Bowman Lake Campground
48.8290, -114.2031 · Park boundary: National Park Service
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.
- Every day
- All Day
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.
- Weather Dependent Primitive Fall Season · Sep 6, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026 · Every day All Day
- Winter Closure · Nov 1, 2026 – May 11, 2027 · Closed
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Campsite capacity is limited to eight people and two vehicles, where space is available. A maximum of two tents per site is permitted.
Campsite capacity is limited to eight people and two vehicles, where space is available. A maximum of two tents per site is permitted. When campgrounds are open in primitive status there are special considerations regarding water and sanitation. No potable water sources or dump station facilities are provided during the primitive camping season.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Drinking water
- Yes - seasonal
- Dump station
- Yes - seasonal
- Food storage lockers
- Yes - seasonal
- Host on site
- Yes - seasonal
- Toilets
- Vault Toilets - seasonal
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - seasonal
- Amphitheater
- No
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Not allowed
- Trailers
- Not allowed
- Access roads
- Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
- Classification
- Limited Development Campground
2 campsites (#3, 7)
Pit toilets are located in the campground, but they are not fully accessible.
Picnic tables and fire rings provided. Dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires along Bowman Lake Road.
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.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
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.
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.
Bowman Lake is located in a forested corner between Bowman Creek and Bowman Lake. The campground is scattered throughout a pine forest. Trees block views of the lake or creek. Roads and trails are all dirt and give the area a rustic feel.
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Drive to Bowman Lake Campground
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