Rising Sun Campground

Overview

Rising Sun Campground is located just west of St. Mary and halfway along St. Mary Lake. Campers at Rising Sun will enjoy beautiful sunrises in the morning with Red Eagle Mountain as a backdrop, and the campground serves as a convenient base camp to many day hikes located east of Logan Pass. Some sites are open, allowing for cool breezes throughout the day, while others are located among trees, accommodating those seeking some shade and privacy. Access to St. Mary Lake can be found at the Rising Sun Picnic Area, across the Going-to-the-Sun-Road from the campground.

During peak summer season, nearby Rising Sun day use area offers lodging, a restaurant, camp store/gift shop, picnic area, and boat tours. Shower facilities may be available at the Rising Sun Motor Inn for a fee. Rising Sun Campground is typically open from early June to early September. During its open season, the campground is located within the Moutain Daylight Time zone (MDT).

Recreation

Rising Sun Campground is located on the east side of the park, which boasts some of the best trails available for day hiking. Trailheads start at a higher elevation than those on the west side, so less ascent is required to reach scenic vistas. The Otokomi Lake Trailhead is the closest to the campground and begins at the west end of the Rising Sun Camp store parking lot.

Facilities

Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities provide flush toilets and sinks with running water. Communal bear proof food storage lockers can be found spread throughout the campground.

Natural Features

Nestled against a cliffside, Rising Sun offers primarily shaded sites. Mixed aspen trees flutter in spring and summer breezes and provide colorful splashes of yellow late in the season. St. Mary Lake which, although too cold and occasionally too rough to swim in, provides refreshing scenery on warm days. Campers at Rising Sun will enjoy beautiful sunrises in the morning with Red Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

Nearby Attractions

One must-see attraction is the sister park across the U.S.-Canadian border, Waterton Lakes National Park. As the other half of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes offers fantastic hiking, scenic boat cruises and several scenic drives all centered around the Townsite of Waterton. Immediately east of Glacier National Park lies the picturesque Blackfeet Indian Reservation, spanning 1.5 million acres. Visit the Museum of the Plains Indian, in Browning, Montana, for a fascinating introduction to the rich cultural heritage of the largest Indian tribe in Montana.

For information on nearby campgrounds, including on US Forest Service land or the Blackfeet Nation, take a look at Glacier National Park's website.