Montana / Flathead County / Glacier National Park

Bowman Lake

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates mid-May through early September with full amenities, then may remain open in primitive status (no water or sanitation services) until early fall depending on conditions.

About

Bowman Lake Campground is located in the remote North Fork area of Glacier National Park, approximately 32.5 miles from the west entrance and 6.3 miles beyond the tiny community of Polebridge. Access requires navigating a slow, dusty, narrow dirt road with blind curves and limited pullouts, making the campground unsuitable for RVs, trailers, or vehicles over 21 feet in length. The campground features 48 first-come, first-served campsites situated among trees near the shore of Bowman Lake, the park's third largest lake. Each site accommodates up to eight people and two vehicles, with a maximum of two tents per site. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, and campers may collect dead wood along Bowman Lake Road for campfires. The campground operates on a summer schedule (typically mid-May through early September) with full amenities including potable water and vault toilets, then transitions to primitive status with limited services before closing for winter. The remote location and scenic setting make Bowman Lake ideal for tent campers seeking solitude and quiet. The campground provides access to hiking trails including the route to Bowman Lake Head and Brown Pass, as well as opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating on the lake.

Directions

From Glacier National Park's west entrance, travel north approximately 32.5 miles through Polebridge. The campground is roughly 6.3 miles beyond Polebridge via Bowman Lake Road, a narrow, winding, unpaved dirt road with blind curves and limited pullouts. The road is not suitable for RVs, trailers, or vehicles over 21 feet.

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