Lake McDonald Backcountry SUP Camping

West Glacier, Montana

4.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Added by Noah Couser

Enjoy scenic stand up paddle boarding and backcountry camping in Glacier National Park.

Paddle across gorgeous Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park to a secluded rocky beach for the day, or stay the night at the backcountry camp site just 20 steps from the water. Leave the car just one mile down from Sprague Creek Campground at the pull-off, and SUP, kayak, or canoe across the lake to the tiny peninsula on the Northwest shoreline.

Reservations for the backcountry campsite can be made at the permit office in Apgar Village, or check availability online: nps.gov

The backcountry site has a fire ring, tent sites, and a pit toilet. This is a perfect place to sleep out under the stars if weather permits. Don't forget to hang all food products at the provided hanging pole to keep out of reach of critters both small and large.

Head out early in the day to avoid choppy water, the earlier the better.

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Features

Stand Up Paddle

Camping

Fishing

Backpacking

Bathrooms

Beach

Lake

Picnic Area

Scenic

Reviews

Explorer

Noah Couser

Explorer

Lake McDonald Backcountry SUP Camping

10/07/15

Paddling across the lake will make you feel like a sucker for all the times you made this trip hiking 6 flat dusty miles to the backcountry campsite. Paddle your gear to the camp spot and enjoy the scenery and the only burn in your shoulders from the sunshine on your back and not the pack straps of your overloaded pack!

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Camp at Sprague Creek Campground on Lake McDonald

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Hike to the Mt. Brown Lookout

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Hike to Comeau Pass

Your hike will being at the Sperry Trailhead adjacent to the Lake McDonald Lodge. As you get moving on the hike, you'll pass the Sperry Chalet. If 17.5 miles seems a little long for a day hike, you can look into staying over at the Sperry Chalet (reservations required). This will mean that you'll be cutting the climb up to the pass to a 1500' elevation gain from the Chalet. You'll be finishing ...

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Lake McDonald Backcountry SUP Camping

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Download the Outbound mobile app

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Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Backpack to Lincoln Lake

Camp at Sprague Creek Campground on Lake McDonald

Hike to the Mt. Brown Lookout

Sperry Glacier Basin, Glacier NP

Hike to Comeau Pass

Snyder Lakes, Glacier NP

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