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Apgar is the first campground you come across when entering from
West Glacier. It is the largest campground in Glacier National
Park, and also the busiest. While it may be busy, Apgar is also
a very scenic campground and a great place to spend some time
camping with the family. Food and gifts are a short walk from
the campground. There's an excellent dessert stand located amongst
the shops which makes for a great afternoon of enjoying some ice
cream and letting the great ambiance of Glacier National Park
soak in.
The bathrooms are of the modern variety (flush toilets, sinks).
Stunning Lake McDonald is a short walk away, with a boat ramp
(often busy), lake access and boat rentals. Since Apgar is the
first campground upon entering from West Glacier, it can often
fill by noon. So if you want a prime spot, plan to arrive well
before then.
For those seeking a campground close to a large river, Apgar
is a good choice. It's not far at all from the North Fork of the
Flathead. The tall green forest, nearby amenities, scenic lake
and wildlife help to make Apgar a Glacier classic.
When driving the campground and especially Going to the Sun Road
next to it, be alert for wildlife. The speed limit is posted for
a very good reason. Apgar is full of whitetail deer and they do
pay a penalty for the traffic. Also be alert for "camp beggars".
Last fall I was setting up my tent in the evening after a long
day in the field. I heard a light rustling behind me, and when
I turned the largest red fox I've ever seen was sitting a couple
feet from me. It ran off when I saw it, disappearing into the
bushes quickly and silently. It became obvious to me why the fox
was of such a large size.
Review
Apgar campground!
Apgar campground facts:
Video Tour available: Yes. Download.
Open: Early May to Mid October
All year for primitive camping
Sites: 196
Laundry: No
Showers: No
Dump Station: Yes
Store: Yes(eateries and gift shops)
Fee: $20
RV: 40 feet, 25 sites
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Water: Yes
Elevation: 3187 feet
Fishing: Yes (McDonald Lake, McDonald Creek)
Boat Tour and Rental: Yes (406) 257-2426
Generator: Yes (7-9am, 12-2pm, 5-7pm)
Gas: Yes (2.43 miles south to West Glacier, spring to late fall)
Repairs: No (17.68 miles west to Columbia Falls, all year)
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