Cosley Lake Campground

Introduction / Overview

For those of us in Montana who truly live for the unparalleled beauty and challenge of our state's wilderness, Cosley Lake Campground in Glacier National Park offers an experience that is both demanding and profoundly rewarding. This is not a drive-up campground; it's a backcountry campsite, a destination reached after a significant and scenic hike, making it a true haven for backpackers and seasoned nature enthusiasts. Nestled deep within the Many Glacier area of the park, Cosley Lake Campground consistently earns high praise from those who have made the journey. Reviewers describe it as their "favorite" among other backcountry sites in the area, highlighting its "beautiful, beautiful place to camp" and the mesmerizing "sunsets" that make the effort entirely worthwhile. What sets Cosley Lake apart is its pristine lakeside setting, offering direct access to the water and breathtaking views that are characteristic of Glacier's iconic landscapes. While the hike in can be challenging, involving potential thunderstorms and river crossings, the reward is an unparalleled sense of solitude and immersion in one of Montana's most majestic natural environments. This campground provides essential amenities for wilderness camping, including crucial bear safety provisions, ensuring a responsible and unforgettable adventure for Montanans seeking to connect with the wild heart of our state.

Location and Accessibility

Cosley Lake Campground is situated in the remote wilderness of Glacier National Park, specifically within the Belly River Valley region, accessible from Browning, MT 59417, USA. It's vital for Montanans planning a trip here to understand that this campground is a backcountry site, meaning it is not reachable by vehicle. The primary access point is via a scenic, yet substantial, hike from the Belly River trailhead, which is often accessed through the Many Glacier area of the park. The hike to Cosley Lake is roughly "9 miles" from Slide Lake or 8-9 miles from the Belly River trailhead. While the trail offers "stunning views of the surrounding landscape," it requires preparation and can involve challenging conditions, as one reviewer noted experiencing a "rough thunderstorm" on the way in. The trail may include river crossings, such as the Belly River, which can be navigated via a suspension bridge, though historical accounts mention cable crossings or fords where water can be "above my knees" and "ice-cold." This underscores the need for appropriate gear, experience with multi-day hikes, and awareness of weather and trail conditions. The remote nature of Cosley Lake ensures a true wilderness experience, far from the sounds of roads and crowds, making the journey an integral part of the adventure for those seeking profound solitude in Glacier National Park.

Services Offered

• Designated Campsites: Cosley Lake Campground offers four designated campsites, ensuring structured and managed wilderness camping. Camping is only permitted within these marked sites.
• Community Picnic Area: A communal picnic area with a view of the lake is available, providing a shared space for meal preparation and dining.
• Food Poles / Bear Boxes: Crucially, the campground provides "two food poles for hanging food" and/or "bear boxes." These are essential for storing all food, garbage, and scented items to protect both campers and the area's active bear population. Proper food storage is mandatory.
• Enclosed Privy: The campground includes an "enclosed privy," a basic toilet facility, emphasizing rustic but functional sanitation in the backcountry.
• No Potable Water: It is essential for campers to note that "no potable water is available." Campers must bring their own water supply or carry a water filter/purification method for water sourced from the lake or streams.
• No Modern Amenities: The campground "lacks modern facilities like showers or laundry services," reflecting its immersive wilderness experience.
• No Trash Service ("Pack It In, Pack It Out"): Campers are required to carry out all their waste, adhering to strict Leave No Trace principles to preserve the pristine environment.
• Wilderness Permit Required: Overnight stays at Cosley Lake Campground require a wilderness use permit from Glacier National Park. These permits are typically obtained via advance reservation through Recreation.gov or by trying for walk-up permits at backcountry ranger stations.
• Campsite Capacity: Wilderness campsites have strict capacity limits, typically to eight people and two tents per site, to minimize environmental impact and maintain solitude.

Features / Highlights

• Breathtaking Lakeside Setting: The campground is praised for its "beautiful, beautiful place to camp" with "direct access to the lake," offering stunning views, especially during "sunsets."
• Proximity to Elizabeth and Glenns Lakes: Located in a key area of Many Glacier, it is favorably compared to nearby backcountry campgrounds like Glenns and Elizabeth Lakes, suggesting a consistently high quality wilderness experience.
• Immersive Wilderness Experience: Cosley Lake offers a true backcountry adventure, requiring a significant hike, which rewards campers with profound solitude and a deep connection to nature.
• Bear Safety Infrastructure: The provision of "bear boxes" or food poles is a vital feature, allowing campers to securely store food and deter bears, enhancing safety in this active bear country.
• Access to Fishing: The lake provides opportunities for fishing, allowing campers to enjoy the quiet sport amidst incredible scenery. (Regulations apply.)
• Picturesque Views: Beyond the lake itself, the area is renowned for its "picturesque setting," with "the lake's blue hues contrasting beautifully against the red stones lining its shores."
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Being in Glacier National Park, there's a high potential for spotting diverse wildlife, adding to the immersive experience.
• Challenging but Rewarding Hike: While the "roughly 9 mile hike" can be demanding and include "rough thunderstorms" or river crossings, the profound sense of accomplishment and the beauty of the destination make it "all worth it."
• Community Food Prep Area: The communal "food prep area" offers ample space, promoting interaction and convenience for groups.
• Authentic Glacier Experience: For those seeking to truly experience Glacier National Park beyond its popular drive-up areas, Cosley Lake offers an authentic, rugged, and unforgettable adventure.

Contact Information

Address: Browning, MT 59417, USA (This indicates the general area of the park entrance, but the campground itself is deep within the wilderness of Glacier National Park)

Phone: (406) 888-7996 (This is the general contact number for Glacier National Park, which is the primary resource for wilderness permit information, trail conditions, and backcountry regulations for Cosley Lake Campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 406-888-7996 (Same as above, directs to Glacier National Park's main line)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For us Montanans, Cosley Lake Campground embodies the very spirit of the wild, untamed beauty that defines our home. We understand that this isn't a casual car camping trip; it's a profound commitment to a multi-day backpacking adventure, and that challenge is precisely what makes it so suitable for us. The "roughly 9 mile hike" through some of Glacier National Park's most stunning terrain, even with the potential for "rough thunderstorms" or river crossings, is a pilgrimage we're prepared for, knowing the reward awaiting us is a truly "beautiful, beautiful place to camp." The serene lakeside setting, offering breathtaking sunsets and direct access to the water, connects us deeply with the natural world we cherish. We, as locals, are keenly aware of the importance of bear safety, and the essential provision of "bear boxes" at Cosley Lake speaks directly to our need for responsible and secure wilderness practices. While amenities are "bare bones," we embrace the "pack it in, pack it out" ethos, recognizing it as our responsibility to preserve these pristine landscapes. Cosley Lake offers a rare opportunity to escape the front-country crowds and truly immerse ourselves in the solitude of Glacier National Park. It’s a place where the sounds of the wilderness replace the distractions of daily life, where fishing in crystal-clear waters and simply breathing the crisp mountain air become the highlights. For Montanans seeking a challenging, authentic, and utterly rewarding backcountry experience in one of the world's most spectacular national parks, Cosley Lake Campground is an indispensable gem, offering memories that will last a lifetime.

Cosley Lake Campground

Browning, MT 59417, USA