Backcountry camping

Glacier National Park

Camping reservations

Reservations will launch on March 13, 2023 at 8 AM Pacific Time.  You can reserve sites at Hermit Meadows backcountry campground at Parks Canada reservations or by telephone at 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783).

Overnight parking at the Illecillewaet Valley and Illecillewaet Campground trailheads

All visitors leaving vehicles at these trailheads when staying at an Alpine Club of Canada hut or in the backcountry require an Overnight Parking Permit for their vehicle, available free of charge.

Backcountry camping | Random camping

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!

Backcountry campgrounds in Glacier National Park
Hermit Meadows Sir Donald (backcountry)
2023 operating dates July 1 - October 1 (snow dependent) July 1 - Oct 1 (snow dependent)
2023 reservation dates July 28 - September 17 Not applicable
Fees See fees
Number of sites 8 (4 reservable) 4
Maximum people per site 4 (2 recommended) 4 (2 recommended)

Required for Hermit Meadows:

Required for Sir Donald (backcountry):

  • A national park pass
  • A backcountry camping permit (Wilderness Pass). Available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Illecillewaet Campground kiosk. Visit our fees page for current rates.
  • An Overnight Parking Permit: Available free of charge at the Illecillewaet Campground kiosk 08:30 to 18:00 daily (July to September)

Each campground is equipped with:

  • A privy toilet
  • Bear-proof food storage lockers or poles

Campfires are not permitted. Gas stove use only.


Random camping

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

  • A national park pass
  • A backcountry camping permit (Wilderness Pass). Available in person only at visitor centres and campground kiosks in Revelstoke or Rogers Pass.
  • An Overnight Parking Permit only if parking at the Illecillewaet Valley or Illecillewaet Campground Trailheads: No fee. Available at the Illecillewaet Campground kiosk 08:30 to 18:00 daily (July to September)

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


See also:

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