experience
• Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Books up far in advance
  • Limited amenities

Staying Outside the Park

• Pros:
  • More lodging options
  • Better prices
  • More dining choices
• Cons:
  • Longer drive times
  • Early mornings required for parking

If you can, consider splitting your stay between inside and outside the park for the best experience. If you have trouble booking inside the park, check cancellations regularly. I scored nights inside the park weeks before we were set to visit. You can book refundable hotels as backups, and then keep checking for in-park availability.

Lodging Options on the West Side of the Park

The west side of Glacier National Park, accessed through West Glacier, offers a range of accommodations near Lake McDonald and Apgar Village.

Lake McDonald Lodge

One of the most iconic lodges in the park, Lake McDonald Lodge sits right on the shores of the stunning Lake McDonald. Built in 1913, this Swiss-chalet-style lodge features cozy rooms, a charming lobby with a giant fireplace, and on-site dining. Staying here gives you easy access to boat tours, scenic drives, and hiking trails. We didn’t stay there, but we did eat at the restaurant, Jammer Joe’s Pizza after hiking to Avalanche Lake. It had great food and was reasonably priced.

Village Inn at Apgar

For those wanting incredible lake views, the Village Inn at Apgar is a great option. The simple, rustic rooms offer direct access to the lake, making it perfect for a relaxing stay. It’s also conveniently located near Apgar Village, where you’ll find shops, dining, and visitor services. We stayed here and really enjoyed it. The rooms on the bottom level have kitchenettes, and all rooms have beautiful views.

Fish Creek Campground

If you prefer camping, Fish Creek Campground is a fantastic choice. It’s one of the largest campgrounds in the park and offers shaded sites near Lake McDonald. Reservations are required during peak season, so be sure to book early.

Lodging Options on the East Side of the Park

The east side of the park, accessible via St. Mary and Many Glacier, offers stunning views, abundant wildlife, and some of the most popular trails.

Many Glacier Hotel

Many Glacier Hotel is the grandest and largest hotel in the park, offering spectacular views of Swiftcurrent Lake and the surrounding mountains. The lodge features rustic rooms, a large dining area, and guided boat tours. It’s an excellent base for exploring the Many Glacier area’s epic hikes, like Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake.

Just visiting this hotel is one of the best things to do in Glacier National Park. But I recommend staying at least one night in this hotel. The first picture in this post is of the exterior of Many Glacier. And the picture just above is the view from our room.

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins

A more budget-friendly option in Many Glacier, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn offers simple motel-style rooms and cozy cabins. It’s a great choice for hikers, as it provides quick access to some of the best trails in the park. We didn’t stay there, but we did go there for dinner one night, and it was my favorite dinner of the trip. I loved both the pulled pork mac n cheese and the avocado and bacon mac n cheese.

St. Mary Campground

The largest campground on the east side, St. Mary Campground offers easy access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It has modern amenities like flush toilets and running water, making it a comfortable camping option for families and groups.

Best Places to Stay in Glacier National Park: Two Medicine Area

This lesser-visited area of the park is known for its solitude and incredible scenery.

Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins

Located near St. Mary Lake, Rising Sun Motor Inn offers motel-style rooms and cabins with stunning mountain views. It’s a great mid-range option for travelers wanting easy access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Two Medicine Campground

Nestled in a stunning valley, Two Medicine Campground is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. It’s first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended. The area offers fantastic hiking, fishing, and boat tours on Two Medicine Lake.

Best Places to Stay in Glacier National Park: North Fork Area

For a true off-the-grid experience, the North Fork area offers remote accommodations and camping options.

Polebridge Mercantile & Cabins

If you want a rustic and unique stay, the Polebridge Mercantile & Cabins provide charming accommodations near the park’s remote North Fork region. The cabins have no electricity but offer an unforgettable, peaceful experience.

Bowman Lake Campground

Located in one of the most remote sections of the park, Bowman Lake Campground offers a serene camping experience near one of Glacier’s most beautiful lakes. This is a great spot for those seeking solitude and adventure.

Best Stays Just Outside the Park

Sometimes it’s not possible to stay inside the park because the accommodations book up so far in advance. And they are a bit pricier. If accommodations inside the park are fully booked, or if you prefer a few extra amenities and a lower price point, there are great options just outside Glacier’s entrances.

West Glacier Area

• Glacier Guides Lodge – A cozy and eco-friendly lodge just minutes from the West Entrance, offering comfortable rooms and guided adventure services.
• Belton Chalet – A historic railroad lodge with a charming atmosphere, gourmet dining, and easy access to the park.
• Cedar Creek Lodge – A lodge that offers free breakfast and easy access to some of the attractions outside of Glacier National Park. It’s a 21-minute drive to the west entrance from here.
• West Glacier RV Park & Cabins – Perfect for those traveling with an RV or looking for a modern cabin stay.

St. Mary & East Glacier Area

• St. Mary Village – Located just outside the East Entrance, this lodge offers hotel rooms, cabins, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Glacier Park Lodge – A grand, historic lodge with rustic charm, located in East Glacier near the Amtrak station.

Best Places to Stay in Glacier National Park for Families

If you’re traveling with kids, look for locations with easy access to short hikes and amenities.

Top picks for families:

• Apgar Village (walkable, lake access, food options)
• Lake McDonald Lodge (central location)
• St. Mary area (less crowded, scenic, great for exploring)

Staying somewhere central can make a big difference when traveling with kids, especially to minimize long drives.

Pro Tips for Booking Glacier National Park Lodging

• Book Early: Lodges and campgrounds fill up quickly, especially in peak season. Many of the lodges book out 13 months in advance.
• See the Entire Park: Consider splitting your stay between different areas. Plan your hikes based on where you stay
• Pack for All Weather: Glacier’s weather can change rapidly, so bring layers. We had snow in mid June.
• Check Road and Campground Conditions: Some areas may be closed due to weather or maintenance.
• Respect Wildlife: Always keep a safe distance and store food properly to avoid attracting bears.
• Prepare to Pay: Don’t forget that you need to pay to enter Glacier National Park. One entrance fee allows you to visit the park for a full week. You can also use your free 4th grade national park pass if you have a 4th grader.

Where you stay can significantly impact how much of the park you’re able to see.

2–3 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary Based on Where You Stay

Day 1 (West Side)

Explore Lake McDonald, Apgar Village, and Avalanche Lake.

Day 2 (Going-to-the-Sun Road)

Drive across the park, stopping at Logan Pass and Hidden Lake.

Day 3 (Many Glacier or St. Mary)

Hike in Many Glacier or explore the east side for fewer crowds.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious lodge, a cozy cabin, or a scenic campsite, Glacier National Park has the perfect place for you to stay. Booking accommodations inside the park ensures you’re surrounded by nature and ready for adventure every day.

But don’t stress about it too much. I promise, no matter where you stay, you will be able to see and enjoy the beauty of Glacier National Park. I’d rather stay in a place outside of the park if I had to, rather than not visit at all.

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