Glacier National Park in a Campervan - Off Season

Glacier National Park is a favorite amongst avid National Park wanderers. This park has a little bit of everything for outdoor and nature lovers; beautiful drives, rugged mountains, pristine lakes, wildlife and its namesake, glaciers. Open year-round, every season in the park is abundant in beauty and adventure.

The off-season in Glacier National Park is great for those looking for more solitude while being surrounded by the seasonal splendor. Hiking trails and scenic drives that are normally bustling in summer are now much more accessible.

We have heated Wandervans in our fleet to keep you warm no matter the weather. With plenty of room for gear, you can pack up the snow shoes, skis, or climbing gear and head out to explore the magic of Glacier National Park during the off-season!

Fall Season

If you enjoy Fall foliage displays, the months of September and October are an ideal time of year to visit. Larches and their neighboring deciduous trees explode with vibrant yellow hues providing a beautiful contrast to this rugged landscape.

Although you may see some snow and rain, there are still sunny days in the 60s and low 70s and cooler nights that drop into the 40s. This is a great time to hike myriad of trails the park has to offer or seek out the abundant opportunities for viewing wildlife.

Keep in mind that most of the area businesses and services close after Labor Day. Additionally, Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes in mid-October.

Camping

There are 13 campgrounds in the park to choose from. Keep in mind some campgrounds are subject to seasonal closures starting after Labor Day. Keep an eye on the status of those campgrounds here, Campgrounds in Glacier NP.

The Apgar, St. Mary, and Fish Creek, and Apgar campgrounds have designated showers campground guests. There are also private campgrounds outside the park that sell shower service.

RV parks and primitive (sometimes free) campgrounds can be found outside of the park in West Glacier. Check out freecampsites.net and thedyrt.com to research these camping areas.

Fall Activities:

  • Bike the Going-to-the-Sun Road

  • Fly-Fish on the Flathead River in West Glacier

  • Hike one of the parks 734 miles of trails

  • Chase the changing leaves

  • View wildlife on Many Glacier Road

Winter Season

The weather in the park is highly variable winter months with freezing temperatures causing seasonal road and trail closures. Shuttle service and visitor centers are also closed for most of the winter. One perk of visiting during this season is that the park entrance fees are the lowest of the year, making it ideal for cross-country skiers and ice climbers who aren’t deterred by the colder weather.

Camping

Although park lodging is closed, camping is available at the Apgar Campground as well as at backcountry sites. There is no charge for campsites during the winter.

With services limited in the winter, always plan ahead and be self-sufficient while in the park.

Winter Activities:

  • Cross Country Skiing

  • Waterfall Sacred Dancing Cascades

  • Apgar Lookout

  • Bowman Lake

  • Snowshoeing

  • Mountain and Ice Climbing

Reminders:

Operating Hours and Season

Glacier National Park is open all year and visitors can enter the park at anytime. Most visitors arrive during Glacier's summer season from late May to early September.

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