Details
West Glacier, MT, 59936
National Park ServiceLast Updated: November 26, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
Bowman Lake Campground is located in the North Fork area of Glacier National Park approximately 32.5 miles from the west entrance and 30 miles from the Canadian border. The drive to Bowman Lake is a very slow, dusty, and bumpy ride on dirt roads. Trailers are not permitted. The campground is located close to the shore of Bowman Lake and camp sites are within trees for shade and some privacy. Tent campers looking for peace and quiet will enjoy Bowman Lake for its serenity and remote location.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
Bowman Lake Campground's typical summer season is from mid-May to early September. If the weather permits, a primitive camping season can extend into the fall between early September and the end of October.
Weather
Glacier's weather is highly variable and can be extreme. Warm days and cool nights are the norm in summer. Even when it's in the 80s and 90s in the daytime it can cool down into the 40s at night. Hikers setting out on a warm summer day, should still bring along rain gear and lots of extra clothing. Dressing in layers is key to a comfortable visit all year long.
Amenities
Trash & Recycling Collection
Toilets
Dump Station
Staff or Host On-Site
Potable Water
Food Storage Lockers
Directions
Bowman Lake campground is located in the North Fork area of Glacier National Park approximately 32.5 miles from the west entrance, and 30 miles from the Canadian border. The drive to Bowman Lake is a very slow, dusty, and bumpy ride on dirt roads, and passes through the tiny community of Polebridge. The campground is roughly 6.3 miles from Polebridge.
Rates & Fees
Bowman Lake summer status
Campsite capacity is limited to eight people and two vehicles, where space is available. A maximum of two tents per site is permitted.
Bowman Lake primitive status
Campsite capacity is limited to eight people and two vehicles, where space is available. A maximum of two tents per site is permitted. When campgrounds are open in primitive status there are special considerations regarding water and sanitation. No potable water sources or dump station facilities are provided during the primitive camping season.
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
Picnic tables and fire rings provided. Dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires along Bowman Lake Road.Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
2 campsites (#3, 7)
RV Allowed
No
RV Information
RVs and truck and trailer combinations are not permitted at Bowman Lake due to the nature of the long, narrow, and windy dirt road to the campground. Turning vehicles around (3-point turns) is difficult.
RV Maximum Length
0
Additional Information
Potable water is available through water spigots in the campground, and there are pit toilets and a day use picnic area nearby. There are day hiking opportunities near Bowman Lake for hikers eager to experience Glacier's wilderness. Fisherman, canoers, and kayakers will enjoy Bowman Lake. Motorized vessels are allowed on Bowman Lake but are limited to 10 horsepower or less. All boats must be inspected for Aquatic Invasive Species prior to launch (the nearest site is at the Polebridge Ranger Station), and motorized craft are subject to a 30-day quarantine.
Trailer Maximum Length
0
ADA Information
Pit toilets are located in the campground, but they are not fully accessible.
Trailer Allowed
No
Access Roads
Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
Classifications
Limited Development Campground
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!