View of Bowman Lake from shoreline near campground
Photo: NPS / Bill Hayden
About
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.
Campsites
Location
West Glacier, MT 59936
Fees
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.
Reservations
Sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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.
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.
Accessibility
2 campsites (#3, 7)
Picnic tables and fire rings provided. Dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires along Bowman Lake Road.
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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.
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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.
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Pit toilets are located in the campground, but they are not fully accessible.
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Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
Limited Development Campground