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Access Site MT

Apgar

Lake McDonald McDonald Creek Middle Fork Flathead River

Source: u_s__geological_survey Updated 1 year ago

City: West Glacier, MT
County: Flathead County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 48.52854600, -113.99157400
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Apgar is the primary public boat launch for Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park. Located at Apgar Village on the west side of the park (near West Glacier, MT), this ramp provides access to a scenic alpine lake surrounded by mountains and glacially-carved valleys. The facility includes a dedicated boat ramp, parking, and nearby amenities at Apgar Village. Motorboats are limited to 10 horsepower or less on Lake McDonald.

The ramp is ideal for kayakers, canoeists, and small motorboat users exploring one of the park's most accessible water bodies. The area is heavily used, so arriving early is recommended. Note that launching a non-motorized watercraft requires a permit; contact Glacier National Park directly at 406-888-7800 for current permit requirements and hours, which vary seasonally. Nearby Apgar Campground (reservable through Recreation.gov) offers overnight lodging, though campground reservations do not include vehicle access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road—those require separate vehicle reservations.
Federal Facility Information
406-888-7800 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Apgar, Fish Creek, and St. Mary Campground reservations WILL NOT provide access to any vehicle reservation areas (including the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and North Fork). To obtain a vehicle reservation, visit Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations on Recreation.gov. 
Apgar campground is the largest campground in the park. It is situated in trees and...

Overview
Apgar, Fish Creek, and St. Mary Campground reservations WILL NOT provide access to any vehicle reservation areas (including the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and North Fork). To obtain a vehicle reservation, visit Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations on Recreation.gov. 
Apgar campground is the largest campground in the park. It is situated in trees and provides tent and RV campers with shade and some privacy. Evening sunsets on Lake McDonald are only a short stroll, and you won't want to miss evening programs with a ranger at the Apgar Amphitheater. Many trails are located within a short drive of the campground. Five Group Sites are reservable in advance.
All sites require a reservation. Most sites have a 6-month booking window with a good handful having a 4-day booking window.
Recreation
This facility is conveniently located in the western part of the park. Explorers of all ages can attend nightly ranger programs at an amphitheater within the facility.
Facilities
The campground is large with 194 campsites. The sites are relatively spread apart and provide privacy for both RV and tent campers. Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities have flush toilets and sinks with running water.
Natural Features
Apgar is heavily forested with partial shade. Some sites have views of Lake McDonald.
The park is named for its prominent glacier-carved terrain and remnant glaciers descended from the ice ages almost 10,000 years ago. Its diverse habitats are home to nearly 70 species of mammals including the grizzly bear, wolverine, gray wolf and lynx. Over 270 species of birds visit or reside in the park, including such varied species as harlequin ducks, dippers and golden eagles.

Nearby Attractions
One must-see attraction is Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier's sister park across the Canadian-U.S. border. As the other half of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes offers great hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the townsite of Waterton.  
Waterton Lakes National Park 

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Nearby Campgrounds (4 within 10 miles)
Sprague Creek Campground
On-site Reservable
FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
Apgar Campground
On-site Reservable
Big Creek Campground (Flathead National Forest, MT)
On-site Reservable
Nearby Recreation Areas
Glacier National Park Located within
Hungry Horse Reservoir Located within
Nearby Boat Facilities
Moccasin Creek River Access Boating Site On-site
West Glacier River Access Boating Site On-site