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A camper wearing a bright hat warms their hands while squatting near a campfire in a forest clearing.
Closed

Closed for the season. The campground typically opens in late May or early June depending on road and weather conditions. All sites are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Summer rate is $25/night; primitive status rate is $15/night when water and dump facilities are unavailable.

Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

August 9th, 8:15 AM — 9:00 AM

AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us

About

Bowman Lake Campground occupies a peaceful setting in Glacier National Park's remote North Fork region, roughly 32.5 miles from the west entrance and 30 miles from the Canadian border. The journey requires navigating narrow, bumpy dirt roads through the tiny community of Polebridge before reaching the campground about 6.3 miles beyond. This demanding access keeps crowds lighter than more accessible park campgrounds. The 48 tent-only sites are tucked within a forested area near Bowman Lake's shoreline, providing natural shade and a degree of privacy between neighbors. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets, potable water, a dump station, food storage lockers, and trash collection are available during the summer operating season. During primitive status periods, water and dump facilities are not operational. RVs, trailers, and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet are prohibited due to the challenging road conditions and limited turning space. Campsite capacity is limited to eight people and two vehicles per site, with a maximum of two tents. Dead and downed wood along Bowman Lake Road may be collected for campfires.

Directions

From the West Entrance of Glacier National Park, head north on the Camas Road to Outside North Fork Road. Continue north through the community of Polebridge, then turn east into the park on Bowman Lake Road. The campground is approximately 6.3 miles from Polebridge. Total distance from the west entrance is about 32.5 miles on slow, dusty dirt roads.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $15 - $25

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Email glac_questions@nps.gov
Phone +1 (406) 888-7800

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Photos

A camper wearing a bright hat warms their hands while squatting near a campfire in a forest clearing.
View of Bowman Lake from shoreline near campground

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