Backcountry camping

Glacier National Park

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Backcountry camping

There are two designated backcountry campgrounds in the park, primarily serving as basecamps for mountaineering objectives. While the trails to these sites may appear short, they are both extremely steep and grueling ascents, especially with a backpack full of gear!

Mountain goats at Hermit Meadows

Mountain goats have been frequenting Hermit Meadows Backcountry Campground. As wildlife can be attracted to the salt found in human urine, please do not urinate near the campground. Use the privy toilet, store sweaty items appropriately, and give wild animals space. Thank you for helping us keep wildlife wild and protect the safety of other visitors.

Backcountry campgrounds in Glacier National Park
Hermit Meadows Sir Donald (backcountry)
2023 operating dates June 25 - October 1 (snow dependent) June 25 - October 1 (snow dependent)
2023 reservation dates July 28 - September 17 Not applicable
Fees See fees
Equipment
  • Privy toilet
  • Bear-proof food storage lockers or poles
Campfires Campfires are not permitted. Gas stove use only.
Number of sites 8 (4 reservable) 4
Maximum people per site 4 (2 recommended) 4 (2 recommended)
Required passes and permits

Random camping

Random camping in the Bald Hills

Random camping is permitted in certain areas of the park only. The following permits and passes are required:

For information call 250-837-7500. Special rules and conditions apply.

Download random camping map (6.5 MB)


Passes and permits

  • Backcountry camping permit (Wilderness Pass): available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, the Illecillewaet Campground kiosk or by reservation at reservation.pc.gc.ca or 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783). Visit our fees page for current rates.
  • Overnight Parking Permit: required if parking overnight at the Illecillewaet Valley or Illecillewaet Campground Trailheads. Available free of charge at the Illecillewaet Campground kiosk 08:30 to 18:00 daily (July to September)

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