Illecillewaet Campground
Frontcountry camping
Glacier National Park
Three rustic frontcountry campgrounds are located in Rogers Pass National Historic Site, the heart of Glacier National Park. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and cultural history of the Columbia Mountains.
Camping reservations Reservations will launch on March 13, 2023 at 8 AM Pacific Time. You can reserve sites at Loop Brook Campground or at Hermit Meadows backcountry campground at Parks Canada reservations or by telephone at 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783).
Illecillewaet Campground is the main basecamp in the park and doubles as a major trailhead. The name Illecillewaet comes from a Sinixt word meaning "big water". It is pronounced ill ah SIL-ah-wet (or ill a silhouette).
Loop Brook Campground is known for the old stone railway pillars that guard its entrance. A smaller, more intimate campground, Loop Brook is steps away from self-guided interpretive trails that delve into the area’s rich railway history.
Mount Sir Donald Campground (frontcountry) is closed until further notice due to a spruce beetle outbreak and the prevalence of hazard trees.
| Illecillewaet | Loop Brook | Mount Sir Donald (frontcountry) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 operating dates | June 23 to Early October | June 30 - October 9 | Closed until further notice due to prevalence of hazard trees |
| 2023 reservation dates | First come, first served | June 30 - Sept 17 | |
| Location from the summit of Rogers Pass |
3 km west | 5 km west | 6 km west |
| Fees * | See fees | ||
| Number of sites | 60 | 20 | 15 |
| Flush toilets | Yes | Yes | No |
| Food lockers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Potable water | Yes | Yes | No |
| Kitchen shelters | Yes | Yes | No |
| Campfires allowed ** | Yes, with fire permit (See fees) | Yes, with fire permit (See fees) | No |
| Showers | No | No | No |
| Electricity available | No | No | No |
| Barrier-free access (wheelchair-accessible sites and washrooms) |
No (Until further notice. Limited capacity due to hazardous tree removal) | No | No |
| Staffed welcome station | Yes | No | No |
| Sani dump (sewage disposal) |
No | No | No |
* National park pass required. Available for purchase at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre.
** Firewood is available for use within the campground with purchase of a fire permit. Please don’t take more than an armload per night. Use only firewood that is provided at the campground. Moving firewood to and from campgrounds can spread invasive species.
Tree removal notice
This summer, due to hazard tree removal, Illecillewaet Campground will have a reduced number of campsites.
A spruce beetle outbreak in Glacier National Park is leaving most of the older spruce trees in the area dead or dying. For public safety and to reduce the wildfire risk, dead trees are being removed from visitor areas including Illecillewaet and Loop Brook campgrounds.
The forest will look different afterwards, but the removal of these trees will allow greater diversity, and new growth. Spruce beetles play an important role in maintaining healthy forests. They are the main source of natural disturbance in the inland rainforest.
Check in, registration & check out
Illecillewaet Campground is entirely first come first served. Please select and occupy a campsite that fits your equipment and check in at the welcome station near the centre of the campground within 30 minutes of arrival. For after-hour arrivals, self-registration by credit card and exact cash is available at the welcome station.
Loop Brook Campground is by reservation only. If you have a reservation, please proceed directly to your site. If you do not have a reservation, inquire with the attendant on duty at Illecillewaet Campground for possible vacancy. After hours, if the campground is not full, available sites will be marked as ‘available for one night only’. Payment can be made the following morning with the attendant or at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre.
The maximum length of stay is 14 nights. The check-out time for all Glacier National Park campgrounds is 12 pm.
Quiet hours
Quiet hours are in effect daily to ensure that visitors get a good night's sleep.
- Quiet hours are from 11 pm - 7 am
- Campfires, visitors, consumption of alcohol, cannabis and cannabis products are not permitted during this time
- Only registered campsite occupants are allowed in the campground after 11 pm
Please remember, even quiet conversations can carry through a forested area. Excessive noise is not permitted at any time of the day. Please report disturbances to park wardens or staff.
Generator use
Maximum occupants and equipment allowed per site
Up to 7 people may stay at a site.
The maximum units at each campsite are one of the following:
- RV and 1 tent
- Vehicle with camping trailer and 1 tent
- Vehicle with 2 tents
- 2 bikes/motorbikes and 2 tents
They must all fit on the gravel pads. In addition, dining tents are permitted at all campsites where they can fit on the gravel pad. Tents and vehicles are not permitted off of the pads. This regulation is strictly enforced.
Extra parking is extremely limited.
A very small number of campsites in the park accommodate Class A motorhomes (over 10 m or 33 ft). Snowforest Campground in nearby Mount Revelstoke National Parks offers reservable motorhome campsites with power connections.
Bears
Bears are naturally wary of people, but can become a serious hazard if they become used to human food sources. Keep a clean campsite and ensure that anything associated with food, cooking, personal hygiene or pets is stored in your vehicle or in the campground food lockers when you’re not using it. Do not store any of these items in your tent. This is for your safety and it’s also a requirement in any national park. For tips and information on keeping your campsite safe in bear country, check out The “Bare” Campsite Program.
Camping with dogs
Bringing your furry family member? Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times. Do not leave pets unattended. You must pick up after your pets and ensure that all pet food is stored in your vehicle.
Alcohol and cannabis
Consuming alcohol, cannabis and cannabis products is only allowed at registered campsites. Daily quiet hours concerning consumption are also in place.
Cannabis is legalized and strictly regulated in Canada. It is your responsibility to understand federal, provincial and municipal regulations for cannabis and alcohol consumption while visiting Glacier National Park.
Camping outside of Glacier National Park
Snowforest Campground in Mount Revelstoke National Park is 70 km west of Rogers Pass. Several commercial campgrounds are found in the communities of Revelstoke and Golden.
Related links
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