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Glacier National Park Reservations: What Are They and When Do I Need Them?
Renowned for an abundance of breathtaking glaciers and pristine alpine lakes, Glacier National Park is one of Montana’s most captivating destinations. From the park’s mountainous landscapes to the jaw-dropping vistas along Going-to-the-Sun Road, a Glacier National Park road trip is an absolute haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
The stunning park has recently skyrocketed in popularity, leading to far more congestion at popular hiking trails, scenic drives, overlooks, and when camping in Glacier National Park. To account for this dramatic increase in visitors, reservations are now required to enter certain areas of the park during peak times.
If you want to visit Glacier National Park this summer, you’ll need to get a permit. Below, we’ve outlined exactly how Glacier National Park’s reservation system works, why it’s necessary, and how you can obtain your own park permits. Once you’ve secured your reservations, rent your camper van from Seattle and get ready to embark on the ultimate road trip to Montana!
Are Glacier National Park Reservations Necessary?
Glacier National Park in Montana has recently implemented a reservation system which will go into effect in the Spring of 2025. However, permits will only be needed for two areas of the park: the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork.
It’s important to note that both locations will require their own separate timed entry reservations. For each of these areas, Glacier National Park vehicle reservations will be mandatory from June through September for anyone wishing to enter the park from 7am- 3pm. Visitors are given a two-hour time window to enter the park, and are free to stay for as long as they’d like. If you miss your time block, then you’ll need to wait until after 3pm to enter the park.
Why Are Glacier National Park Reservations Needed?
Despite its remote location and the effort it takes to reach, Glacier National Park has seen far more visitors in recent years than ever before. While it’s great that Glacier is getting the recognition it deserves, this increase in crowds has put a major strain on the park’s resources, vegetation, and trail systems.
Overcrowding at the park’s most popular sites and unplanned closures due to congestion have proven frustrating for park visitors. Therefore, Glacier National Park’s reservation system aims to create a more pleasant experience for both the park itself and its visitors.
How to Obtain Glacier National Park Reservations
Reservations for both Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork can be booked directly on the Recreation.gov website.
The booking window opens in February, and reservations are available on a rolling basis, up to four months before your visit.
If you aren’t able to book your reservation in advance, then you can try to obtain next day vehicle permits instead.
Next-day reservations go on sale at 7pm the night before your desired arrival date and are available on a first come, first served basis.
The fee to make a Glacier National Park reservation is two dollars. This does not cover your entrance fee. A 7-day vehicle pass costs $35.
However, if your trip to Glacier is part of a larger national parks road trip, or if you plan to visit other national parks withing 12 months, then we highly recommend adding an America the Beautiful pass to your camper van rental. These can be purchased at the park gate, or you may be able to add one to your reservation, depending on availability.
For just $80, the America the Beautiful pass gives you access to all of the National Parks and more for a full year.
What if you Can’t Book a Glacier National Park Reservation?
Reservations are only needed from 7am-3pm, so as long as you enter the park before or after that time frame, then you won’t need a Glacier National Park permit. Additionally, if you have a campground or tour booked in either of the areas that require reservations, then you don’t need to obtain a vehicle permit. Your Glacier National Park reservation is automatically included with your booking.
Glacier National Park Campground Reservations
There are numerous campgrounds in Glacier National Park, seven of which require advanced reservations. Each of these campgrounds can be booked up to six months before your stay, and are available on a rolling basis. The majority of these campgrounds are located in the Going-to-the-Sun Road area of the park, and reserving one of these sites will automatically include access to this area.
There are also several first come, first served campgrounds throughout the park, particularly in the North Fork area. If you opt to stay at one of these sites, then you will still need to ensure that you have a timed entry permit if you’re planning to arrive before 3pm.
Explore Glacier National Park with Escape Camper Vans
Now that you have your Glacier National Park reservations sorted, you’re ready to embark on the ultimate Montana road trip! While you’ll need to drive nine hours from Seattle to Glacier National Park, we guarantee the awe-inspiring mountains and magnificent hikes that await you will be well worth the effort. All that’s left is to pack your hiking boots, book your permits, and reserve your dream Escape Camper Van today!