Glacier National Park has been atop my National Park bucket list for many years now, and I’m so glad I finally got a chance to experience its beauty this past year. It far exceeded my expectations and left me wanting to go back for more. If you are like me and have been wanting to explore the wonders of this park, I’m sure one of the first things you are thinking of is, “Where do I stay?”
There are many different options for accommodations in Glacier, from rustic to luxury. In this post, I’ll go over some of the options that I found when looking into East Glacier.
Hotels & Lodges
St. Mary Village
Located near the eastern entrance of Glacier National Park, St. Mary Village offers a variety of lodging options, including hotel rooms, cabins, and tiny homes. This is a very convenient location for access to all of East Glacier and also provides nice comforts of a hotel.
Many Glacier Hotel
If you’re looking for a truly iconic and luxurious lodging experience in East Glacier, the Many Glacier Hotel is the place to be. This historic Swiss-style chalet overlooks Swiftcurrent Lake and is surrounded by jaw-dropping mountain scenery. It’s location provides easy access to all of the trailheads in the Many Glacier area.
The hotel offers a range of rooms, from comfortable standard options to spacious suites. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a touch of elegance while exploring Glacier National Park. If you’re looking to travel in July – September, be sure to book this hotel far in advance (like a full year in advance)!
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn
The Swiftcurrent Motor Inn also provides comfortable accommodations in Many Glacier and is more budget-friendly option. The motel-style rooms are clean and functional, making it an ideal choice for those who plan to spend most of their time exploring the great outdoors.
If you’re looking to travel in July – September, be sure to book this hotel far in advance (like a full year in advance)!
Glacier Park Lodge
Located in the nearby town of Browning, the Glacier Park Lodge offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. This grand lodge features a massive lobby with towering Douglas fir columns, creating a rustic yet elegant atmosphere. Guests can choose from a range of room types, and the lodge also offers a restaurant and lounge.
This lodge is located more south than most other lodges in the area, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for easy access to the southeastern area of Glacier National Park.
Cabins and Vacation Rentals
If you prefer a more private and self-contained accommodation option, consider renting a cabin or vacation home in East Glacier. There are several options available in the area, providing a cozy and homely environment for families or groups. Check out vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to find the perfect cabin or house that suits your needs.
Campgrounds
For the ultimate outdoor experience, camping in East Glacier National Park is an excellent choice. I think the best campground options are Saint Mary, Rising Sun and Many Glacier. I stayed at Saint Mary and it was perfect for my trip!
Saint Mary
This is typically open year-round, but reservations are required for peak season (usually mid-May through mid-August) and the reservations are released 6 months in advance. These go quickly so make sure to look the day they are released! The campground has pretty nice bathroom facilities and showers and has great cell phone service. It’s also located in St. Mary which provides easy access to both Going-to-the-Sun Road and Many Glacier.
Rising Sun
Rising Sun is a first come first served campground only, so a little hard if you are planning a trip during a busy weekend. It’s smaller than Saint Mary but still offers 84 campsites. It also offers toilets and showers and is usually open from June – September. This is located close to Saint Mary but is on Going-to-the-Sun Road so it’s a little closer to the hikes at the summit.
Many Glacier
This is, as the name suggests, located in Many Glacier, so it offers easy access to the nearby trailheads. It is typically open June – September and requires reservations, which can be made 6 months in advance. These will also go quickly!
Other Tips
Reservations
Being as popular as it is, in 2023 Glacier National Park tested out requiring vehicle reservations to access main parts of the park during peak season (typically May or June through September). This was a pilot program, so it’s unsure if it will be extended into 2024. But based on many other parks around the country doing this, I wouldn’t be surprised if this did continue in some way in 2024.
In 2023, reservations were required to access Going-to-the-Sun road and Many Glacier. If you are planning a trip in 2024 and beyond, make sure to check this page for updates.
Looking to Hike?
Check out my other blog post on the top hikes in East Glacier National Park.