Atlantic Creek Campground

For us Montanans, Glacier National Park is more than just a park; it's a profound part of our identity, a majestic wilderness that calls to our adventurous spirit. While many visitors flock to the front-country campgrounds, the true heart of Glacier often reveals itself to those willing to venture deeper into its expansive backcountry. Atlantic Creek Campground is one such gem, a wilderness campsite that offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the raw, untamed beauty of the "Crown of the Continent." This isn't a place for RVs and hookups; it's a destination for the dedicated hiker and backpacker, offering solitude, stunning landscapes, and a chance to truly connect with the wild. This article is for our fellow Montanans, guiding you through what makes Atlantic Creek Campground a truly special and rewarding backcountry experience.

Atlantic Creek Campground is a designated wilderness campsite nestled within the vast and awe-inspiring Glacier National Park in Montana. Unlike the more accessible front-country campgrounds, Atlantic Creek is a hike-in only site, meaning it caters specifically to backpackers and those seeking a more remote and immersive outdoor experience. It's located within the park's wilderness, characterized by its forested terrain and dramatic mountainous landscapes. This campground is part of a network of 65 designated wilderness campgrounds throughout Glacier, each designed to concentrate impact and preserve the broader pristine environment, adhering strongly to Leave No Trace principles.

Campers here are promised a truly quiet and secluded experience, far removed from the sounds of vehicles and large crowds. It offers a unique vantage point for exploring nearby attractions such as sections of the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road and the tranquil St. Mary Lake region, though access involves hiking. Given its wilderness nature, a permit is essential for all overnight stays, ensuring that the park's delicate ecosystem is protected. The maximum party size per campsite is limited to four people, fostering a sense of intimacy with nature. Atlantic Creek Campground is a testament to Glacier's commitment to preserving its wild character, making it an ideal choice for experienced backpackers who value solitude, natural beauty, and a deep connection with the Montana wilderness.

Atlantic Creek Campground is situated in the wilderness of Glacier National Park, Montana, near the Waterton Valley and East Glacier Park areas. Its address, Waterton Vly, East Glacier Park, MT 59434, USA, indicates its general vicinity rather than direct road access. This is crucial: Atlantic Creek Campground is a *backcountry* site, meaning it is only accessible via hiking trails. It is not a drive-up campground.

Access to Atlantic Creek Wilderness Campsite typically involves a significant hike from trailheads, often in the Cut Bank or Two Medicine regions of Glacier National Park. For example, some routes to the Atlantic Creek area originate from the Cut Bank Trailhead, leading hikers through areas like Pitamakan Pass. The journey itself is an integral part of the experience, traversing through diverse landscapes, including forested areas and mountainous terrain. The elevation can vary, and hikers should be prepared for changing conditions. Since it's a wilderness site, there are no paved roads leading directly to the campsites, nor any vehicle access. Visitors must pack in all their gear and supplies. The terrain involves established hiking trails, which can range in difficulty. Travelers should plan for substantial hiking distances and elevation changes. This remoteness ensures the serene and untouched nature of the campground, but it also necessitates careful planning and preparation, as assistance is not readily available.

As a wilderness campground within Glacier National Park, Atlantic Creek Campground offers a very minimalist set of services, emphasizing a true backcountry experience in line with Leave No Trace principles.

• Designated Campsites: The campground consists of a small number of designated wilderness campsites, typically between 2 to 7 sites. Each campsite is limited to a maximum of four people. These are often primitive sites, with clearings for tents.
• Food Storage: Given the presence of bears and other wildlife in Glacier National Park, food storage regulations are strictly enforced. While specific details for Atlantic Creek aren't always listed, backcountry sites typically require campers to hang food from bear poles or use bear-resistant containers to protect attractants from animals.
• Primitive Toilets: Wilderness campsites generally provide basic pit toilets or designated areas for human waste disposal, emphasizing minimal impact.
• No Potable Water: There is no direct potable water source available at the campsites. Campers must be prepared to filter or treat water from natural sources like Atlantic Creek itself.
• No Hookups: As a backcountry site, there are absolutely no electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient.
• Permit Required: A wilderness use permit is mandatory for all overnight stays at Atlantic Creek Campground. This permit specifies the dates, locations, and party size, and must be carried by the camper. A non-refundable fee for the permit, plus a per-person, per-night camping fee, is required.
• Leave No Trace Policy: Campers are expected to strictly adhere to Leave No Trace ethics, including proper waste disposal, minimizing impact on vegetation, and respecting wildlife.

• True Wilderness Immersion: Atlantic Creek Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the untouched wilderness of Glacier National Park.
• Solitude and Quiet: Due to its hike-in nature and limited capacity, the campground provides a high degree of solitude and tranquility, a stark contrast to more crowded front-country areas.
• Proximity to Atlantic Falls: The campground is located just north of Atlantic Falls, a 20-foot waterfall along Atlantic Creek. This natural landmark offers a beautiful side trip or a scenic backdrop for your stay.
• Access to Continental Divide Trail: Hikers can access or connect to sections of the famous Continental Divide Trail, offering extensive hiking opportunities with stunning vistas.
• Excellent Hiking Opportunities: The surrounding area provides numerous trails, including routes that can take you to Pitamakan Pass, Medicine Grizzly Lake, or even connect to the Two Medicine and St. Mary Lake regions, offering diverse and challenging treks.
• Wildlife Viewing Potential: Being deep within Glacier's wilderness increases the chances of spotting various wildlife, though safe viewing practices and bear awareness are paramount.
• Beautiful Mountainous and Forested Terrain: The campground is set amidst a picturesque landscape of dense forests and dramatic mountains, characteristic of Glacier's east side.
• Starry Nights: Far from light pollution, the night sky at Atlantic Creek Campground is typically dark and offers incredible opportunities for stargazing.

Since Atlantic Creek Campground is a wilderness site within Glacier National Park, there isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself. All inquiries, particularly regarding wilderness permits, should be directed to Glacier National Park's official channels.

Address: Waterton Vly, East Glacier Park, MT 59434, USA (This refers to the general area within Glacier National Park, not a specific visitor center or mailing address).

For general park information and wilderness permit inquiries, the most reliable contact is the main Glacier National Park contact line:

Phone: (406) 888-7800 (Glacier National Park Headquarters)

For wilderness permit specifics and reservations (which are typically done via Recreation.gov or in-person at ranger stations for walk-up permits), you should consult the official Glacier National Park website's "Wilderness Camping" section or Recreation.gov. It is crucial to obtain your wilderness permit well in advance, especially for popular routes during peak season.

For us Montanans, Atlantic Creek Campground represents the very heart of what we cherish about our state's wild places. It's not a family car-camping spot, but rather a profound invitation to immerse ourselves in the untouched grandeur of Glacier National Park. What makes it particularly suitable for locals is its emphasis on self-reliance and the unparalleled solitude it offers—a true escape from the bustle that sometimes characterizes the more accessible areas of the park. We understand that getting to Atlantic Creek involves effort, a commitment to hiking, and careful preparation, but that very effort is what often separates a casual visit from a truly transformative Montana experience.

This campground appeals to our innate appreciation for pristine nature, where the sounds of wildlife and the rustle of trees replace urban noise. The strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles resonates deeply with our responsibility to protect these precious landscapes for future generations. For the avid Montanan hiker or backpacker, Atlantic Creek provides direct access to spectacular trails, including those leading to Atlantic Falls and connections to the Continental Divide Trail, offering limitless opportunities for exploration. It's a place to challenge yourself, find peace in the quiet, and witness the raw, unfiltered beauty of Glacier National Park under a canopy of countless stars. Atlantic Creek Campground is a true wilderness haven, beckoning those of us who seek the authentic, untamed spirit of Montana.

Atlantic Creek Campground

Waterton Vly, East Glacier Park, MT 59434, USA